Biloxi Families
Biloxi Families ray Fri, 04/23/2010 - 10:54- 10771 views
Ahern Family
Ahern Family
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 [1944-1990] 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
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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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Albert Patrick Ahern, Jr.
October 31, 1962 — February 28, 2024
Biloxi
Albert Patrick Ahern, Jr., 61, lifelong resident of Biloxi, MS passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
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Born on October 31, 1962, to parents Albert and Katie Ahern, he entered this world full of personality and as he liked to remind us all, good looks! Albert was humorous, mischievous, cunning and quite the charmer. He was a fierce protector of his four sisters and his brother, but he was also the brother who kept everyone on their toes and wondering what his next move would be. Growing up, Albert could be found on the baseball and football fields around St. Martin or cooling down in a creek or at the river with his friends. Albert had an infectious laugh and personality and he was voted Mr. St. Martin High School in 1981.
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Albert loved being surrounded by family and friends. He was the “grill master”, the 4th of July firework show pyrotech, the backyard volleyball and three-legged race coach, the four corners dancing machine, the horseback riding Rhinestone Cowboy, and the "I can make that" guy in the family. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and he never expected anything in return. Albert leaves behind numerous friends and family members who will forever cherish the memories we've made with him over the years.
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Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Katie Ahern. Maternal grandparents Victoria and Curtis Parker, and paternal grandparents George and Juliette Ahern.
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He is survived by his son, Albert (Ashley) Ahern and his grandchildren Kaylee Jo, Conner, and Colin. His sisters, Rhondalyn Ahern, Jetty Lively, Joanie Ahern, and Dixie (Red) Seymour, and his brother Shawn (Celine) Ahern, who all tolerated his jokes and pranks for many years yet loved him fiercely. His nieces and nephews, Leah Puzz, Barry Puzz, Miguel Mallette, Brent Mallette, Keith Lively, Tori Wilson, Johnny Etherton, Katie Jordan, Brandon Ahern, Dusty Jordan, Dylan and Raquel Ahern, who all have many special memories with the uncle who made them laugh and spoiled them rotten. His lifelong best friends Anthony Desporte, Scott Derouen, Timmy Alley, and Morris Hit, who stood by his side through everything and who are the keepers to many inside jokes and secrets that only best friends need to know about.
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Our family truly appreciates all of the love and support we have received. We felt your love and prayers, and we cherish all of the stories and memories you all have shared with us. A special thank you to Dr. Hightower and Nurse Katie and his Hospice nurse, Lisa, for all of your professionalism, guidance, and care.
Visitation will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm followed by a 5:00 pm Eulogy.
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Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Albert P. Ahern, Jr.
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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.
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Alves Family
Alves Family
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.
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.
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)
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.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “New damage suits are filed”, February 17, 1917.
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, “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.
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Arguelles Family
Arguelles Family
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.
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Bakeler Family
Bakeler Family
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EUGENE BAKELER (1855-1923)
BAKELER
Eugene Bakeler (1855-1923) was born in
At
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).
JOURNALS
The
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, “Deaths [Ina Bakeler]”, November, 1971.
Bellande Family
Bellande FamilyTHE 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
Marsaille, France
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)?
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...
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Joseph H. Bellande (1813-1907)
Joseph H. Bellande (1813-1907)
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.
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Joseph and Rosalie's Children
Joseph and Rosalie's Children
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.
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Antoine V. Bellande
Antoine V. Bellande
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)
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The Civil War
The Civil War osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 16:19In 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.
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The In-Laws: Pierre Hervai (Harvey) & Celina Moran
The In-Laws: Pierre Hervai (Harvey) & Celina Moran
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.
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Moran Family
Moran Family
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.
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Move to Biloxi
Move to Biloxi osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:28The 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.
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Ship Island Incidents
Ship Island Incidents osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:31On 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.
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The Depot Saloon
The Depot Saloon osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:38
(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.
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The Death of Marie H. Bellande and Forced Heirship
The Death of Marie H. Bellande and Forced Heirship osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:40The 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)
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The Veronica Mutiny and Trial
The Veronica Mutiny and Trial osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:53In 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.
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.
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1906 dilemma
1906 dilemma osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 17:55In 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).
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Joseph Arbeau Bellande (1868-1961)
Joseph Arbeau Bellande (1868-1961)
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)
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The Depot Saloon and General Merchandising
The Depot Saloon and General Merchandising
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.
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Family
Family
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.
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Antoine Victor Bellande, Jr. (1869-1924)
Antoine Victor Bellande, Jr. (1869-1924)
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)
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)
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Bubby Bellande*
Bubby Bellande* osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 18:31Bubby 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!
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Pierre Bellande (1871-1933)
Pierre Bellande (1871-1933)
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)
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.
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The In-laws: Raymond and Celine Caillavet
The In-laws: Raymond and Celine Caillavet
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.
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)
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Children
Children
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)
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 (1946-2022), 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.
Betty Bellande
Betty Ann Bellande-Toland [1946-2022] came into the world on October 4, 1946, the third child of Alton L. Bellande and Hazel Marie Bonnette. Like most Biloxi natives of her generation, her nascence was celebrated at the 1929 Biloxi Hospital opposite Deer Island. She passed on November 29, 2022 at Merit Health Biloxi following a severe brain injury resulting from a domestic accident.
Like her siblings Betty attended St. John's Catholic elementary school and was a 1964 graduate of Biloxi Senior High School. Matriculating to the "W" in Columbus, Mississippi, Betty received her degree in elementary education in 1968. She found employment with the Biloxi School District teaching at Gorenflo Elementary situated in her old neighborhood on Lameuse Street. In the 1970s, Betty had the pleasure of being among the first, Biloxi educators to assist in the primary education of the children of our initial Vietnamese refugees.
In August 1969, Betty married Thomas Larry Wilson, a native of Winona, Mississippi at Biloxi. Larry held degrees from Mississippi State [business] and Ole Miss [law]. They divorced and she wedded John William Toland in July 1988.
Betty returned to Mississippi State College for Women to study interior design. In 1982, while on a job interview in Lafayette, Louisiana, she was critically injured in an automobile accident requiring almost a year of her life in recovery and rehabilitation. Betty then returned to teaching art in the Biloxi school system retiring after over thirty years of service. She had completed an MFA at William Carey College (Gulfport) prior to Katrina. In retirement Betty made several visits to Europe, especially enjoying the great art museums of that continent and the ambiance of Provence and Tuscany. She had also resided in Taiwan for several years sharing her English knowledge with the local school children.
Betty loved God, her family and friends, and was a Carnival aficionado. Her memberships included: Billikens, Revelers, and Hera. She worshiped at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and sang in the choir. She was also involved in the Red Hat Society and enjoyed gardening, walking and an afternoon of bridge and coffee. Betty inherited her mother's culinary skills that had been honed in the southwest Louisiana Creole and Acadian cultures.
Betty will be remembered for her intelligence, loyalty, arts and crafts talent, love of learning and teaching, and sharp wit and sense of humor. She is survived by John William 'Bill' Toland, her spouse of 34 Years; Siblings: Ray L. Bellande of Ocean Spring, Mickey J. Bellande of Biloxi, Dr. Bruce J. Bellande (Mary Betsy Bryant) of Oxford, and Roy A. Bellande (Nancy Authur) of Lucedale; Nephews and Nieces: Hazel Marie Bellande of Gulfport and son, Corbin Bellande; Mary Elizabeth Smith (Blake) and sons Austin and Dylan of Little Rock, Arkansas; Christopher Bruce Bellande (Laura), and son Henry of Chevy Chase, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi or the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 10:00 am until Mass time.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Toland family.
View and sign online tribute at www.bokfh.com
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.
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Family News
Family News
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
- 447 views
Antoine Victoire Bellande References
Antoine Victoire Bellande References osarep Tue, 03/23/2010 - 21:04
REFERENCES:
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.
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Bellman Family
Bellman Family
Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868)
Philip M. Bellman (1872-1927)
BOOKS
The American State Papers, Volume III 1815-1824 Public Lands, (reprint Southern Historical Press: Greenville, South Carolina-1994).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
C.E. Schmidt, Ocean Springs French Beachhead, (Lewis Printing Company: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1972).
CHANCERY COURT CASES
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.
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, "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.
Benachi Family
Benachi Family
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
Bolton Family
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.
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Bousquet Family
Bousquet Family
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
Bradford Family
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).
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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
.jpg)
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 (1885-1964) m. Ernest Farley Hamilton [1885-1969]; John Howard Bradford (1886-1971) m. Bertha K. Vasbinder (1892-1920); James Sherwood Bradford (1888-1967) m. Frances Morgan (1892-1945); Mary V. Bradford (1894-1968) m. Orville Clyde Hadlock [1885-1954]; Edwin Russell Bradford (1896-1987) m. Rita Streetman (1896-1982); Ernest Pelham Bradford (1897-1971) m. Estella Lottie Rose [1907-1995]; 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
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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).
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, “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.
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Caillavet Family
Caillavet Family
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
Catchot Family
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.
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Clower Family
Clower Family ray Tue, 08/16/2011 - 15:07
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
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Collins Family
Collins Family
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.
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1. History of the Collins Family in the United States
1. History of the Collins Family in the United States
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.
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2. Descendants of William Collins
2. Descendants of William Collins
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 (-)
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3. William Collins (1819 - 1895)
3. William Collins (1819 - 1895)
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.
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4. John Thomas Collins (1851 - 1929)
4. John Thomas Collins (1851 - 1929)
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.
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5. William J. Collins (1886 - 1962)
5. William J. Collins (1886 - 1962)
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.
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 raising her children she attended college and enjoyed oil painting, becoming an accomplished artist. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph O'Donnell Collins, Sr., her mother and father, her sister, Margaret Peranich, her brother Charles, daughter-in-law Francesca Mathews Collins, brothers-in-laws, Francis X. Collins, William J. Collins, Jr., Paul J. Collins, Edmund D. Wilson, Louis Gaddy, and George Peranich, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Gates Collins and Jane Collins.(The Sun Herald, July 22, 2015)
Paul John Collins
Paul John Collins (1923-2015) was born on 14 July 1923 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi in 1940 and attended Mississippi State University. He proudly served in the United States Army in World War II.
On June 4, 1948, he founded Collins Building Service with his brother Frank, following his grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers in the building profession. As a builder, he earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and excellence. He built many homes and apartment complexes on the coast, and subdivisions including College Park and Cedar Lake. Paul was a charter member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Home Builders Association, served a term as its President, and was recently honored with its lifetime achievement award.
He was a devoted parishioner of Nativity B.V.M. Church for all his life, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, past president of Parish Council, past president of the Biloxi Catholic school board, the Holy Name Society, the SERRA Vocation Ministry, and he served as a lay Eucharistic Minister at the church for many years.
In addition to those church activities, he gave his time to a number of civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, and serving as past president of the Biloxi Jaycees. He received the 2004 Lions Club Outstanding Citizen award and the 2007 Edgewater Rotary Club Shining Star Award. He volunteered his time and his sailboat to help Boy Scouts learn to sail at Camp Wilkes. He had a strong sense of service to help those who were less fortunate. He supported Habitat for Humanity both financially and with his construction supervision and labor. He supported the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Community Pharmacy program. He was also a hospice volunteer for many years with Quality Hospice, receiving a volunteer of the year award.
Paul set some records at Sacred Heart that have never been equaled. He took a course in accounting. It was supposed to take 6 weeks. It was a summer crash course. His teacher Sister Magdalene told Mary, his sister, he completed it in 2 week. He had a gift for common sense. He played football very well. He was very fast and even though he wasn’t very big, when they gave him the ball he could always find a hole and get through. Mary was fiercely proud of him. When someone would remark about one of her brothers, she would want to punch them. She found out later, they know this and would do it on purpose. One time Paul had the ball and made a long run, and they said “Aw, he’s got lead in his feet” and she got mad and turned around and balled him out. Paul is number 11 below.
While he had many professional accomplishments, along with his faith the most important part of his life was family. Besides providing a loving home for his wife and children to grow up in, he instituted the annual Paul Collins Destin condo/beach vacation for all his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. For his extended family, he hosted the Collins Family Reunions at his home for many years where relatives and friends from the corners of the world would flock annually to share in the Collins family spirit. Even after Katrina and the house destroyed, the Collins family spirit was kept alive.
He grew up just half a block from the beach near what is now the I-110 loop and he loved sailing. He, some of his brothers, and a friend had built a “Skate” style sailboat, which is how he met his future bride, Rose. She took the train over from New Orleans with her sister and accepted a sailboat ride from the handsome young man they had noticed earlier on walks past his Hopkins Street house. When his children were old enough to sail, he helped them build a sailboat and there have been sailboats in the family ever since. Here he is teaching his son Richard in the “Ginger”.
After all his children moved out and started families of their own, he still enjoyed taking the “Ginger” out on Back Bay. He especially enjoyed the friendly rivalry when sailing regattas were incorporated with the family reunions, and was very proud to have won the first place trophy in the Y2K (year 2000) Collins Regatta.
Paul married Rose Marie Chauvin on 2 June 1947. Rose came from New Orleans and would sit on the pier and when Paul would come by she would say “would you rent the sailboat? Would you take us for a ride and we’ll pay you”. Paul would say, “I’ll take you for a ride but you don’t have to pay me.” Rose is an accomplished artist and sculptor. They resided in the home that Paul built on Back Bay at 1248 Kensington Drive until Hurricane Katrina destroyed it. They have since rebuilt at the same location.
Paul died on 18 March 2015 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He is donating his body for medical research but received a Mass of Christian burial on 28 March 2015. His ashes will be returned and interned in two years.
Paul and Rose’s Children
Stephen “Steve” Francis Collins was born on 10 July 1948 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Richard “Richie” Oliver Collins was born on 14 August 1949 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Michael Paul Collins was born on 30 August 1951 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Donald Eugene Collins was born on 26 September 1952 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Lawrence “Larry” Phillip Collins was born on 23 August 1956 in Biloxi, Mississippi. He died on 17 February 1967 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Gregory “Greg” Peter Collins was born on 26 September 1958 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Virginia “Ginger” Rose Collins was born on 19 April 1961 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Elizabeth Ann Collins was born on 15 October 1962 in Biloxi, Mississippi. She died on 17 February 1967 in Biloxi, Mississippi at the age of 4. She died of Spinal Meningitis.
Glenn Alan Collins was born on 28 February 1966 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Obituary
Paul John Collins (1923-2015), who lived in Biloxi all his life, died peacefully on March 18, 2015, with the comfort of his loving family. Paul was born to Augustine O'Donnell Collins and William J. Collins Sr. on July 14, 1923. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi in 1940 and attended Mississippi State University. He proudly served in the United States Army in World War II.
On June 4, 1948, Paul founded Collins Building Service with his brother Frank, following his grandfather, father, uncles, and brothers in the building profession. As a builder, he earned a reputation for honesty, integrity, and excellence. He built many homes and apartment complexes on the coast, and subdivisions including College Park and Cedar Lake. Paul was a charter member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Home Builders Association, served a term as its President, and was recently honored with its lifetime achievement award.
Paul was a devoted parishioner of Nativity B.V.M. Church for all his life, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, past president of Parish Council, past president of the Biloxi Catholic school board, the Holy Name Society, the SERRA Vocation Ministry, and he served as a lay Eucharistic Minister at the church for many years. In addition to those church activities, he gave his time to a number of civic organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club, and serving as past president of the Biloxi Jaycees. He received the 2004 Lions Club Outstanding Citizen award and the 2007 Edgewater Rotary Club Shining Star Award. He volunteered his time and his sailboat to help Boy Scouts learn to sail at Camp Wilkes. He had a strong sense of service to help those who were less fortunate. He supported Habitat for Humanity both financially and with his construction supervision and labor. He supported the St. Vincent de Paul Society's Community Pharmacy program. He was also a hospice volunteer for many years with Quality Hospice, receiving a volunteer of the year award. While he had many professional accomplishments, along with his faith the most important part of his life was family.
Besides providing a loving home for his wife and children to grow up in, he instituted the annual Paul Collins Destin condo-beach vacation for all his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. For his extended family, he hosted the Collins Family Reunions at his home for many years where relatives and friends from the corners of the world would flock annually to share in the Collins family spirit.
Paul grew up just half a block from the beach near what is now the I-110 loop and he loved sailing. He, some of his brothers, and a friend had built a "Skate" style sailboat, which is how he met his future bride, Rose. She took the train over from New Orleans with her sister and accepted a sailboat ride from the handsome young man they had noticed earlier on walks past his Hopkins Street house. When his children were old enough to sail, he helped them build a sailboat and there have been sailboats in the family ever since. After all his children moved out and started families of their own, he still enjoyed taking the "Ginger" out on Back Bay. He especially enjoyed the friendly rivalry when sailing regattas were incorporated with the family reunions, and was very proud to have won the first place trophy in the Y2K (year 2000) Collins Regatta.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers William J. Collins, Jr., Francis X. Collins, Joseph O. Collins, brother-in-law Edmund D. Wilson, sisters-in-law Dorothy Gates Collins and Jane Collins, his daughter Elizabeth Ann, his son Lawrence Phillip, and his grandson Zeke.
Paul is survived by Rose Marie Chauvin Collins, his devoted wife of sixty-eight years, his children; Stephen F. (CoCo) Collins, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Richard O. (Lisa) Collins, of Valrico, Florida; Michael P. (Charliene) Collins of Ocean Springs; Donald E. (Patricia) Collins of Biloxi, Mississippi; Gregory P. (Frances) Collins of New Orleans; Virginia R. Collins (Ronald Clarke) of Biloxi; Glenn A. (Susan) Collins of Biloxi, Mississippi, and daughter-in-law Jackie (Larry) of Arkansas. Paul was especially proud of his grandchildren, Anne (Balderston), Jennifer (Kotar), Lydia, Lillian, Christy (LeBatard), Kimberly (Pevey), Jed, Gregory (Jerin), Jonathan, Sam (Collie) and Eli; and his nine great grandchildren, Jacob, Jared, Justin, William, Wesley, Gracie, Claire, Parker, and Vivian. Paul is also survived by his sister Mary Collins Wilson; brother Leonard A. Collins and wife, Lucille; sister-in-law Rosemary (Mrs. Francis X.) Collins; and sister-in-law, Dot (Mrs. J.O. Collins). He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Paul is donating his body for medical research, but a memorial service will be on Saturday, March 28th at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral, Biloxi. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, March 22, 2015)
Mary I. Collins
Mary Ichante Collins was born on 2 September 1926 at Biloxi. She attended Sacred Heart Academy at Biloxi and was a June 1946 graduate in Secretarial Science from St. Mary’s Dominican College at New Orleans. While at her Sacred Heart Academy graduation on May 28, 1944, Mary was recognized with the following honors: Miss Sacred Heart Academy; outstanding Sodalists; highest mark on Religion test; outstanding speller; highest average in Bookkeeping; 150 words in Shorthand; typing 70 words per minute; and the Bookkeeping diploma.(The Daily Herald, May 26, 1944, p. 7)
While at Dominican College, Miss Collins was Class treasurer for two years; Secretary of Beta Epsilon, the commercial club; and a member of the Theta Pi sorority.(The Daily Herald, June 8, 1946, p. 4)
Mary married Edmund Dixon ‘Dick’ Wilson (1922-1980) in Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church on April 25, 1953 with the Reverend John Scanlon officiating. Mr. Wilson was a native of Conway, Arkansas born on June 6, 1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wilson. He was a graduate of El Dorado High School.(The Daily Herald, April 27, 1953, p. 15 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court MRB 93, p. 118)
On October 30,1942, Dick Wilson enlisted for military service with the Army Air Corps ground forces. As a Staff Sergeant he served with the 8th Air force during WW II in England until his discharge in October 1945. Dick entered Hendrix College after working for Chicago & Southern [later Delta] airlines in Jackson, Mississippi until May 1946. He graduated from Arkansas Polytechnic College in 1950, and worked for Arkansas Power & Light Co. in Pine Bluff for three months until he joined the newly formed Mid-South Gas Company. As district manager of the Mid-South Gas Company and a resident of Forrest City, Arkansas his district covered Forrest City, Wynne, Brinkley, Wheatley, Cotton Plant, Palestine, Colt, and Caldwell, Arkansas. At Forrest City, Dick and Mary were members of the Catholic church, and he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the King-Beazley American Legion Post, and the Young Business Men's Club. Mr. Wilson died on October 2, 1980 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Times-Herald [Forrest City, Arkansas], October 1980)
Leonard A. Collins
Leonard A. Collins
Leonard Aloysius Collins (1930-2016) was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on October 23, 1930 and died peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016 surrounded by his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Collins Sr. and Augustine O'Donnell Collins, his brothers and their wives, William J. Collins Jr.(Dorothy), Francis X. Collins, Joseph O. Collins (Dorothy) and Paul J. Collins (1923-2015).
Leonard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lucille LoBianco Collins and his children, Karen Redd (Eddy), Linda Collins, Kenneth Collins, Patricia Mangrum (Michael), and Nancy Butts (Michael). He was the proud grandfather to six grandchildren; Annie Redd, William Redd, Matthew Mangrum, Benjamin Mangrum, Thomas Mangrum and Riley Collins. He is also survived by his sister Mary Collins Wilson, and sister-in-laws Rosemary Collins (Mrs. Francis X.) and Rose Collins (Mrs. Paul J.).
Leonard was born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and then attended Louisiana State University where he received a degree in Architectural Engineering. After earning his registration as an architect in 1955, he entered the United States Air Force where he served as a commissioned officer. He started his career as an architect in Baton Rouge. In 1961 he moved to Biloxi and joined his uncle, John T. Collins in the practice of architecture. The firm merged into the firm of Guild-Hardy, Architects, in 1998 where Leonard remained as a consultant until 2011. During his career he designed many buildings along the Gulf Coast. One of the projects closest to his heart was St. James Elementary School, where all five of his children attended.
He was an active member of St. James Parish, serving as President of the St. James Catholic Church Parish Council. He was a strong believer in Catholic education and served on the St. James Catholic School PTO, the St. John High School Home School Association and Diocese of Biloxi School Board.
Leonard was president of the United Way organization and served as General Campaign Chairman for Harrison County in 1977. He also served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill industries of South Mississippi. He was active in the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree).
He was a member of Biloxi Rotary Club, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Diocese of Biloxi Building and Real Estate Committee, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Section of the American Institute of Architects.
Along with his faith, the most important part of his life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren especially during their annual summer beach vacations. He will be deeply miss
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 9:30 A.M. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery, Biloxi. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, 'Leonard A. Collins, January 30, 2016)
References:
The Sun Herald, 'William J. Collins’, September 20, 2012, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, 'Joseph O'Donnell Collins Sr.’, October 24, 2012.
The Sun Herald, 'Paul J. Collins', March 22, 2015.
The Sun Herald, "Dorothy M. Collins", July 22, 2015.
The Sun Herald, 'Leonard A. Collins', January 30, 2016.
- 794 views
Combel Family
Combel Family ray Wed, 08/24/2011 - 10:31
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Joseph Edgar Combel (1853-1938)
[courtesy of Donna Maria Wagner Wallace, Scotia, New York]
COMBEL FAMILY
Joseph Edgar Combel (1853-1938), a native of Shieldsboro [Bay St. Louis], Mississippi, was the progenitor of the Combel family that resided at Biloxi, Mississippi in the early 20th Century. Joseph E. Combel was the son of Edgard Antoine Pierre Combel (1831-pre-1877) and Lucie Angelique Paganetto Combel (1833-1857) both natives of Louisiana. After the demise of Lucie Paganetto Combel, Edgard A.P. Combel married Marie Alice Robin (1837-1886), a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He sired about ten Combel children with these wives.
On January 23, 1877 in Hancock County, Mississippi, Joseph E. Combel married Mary Elizabeth Garnier (1857-1921). Their children were: Mary Angelina Combel (1878-pre-1956?) m. Winton L. Springer (1876-1920+) of Clinton, Illinois; Theodore Combel (1880-1963) m. Clara Belle Word (1883-1968) of Oxford, Mississippi; Amelia Mary Combel (1882-1965) m. Reuben Harris Givens (1877-1948) ; Maria Georgiann Combel (1884-1958) m. Walter C. Wagner (1882-1953); Ralph J. Combel (1888-1956) m. Flavilla Reynolds (1891-1966) and Marie Heinrich (1904-1970); Isabel Jeanne Combel (1890-1983) m. Virgil B. Carlyle (1876-1952); Margaret I. Combel (1891-1990) m. Robert E. Slay (1890-1975); Earl Joseph M. Combel (1894-1894); and Inez Combel (1897-1991) m. Shirley Louis Guilbeau (1897-1980).
Biloxi-1902
In early April 1902,The Bay St. Louis Echo related to its citizens that Joseph Combel had planned to relocate his hardware business to Biloxi. Mr. Combel reasoned that Biloxi had a stronger potential for commercial growth than his natal city. At Biloxi, Joseph Combel rented the Hagan Building on the SW/C of West Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street. He planned to open for business on May 1st.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 8, 1902, p. 8)
A man of his word, Joseph Combel opened Combels’s Hardware Store on May 1, 1902. His family had not yet relocated from Bay St. Louis to join him.(The Biloxi daily Herald, May 2, 1902, p. 8)
By late August 1902, Mr. Combel was advertising in the local Biloxi journal as follows:
JOSEPH COMBEL
Hardware, stoves, paints & oils, turpentine, varnishes, crockery, glassware, harness and window glass
[The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 30, 1902, p. 7]
Joseph E. Combel Family
[L-R: Theo J. Combel (1880-1963); Joseph E. Combel (1853-1938); Amelia C. Givens (1882-1965); Angelina C. Springer (1878-1934+); Elizabeth Garnier Combel (1857-1921); and Maria C. Wagner (1884-1958).[courtesy of Donna Maria Wagner Wallace, Scotia, New York]
Amelia Combel marries at NOLA-1902
At New Orleans, on April 30, 1902, Miss Amelia Combel married Reuben Harris Givens (1877-1948), a native of Kentucky, at NOLA. Mr. Givens began working at the Joseph Combel hardware store in Biloxi circa 1905. In October 1910, he secured a position as house salesman with the Southern Hardware Company in Mobile, Alabama. (NOLA MRB 23, p. 932 and The Daily Herald, October 11, 1910, p. 8)
By 1920, the Reuben H. Givens family was settled at 1006 Anthony Street in Mobile. Reuben was employed as sales manager with the McGowin-Lyons Hardware & Supply Company situated on St. Louis and Water Street. At this time, he and Amelia Combel Givens were the parents of five children: Ethel Belle Givens (1905-1982); Grace Givens; Reuben H. Givens Jr. (1907-1984); Joseph Combel Givens (1908-1986); and George Miller Givens (1917-1988). (1920 Mobile Co., Alabama Federal Census T625-35, p. 7A, ED 111)
Reuben H. Givens expired at Mobile, Alabama on September 23, 1948. Amelia Combel Givens died at Mobile on November 28, 1968. Their corporal remains were interred in the Pine Crest Cemetery at Mobile, Alabama.
The Biloxi Herald advertiser-1903
In October 1903, The Biloxi Daily Herald made a note that Joseph Combel was one of its advertisers. It described his business as follows: [Combel’s] carries the most complete line of hardware, stoves, and fishing tackle in South Mississippi. It is the agent for the great Wilson stove and also carries a full stock of house furnishings.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 17, 1903, p. 1)
Theodore J. Combel marries at Oxford?, Mississippi-1903
There is a high degree of certitude that Theodore [Theo] J. Combel (1880-1963) married Clara Belle Word (1883-1968), called Belle, the daughter of Lucious N. Word (1860-1900+) and Mattie Tarver at Oxford, Lafayette County, Mississippi in 1903. Mr. Word was the assistant postmaster at Oxford in 1900.(1900 Lafayette Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623-814, p. 3B, ED 44)
In 1900, Theo worked as a salesman in his father’s hardware store at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. After the Combel family relocated to Biloxi in 1902, he joined the L&N Railroad and worked in its machine shop at Mobile, Alabama. By November 1905, Theo Combel was commuting on weekends to visit his wife at Biloxi. By 1910, Theo and Belle W. Combel were domiciled on Canal Street in Mobile, Alabama with Claire Combel (1905-1989), their first child. He made his livelihood as a railroad fireman.(1900 Hancock Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623- and 1910 Mobile Co., Alabama Federal Census T624-27, p. 1B, ED 92 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 20, 1905, p. 4)
As presently known by the author, the Theo J. Combel family consisted of two children: Clare Combel (1905-1989) m. Mr. Niolon and Lt. Colonel Theo J. Combel II (1911-2005) m. Frances Ottone (1915-2004). Theo J. Combel expired at Mobile, Alabama on April 2, 1963, while Belle Word Combel died there on November 28, 1968. The corporal remains of all known members of this family were interred in the Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.
Maria G. Combel marries at Biloxi-1905
On January 18, 1905, Maria G. Combel (1884-1958) married Walter Charles Wagner (1882-1953), the son of Charles Azby Wagner (1856-1930+), an 1873 Austrian immigrant, and Louisa Vanderstraeten (1860- 1896), the daughter of Jean-Baptiste Vanderstraeten and Marie-Emelie Hugonin of New Orleans. The Wagner-Combel nuptials occurred at Biloxi, Mississippi in the Church of the N.B.V.M. and the newlyweds left for their new home in New Orleans.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 18, 1905, p. 8)
In the Crescent City, Walter C. Wagner grew up at 619 Custom House Street in the Vieux Carre where his father was a saloon proprietor. In January 1900, Charles A. Wagner remarried Bertha Rathoff (1877-1945) who was only five years older than Walter C. Wagner. She gave birth to three sons: Clarence A. Wagner (1903-1972); Louis F. Wagner (1905-1972+); and William J. Wagner (1908-1930+).(1900 and 1930 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623_571, p. 6B, ED 34 and R 803, p. 23B, ED 66)
National Brewery-1911
In 1910, the Walter C. Wagner family was domiciled at 432 Reynoir Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. At this time, he made his livelihood as a sales clerk in the Joseph E. Combel hardware store. In March 1911, Charles A. Wagner, Walter’s father, became a driving force in the organization and incorporation of the National Brewery, a new beer brewing company, at New Orleans. The brewery, a $400,000, steel, brick and stone structure was designed by Keenan & Weiss, architects, and erected at 2600 Gravier Street by John Henry, general contractor. The company utilized local labor and the construction was financed with local capital. The National Brewery plant was completed in late May 1912 and viewed by about 10,000 friends of the corporate officers: Charles A. Wagner, president; Albert Werner, vice-president; A.C. Daubert, secretary; and H.C. Osborne, treasurer. The National Brewery had the capacity to produce 60,000 barrels of beer annually. After the demise of Charles A. Wagner in the early 1930s, the National Brewery was sold to the Falstaff Brewing Corporation of St. Louis in December 1936. (The Daily Picayune, March 26, 1911, p. 9, July 9, 1911, p. 5, and May 31, 1912 and The Times-Picayune, December 15, 1936, p. 16)
By 1920, Maria G. Wagner and Walter C. Wagner and children had returned to New Orleans. They were domiciled at 423 Clark Street and Joseph E. Combel and Angelina C. Springer, Maria’s father and sister, were living with them. Walter C. Wagner was employed with the National Brewery at this time.(1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625-619, p. 8B, ED 57)
The children of Walter C. Wagner and Maria Combel were: Charles Azby Wagner (1905-1962) m. Mary Rafferty; Marie Louise Wagner (1907-2002) m. Leo Louis Bouchey Leach (1905-1965); Walter Charles Wagner II (1913-1969) m. Betty Primett; Joseph Earl Wagner (1915-1970) m. Odette Hymel (1917-1993); and Isabel Wagner (1923-2008) m. Harry H. Boylan Jr. (1920-2011+).
Walter C. Wagner expired at NOLA on October 19, 1953. Maria Combel Wagner died November 12, 1958 also in the Crescent City. Their corporal remains were placed in the Hope Mausoleum at New Orleans, Louisiana.(The Times-Picayune, October 20, 1953, p. 2 and November 13, 1958, p. 2)
Summer heat
In late May 1905, many of Biloxi’s merchants cognizant of the coming summer heat and humidity agreed to close their establishments at 6:30 p.m. on weekdays in order to give their clerks a break. Joseph E. Combel with S. Joseph, Mary Arguelles, E.S. Balthrope, Charles Redding, Edward Glennan, E.M. McCrary, L. Lopez & Company, T.P. Dulion & Company, Wachenfeld & Company, Gorenflo, David Levy, L.M. Coleman, J.P. Hagan, Moseley & Devitt, Sam Picard, Maurice M. Levy, John R. Young, and Cahn & Singer were among those to make this pact.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 18, 1905, p. 5)
Angelina M. Combel marries in Chicago-1906
Angelina ‘Gena’ M. Combel (1878-pre 1956) married Winton L. Springer (1876-1920+), a native of Wisconsin, at Chicago, Illinois on November 30, 1906. Mr. Springer is believed to have lived in Clinton, Illinois before moving to Chicago where he was the proprietor of a print shop. In 1900, W.L. Springer was domiciled in Rock County, Wisconsin with his widowed mother and sister. He made his living selling sheet music at this time.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 3, 1906, p. 4 and 1900 Rock Co., 1900 Rock Co., Wisconsin Federal Census T623-1814, p. 5B, ED 168)
In 1910, Winton L. Springer was living alone in Chicago and operating a printery. By 1920, he had relocated to Hillsdale, New Jersey and had married circa 1914, Wanda Springer (1889-1920+), a 1907 Swedish immigrant. They had two children: Ralph Springer (b. 1915) and Wanda Springer (b. 1917).(1910 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census T624-263, p. 16A, ED 901 and 1920 Bergen Co., New Jersey Federal Census T625-1017, p. 4B, ED 52)
There is a high degree of certitude that Angelina M. Combel either divorced or abandoned Winton L. Springer or vice versa shortly after their nuptials. She lived the remainder of her life in Louisiana much of it with her father. It appears that she may died between 1938 and 1956. No further information.
Ralph J. Combel weds in New Orleans-1909
Ralph J. Combel (1888-1956), sometimes called Raoul, married Flavilla Reynolds (1891-1966), the daughter of Marshall Albert Reynolds (1846-1906), a native of Bowling County, Ohio, and Magdalena Seibert (1862-1946), at NOLA on June 7, 1909.(NOLA MRB, 31, p. 233)
Like his father, Joseph E. Combel, Ralph J. Combel made his livelihood as salesman. He traveled often in his vocation selling hardware and paints. Ralph and Flavilla settled in New Orleans at 3126 Palmyra Street. They were the parents of Norma Combel (1909-1991) m. Frank Fairley (d. January 26, 1968) and Fay Combel (1911-1989) married Morris C. Gottesman (1891-1972). (1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625-619, p. 12A, ED 55)
Morris C. Gottesman was a Romanian Jew and came to New York in 1914. In the early 1930s, he settled at NOLA and became a partner in Higgins Industries and later was associated with the Levitan Furniture Company. Mr. Gottesman died on September 16, 1972 at NOLA. His corporal remains were interred in the Chevra Thilim Cemetery in the Crescent City. Fay Combel Gottesman died at NOLA in July 1989.(The Times-Picayune, September 16, 1972, p. 20)
Ralph J. Combel and Flavilla Reynolds divorced and he married Marie Heinrich-Travelbee (1904-1970), the daughter of Robert Heinrich and Helen Schmidt. Marie Heinrich Combel died at NOLA on May 10, 1970. Her corporal remains were interred at the Greenwood Cemetery in NOLA.(The Times-Picayune May 16, 1970, p. 16)
Ralph J. Combel passed on at NOLA April 27, 1956. His remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery. Flavilla Reynolds Combel expired at NOLA on March 4, 1966. Her corporal remains were interred in the Cypress Grove Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune April 28, 1956, p. 2 and March 8, 1966, Sec. I, p. 2)
Isabel J. Combel-1910 graduation and marriage in 1914
Isabel Jeanne Combel (1890-1983) attended the Sacred Heart School at Biloxi. She was the only graduating senior of the 1909-1910 class. On April 15, 1914, in the Church of the N.B.V.M. at Biloxi, Isabel married Virgil Benson Carlisle (1876-1952), a Mississippian, but at the time, a traveling salesman, based at St. Louis, Missouri.(The Daily Herald, June 9, 1910, p. 8, April 13, 1914, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 589)
By 1917, the Carlisles had relocated to Lafayette, Louisiana where Virgil sold lightening rods for the St. Louis Lightening Rod Company. By 1930, he had become the proprietor of a furniture store and he and Isabel were domiciled at 110 Monroe Street. They never had children.(1930 Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R797, p. 4B, ED 10)
Later Virgil and Isabel C. Carlisle moved to New Orleans and lived at 907 Jackson Avenue. Isabel Combel Carlisle died at NOLA on February 11, 1983. She was preceded in death by Virgil B. Carlisle, her spouse, who passed in the Crescent City on May 1, 1952. Their corporal remains rest for eternity in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans, Louisiana.(The Time-Picayune, May 2, 1952, p. 2 and February 13, 1983, Section I, p. 16)
Marguerite Combel marries in 1910
Marguerite Combel (1891-1991) was a student at Sacred Heart until the day before she wedded Robert E. Slay (1890-1975), a native of Bon Secour, Baldwin County, Alabama on September 17, 1910. Their civil ceremony preceded their Catholic nuptials both held at the home of Peter Yurgensen. Mr. Slay was an employee of the Yurgensen Bakery at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, September 19, 1910, p. 8)
Robert E. Slay and Marguerite Combel Slay resided in Biloxi at 204 East Howard Avenue. Here in Biloxi, Mississippi seven children were born: Elizabeth T. Slay (1911-1917) m. Coney Murello (1898-1984); Robert E. Slay II (1913-1996); Joseph Lawrence Slay (1915-1998) m. Barbara Boyd (1922-2003); Elodie Slay (b. 1918) m. Charles L. Tabor (1917-1991) and Mr. McCready; Rita June Slay (1920-1991) m. Mr. Holden; Marjorie Slay (b. 1923) m. Mr. Ernst; and Shirley Slay (1925-2007) m. Lloyd Triay (1921-2004). Mr. Slay made his livelihood at Biloxi as a merchant tailor.(1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625-876, p. 39B, ED 39)
Circa 1927, the Robert E. Slay family left Biloxi and relocated to Fort Pierce, Florida. In St. Lucie County, Florida, Mr. Slay was the proprietor of a successful dry cleaning establishment. Two children were born in Florida: Lanette Slay (b. 1928) married Mr. Egers and Dorothy Evelyn Slay (1931-1999) married Mr. Mauck and Mr. Swartz.(1930 St. Lucie Co., Florida Federal Census, R332, p. 5A, ED 6)
Marguerite Combel Slay died in late May 1990 at Fort Pierce, Florida. Robert E. Slay had preceded her in death passing in October 1975.(The Palm Beach Post, May 31, 1990, p. 3B)
Elizabeth Garnier Combel passes
Mrs. Joseph E. Combel met her demise on May 9, 1921 at Lafayette, Louisiana. She had been a guest of Inez Combel, her daughter. The corporal remains ofElizabeth Garnier Combel were taken from 3120 Palmyra Street in the Crescent City, the residence of Ralph J. Combel, to the Greenwood Cemetery for internment.(The Daily Herald, May 10, 1921, p. 4 and The Times-Picayune, May 10, 1921, p. 2)
Interior Combel Store
[courtesy of Donna Maria Wagner Wallace, Scotia, New York]
U.S. Joachim takes over Combels’-1918
In March 1918, Joseph E. Combel sold his business to Uriah S. Joachim (1888-1977), Leon F. Janin Jr. (1912-1957) and W.O. Clark who incorporated as the Combel Hardware Company at Biloxi at this time. By 1918, Mr. Joachim had been promoted manager of the L. Lopez & Company operation in Biloxi. He resigned and joined the Combel Hardware Company as manager. David J. Venus replaced U.S. Joachim as the manager of the Lopez store on West Howard Avenue. The Combel Hardward Company evolved by 1948, into Joachim’s wholly owned Combel’s Merchandise Mart. In addition to his hardware interests, U.S. Joachim was president of First Federal Savings and Loan and the Avelez Hotel. He was also a member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, and Church of the Nativity of the B.V.M. Mr. Joachim expired in late January 1977. Stella Gillen Joachim, his wife of over fifty years, preceded him in death expiring on September 12, 1963. They rest eternally in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, March 25, 1918, p. 3, April 22, 1918, p. 5, The Jackson County Times, March 20, 1918, p. 7 and The Daily Herald, January 31, 1977, p. A-2)
Move to NOLA and Mobile
Joseph E. Combel moved to New Orleans after the sale of his Biloxi business to the Uriah S. Joachim group. In 1920, he and Angelina Combel Springer, his daughter, were domiciled with the Walter C. Wagner family at 423 Clark Street. By January 1922, Joseph had relocated to Mobile, Alabama where Theo J. Combel, his son, lived.(1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625-619, p. 8B, ED 57)
Inez Combel marries in 1922
On January 16, 1922, Inez Combel (1897-1991) married Shirley Louis Guilbeau at St. John’s Cathedral in Lafayette, Louisiana. Maria C. Wagner, her sister, sang Ave Maria at the wedding.(The Daily Herald, January 10, 1922, p. 3 and The Times-Picayune, January 23, 1922, p. 11)
Inez Combel Guilbeau died at Houston, Texas in October 1991. No further information.
Attempted robbery-1928 NOLA
In early December 1928, Herman O. Baker (d. 1928), described as a society burglar, entered Combel’s Variety Store at 3126 Tulane Avenue and Lopez Street. The Combel store was kept by Joseph E. Combel (1853-1938) and Angelina Combel Springer, his daughter. While resisting Baker’s attempt to rob his market, Mr. Combel was struck in the head with the burglar’s pistol and then shot in his left hand as he wrestled with the perpetrator. James Reilly, a NOLA fireman, retrieved the pistol and shot and mortally wounded H.O. Baker. Joseph E. Combel was taken to the hospital for his injuries.(The Times-Picayune, December 11, 1928, p. 1)
Joseph Edgar Combel (1853-1938) and brother??
[courtesy of Donna Maria Wagner Wallace, Scotia, New York]
Joseph E. Combel passes
Joseph E. Combel died on November 24, 1938 at Mobile, Alabama. In 1930, he and Angelina C. Springer, his daughter, were living at in the Crescent City and operating a hardware store.(1930 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R 801, p. 16A, ED 29)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, April 8, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, May 2, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Joseph Combel”, August 30, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Among Herald advertisers”, October 17, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 18, 190.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Merchants will close”, January 18, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Personal”, November 20, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, December 3, 1906.
The Daily Herald, “City News”, May 25, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Sacred Heart school exercises last night”, June 16, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Slay-Combel”, September 19, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs of Interest”, October 11, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Nephew of Biloxian meets tragic death”, June 9, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Charged with rape; hiding in woods”, July 20, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Wedding Announcement”, April 13, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Hardware”, May 31, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “New Hardware Corporation”, March 25, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “D.J. Venus in charge of Lopez store”, March 25, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of Combel Hardware Company”, April 22, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Here from New Orleans”, March 2, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Combel dies at Lafayette”, May 10, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Combel to wed”, January 10, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Making improvements to building”, November 22, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “New building [Combel's Merchandise Mart] to be erected in Downtown Biloxi”, April 5, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “U.S. Joachim”, January 31, 1977.
The Huntsville Times, “Frances Combel”, June, 2004.
The Huntsville Times, “Theo J. Combel Jr.”, April 2, 2005.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, March 20, 1918.
Florida Journals
The Fort Pierce News, “Joseph Larry Slay-beloved football coach, administrator dies at 82”, October 9, 1998.
The Fort Pierce News, “Evelyn Slay Mauck Swartz”, October 22, 1999.
The Miami Herald, “Coney Murello”, December 16, 1984.
The Palm Beach Post, “Marguerite I. Combel Slay”, May 31 1990.
The Palm Beach Post, “Charles L. Tabor”, June 27, 1991.
NOLA Journals
The New Orleans States, “Society”, January 23, 1922.
The Palm Beach Post, “Marguerite I. Combel Slay, May 31, 1990.
The Daily Picayune, “Walter-Combel”, January 22, 1905.
The Daily Picayune, “Died”, February 19, 1906.
The Daily Picayune, “Another brewery organized here”, March 26, 1911.
The Daily Picayune, “New Brewery Building”, July 9, 1911.
The Daily Picayune, “National Brewery”, May 31, 1912.
The Times-Picayune, “Died”, May 10, 1921.
The Times-Picayune, “Society”, January 23, 1922.
The Times-Picayune, “Bandit shot dead with own pistol; thugs on rampage”, December 11, 1928.
The Times-Picayune, “The crew of pre-prohibition days return to jobs at National Brewery plant”, August 13, 1933.
The Times-Picayune, “National Brewing Plant purchased by Falstaff firm”, December 15, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, November 25, 1938.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, September 3, 1945.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, October 31, 1946.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, May 2, 1952.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, October 20, 1953.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, April 28, 1956.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, November 12, 1958.
The Times-Picayune, “[Charles A.]Wagner rites planned today”, September 26, 1962.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, September 27, 1962.
The Times-Picayune, “[Leo B.] Leach funeral will be today”, March 11, 1965.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, March 8, 1966.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, January 29, 1968.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, May 16, 1970.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, October 18, 1970.
The Times-Picayune, “Gottesman dies after illness”, September 16, 1972.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, February 13, 1983.
The Times-Picayune, “Triay”, March 14, 2007.
COMBEL FAMILY RECORDS
Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Joseph E. Combel Family Birth Records
[names per Catholic Church records]
Mary Angelica Combel born March 16, 1878.
Theophyle Joseph Combel born May 4, 1880.
Mary Emilia Combel born March 16, 1882.
Mary Georgine Combel born January 19, 1884.
Joseph Raoul Combel born August 11, 1888.
Mary Isabella Jane Combel born July 3, 1890.
Mary Margaret Ida Combel born December 21, 1891.
Earl Joseph Michel Combel born June 26, 1894 and died November 13, 1894.
Mary Ines Combel born June 23, 1897.
Chicago, Illinois Marriages
Angelina Combel married W.L. Springer at Chicago on November 30, 1906.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 3, 1906)
Hancock County, Mississippi Marriages
Mary Elizabeth Garnier marriedJoseph Edgard Combel on January 24, 1877.(Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church-Book 1, p. 118)
Harrison County, Mississippi Marriages
Maria Combelmarried Walter Charles Wagner of NOLA at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 18, 1905.(MRB 16, p. 274)
Isabel Jeanne Combel married Vernon B. Carlisle on April 15, 1914 at Biloxi, Mississippi.(MRB 25, p. 589)
NOLA Marriages
Charles A. Wagner marriedLouisa Vanderstraeten on June 23, 1881.(NOLA MRB 8, p. 714)
Charles A. Wagner marriedBertha Rathoff on January 11, 1900.(NOLA MRB 21, p. 968)
Amelia Mary Combelmarried Reuben Harris Givens on April 30, 1902.(NOLA MRB 23, p. 932)
Raoul J. Combelmarried Flavilla Reynolds on June 7, 1909.(NOLA MRB 31, p. 233)
Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Marriages
Inez Combelmarried Shirley L. Guilbeau at Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana on January 23, 1922.
Combel Deaths
Lucie Angelique Paganetto Combel (1833-1857) died June 9, 1857. Buried Cedar Rest Cemetery-Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Marie Alice Robin Combel (1837-1886) died on March 25, 1886.(OLG Book 2, p. 7)
Dr. Henry I. Combel (1876-1904) died March 24, 1904. Buried Cedar Rest Cemetery-Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Elizabeth Garnier Combel(18-1921) died May 9, 1921 at Lafayette, Louisiana. Buried Greenwood Cemetery NOLA.
Joseph E. Combel (1853-1938) died November 24, 1938 at Mobile, Alabama. Buried Greenwood Cemetery NOLA.
Virgil B. Carlisle (1876-1952) died May 1, 1952 at NOLA. Interred Greenwood Cemetery NOLA.
Walter Charles Wagner (18-1953) died October 20, 1953 at NOLA. Interred Hope Mausoleum NOLA.
Ralph Joseph Combel (1888-1956)died April 27, 1956 at NOLA. Interred Greenwood Cemetery NOLA.
Maria Combel Wagner (1884-1958) died November 12, 1958. Interred Hope Mausoleum NOLA.
Theodore J. Combel (1880-1963) died April 2, 1963 at Mobile, Alabama. Interred Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.
Flavilla Reynolds Combel (1891-1966),daughter of Marshall A. Reynolds and Magdalena Seibert, died March 4, 1966 at NOLA. Interred Cypress Grove Cemetery NOLA.
Belle Word Combel (1883-1968) died on November 28, 1968 at Mobile, Alabama. Interred Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.
Isabel Combel Carlisle(1890-1983) died February 11, 1983 at NOLA. Interred Greenwood Cemetery NOLA.
Marguerite Ida Combel Slay (1891-1990) died in May 1990 at Fort Pierce, Florida.
Inez Combel Guilbeau(1897-1991) died in October 1991 at Houston, Texas.
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Comfort Family
Comfort Family ray Mon, 07/09/2012 - 11:47COMFORT FAMILY
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Louise Milles Comfort (1888-1989) and Edward Comfort (1883-1969)
[Courtesy of Joycelyn Comfort Barlow-March 2012]
Edward Comfort (1883-1969) was born in Louisiana, probably New Orleans. It appears that he may have been an orphan as a person with his name and approximate age was an inmate at the Waif’s Industrial Home at Beauvoir in 1900. This institution was founded by Dr. Reverend Alfred E. Clay (1852-1900), a native of Chester, England and a Methodist Episcopal South minister, in New Orleans. Reverend Clay was president of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Waif’s Home on Clio Street in the Crescent City. He expired at his home in New Orleans in early September 1900. S.D. Moody replaced Reverend A.E. Clay at the Beauvoir Waif’s Home.(The Daily Picayune, September 2, 1900, p. 4, and The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 4, 19001, p. 8 and October 14, 1900)
Edward Comfort married Louise Milles (1888-1989) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 30, 1907. The wedding took place at the home of Louise Milles Ferdan, the wife of Julius Ferdan (1871-1931), at 420 Delauney Street. The Reverend C.B. Crawford of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer performed their nuptial ceremony. The newly weds planned to live on Main Street in Biloxi, Mississippi(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 31, 1907, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 18, p. 536)
Louise Milles was a native of Mississippi, and the daughter of Joseph Milles (1855-1900), an 1870 Austrian immigrant, and Louise Knoch (1866-1920+), native of NOLA and the daughter of John Knoch (1830-1913) and Christine Weiss (1825-1923). John Knoch was born at Hamburg, Germany and lived at NOLA for 57 years. Christina Weiss was a native of Hesse-Darmstad, Germany. They were living at 4914 Constance Street in the Crescent City when they expired on January 19, 1913 and June 26, 1923 respectively.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80 and The Daily Picayune, January 26, 1913, p. 22 and The Times Picayune June 28, 1923, p. 22)
Louise Knoch had married Joseph Millis (1855-1900) or Milles at NOLA in September 1883. He was known as 'Mexican Joe' and was killed in an accident at Ship Island in July 1900, while loading lumber on the Teodora de Larriniga, a British steamship out of Liverpool, England. The Joseph Milles family lived on Magnolia Street. He was a member of the Gulf Coast Timberman's Association and the Spanish Benevolent Association. Louise Knoch Milles remarried in January 1902 to Julius Ferlan (1871-1931), an Austrian immigrant oyster boat captain.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 21, 1900, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 13, p. 344)
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Viola Comfort (1908-1999) and William Sydney Davidson (18993-1941)
VIOLA COMFORT
Edward Comfort and Louise Milles Comfort were the parents of Viola Comfort (1908-1999). She was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 16, 1908. Viola Comfort had married William Sydney Davidson (1893-1941), called Sydney, in her parent’s home at 209 Keller Place on October 7, 1925.(The Daily Herald, October 8, 1925, p. 2)
Sydney Davidson was the son of William M. Davidson (1855-1905), a Biloxi native and Margaret Ledden (1863-1925), who was born at 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 James Davidson (1894-1982) married Louise Faye Bellande (1898-1974); and Calvin Arnold “Skinny” Davidson (1901-1971) married Audrey Virginia Harrison (1912-2003). Margaret L. Davidson's corporal remains where interred in the Biloxi Cemetery. A daughter, Olga Davidson Smith (1899-1920), preceded Mrs. Davidson in death having expired on January 20, 1920.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1925, p. 3)
Viola C. Davison and Sydney Davidson were the parents of two children: Joycelyn Davidson (b. 1928) m. George Earl Barlow (1928-2012) and Kenneth Comfort Davidson (b. 1931) m. Mary Elizabeth Fabacher (b. 1932) and Mary Ott Tremmel. Sydney made his livelihood as a lineman for the Mississippi Power Company. They Davidson family also were domiciled at 209 Keller Place. Sydney passed on July 26, 1941.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1941, p. 5)
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Joycelyn Louise Davidson and George Earl Barlow (1928-2012)
Joycelyn L. Davidson married George Earl Barlow (1928-2012) at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 20, 1948. They were the parents of Craig Sydney Barlow m. Pamela Jane Pisarich and George E. Barlow Jr.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 77, p. 317 and Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 23, p. 232).
George was born in Aberdeen, SD and had been a resident of Biloxi since 1950. He was an USAF Veteran of WWII and a member and former Vestryman at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, former member of the Jaycees and Reverlern Carnival Association. He was employed at American National Life Insurance Company for over 30 years.
Mr. Barlow is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joycelyn Davidson Barlow; two sons, George “Butch” Barlow, Jr. (Kathy) and Craig S. Barlow (Pam) one sister, Margaret Blackmon; four grandchildren, Bradley (Samantha) Barlow, Brennan Barlow, Mike Barlow and Amber Barlow; and brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth (Mary Ott Tremmel). George expired on June 26, 2012 and his funeral service was held at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Thursday, June 28, 2012. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe is in charge of arrangements with internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, June 27, 2012)
Kenneth Comfort Davidson
Kenneth Comfort Davidson (b. 1931) attended Biloxi schools and matriculated to Loyola University at NOLA where he studied dentistry. He married Mary Elizabeth Fabacher (b. 1932), the daughter of John Birchman Fabacher (18-1982) and Edna Wade (1899-1988) on September 3, 1955 in the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church at NOLA. Dr. Davidson served two years in the US Army in the dental corps at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He and Mary Beth and their two children returned to the Mississippi coast in July 1959. The Davidson family settled in Gulf Hills and Kenneth built a dental office at Ocean Springs. By December 1970, the family relocated to 1364 West Beach to the William Wilson Sutcliffe (1850-1934), 1898 home at 1364 West Beach in Biloxi. Known children: Stephan Fabacher Davidson m. Charlotte Leone Kirkpatrick.(The Times Picayune, August 25, 1955, p. 63 and The Daily Herald, July 21, 1959, p. 14)Edward Comfort expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 24, 1969. Mrs. Comfort lived until January 24, 1999. Their corporal remains were interred in Section 6 of the Biloxi Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Rev. Alfred E. Clay”,September 4, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 14, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Marriages-Comfort-Milles”, January 31, 1907.
The Daily Picayune, “Rev. Alfred E. Clay dead”, September 2, 1900.
The Daily Herald, “Davidson-Comfort”, October 8, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Wm. Sidney Davidson dies", July 28, 1941.
The Sun Herald, “George E. Barlow", June 27, 2012.
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Croatian arrivals from Brac [Brazza-Italian]-Barhonovich, Beaorvich, Cerinich, Covich, Cvitanich, Filipich, Grasich, Halat, Hire, Jurich, Kuljis,and many more
Croatian arrivals from Brac [Brazza-Italian]-Barhonovich, Beaorvich, Cerinich, Covich, Cvitanich, Filipich, Grasich, Halat, Hire, Jurich, Kuljis,and many more
BILOXI CROATIAN FAMILY TIMELINE
1909
[The Daily Herald, March 27, 1909, p. 1]
1913
The Daily Herald, "Set for trial in Circuit Court", January 8, 1913, p. 3. Local Croatians on trial in early 1913 in the Harrison County Circuit Court were: Tony Martinolich-gambling; Nick Skermetta (sic), assult with intent; Nick, john, Maro, and John Skermetta Jr., assaut and battery; Mike Skermetta and Nick Skermetta, fighting and disorderly conduct; Tony Stanovich and Jake Stanovich Jr., selling liquor; and Jake Stanovich Sr., allowing liquor to be sold on his premises.
The Daily Herald, "Austrians form Benevolent Association", December 18, 1913, p. 7. Charter members: Ivan Budinich; Ivan Gabrich; Ivan Letich; Ivan Lovetich; Blas Miljan; Marko Mulat; Tony Rosetti; Nikola Skrmetti; Victor Simonich; Jacob Stanovich (1860-1926); and Philip Williams.
The Daily Herald, "New Society is growing rapidly", December 30, 1913, p. 2.
1918
The Daily Herald, "Servian [sic] wants to be an American", March 20, 1918, p. 3. Tony Conovich came to America in 1904 and lives in Handsboro.
1920
The Daily Herald, "Americans from troubled Dalmatia", March 4, 1920, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Files petition", June 3, 1920, p. 3. Dominick Cvitanovich had made application to file his naturalization papers in Federal Court here. Tony Cvitanovich has filed his declaration of intention to become an American citizen with US Commissioner George Money at Gulfport.
1921
Letter from Brac-1921
Nikola Skermeta (sic), 413 Copp Street in Biloxi, received a woeful letter from his parents at Bobovisci, in the island of Brach (sic), off the Dalmatian coast in the far-away Adriatic Sea. It recited the privation and suffering common in that country, where the native grape vines have succumbed to a disease which the people have been unable to cure, andin consequence of which many American grape vines have been imported. The soil there is rocky, quite unlike the rich American soil, and the vines require time become acclimated and learn to struggle against the poor soil condition, said Mr. Skermeta (sic) His people write that it will take about six years before they will be able to harvest these grapes. In the meantime, the people of Brach (sic) are enduring great hardships. Mr. Skermeta (sic) was at the Federal clerk's office inquiring into some safe method to send his parents money, a previous remittance never reached them. Reports by Biloxians of losses of money sent to relatives have been frequent, are unable to understand it being accustomed to Uncle Sam's generally prompt and safe deliveries. Mr. Skermeta's (sic) parents wrote that many people were eating grass to save themselves from starving. (The Daily Herald, January 19, 1921, p. 4)
Mateo Pitalo, Tony Pitalo, Peter Pavlov, Vincenzo Citanovich, Joseph Argentin, John Kersance; Steve Sekul, and Sam Sekul took an oath of allegiance to the Unied States.[The Daily Herald, February 22,1921, p. 1]
The Daily Herald, "These men may don US suits June 20", May 23, 1921, p. 6. Gregorio Anticich came from Ygrane and was naturalied at NOLA in 1914. Peter Lessa [Lesso], Biloxi fisherman, came to NOLA as a boy on the Eugenia, a liner, as part of the crew and jumped ship.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of the Slavonian Benevolent Association 'St. Nicola'", August 19, 1921, p. 2.
1927
Captains Jake Rosetti, Tony Cvitanovich, and Frank J. Barhonovich formed a committee to collect money for the relief of flood victims in southeast Louisiana after the Mississippi River was breached in an action called the Poydras Crevasse. Croatian families donated $176.50 which was given to The Daily Herald for distribution.[The Daily Herald, May 6, 1927, p. 1]
1929
The Daily Herald, "28 seek citizenship at next court term", May 24, 1929. Biloxi-Jugoslavia: Rocco Beverin; Martin Baranich (sic); Jerko Covich; A. Dujmov; G. Garbin; Stefano Gego; Parvel Starmeta [Paul M. Skrmetta]; Mato Soljan; and Giovanni Zorkovic.
Captain Anthony J. Stanovich (18-1929), aboard Lone Star and ferrying workers from the Louisiana seafood factories of the C.B. Foster Packing Company, was killed while workng on the vessel's engine off the coast of Waveland, Hancock County, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 5, 1919, p. 1)
The Benevolent Association of St. Nicolai dedicated their new home on East Howard Avenue on December 26th. The organization was lead by B. Dujmov, pres.; Tony Cvitanovich (1888-1964), v. pres.; Peter Pavlov, sec.-treas.; Steve Filipich, marshal;with Alexc Pitalo, chair of the arrangement committee. The society commenced circa 1914 with Jake Stanovich (1891-1927), as president, and Phillip Williams, sec.-treasurer.(The Daily Herald, December 27, 1929, p. 1 and The Times-Picayune, December 28, 1929, p. 2 [photo])
1932
The Sea Coast Packing Company was founded by hard working, Croatian fishermen in July when they acquired the Martin Fountain Packing Company from the 1st National Bank of Biloxi. Peter Pavlov (1882-1951) was president and treasurer; Alexander Pitalo, vice pres. and Steve M. Sekul (1881-1970), operations manager. The plant had been idle for a year and expected to employ 200 people when it was fully operating.(The Daily Herald, July 30, 1932, p. 1)
1934
Contestants in front of Riviera Hotel [Lameuse Street and Beach Boulevard]
[L-R: Violet Magas; Amy Kennedy; Elizabeth Misko; Yvonne Blanchard; Evelyn Mellerine; Josephine Tremontana; Eva Talijanicich; and Floris Kullivan.
[
1935
The Daily Herald, "Matre Pitalo heads new voting club", July 1, 1935, p. 2. The Slavonian Voting Club was organized on August 31, 1935 at the Slavonian Hall by Austrian residents in the eastern section of Biloxi. Matre Pitalo (1898-1981), seafood dealer and grocer, was elected president. Mico Fillipich was elected vice-president. He is president of the Slavonian Benevolent Association. Pete Pavlov of the Seacoast Packing Company was eelcted secretary and treasurer. The organization is planning a picnic and political rally at the Slavonian Hall on East Howard Avenue.
1937
1938
Madeline Kuljis (b. 1912), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luka Kuljis, 1002 East Beach, was named Miss Biloxi on February 4th. She was sponsored by Elliott's Jewelery.(The Daily Herald, February 5, 1938, p. 1)
The Slavonian Society began planning for the erection of their new home.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1938, p. 12)
Dr. Konstantin Fotich, Yugoslavian Ambassador to America, visited Biloxi and the Croatian community in late February.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1938, p. 1)
[from The Daily Herald, February 11, 1938, p. 8]
Madeline Kuljis was named Miss Biloxi at the Buena Vista Hotel in early February.[The Daily Herald, February 5, 1938, p. 1]
Miss Claire Sekul [Hornsby] (1921-2017) was named Miss Yugoslavia.(The Daily Herald, August 8, 1938, p. 5)
The new St. Nicholas Slavic Benevolent Society Lodge [Slavonian Lodge] on First Street and Myrtle at Point Cadet was dedicated on November 20th. The $20,000, two-story, structure was erected by the Collins Brothers, general contractors, from a design by Jack Fayard, the architect. Steve Kuljis was president of the organization at this time and building sponsors were Mary Anticich and Alonzo Gabrich.(The Daily Herald, November 19, 1938, p. 3)
1939
Irma Summerlin, Queen Victoria, and Peter Cerenich, King Peter, ruled the annual carnival ball of the Slavonian Girls’ Association. The event was the first in the new Slavonian Lodge.(The Daily Herald, January 20, 1939, p. 2)
Veronica Anticich Cangemi (1919-1998) was named Miss Yugoslavia garnering 12,450 votes to beat Frances Pavlov (1915-2004) Touchet who had 2880 votes.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1939, p. 5)
(The Daily Herald, May 28, 1940, p. 2)
Captain Steve Rodolfich (1883-1960) of 116 Maple Street was honored with a silver loving cup for his contributions to the oyster industry by Dunbar-Dukate and the Louisiana Conservation Department for delivering the best oysters to Violet, Louisiana for the 1940 oyster season and for the discovery of oyster reefs in Lake Borgne.(The Daily Herald, June 28, 1940, p. 8)
Lewis W. Hines (1874-1940), sociologist and photographer, expired at Dobbs Ferry, New York on 3 November. He was a crusader against child labor and made dramatic images of children working in the seafood industry in Mississippi and Louisiana circa 1910.
1941
(The Daily Herald, May 20, 1941, p. 3)
In mid-August, Dan Markotich (1892-1964) sold the French Restaurant to Joseph Baricev (1904-1999). Markotich had operated the restaurant for six years.(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1941, p. 6)
1942
(The Daily Herald, My 19, 1942, p. 6)
1943
[The Daily Herald, May 22, 1943, p. 7]
[The Daily Herald, June 23, 1944, p. 5]
1944
[The Daily Herald, May 19, 1944, p. 5]
1945
The Daily Herald, "Vincent Kuluz Slavonian head", May 26, 1945, p. 5.
1946
[The Daily Herald, February 2, 1946, p. 5]
1947
Tony J. Rosetti was elected president of the Slavonian Benevolent Association in May. Other officers elected were: Dr. steve Pitalo, v. pres.; Tony M. Pitalo, sec.-treas.; Alex Pitalo, marshal; Peter Sekul, asst. marshal; Jake Mladinich, sgt.-at-arms; and Mateo Kovacevich, Luka Kuljis, and Visko Kuluz, trustees.(The Daily Herald, may 24, 1947, p. 6)
1948
The Times -Picayune, "Yugoslavia, Miss.", May 2, 1948, p. 130.
1949
On March 3rd, Jacobena ‘Jackie’ Sekul Gillich (1913-2003) and Andrew Gillich (1923-2014), her spouse, who had formerly operated the City Hall Cash Grocery at 129 East Howard Avenue, opened Foodland at 1400 West Howard, now Judge Sekul, in early March 1949. Andrew Puzz (1895-1971) of Quality Bakery baked a 4-foot tall, 7 layer cake weighting 185 pounds for the first anniverary in March 1950.(The Daily Herald, March 2, 1949, p. 6 and March 3, 1950, p. 15)
1951
In late May, the Slavonian Benevolent Association elected Visko Kuluz as their new president who replace Paul Skrmetti. Other association officers elected were: Tony Mihojevich, vice-pres.; and John Kersanac, sec.-treasurer.(The Daily Herald, June 1, 1951, p. 8)
1953
At the 1953 Slavonian Benevolent Bazaar, Miss Elmerita Mihojevich was crowned Miss Jugoslavia by Clare Sekul Hornsby. Miss Hillbilly of Mississippi was Barbara Mae Knebel and her tiara was placed by Mrs. Hank Williams[Billie Jean Jones (b. 1933)].(The Daily Herald, August 3, 1953, p. 6)
1955
In May, Vincent J. Rosetti was elected pesident of the the Slavonian Benevolent Association.[The Daily Herald, May 21, 1955, p. 9]
The Times-Picayune, "The Day After-Festivities continue on as Yugoslavs at Biloxi honor their patron [St Stephen]", December 25, 1955, p. 5.
1960
[The Daily Herald, May 28, 1962, p. 1 and p. 12]
1962
Steve C. Sekul
[The Daily Herald, May 30, 1962, p. 1]
1966
Long time Croatian leader at Biloxi, Steve M. Sekul [1880-1966] expired on July 16, 1966.[The Daily Herald, July 18, 1966, p. 2]
1968
Francis "Butch" J. Nadalich (1937-2002) was elected president of the .[Thje Daily Herald, May 21, 1968, p. 14]
1969
[The Daily Herald, February 22, 1969, Section II, p. 15]
Dr. Matthew Kuluz was selected as Outstanding Citizen of Jackson County, Mississippi.[The Daily Herald, March 21, 1969, pp. 1-7]
1989
Peter Halat
Peter Halat [b. 1942] was the first Coatian descedent to be elected Biloxi's Mayor.
1993
Martin Skrmetta, son of Noel J. 'Jimmy' Skrmetta (1936-2004) and Bobbie Jean Maumus (b. 1935), was Biloxi's 1993 Shrimp King.
1999
The Sun Herald, "Slavonian men pose for posterity", December 18, 1999, p. A1.
2010
The new $3 million Lodge of the Slavonian Benevolent Association of St. Nikolai, located near Howard Avenue and Oak Street,was dedicated on November 27th.(The Sun Herald, November 26, C, p. A2)
2011
Pusharatas are a sweet tradition.(The Sun Herald, December 24, 2011, p. A2)
2015
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BILOXI CROATIAN FAMILIES
FAMILY ARRIVALS FROM ARBANASI, ZADAR
JOSEPH SMOLCICH
Joseph Smolcich [Josip Smolcic] (1893-1967) was born August 6, 1893 in Anbanasi, a village on the on the Zadar Peninsula, Croatia. He left Trieste, Italy on the Franz Joseph I and arrived at New York City on August 31, 1912. Joseph settled at 402 Oak Street in Biloxi, Mississippi with his spouse, Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979), a native of Milna, Brac, Croatia.(Southern District, Mississippi-Declaration of Intention No. 840, March 12, 1927)
Joseph August Smolcich (1893-1967) and Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979), a native of Milna, Brac and the daughter of Vincent Cvitanich (1873-1947) and Mary U. (1880-1946), were the progenitors of the Smolcich family of Biloxi, Mississippi. They married on May 22, 1916 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Children: Matilda Smolcich (b. 1920) m. Raymond C. Barry (1905-1988); Joseph 'Smoky Joe' A. Smolcich II (1922-2010) m. Anna Kopszywa (1927-2010); Vincent L. Smolcich (1925-1981) m. Aurora Marie Saujon (1923-2007); Steve Anthony Smolcich (1927-2013) m. Patricia Lee Wilson (1929-2017); ; Mary Rita 'Melrita' Smolcich m. Marvin Lee Raesner; Samuel D. Smolcich (1934-2006) m. Vinnie Elba Seymour; and John A. Smolcich (1937-2001) m. Jeanet Marie Callis. The Smolcich family started the Biloxi Seafood Company, the Roxy Theatre at 1430 East Howard Avenue, the Roxy Restaurant and owned much rental property on Point Cadet in East Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, October 12, 2010, p. and Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 38)
CHILDREN
MATILDA SMOLCICH
Matilda Smolcich (1920) married Raymond C. Barry (1905-1988) on March 3, 1946.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 71, p. 39)
Raymond C. Barry died at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 6, 1988.
JOSEPH A. SMOLCICH
Joseph A. ‘Smokey Joe’ Smolcich (19-2010) was born 19. In Harrison County, Mississippi, he married Anna Kopszywa (1926-2010), a native of Cleveland, Ohio and the daughter of Edward Kopszywa (1887-1962) and Mary Agnes Misiora (1888-1939). They had a son, Gregory Jude Smolcich, who married Deborah ?.
VINCENT L. SMOLCICH
Vincent L. Smolcich (1925-1981) was born October 18, 1925. He married Aurora Marie Saujon (1923-2007), the daughter of Robert Saujon (1865-1944) and Mary McCaleb (1897-1937) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 4, 1948. Their children were: Vincent L. Smolcich II m. Myrna and Sharon Frances Smolcich m. Richard Wayne Gontz and John McDonnell.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 76, p. 455; MRB 135, p. 370;
Vincent L. Smolcich expired on July 26, 1981. Aurora Marie Smolich died on April 4, 2007. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald,
STEVE A. SMOLCICH
Steve Anthony Smolcich (1927-2013) married Patricia Lee Wilson (1929-2017) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 1, 1950. They were the parents of Steve Anthony Smolich Jr. who married Bridget Orrell.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 81, p. 48)
Steve Anthony Smolcich Sr., 85, of Biloxi, died at home on Friday. He was born to the late Joseph and Frances Smolcich, on October 1, 1927. He married Patricia "Pat" Wilson, also of Biloxi. They were married for 63 years.
Mr. Smolcich served in the Merchant Marines, in the Atlantic, during World War II and was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving in the Pacific. During his time in the Pacific he witnessed the nuclear bomb tests in the Bikini Atolls aboard the USS Fieberling DE-640. After returning from the war he worked in the family business at the Roxy Theater and later at Ingalls Shipbuilding. He worked at the U.S. Post Office for 32 years and retired in 1991.
This past October Mr. Smolcich enjoyed a trip to Washington, D.C. with other World War II veterans, which was provided by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight. He was an avid boater, fisherman, and longtime member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association and the Elks B.P.O.E..
Mr. Smolcich was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Joseph Smolcich, Vincent Smolcich, Sam Smolcich, and Anthony Smolcich. He is survived by two sisters, Matilda Barry and Melrita Raesner and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Pat, Mr. Smolcich is survived by his son, Steve Smolcich, Jr. and wife Bridget Orrell Smolcich; granddaughter, Shelley Smolcich McManaman and husband Leonard McManaman; grandson Scott Steven Smolcich and wife Jennifer Harper Smolcich; and three great grandchildren, Chase McManaman, Paige McManaman, and Madison Smolcich.
The family would like to thank Home Instead and Singing River Hospice for their respectful, loving care. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Singing River Health System, Hospice of Light.
Visitation will be at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, on Monday, July 15, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00. There will also be a visitation at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00. Interment will be at Southern Memorial Park.[The Sun Herald, July 14, 2013]
Patricia W. Smolcich
Patricia "Pat" Lee Wilson Smolcich (1929-2017), age 87 years, a native and life long resident of Biloxi, died on Friday, June 2, 2017 at St. Joseph Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Orpha Mae Wilson; and her husband of 62 years, Steve Smolcich.
Pat is survived by her son, Steve (Bridget) Smolcich, Jr., of Mandeville, Louisiana; two grandchildren, Shelley Smolcich (Leonard) McManaman of Frisco, TX, and Scott (Jennifer) Smolcich of League City, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Chase McManaman, Paige McManaman, and Madison Smolcich.
Mrs. Smolcich graduated from Biloxi High School and retired from South Central Bell as a switchboard operator. Throughout her life, Pat devoted her time, talent, and treasures to numerous religious, social, and civic activities, including mission trips to Saltillo, Mexico and volunteering for Meals on Wheels.
Mrs. Smolcich was a member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. She served as a Eucharistic minister, greeter, and a member of the Parish Life Committee. She also took Communion to homebound, hospitalized, and nursing home patients. When Pat married Steve Smolcich, she became one of the proudest Slavonian Catholics in Biloxi. She joined the Slavonian Ladies Auxillary, and served as president for many years, helping with the Christmas pusharata sales, the annual golf tournament, and organizing the ladies' trips. Pat was Treasurer of the Elks Club for years, organizing the monthly po-boys sales. The Blessing of the Fleet held a special place in Pat's heart. For more than twenty years she enjoyed working with the Shrimp Queen contestants. In 2004, Mrs. Smolcich was named Lions Club Mother of the Year. Pat was a part of several social groups, including Pokeno, high school lunch bunch, and the FLEAS birthday group. The family would like to thank St. Joseph's Hospice for their loving care.
A vigil will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity BVM Cathedral at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, with a visitation thirty minutes prior. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.[The Sun Herald, June 4, 2017]
SAMUEL D. SMOLCICH
Samuel Dominick ‘Sam’ Smolcich (1934-2006) was born December 16, 1934. He married Vinnie Elba Seymour in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 8, 1955. They were the parents of: Samuel Smolcich m. Cindy Collis and Maria Smolcich m. Jay Hindmarch. Sam Smolcich made his livelihood in the seafood and oil industries. He was the captain of the Nana, one of Biloxi’s first steel-hulled shrimp boats and also worked in the Louisiana offshore oil fields for Amerada Hess Corporation. Sam Smolcich expired on January 29, 2006.( Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 100, p. 373 and The Sun Herald, January 31, 2006)
JOHN A. SMOLCICH
John Anthony Smolcich (1937-2001) m. Jeanet Marie Callis in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 9, 1986.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 475 and The Sun Herald, August 31, 2001, p. A9)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Vincent Smolcich”, July 28?, 1981.
The Sun Herald, “Aurora Marie Saujon Smolich”, April 5, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “John Anthony Smolich”, August 31, 2001.
The Sun Herald, “Mr. Sam Smolich”, January 31, 2006.
The Sun Herald, "Anna Kopszywa Smolcich", February 13, 2010, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Joseph 'Smokey Joe' Smolcich", October 11, 2010, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Smolcich lived as 'Mr. Biloxi'", October 12, 2010, p. A4.
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FAMILY ARRIVALS FROM BRAC
BRAC [Brazza-Italian]
Bobovisca, Brac
Milna, Brac Supetar [San Pietro della Brazza-Italian], Brac
Brac
Island of Stone Sunshine and Sea
By Peter Simunovic
Brac pronounced Brach.
On this island man and stone have lived and fought each other from time immemorial. This island is my rock. Olives writhe and cypresses slumber in its cracks. Today fewer vineyards burst into leaf on its terraced slopes and, in the spring, fewer lively goats and unruly colts riotously race each other in its grassy vales.
My island is full of heaps of stone piled up through the centuries by hard working hands which picked out the stones from the barren clearings in order to wrest the thin layers of soil from the karst and plant in it the vine to yield dry "plavac” and the sweet "vugava” wines.
At the dawn of history such heaps of stone, hill forts and tumuli were silhouetted, on the ridges of Brac. Watering places were dug and paths cleared everywhere in the bare rock, and later settlements, churches and ports were built. The bowels of the island yielded the marble for the huge Palace of Diocletian and many other magnificent buildings throughout the world. The people of this island have always, struggled for their land, always dependent on the mercy of the skies: would they send rain to the parched terra rossa or fire to burn the fruits of the earth defiantly maturing in the stone?
This island evades, superficial judgment and hasty comparisons. It will conceal its true identity from the observer, and will bestow a smile rather than shed a tear as bitter as wormwood and as clear as grape-brandy.
Brac is at its most hospitable in summer when it opens up its heart and presents: its small towns, and villages and its coves. In summer, the population doubles on its shores, which stretch for more than a hundred miles. Sage, xeranthemum, heather, lavender and rosemary bushes bloom on its slopes and fill one's nostrils with their scents. A multitude of colors meet the gaze: ripe dog berries, bearberries, barberries, mallow, the swollen fruits of blackthorn, blackberry and mahaleb bushes. The deafening song of crickets chirping tirelessly on the knotty jasmines, junipers and spruces, has given the island its name, "island of crickets".
I watch the herds of sheep resting in the deep shade of the tree tops. The heat has stilled the bells around the necks of the bellwethers, and led the shepherds to rest in the shade and carve flutes from service tree bark. I hear the plaintive music echoing along the long valleys, the music of satyrs, from the Arcadia of Brac, like a melancholy Dalmatian song sung in the parks and under girls' windows.
Heat shimmers in the air, warms the stone, lulls the sea to sleep, dries up the wells in the villages and the ponds in the pastures. In his later years Nazor expressed his gratitude to this island, accustomed to thirst: "Thank you, waterless isle for having taught me to thirst and long for something all my life" (Brac, 1940).
This is the island of sweat, which drops and evaporates on the hazy whiteness of the heated stone in the quarries of Brac, in front of the infernal doors of the red-hot lime-kilns, in the fields where only the swing of the hoe enables you to distinguish the tanned backs of the laborers from the cleared patches of terra rossa.
The sounds and fragrances harmonize with the hundreds of bright colors, as in Ignat Job’s paintings of Brac.
Another Brac splashes in the coves. Here it gives itself to the sun, like a naked girl on a rock beneath a myrtle in a hidden cove, in the solitude of noon, listening to the amorous whispering of the pines and the calm sea.
Brac has chosen summer for its festivities. More guests visit it in summer, thus giving it greater opportunities to be hospitable. This is the Brac of feasts, youthful abandon, lavish lunches under the arbours, noisy fairs, cunning horse-traders, and desperate, almost hopeless singing in the churches: "Lord, grant rain to Thy land", rain for the vine and the olive, and the cracked soil, hardened like the palm by the oar, hoe and flail; rain for the fruits shriveled like my mother's cheeks on which toil, worry and sorrow have written everything there is to be written.
Brac is full of wrinkles, on its stone and on its people, like the corroded surfaces of the sculptures of V. Michieli: this is Brac in shriveled bronze.
Brac is at its most somber and saddest in autumn. The vineyards blush with red and the swollen black bunches of grapes await the harvest. At the turn of the century, when the entire island was a huge vineyard, grape-picking was a laborious and festive affair, with pickers, grape-crushers, basket-carriers and mule drivers everywhere. The songs and shouts indicate whether the barrels will be full, the must plentiful and the wine strong enough. Fishermen wait for dark in order to set sail, in their lantern-decked boats, for the fishing grounds allotted to them. The white beaches lie bare, "like a girl's virginity", in the quiet solitude of the deserted coves.
The departure of the swallows is followed by the first rains. The stone slab roofs are coated with lime to disinfect the water which will flow into the cisterns from the gutters under the eaves. The flowers in the windows, and porches come to life again. Red-textured mushrooms shoot up under the tangled mass of fallen pine and spruce needles, and shepherds gather them into umbrellas turned upside down. The thirsty earth drinks its fill. The stone assumes a blue-grey hue, like the tombs, which, with the dead days, await the sad processions of long talks with the deceased. The cypresses give in to the caresses of the sirocco which seems to introduce a strange, plaintive note into people's lives.
This is the autumn described by Tin Ujevic, who chose such days of memento morn to visit his mother's island, to sing of his own sadness: "There, there to travel / there, there to grieve. . ." (from the poem "Departure").
By St. Martin's Day the wine has settled. It has fermented and awaits the buyers. The mark left over in the barrels is put into sacks and taken to the still. Spruce twigs, and handfuls of mint, fennel and sage are added on top. After a while, the boiling still yields the first drops of the invigorating and healthy herb brandy of Brac.
Brac is most beautiful in autumn. At this time of the year it is left to its own resources, abandoned and alone. It listens to the must fermenting in the casks, and watches the ripening of the black berries on the olive trees. Autumn brings its gifts of wine and oil, saturated with the sweetness of the sun and the vigor of the climate. Both mostly leave the island for other people's tables . . .
When Christmas announces winter, and the porkers are hung on double hooks so that the chops may be cut out and the hams nicely rounded, the wailing bura plunges down the slopes of Mosor and whistles across the Canal.
"The coolness sends a shiver through the body, and the wind plays hesitating and wavering melodies ... What is the wind saying? It tells of the crying of imprisoned hearts, the resignation of the will bowing to fate, the lonely solitude of widows, the lily pure smile of infants, the thoughts of a faraway world, the last breath of those who lost their lives on the seas of the world. The wind communicates like a soul, and wails like a cello". (Tin Ujevic', Supetar on Brac, 1929).
On these windy evenings thousands of stars grace the sky above the island, showing shepherds and seamen the time and the way in the nocturnal waylessness of the rocky expanses and the sea.
This is the season of the yule log and New Year's songs, rollicking festivities which have cloaked their pagan Slav origins in Christian apparel. The fire crackles and warms your knees, and the pine torch blazes and lights up the sooty ceilings ... I recall my childhood, full of stories, about demons and vampires climbing the chimneys and up the chain on which the kettle hangs above the fireplace, about witches and evil spirits which haunt men in their beds, unbaptized children's souls, mountain fairies, about the Greek treasures in the tumuli, about evil fairies and witches, galley-slaves, and misers, the Spanish plague, hardships and miseries, about the hard life of the colony of Brac , those exploited on their own island and those who wasted away their strength and health toiling for foreign masters in Australian mines, on South American plantations, on strange seas and under alien captains. By these open winter fireplaces I first learnt about the history of my people from Kacic, and about the hard times of my island from my grandparents.
In the winter months, when the bura chills to the marrow, the people of Brac cut jasmine, hornbeams; and boxwood. In olden times, countless mule loads of best firewood were taken to the towns to heat the homes of the rich, thus, providing a meager wage for the woodcutters. On bright winter mornings the peasants would leave their homes, their woolen stockings tied to the handles of their hoes, for the first banking up of the vineyards, while the "makinari", tired and sleepy after a hard night's work at the oil cake press hurried home to rest after being relieved by the next shift.
Almond trees blossom on the island in winter, like a carpet of snow around the villages by the sea. The first lambs are weaned in winter. I know of no softer fur than that on the neck of a scared, new born lamb, which I would take away from the herd and bring to the village, together with the ewe, to warm it by the fire and then offer it the swollen udder of its mother.
Rains fill the ponds on the highlands, the grazing grounds of droves of semi wild mules and unguarded herds of sheep, which water themselves unheeded at the ancient pools, left over from Roman times. Shepherds check the herd only now and then, and in the meanwhile look to see if the marten's paw has sprung the trap in front of its hiding place among the cracks in the solid rock, and collect up the dormice caught in the springy traps placed on jasmine shrubs and the black birds and thrushes caught under the thin stone slabs near puddles in the rock. This is winter in the wayless expanse of Brac.
"0 island without paths, you taught me how to walk, wherever I went., with invulnerable feet and firm ankles." (V. Nazor, ibid.).
Island of the Carnival. Rollicking masquers on the village roads. In the small dance halls by the flickering light of carbide lamps, young people hop about to the rhythm of the polka and schottische, the "ciciljana" and "avilota". They dance "our way", the "Apulian way , the "modern way". The young men seize moments when the mothers are engrossed in gossip to clasp the girls close and satisfy their lustful hands on the hot, quivering and sweaty curves. This is the time for the first sly and wanton winks, met by the shy blushes of the maidens. Such gay evenings give rise to first loves, soon to blossom with the first violets in the hollow roots of the olives.
In spring the island dons its gala dress. When the March buras have stripped the almonds of their blossoms, the vineyards burst into bud and a carpet of new green grass, covers the dales and fallow land again. St. George's Day, so they say, as did their pagan ancestors who rejoiced at nature's reawakening, is the true beginning of the year. The sap of life begins to flow in plants, animals, and people. The herds leave the barren highlands for the grassy lowlands, break into fenced vineyards, browse on the shoots, and cause damage. The shepherds' nights grow shorter, their eyes quicker, and their ears keener for the sound of the bells on the rams and mules.
The last rains in April bring out the snails. The shepherds catch them and brush the dried sage leaves off their slimy undersides then string them on twigs.
Hornbeams, oaks and ashes burst into bud on the highlands below Mount Vidovica and along the edge of Dugi Dol. Hawthorn blossoms in the cracks and along the paths a mass of round quivering medallions. Thousands of cones appear on the Austrian pines, a rarity in these parts. The fragrance of rosemary, sage, laurel, pyrethrum, lavender and mint pervades the countryside. The blossoming crowns of sour cherry and cherry trees adorn the banked up vineyards. The peasants apprehensively await the exasperating dry "pasjunski jugo" (sirocco), which can destroy the buds and blossoms and thwart all the peasants' hopes and the labor put into the meager rocky soil, just as the first fruits are being born.
In the vineyards diggers gently bank up the budding stems lest they should damage them while working. They move in long rows, one behind the other, as in the mournful Good Friday procession when in Christ's suffering they recognize their own. Processions again on Rogation Day: "Please drive away lean years and pests from the sown fields, the vineyards and all the trees. . ." They crawl like centipedes along the village paths, following the cross, beseeching heaven to spare the healthy fruits of their labors and cursing the pests, the evil fiends that prey maliciously upon their harvest. And when the sun "blazes like a bonfire" as spring turns into summer and the days are at their longest, midsummer bonfires are lit at dusk on the crossroads and the peasants leap over them, to tame them and appease the evil spirits: "From St. John's to St. John's, lest our feet should burn!"
In this ancient folklore which still survives' on this Slav periphery, we recognize the pagan faith of our ancestors woven into Christian fabric.
Of all the magnificently colored flowers and intoxicating fragrances of the Mediterranean macchia the people of Brac have fallen in love with just two flowers: those of the vine and the olive. They watch over them as they blossom and the petals drop after pollination, until the small berries grow into juicy grapes and olives which, in late autumn and winter, ferment in the casks and percolate in the stone vessels.
"0 island of vines and olives, you give me the daily drunkenness of summer days and the ever burning light in all the winter nights of my life" (V. Nazor, ibid.).
In spring Brac is full of lambs and wild asparagus. I will never forget the springs in the rocky pastures when, as a shepherd I used to drowse on dry jasmine leaves bathed by the warm May sun, with lambs and horned vipers as my neighbors.
Spring is most beautiful in the coves of Brac, particularly on the unpopulated western coast of the island, where the steep wooded slopes are overgrown with wild Mediterranean pine and the small beaches resemble strings of pearls.
The coves are drowsy in the morning as dreams and melancholy abandon them for a while, and they are awakened by the dawn and the trembling breeze in the pine needles, and flurried by the fishermen who. haul in their nets on the promontories. The silvery riot of frightened sardines ruffles the morning calm, blue like the molten vitriol in the small eye-like troughs in the vineyards. They are somber at noon, dazed by the sunshine, the fragrance of pines, heather, thistle ... and by the deafening chirp of the crickets in the jasmine, spruce and chaste-tree bushes. They are in love in the late afternoon, when the maestrale gives way to, calm and ceases to caress their pearly pebbles, whose solitary whiteness is exposed and washed like the naked skin of a sleeping girl who abandons herself to the caress of the midday sun, the breeze and sea. And when they finally quieter down in the violet dusk, the shadows, of the pines grow longer, the caves become mysterious, and the sea dark and full of sparks. They say that fairies. and satyrs, meet then on these lonely beaches, and dance until the moon goes out and dawn drives them away.
Brac is not inclined to reveal itself to superficial visitors who have no feeling for the wrinkled cracks in the rock, the dales, and bottomless chasms in the karst where pigeons, perch around the edge; to people who show no interest in its pools, its vast terraced slopes and lonely little churches on the ridges, in the writhing of the olives and sadness of the cypresses on the stone graves. How can one love this rocky landscape and these people without a deliberate effort to feel in the stone of this complex mosaic the fleshliness of Rendic’s thoughtful marble fairies on the graves, the autumn sadness of Tin Ujevic, and the summer exultation of Nazor who, recognizes the melody of his island in the chirping of the crickets.
One must penetrate into this landscape, the blood-red rutted terra rossa. which clings to the stone walls. in order to keep out of the gullies. and stay on the terraces. One must understand the stone heaps scattered all over the island, soaked in the sweat of labor and the blood of blistered hands and woven harmoniously into the unique architecture of the karst expanse like monuments to work. How can one experience the island without understanding the sorrow underlying the frequent departures, of sons, brothers and lovers who seek their daily bread across the seas, on voyages, from which, there is no return? How can one remain indifferent to, the enduring faith of the woman who says farewell to a husband to whom she has barely had time to donate her virginity and awaits his final return from strange lands, when he will bring her old age and infirmity in return? How can one, love the island and not feel sympathy for the grief in the tears dried in the wrinkles, and in the weeds of mothers and widows donned with the first death in the family and only cast aside at their own passing away.
No camera can record such scenes. Their image and meaning has been changed by rapid post-war transformation. But they are worthy of acquaintance. Not as a melancholy return to one's childhood before the second war, but for the sake of comparison with present-day Brac and its development, as a starting point and measure of its growth.
The sea divides Brac from the mountains of Mosor and Biokovo. It lies between Hvar and Split, at the junction of the modern east-west coastal road and the historical, neglected route which leaves the sea and crosses the gorges of Split and Klis for the interior.
Brac has much in common with the adjacent mainland, which does not affect any of its insular features. One of its major advantages is the proximity of Split. Brac is the largest Dalmatian island - it is 40 km long, and 4 to 13 km wide. The area of the island is 394 square kilometers.
The terraced northern slopes of the asymmetric ridge drop gradually to the sea. These are limestone stretches. with a very developed karst formation. In the western and eastern parts of the island the terraces are smoother, the relief less rugged, and the valleys and fields larger. The southern part of the ridge is, narrower and steeper. Here Vidova Gora soars to 778 meters above sea level. This is the highest peak on all the Adriatic islands. In the late 19th century all of Brac was covered by terrace vineyards. When phylloxera destroyed the grapevines, many of these were abandoned. Erosion reduced their workable surface and created follow areas with stretches of genista, spruce and sparse olive groves. The vineyards, retreated to the better land in the valleys, where tractors are now replacing hoes.
Brac has a truly Mediterranean climate. The summers are long and dry, the winters mild and rainy. The wettest months are November and December, the driest July and August. The temperature only very occasionally drops below O- C; on the other hand, more than a hundred days have a temperature of more than 25-C, and more than fifty days above 30-C. The settlements, on the western and southern coast of the island have the hottest climate.
Cool (northern) and warm (southern) winds alternate during the colder part of the year. The best known are the bura and the jugo (sirocco.). In summer, the commonest winds are the burin and the maestrale The tramontana (northwestern), ostro (southwestern), levant (eastern) and lebic (western) are less frequent.
The island enjoys more than 2,700 hours, of sunshine annually; it is one of the sunniest regions in Croatia.
Brac has, entered history as an island of animal husbandry. According to the writings, of the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder it was well-known for its goats, (et capris laudata Brattia). Today the goats are few, and are mainly tethered lest they should nibble the shoots in the macchia.
The macchia of Brac abounds in many typically Mediterranean species. It is made up of jasmine, juniper, bladder-nut, terebinth, box-wood, genista, the strawberry-tree, the carob-tree, spruce, mahaleb, cherry, rosemary and vines. Only the hardier shrubs, are found at heights exceeding 400 meters: jasmine, box-wood, juniper and spruce. Grazing has destroyed the macchia over substantial areas, where it turns into undergrowth and rocky stretches with occasional juniper patches, thorn bushes and aromatic herbs. This is behind the fame of the honey and cheese of Brac, and the delicious flavor of the meat of its kids and game. The black pine grows autochthonously in an unmixed community over a vast area of 2000 hectares at a height of above 400 meters. The people of Brac call it "the highland pine". The Aleppo pine grows wild in the southwestern part of the island in the environs of Blaca, Obrsje and Dragovoda, and in the coves on the southern coast. Of the deciduous trees, the most typical are ash, hornbeam, oak, common maple, hawthorn, blackthorn, terebinth and "divuza", which grow in the northwestern part of the island. One-fourth of the area of the island is covered by forest.
One half of the island consists of pasture-land, with sage, fennel, xeranthemum, mallow, flea-bane, furze, heather, knee-holly, wild marjoram, thistle, and many other aromatic plants. Mediterranean crops, the most prized and widespread being still the vine and the olive, today occupy only one-sixth of the island's, area. Today Brac has fewer inhabitants than a century ago.
It was settled in prehistoric times, but little is known about its population, as regards numbers, until the 15th century. The Croatians appeared on Brac in the 7th century. They came from the Neretva region and settled the interior of the island. In the early 15th century the population of Brac was about 6000; soon, however (1425-1427) pestilences of various kinds reduced the number to barely two thousand. Panic-stricken, they abandoned their abodes, burnt everything that had been contaminated, fled to the forests and founded new hamlets, well away from each other.
The Turkish conquest of the region on the other side of the Canal drove many people to seek shelter and a new domicile on the island. The population increased again. In the mid-19th century, 16000 people lived on the island. The highest figure - 24,408 - was reached at the very turn of the century, in 1900. Then came phylloxera, and destroyed the vineyards, while the steam engine drove sailing ships off the seas. On top of everything came World War One and its calamities. Hunger threatened the people of the island, and drove them to seek their daily bread in faraway over-seas countries. But it was hard and gloomy there too, as longing for home grew and hope of return waned. Men in their prime emigrated from the island, leaving behind the old people and the women. Depopulation threatened Brac.
Today Brac has an indigenous, population. Out of its 12900 present-day inhabitants, 93.5 per cent were born on the island. There are hardly any "intruders". Population density - 33 per square kilometer - is, below the average for Dalmatia (88), Croatia (78). A substantial proportion of the population are more than 60 years old (18 per cent). The leading economic activity is agriculture (providing employment for 38 per cent of the economically active population), with an additional 20 per cent working in factories.
No trace at all has survived of the large patriarchal families. 18 per cent of all households consist of one member, 20 per cent of two members. The proportion of households with three or more members is decreasing steadily. Some settlements in the interior of the island are faced with total emigration and the possibility of disappearing. This is a serious problem which requires an urgent solution. The living potentials of the island - which now has power, water and a road network are great and every advantage should be taken of them.
The first occupation of the inhabitants of Brac was animal husbandry. They dug pools to water their stock. Later on they cleared and burnt forests in order to obtain arable land. They worked in the ancient quarries, fired lime-kilns, kept bees, cut and sold the good jasmine fire-wood. During the transition from the Middle Ages to modern times, a few rich families became owners of the vast pastures, and the best farmlands, forcing the majority of the population into serfdom. Rents were high and the taxes, oppressive, running up to three-fifths of a man's crops. The people called them "the evil fifths"; the memory of that foreboding name. has survived to the present day.
Both farming activities and the population reached a peak in the late 19th century. The island boasted more than 12000 hectares of vineyards on the terraced slopes, which used to yield up to 200,000 hectolitres of good wine. In the late 18th century Brac had half a million olive-trees, and produced 800 wagon loads of oil, more than the rest of Dalmatia.
These figures sound incredible when compared with those of the present. Today Brac' produces 16,373 hectolitres of wine, no more than 3,670 hectolitres of oil (1969) and about 4,000 quintals, (400 tons) of sour cherries. Once famous for its animal husbandry, today the island has only 500 horses, 1000 mules, 800 asses, 6250 sheep and about 2000 goats.
However, other activities, have developed on the island: industry and tourism. These economic activities are in full swing. Industry provides work in quarrying, which employs more than 500 people, fishing and canning (230 employees), foodstuffs processing (200) and manufacturing (65).
The tourist trade has just begun to develop. Today Brac can accommodate 15,000 visitors at any one time: 2000 in hotels, 10688 in private homes, 2217 in holiday homes, and 700 in children's and youth hostels open in the summer.
The agreeable climate and the coast, 175 km long with more than twenty quiet and picturesque coves, offer much greater possibilities, of development. The proximity of the mainland, fresh water piped from the Cetina river and available all over the island, new wide and modern roads to every settlement, strongly support such prospects.
It is to be hoped that this island - which has been witnessing the departure of its population for seventy years now - will succeed not only in stopping emigration but also in making a return to the island possible. Brac will need many workers. It is gradually and surely assuming a role which it deserves considering its position, advantages and potentials. It is up to Brac - and to all of us - not to miss this opportunity and gamble the chance away.
The history of Brac is first and foremost the history of a struggle against stone, on which the people had to persevere and survive.
The first historical record of Brac dates from the 4th century B. C., at which time the Greek geographer Scylax (338-335) called it Krateiai. Other, later records mention it under the names Brectia, Elaphusa, Brattia ... All these names are of pre-Roman origin and imply the notion of a horned animal: elaphos, and brenthos mean 'deer', and the name of Brac may very likely be associated with the name given this charming horned animal kept by Artemis, goddess of hunting, in her sacred groves.
The old chroniclers always wanted to find an "appropriate" origin for their native region. Thus the chroniclers of Brac also quote a legend according to which Antenor landed on Brac, after the Trojan war, with Greeks from Ambratia. This, allegedly, gave rise to the later name of Brattia (Brac). However, in spite of the still living legends about the Greeks and their treasures, in the tumuli of the island, no Greeks ever lived on Brac.
The first inhabitants of whom a little more is known were the Illyrians. They lived in the interior of the island and built huge defensive hill forts on strategic rises. In the 4th, century B. C. the Greeks colonized Vis, (Issa), Korcula (Kor kyra), Hvar (Pharos), Trogir (Tragurion), Stobrec (Epetion) .. Brac was, bypassed, a fact history has so far not been able to explain.
Dissatisfied with the Greek domination of the Dalmatian shores, Teuta, the Illyrian queen, called on the Romans to help. By the year 228 the latter proved to be the final victors and consolidated their power in the newly-founded province of Dalmatia, whose capital, Solin (Salona), boasted a population of no less than 60,000. Roman domination lasted until the decline of the Western Roman Empire in 476.
In the Roman period, hundreds of slaves toiled in the quarries of the island under the supervision of veterans of the Roman legions. They left a few records of their life and worship on stones and sacrificial altars.
After the split in the Roman Empire, Christianity became a free religion under the Emperor Constantine in 313, and underground catacombs were replaced by numerous basilicas and monasteries, built all over Dalmatia and the islands, Brac included.
In the 7th century, the citizens of Solin and Split fled before the Avar and Slav onslaught to the nearby islands. Subsequent Byzantine control of the island was lax, and the island was conquered by Croatians from the Neretva region, who settled mainly in the interior on the sites of the old Illyrian settlements.
In the 8th century the Frankish Emperor Charlemagne conquered Dalmatia and the islands. Thus began the conversion of the Croats to Christianity. In their introduction to, western Christian culture, a special role was played by the Benedictines, who had several monasteries on the island - near Postira, Pucisca and in Povlja. The Croatian language and script was fostered in these abbeys. The first charter in the Croatian language, one of the most valuable cultural monuments of the island was written in the Povlja monastery in 1184 (1250). it is still extant.
In the 9th century the influence of the Frankish Empire waned as the power of the Croatian princes grew. In the same century the Dalmatian coast suffered from raids by the Saracens from Crete. Thus Bol was raided in 872.
In the 10th century Brac was part of the Croatian state. In the 11th Venice assumed control. Nerezisca appears to have been the seat of the Brac commune as early as the year 1000. In the mid-10th century Brac again became part of the Croatian kingdom during the reign of King Kresimir IV (1058 -1074).
From the 12th century to1420 Brac belonged to the Croato-Hungarian state. In the latter year, Venice took advantage of the weakening might of the Byzantine Empire in order to establish their rule over the Dalmatian islands and towns. Thus Brac again fell into Venetian hands. The Venetian Republic was mainly interested in trading links with the faraway Levant and it let the Dalmatian towns grow stronger and more independent. At the time Brac was a bone of contention between Trogir, Split, Dubrovnik and especially Omis, ruled by the famous family of Kacic.
The pirates of Omis used to raid Brac as early as the 11th century. In 1145 they plundered the Abbey of Povlja. In 1277 they struck again, this time against Nerezisce, burnt the town hall down and destroyed the rich archives of the Brac commune. The monastery at Povlja was again pillaged in 1294. Feeling insecure, the monks abandoned the monastery for good in 1357. The raids continued to follow one another until 1420 when the Venetians gained a firm hold in Dalmatia. Brac had no town proper at the time. Many specific features concerning the administration of the island, contained in the Povlja Charter as early as 1250, are also included in the Charter of Brac which, like that of Poljica, displays a much higher share of Slav common law than the charters of other Dalmatian communes. Although fairly independent in its internal structure, Brac remained under Venetian control until the fall of Venice, in 1797.
1797-1805
Having conquered Venice, Napoleon ceded the former Venetian territories. Dalmatia included, to Austria, by the peace treaty of Campoformio. The Austrian administration, which promised social reforms, lasted a short time, until 1805, in which year Napoleon defeated Austria. and annexed Dalmatia.
1805-1813
After several hundred years of rather apathetic existence under Venetian rule, the French brought a new drive to Dalmatia: they built roads, developed settlements and connections between them. The road from G. Humac, the highest settlement on the island to Bol, the only place on the southern coast of the island, was built in this period.
1814-1914
After the fall of Napoleon, Dalmatia again became part of Austria, which forced Italianization upon the population, introducing the Italian language in schools and public administration. Resistance against this policy led to the awakening of Croatian national consciousness and a general national revival. On Brac the struggle against the autonomists was hard and long, and lasted well into the 20th century. The workers' and rural social movements also grew stronger along with the Croatian national revival. Pan-Slavic ideas spread among the intellectuals, especially in Selca and Povlja. For the small erstwhile neglected island with no town proper nor urban population, these movements contributed greatly to arousing the consciousness and educating the people exploited by the owners of the quarries, land and ships.
1914-1941
As phylloxera destroyed the vineyards, and sailing ships disappeared from the seas, at the beginning, of the present century the island, at that time quite highly populated, began to suffer from the mass emigration of the most active part of the population - people in the prime of life. Then came World War One which took the lives of many men who fought in foreign, Austrian armies on the fronts, of Soca and in Galicia, for the lost causes and interests of foreign powers. After the war and following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, new disappointments awaited the people under the dictatorial regime of pre-war Yugoslavia. Brac grew poorer and poorer, while its population continued to decrease.
1941-1945
The second world conflict swept over Brac in 1941. This time the experience was much more painful, and the scars deeper. The freedom-loving people of the island rose up in arms. Every tumulus, became a pillbox, every jasmine bush a, shelter, and every death doubled the defiance and the spirit of revolt and vengeance. The Italian and German fascist soldiery devastated the island, burnt villages, (Selca, Novo Selo, G. Humac, Pucisca, Praznica, Bol, Dracevica, Obrsvje and Dragovoda), arrested and killed people who meant nobody any harm. The liberation movement on the island successfully organized resistance from the very beginning of the war. The enemy fortifications in Supetar, above Nerezisca, on Mount Vidovica, and around Sumartin were strong and it took a long time to conquer them. The partisan attacks from the island of Vis found allies in every inhabitant of Brac. The resistance movement involved practically the whole of the population. The forests became hiding places, the karst chasms warehouses, and the stone huts, in the fields were turned with the aid of pine needles, and jasmine leaves, into sleeping quarters and hospitals. Throughout the war the island witnessed merciless fighting. Thousands, of fighters from the island, mainly in the 12th brigade of the 26th division, experienced the calvary of war from the Sutjeska to the Soca. Brac was also the jumping-off area, for the partisan units on Vis for the mainland and on along the victorious path up to Istra and Trieste. Hundreds of young lives, were lost in the battlefields,of the Neretva, Sutjeska, Knin . Hundreds of mothers put on weeds for their children - fighters buried in graves never seen. For hundreds of girls their first loves. were snuffed out by the storm, of war and buried who knows where in the dawn of Freedom which lit the fighting island.
I was but a little boy in these days, but I still clearly remember the grave of an unknown partisan alongside a heap of stones which he had used as a breastwork under a gnarled olive-tree which cast its meager shade, like a monument, upon the blood-soaked red earth of the fighter's grave, above the sea in Supetar. Later on the bones, were transferred to a common grave, while the earth spread the dust of the unknown fighter among the roots of the olive. Only the stones and the olive-tree are left today - and a memory of a wonderful tomb. Its symbolism. summarizes, the entire history of the island.
"Island without history!
Yes - at first one could really say that. It never heard the clash of swords and shields, the firing of guns and the rumble Of cannon. It never echoed a well-known name, be it a brigand or tyrant imposing himself upon human memory, or a bright figure whose splendor never wanes in the memory of succeeding generations ... There are neither names that glitter with glory nor those that darken with shame, neither happy nor unhappy occasions, neither virtues nor long remembered outrages: and all these are the subject matter with which we are -accustomed to build history, both that of others and our own.
But true history is something else. There are histories without storms with flashing lightning and rumbling thunder seen and heard from afar; there is also a quiet history which flows along the bed of time like a river that knows of no waterfalls, whirlpools and floods, yet full of life, full of events, the more tragic they are the less noise they make. It is to the latter kind that the history of Brac belongs.
In the past of Brac there are no sensations no dramatic moments., no events worthy of epic poems and tragedies, romantic tales and novels: here human destiny unwinds and flows along peacefully and quietly and yet too often pehaps full of long, hard struggles, struggles that could be cruel and merciless. A drop of blood spilt by anyone, once and for ever, cries to the sky and everybody bears that cry; the river of sweat that flows for centuries down the brows of countless generations is soaked up by the mute earth and soundlessly disappears. The cry of anger is heard from afar, the sigh of suffering dies without an echo.
Which sort of history is more difficult to grasp, discover, study, describe? That of blood or that of sweat? The answer to this is easy: the history of that which does not clamor with color and noise, which is quiet, continuous and everyday, the deep foundation and the even deeper root-of human events. This is history! True human history! But it is much more difficult to write about this than about the other." (V. Nazor: Brac', Island Without History).
Tumuli and Hill forts
As the past of the island is best discovered in the work of those who dwell there, its spirit is best displayed in its, cultural monuments. The first monuments of this rocky island are the piles of stone: stone shelters, tumuli, guard-posts and forts.
The largest and the most significant of these were the"hill forts built at various strategic points: Rat in the western part of the island near Lozisca, Vela Gomila on Velo Brdo southeast of Dracevica, Kostilo, above, Bol, several hill forts near G. Humac (Hum, Gradac, Vesta, Brkata, Malo Gracisce), and the eastern most one on Velo, Gracisce near Novo Selo. The number of the tumuli is much larger. Not all the tumuli have even been listed, and only a few have been explored. Their layout, size and mode of burial suggest that some of them are not of prehistoric date. They were also used by the Croatians as tombs and ritual monuments in the first centuries, after their arrival on the island.
Roman Monuments
Soon after conquering the Dalmatian coast the Romans discovered the value of the stone of Brac and developed several quarries, especially near Skrip and Splitska. They left there many inscriptions carved in stone, and a beautiful mausoleum in the foundations of the Radojkovic Tower atop the Illyrian walls. Several sarcophagi, a pool dug in stone, a rustic relief of Hercules in Rasota, etc., have been preserved in this part of the island. Similar Roman monuments have been found in Bunja near Dracevica, Bunja near Pucisca and Bunja near Novo Selo.
The Romans had estates with farm buildings on Brac. Such villae, rusticae were built in Bol, Bunja, D. Humac, Pucisca, Supetar, Postira, Nerezisca and Povlja. The Romans left several sarcophagi in Skrip, Splitska, Postira, Novo Selo, Dracevica, D. Humac, Nerezisca, Bol and elsewhere. Another mausoleum, besides the one in Skrip, has been preserved in Sutulija near D. Humac.
After 313, with the start of the public profession of the Christian religion, several Roman basilicas were built on Brac: St. Ivan in Sutivan, St. Petar in Supetar, St. Lovro in Stobrec near Postira, St. Jadro, near Splitska,, St. Tudor Southwest of Nerezisca and the largest, best known and best preserved - St. Ivan's in Povlja, with a baptistry and other ancillary spaces and still extant frescoes.
Early Croatian Monuments
The Croats became masters of Brac as early as the 7th century. They came as pagans from the "Pagania", i. e., the Neretva region. The rich heritage of their ancient Slav beliefs was gradually assimilated into western Christian culture. They kept up the cult of hill-top worship and as Christians, built their first small churches on the ridges next to,the ancient prehistoric tumuli. They built these first primitive but symmetrical "cathedrals" out of roughly hewn stone. They are small and follow a rectangular plan, with a square or semi-circular apse and barrel vault. Blind tracery gave the interior of the sanctuary a monumental appearance. Not used to stone as a material, these early builders lined the walls on both sides with plenty of mortar, and covered the roof with stone sla. These small churches bear the imprint of the pre-Romanesque period, 9th - 12th centuries, and are valuable monuments of the earliest Croatian church architecture.
These prized monuments are quite a pleasant sight on top of the hills from which wondrous views open up across the rocky expanse and the sea and bring ancient Slav myths and early Christianity to one's mind and imagination. Such are the small churches of St. Nikola above Sumartin, St. Mihovil above Dol, St. Ilija near D. Humac, St. Jure above Nerezisca, St. Kliment and St. Jure near Praznice, the church of the Holy Ghost in Skrip, of St. Kuzma, and Damjan on Smrcevik, St. Nedelja on Grac, St. Toma above Selca,, All-Saints near the abandoned medieval settlements of Dubravica, and Mosulja,, and St. Martin above Bobovisca.
As far as their position is concerned the sites of these small pre-Romanesque churches almost coincide with the original Illyrian settlements in the interior of the, island. In those troublesome times, pirates made the interior much safer than the coast, where the pastures were lusher and the watering-places more numerous.
Romanesque and Gothic Period
The small churches of Stomorica northeast of Lozisca, Sutivan between Dol and Praznice and St. Luka between D. Humac and Supetar are similar to those described above; however, they display more explicitly the characteristics, of the Romanesque, such as dressed stone walls, bands, under the vault, and doors, with lintels which are more deeply set than the jambs.
The small churches which were built later in the 13th and 14th centuries bear the imprint of the Romanesque substratum and Gothic admixtures. This may be seen in the pointed arches and rib vaults, the Gothic rose windows in the form of a four-leafed clover on the facades (as decorative windows), the tiered bell-towers and the details on these. Such are the small churches of St. Nikola, the Holy Trinity and St. Jadro near Nerezisca, of St. Mihovil and the Holy Ghost in G. Humac, of St. Jure at Pucisca, St. Ciprijan in Praznice and the parish church of St. Mary in D. Humac with a valuable 13th century fresco. These churches, including those with more marked Gothic characteristics such as St. Petar's and St. Mare's in Nerezisca, and St. Fabijan's and St. Sebastian's in D. Humac, are no longer situated on prominent ridges. The cult of hill-top worship disappeared, and the temples became practical places of worship and descended into the settlements.
In domestic architecture, Gothic features are displayed in the biforia of the summer house in Bol (late 15th and early 16th century).
Renaissance and Baroque
As Renaissance art flourished in the 15th century Dalmatian towns, on this island of cattle breeders and peasants exhausted and decimated by pestilence, the people began to descend to the sea and found coastal settlements. These nuclei were built in sheltered coves upon the remains of ancient Roman settlements. The Turks were a constant threat especially in the 16th century. Instead of sumptuous Renaissance structures the people of Brac built defensive forts in the newly-developed coastal settlements: in Pucisca, Splitska, Skrip, Milna, Bol, Sutivan, Postira and Povlja. The old 'capital' of the island in the interior was left unfortified.
Traces of Renaissance art are left in many stone reliefs to, be found in the small churches all over the island. They are the work of local masters strongly influenced by the schools founded in Dalmatia by J. Dalmatinac (? - 1473), A. Alesi (1430? - 1504?) and N. Firentinac (? - 1505). The most noteworthy are the triptych in the church of St. Ciprijan, the reliefs of St. Klement and St. Jure in the churches bearing the names of these saints in Praznice, the reliefs, of St. Mihovil and St. Mary in G. Humac, of St. Martin near Bobovisca, of St. Jure and the Madonna of Batak in Pucisca, and of St. Petar in Nerezisce. In the 17th and 18th century the churches on the island acquired many valuable Venetian paintings such as the Tintoretto altar piece in Bol and the altar pieces showing the Madonna in Split, L. Bassano's (1577 - 1622) altar piece in Nerezisca, C. Rindolfi's (1594 - 1658) in Milna (Ricci); four altar pieces by Palma the Younger (1544 - 1628) in Skrip and one in Pucisca; several Venetian Settecento paintings in the hermitage of Blaca, and in the monasteries at Bol and Sumartin.
Baroque made its appearance in the architecture of the island in the 18th century. At this time the small cramped churches were given their present-day spaciousness with their slender bell-towers and the lively lines of their facades, Such for example are the churches in Nerezisca, Skrip and Milna. Baroque influences can also be seen in the church organ in Nerezisce and many other objects in churches and their treasuries. The Baroque gave a particular imprint to: the large and luxurious mansions of the owners of large estates, and ship owners, with profiled doors, balustrades on balconies and outside staircases, and ornamental cartouches, vo1utes and iron railings on windows and balcony doors. The Baroque left its most explicit mark on altars, made of polychrome marble or carved wood, in almost every parish church. The churches were also painted by local masters. Thus T. Kokolia (1661 - 1713) painted the ceiling and the choir balustrade of the parish church in Bol, while F. Tironi painted two reliquaries and altar pieces in the church at Supetar.
Monuments of Our Own Time
The sterile atmosphere of the nineteenth century which prevailed, under Austrian administration, in the small communities of the island, left nothing of artistic significance. Austrian rule, mutely resisted by art, "made up" for it by erecting large school and administration buildings on the shore thus covering with these ill-suited sets of spiritual poverty the harmonious and unobtrusive stone dwellings of the local population in the background.
The parish church in Selca, built in 1919, combined the styles of early Christian basilicas, and of Romanesque and Gothic churches; the whole is felt as a foreign presence in the symmetrical square with its pure planes and outlines which display in every detail the untroubled perception of stone.
In spite of its high degree of artistic attainment, Rosandic’s mausoleum in the cemetery of Supetar, with its Byzantine-Oriental characteristics within the harmony of the Mediterranean graveyard, does not fit into the whole. Rendic’s bell tower in Lozisca, excessively ornamented, is not in stylistic accord with the stone which requires flat surfaces in keeping with the Dalmatian tradition of slender belfries with pyramidal spires. 1. Rendic, B. Deskovic and V. Michieli, sculptors from Brac, mainly worked elsewhere.
Three significant cultural ventures mark recent times. There is first of all the "Brac' Papers", a collection of scientific treatises and monographs whose publication started in 1939. Ten volumes, have been published so far. Few communities, especially poor in resources like Brac, can boast such a valuable publication, with contributions covering a wide range of historical and contemporary problems.
The second is the "B. Deskovic"' art gallery in Bol. It includes more than 150 works by renowned Croatian artists who found the source of their inspiration in this Mediterranean environment and introduced the public to the interesting and intimate world abounding in structures deposited there by ancient cultures and woven by them into the life of these southern shores. It also contains several significant sculptures, the work of outstanding sculptors who are natives of the island (Rendic, B. Deskovic, V. Michieli, M. and T. Ostoja). The gallery is particularly proud of the rich collection of paintings by Ignjat Job who discovered in this landscape the rich intensity of color which plays such an important role in his incandescent pictures.
In Skrip the oldest settlement on the island and the richest in cultural monuments, a regional museum has been founded, with a large collection of monuments. in stone, an ethnographic collection and other exhibits illustrating the material and spiritual culture of the population of the island. The Museum will soon include several permanent exhibitions, presenting the development of maritime activities, the island's economy, quarrying, tourism, and the island's rebellious past. The place of the museum could not have been chosen more appropriately, for Skrip abounds in monuments and is a monument itself.
Brac has always been attractive to many artists who knew how to grasp man's laborious, struggle against stone in order to wrest the fruit of their labours from its miserly cracks. Faced with its landscapes many painters were driven to a lively play of the brush over a rich palette of colors; sculptors modeled the meaning of life and perseverance in the wrinkled faces beaten by the sun, wind and salt, in rough bronze or in the dazzlingly white stone, yielding pliantly as the sculptor's chisel bestows upon it the fleshly form of a virgin.
In late autumn, Tin Ujevic frequently used to visit the island of his mother ("the little places of my heart"). He absorbed and experienced the moaning of the bura, the starry skies, the melancholy of the landscape and the sorrow of emigration while still a child. Some of his most beautiful poems and travel writings can be traced to the island. To Nazor his native island was always an inexhaustible spring of most interesting motifs, associations and inspirations forming a continuous strand throughout his opus.. No island has been described so much and in such a way as Nazor's Brac. The island also captured the imagination of M. Kakucin Bencur (1844-1911), the renowned Slovak realist, who worked on the island as a physician and whose writings revolve around island topics. Subsequently Bencur returned to his home country, but left it again, dissatisfied with the social and other conditions in Slovakia, for South America, where he again found himself among his beloved people of Brac, who again became the characters in books written on that faraway continent.
A. Kacic-Miosic, G. Martic, A. Radic, A. Tresic-Pavicic, A. Trumbic, S. Kranjcevic, I. Cipiko, M. Begovic, I. Vojnovic etc., visited the island for periods of varying length. I. Job, E. Vidovic, M. Tartaglia, M. Konjovic, 0. Postruznik, S. Sohaj, L. Ivancic, 1. Mujadzic, E. Kovacevic, J. Mise, A. Kastelanic, F. Simunovic and many other artists painted it.
The cultural monuments of the island of Brac are numerous and significant. They are worthy of a more detailed acquaintance than can be provided by this brief and incomplete survey; never staling, in the long historical sequence that leads to the present day, they capture our attention with their harmony and unobtrusiveness. Except for the piled-up heaps of stones! They capture one's gaze as, huge, mute and indestructible stone exhibits moist with sweat and wet with blood. They are the symbol of the island, uncounted and uncountable, dating from prehistoric times to the present, scattered all over Brac. They have been heaped up by tireless hands which cleared the land in order to wrest from the karst the small fields and steep slopes on which grapevine and olive slips were planted.
These heaps are the pride of the island, a lasting monument to the work and arduous struggle of the people of Brac against the stone. The first inhabitants of this rocky island lived in caves, many of which are still unexplored. In the Kopacina cave, which has been explored to a certain extent, traces of fireplaces have been discovered, as well as numerous stone and bone weapons and even a part of the horn of a deer, the animal to which Brac' allegedly owes its name.
Nowhere else on the Croatian part of the Adriatic coast do we find so many well-preserved "bunje", conical dry vault stone huts, the most widespread ancient Mediterranean dwellings with a round plan. Their primitive structure combines the vault and the roof. In more recent times they have been used as field huts, sheltering peasants and shepherds from the winter rains and the scorching summer heat.. They are still built on the island, especially in its western part.
At the dawn of history, the Illyrians built huge defensive fortifications. Many of these hill forts have survived to, the present day; the one in Skrip shows Greek influence and also includes Roman and Croatian elements. The Romans built farmhouses on the island, with cisterns, and grape and olive presses. They were built on spurs overlooking the coves on the northern coast of Brac and next to fertile plains: in Bunja near the Vejak plain, on the edge of the Bunje plain near Triscenik, and in some other spots as shown by findings and place-names (e. g., Polace - Latin (polatium", 'stately mansion'). Herds grazed on the plateau, where pools (Trolokve, Vrmica, Glogovica, Zurmo) and many cisterns were dug and paths cleared.
Thousands of slaves toiled in the quarries of Roman Skrip (olim civitas), but hardly anything has remained of their dwellings. During the great migration of nations which led to the disintegration of the Roman Empire and brought about the destruction of Roman Salona, many Romans sought refuge on Brac. The Croatians reached Brac as early as the 7th century and settled in the interior next to ancient Illyrian settlements. They chose the sites of their dwellings on the sun ward slopes close to ponds and prehistoric tumuli.
Their cattle seemed to, take to, the stone better than their masters, who, found the karst alien and inhospitable, and stone strange, and unfamiliar as a material. Once assimilated with the native population and drawing upon their heritage, they built dry-walled shepherd dwellings. These were small huts with small windows and recesses, and an open hearth in the middle of the earthen-floored unpartitioned room used as both living and sleeping quarters. Attached to it were ancillary structures, cow sheds and cellars, with an open trough in the yard where both people and cattle watered themselves.
One such settlement was Gradac near the present-day church of St. Nedjelja, most probably the oldest Croatian center on the island and the birthplace of Dujam Hrankovic the first historian of Brac. His Chronicle (1405) tells us of the following settlements: Nerezisca, D. Humac, Skrip, Dol, Praznica, Strazevnik, G. Humac, Pothume, Mosuja, Dubravica and Podgracisce. In the early 15th century their population reached the figure of 6000. Then pestilence struck the island and many settlements were abandoned (Strazevnik, Pothume, Mosuja, Dubravica, Podvie). The dwellings were torn down and the stone used to build walls round the nearby estates. Their appearance survives in the poorly preserved remains of these settlements, in the huts which still exist in all present-day villages, and the majority of the numerous recently abandoned shepherd abodes. In 1423 privileged inhabitants of the island were successful in acquiring ownership over many pastures and new sites by the sea. This was in fact the beginning of the present-day coastal settlements. In 1444 Venice finally subdued the Omis pirates and, in 1452, extended her rule over the Makarska coastal region as well. The sea no longer spelt danger for the first Croatian houses in the coves on the northern coast of the island, next to ancient Roman dwellings, where spring water was, available as attested by the place-names 'Vrilo' and 'Soline' (i. e., spring) in Milna, Sutivan, Supetar, Postira, Pucisca, Bol and Murvica. These small places developed in the coves, on their innermost, shores shaped like amphitheaters (Pucisca, Supetar, Bobovisca, Milna) and on their sun ward, northern slopes protected from the bura and exposed to the sun (Splitska, Povlja, Sumartin, Bol, Murvica). The wise old builders erected no buildings at the outer ends of the coves but left them free for the air currents to flow in during the hot summer evenings.
Although fortified by castles around which the small houses clung for protection, in the beginning the coastal settlements consisted of separate manors and courtyards which gave the whole the appearance of numerous settlements. Hence the plural form of the names of villages, and hamlets on Brac: Bobovisca, Lozisca, Pucisca, Povlja, Nerezisca, Praznica, Mirca, Selca, Nasela, Osvilci, Fontovi Doci, Prodoli, Pothume, etc.
These settlements only acquired the appearance and atmosphere of small Mediterranean towns a century or so ago. Today, there are twenty-odd settlements on the island. The coastal places are of more recent date and more populous: Sutivan, Supetar, Splitska, Postira, Pucisca, Povlja, Sumartin, Bol, Milna and Bobovisca Na Moru. The settlements in the interior are older, richer, in cultural and historical monuments and much more interesting architecturally: Skrip (olim civitas), Nerezisca (the old Brac 'metropolis'), D. Humac, Mirca, Dracevica, Lozisca, Bobovisca, Murvica, G. Humac, Praznica, N. Selo and Selca.
In the beginning, these small towns were divided into several separate parts with a courtyard enclosing a cellar, bread oven, grindstone, grape and wine press, and an open cistern filled from the lime-cleaned roof. Later on the cisterns were covered and the first terraces with porches built.
As time went by the area of common land decreased, while both the population and their discontent grew. This process was supported by the movement of increasing numbers, of people from the interior to, the coastal settlements, and by the growing number of immigrants from the mainland. The spaces between the houses filled up, streets grew narrower, and the small towns began to acquire their typical closely-knit appearance.
The privileged landowners seized more and more land, and leased it to the poor peasants, under exorbitant terms. The great demand for wine, turned Brac into. a huge vineyard interspersed with olive-trees. The first vine-growing and oil-producing cooperatives in Dalmatia were founded in Bol and Povlja, respectively. Economic progress fostered the growth of the maritime trade and ship-building. In the mid-19th century the shipyards at Milna alone launched 16 ships witli a total capacity of 1328 tons,, which was 253 tons more than the tonnage turned out by the shipyards in Split and more than the shipyards of Hvar, Komiza and Trogir put together. In the 19th century Brac had quite a few sailing ships and was the leading Dalmatian island in this respect. Many of these were of medium capacity for navigation in the Adriatic, while more than thirty vessels were registered for sailing to the Levant and the Black Sea, all over the Mediterranean and across the ocean.
The houses of Brac, now built on the sea front, larger and richer, with big gates, enjoyed increasing affluence in money, objects d'art and ideas reaching them from all the shores which saw the sails of the ships of Brac.
The 19th century houses were mainly single-storey buildings, with a cellar at ground-floor level. An external staircase ending in a porch in front of the door, led to the first floor. Inside, a corridor led to the bedrooms, while an internal wooden staircase by the door climbed to a vast garret until recently used as a kitchen.
The great kitchen, with an open hearth and benches, all around, for a long time formed the main living quarters; it also served as a pantry where supplies were kept in chests, shelves, jars. and stone vessels. Hams, goat ribs, lamb skins, octopus arms and fish strung on wire rings were dried and smoked near the eaves. The kitchens were full of smoke, soot and - more often than not - poverty. In the long evenings, the numerous members of the family sat up late around the open hearth, held together by the flickering light of the small oil lamp, until grandfather had finished his story and grandmother had spun her wool.
The houses had a slab-top double-pitched roof. The chimneys had all kinds of fancy tops, not for the sake of ornamentation but rather to protect the fire in the open hearth from rain. In the early 19th century houses of the better-off people, the kitchen gradually stopped being the central living area, and its role was taken over by dining rooms with luxurious furniture, expensive chandeliers, and tapestries: on the walls. In the small and narrow streets, in which light and shadow engaged in lively, picturesque play, new housing space was sought higher up. The roofs were opened up and small picturesque mansards, built. The windows, and doors, were lined with sills, and the arbours and stair cases with stone columns. Stone everywhere: on the houses, in the streets, and on the graves ... In the 16th century Glagolitic monks from Poljice settled on the unpopulated southern coast of the island, in Murvica and Blaca. During their relatively short development from the 16th to the 20th century, their small hermitages duplicated the thousand-year development of the island settlements. Their first dwellings, as in prehistoric times, were the caves: Ljubitovica at Blaca, Drakonjin,,, or the Dragon's Cave above Murvica, etc.
As the monks prospered thanks to their labours the caves were abandoned for primitive huts and finally, large sumptuous buildings packed with luxuries, riches and works of art amidst the pathless wilderness. In these solitary parts of the island the monks owned large estates, ships, and also a large library and their own printing shop.
The monastery in the wilderness of Murvica ceased to exist in the period between the two wars; only ruins and the interesting Dragon's Cave are left today. The monastery in Blaca, however, is quite well preserved and protected as a cultural monument, and attracts everyone's attention with its luxurious furnishings, plaster work, valuable paintings, astronomic apparatus, and rich collections of clocks and weaponry. Until recently Blaca was a well-known astronomical observatory which exchanged the results of its observations and scientific work with many famous observatories all -over the world. The place is an authentic ethnographic exhibit: all the objects and instruments, are where they were when in everyday use, as if laid down just now and as if waiting for the old hermits to use them again. This historical, religious, scientific, cultural and ethnographic monument surprises, us with its architectural splendor and the richness of its collection amidst the wilderness. Blaca is also, a well-known excursion point, and one of the best known places on the island.
Population does not define a town. Today the settlements on Brac number from 300 to 1500 inhabitants, and this would seem to make them villages, rather than towns. Their social structure, way of living, well-cared-for streets, squares and loggias, harbors and small marinas, shops, fish markets, trades, schools, medical facilities, the cultural heritage expressed in the way they live and communicate with each other the open, public, simple and noisy Mediterranean way, with common entertainments and common meeting places all these make them small towns proper in the true meaning of modern urban science.
Here, where people have always had to rely upon one another, where fear in the past brought them closer together, where the stone helped to make living possible, better and nobler the Croatians, especially on this island, knew how to integrate their Slav character into the rich Mediterranean heritage.
"These gentle places" - wrote Tin Ujevic' - "have such a quiet, serene, freshly washed appearance: they are like beautiful girls that only bathe in rain-water, and there is something dovelike about them".
Bobovisca Cemetery and Church
HALAT
[images by Jacobena "Jackie" Tabb-1985]
HIRE
[images by Jacobena "Jackie" Tabb-1985]
MARINOVICH
[image by Jacobena "Jackie" Tabb-1985]
SEKUL
[images by Jacobena "Jackie" Tabb-1985]
[images by LouAnn Dinero Sekul-November 2016]
[images by LouAnn Dinero Sekul-November 2016]
SKRMETTA
[images by LouAnn Dinero Sekul-November 2016]
TREBOTICH
[image by Jacobena "Jackie" Tabb-1985]
Barhonovich, Beaorvich, Cerinich, Cvitanich, Filipich, Gligo, Halat, Hire, Jurich, Kuljis, Maricich [Marich], Marinovich, Mihojevich, Misko, Mladinich, Pierotich, Pitalo, Radich, Rodolfich, Sekul, Skrmetta, Skrnich, Trebotich, and Tremontana.
BARHONOVICH [BARHANOVICH]
Frank Barhonovich
Frank Barhonovich (1889-1963) was born May 21, 1856 at Supetar, Brac, Splitsko-Dalmatia County, Croatia the son of Frank Barhanovich and Maria Barhanovich (1856-1940). He married Mira Kovacevich (1891-1965), a native of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, Croatia. They were the parents of: Marie V. Barhonovich (1917-2000) m. Peter M. 'Mutt' Jurich (1914-1981); Frances Pauline Barhonovich (1919-1919); Anthony R. Barhonovich (1920-1994) m. and Ruth Alice Hormanski (d. 1999); Antonia Barhonovich ; John F. Barhonovich (1924-1988) m. Gladys Marie Stoute Broussard (); Frank J. Barhonivich Jr. m. Amelia Lechner; and Peter Matre Barhonovich (1931-1991) m. Annette Louise Melancon.
Children
Anthony R. Barhonovich
Anthony Rufinus Barhonovich (1920-1994) was born . He married Ruth Alice Hormanski. Children:
Children
Anthony Rufinus Barhonovich Jr. (1943-2016), age 73, of Biloxi died Saturday, April 30, 2016. Mr. Barhonovich was a lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired as a Senior Chief. He also was a civil service worker at the Seabee Base. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Ruth Barhonovich; and brother, Alan Barhonovich. Survivors include his two brothers, Glen Barhonovich and Laverl Barhonovich; several nephews; a niece; and great nephews. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Biloxi National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, May 3, 2016)
Alan Barhonovich
Glen Barhonovich
Laverl Barhonovich
John Barhanovich
John Barhanovich (1856-1931) was born March 20, 1856 the son of Frank Barhanovich and Antonia Barhanovich. He married Antonia Paprich (1851-1944) and they settled at 1426 1st Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. Here they reared their children: Frank J. Barhanovich (1886-1930) m. Dominica Sekul (1889-1968) and Antonia Barhanovich (1880-1957) m. John Pierotich (1877-1942).
Antonia Barhanovich
Antonia Barhanovich (1880-1957) married John Pierotich (1877-1942), the son of Matthew Pierotich. In 1920, the Pierotich family was domiciled on Cedar Street and he was employed in the oyster and shrimp industry as a fisherman. John was naturalized at Biloxi, Mississippi in June 1921.(The Daily Herald, June 23, 1921, p. 1)
John Pierotich and Antonia B. Pierotich were the parents of: Matthew Pierotich (1906); Mary Pierotich (1907-1983) m. Jake Mladinich (1902-1967); John Pierotich (1908-1969) m. Hilda Fountain (1915-1991); Anthony Pierotich (1913-1986) m. Sara Nell Lint (1928-1987).
John Pierotich expired March 9, 1942.
Frank J. Barhanovich
Frank J. Barhanovich (1886-1930) married Dominica Sekul (1889-1968). Children: John Barhanovich (1909-1967) m. Gladys Marie Stoute (1909-2001), the widow of Fenlon Broussard ; Anthony Barhanovich (1910-1983) m. Antonia Alberta Stanovich (1915-1975) and Gladys Starkey (1914-2005); Steve Walter Barhanovich (1914-1991) m. Sophie Wells Fayard and Eula Seymour Weeks (1916-1988); Frank 'Yankee' Barhanovich (1915-1987) m. Myrtle Diaz (1916-2015); and Antonia Barhanovich (1917-1918).
Children
John M. Barhanovich
John M. Barhanovich (1909-1967) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 10, 1909. He was a former Capitol police captain in Washington D.C. under Senator Russell Long [D] Louisiana and Senator James O. Eastland [D] Mississippi. John ran a charter boat at Biloxi. He was a member of the Slavonian Lodge and the Mississippi-Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Association.
John married Lisa Hoelzekammer. He was survived by his spouse; Dominica Barhanovich, his mother; Karl Hutzelmann, son at Chalmette, Louisiana; Ruth Currie, daughter at Clinton, Maryland; three brothers: Frank J. Barhanovich [Biloxi], Steve W. Barhanovich [Biloxi], and Tony J. Barhanovich [Ponchatoula, Louisiana]; and a grandson.
John expired at his residence, 1426 East First Street, on March 23, 1967. His funeral was under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe with commitment in Biloxi Cemetery.
Anthony Barhanovich
Anthony Barhanovich (1910-1983), called Tony, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Gladys and they lived at Ponchatoula, Louisiana. She had three daughters by a prior marriage: Trilby Kincaid; Gaynell Tucker; and Lee Allen. Tony and Gladys had two children: Jackie Barhanovich Campbell and Jock Barhanovich. Tony expired in New Orleans on July 9, 1983. His coproral remians were interred in the Whispering Pines Cemetery at Ponchatoula. Gladys
Steve W. Barhanovich
Steve Walter Barhanivich (1914-1991) was born Febraury 14, 1914 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Sophie Wells Fayard in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 24, 1941 and Eula Seymour Weeks (1916-1988) in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 1, 1947.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court MRB 53, p. 168 and Bk. 74, p. 79)
Children
Billie Joy Barhanovich
Billie Joy Barhanovich was born on October 5, 1947. She married Mr. Cash and Robert Mark Tucei (b. 1946) on November 1, 1997 in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 49, p. 261)
Frank 'Yankee' Barhanovich
Frank 'Yankee' Barhanovich (1915-1987) m. Myrtle Diaz (1916-2015), the daughter of Henry Diaz and Olivia Boney. Children: Martha Ann Barhanovich m. Roy T. Ebberman; Frank Barhanovich m. Judy ; Kenneth Anthony Barhanovich m. Margaret Diana Polite; Katherine Barhanovich m. Charles Polite Jr.; Rita Barhanovich; and Mark Anthony Barhanovich (1957-2012) m. Jerrie Joy Patrick.
BILOXI, Miss. (AP) -- City Councilman Frank "Yankie" Barhanovich Sr. has died after a year-long fight against a blood disorder. The 71-year-old politician died Tuesday night at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans. Barhanovich, a diabetic who suffered from a blood disorder for the past year, was taken to an Ocean Springs hospital a week ago for an infection that resulted in a high fever. He later was transferred to Ochsner.[The Advocate [Baton Rouge], April 9, 1987]
Myrtle D. Barhanovich
Myrtle Diaz Barhanovich (1916-2015), age 98 years, of Biloxi, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 14, 2015. Myrtle was born on December 16, 1916, to the late Henry and Olivia Boney Diaz, where she was the youngest of 10 children, 7 sisters and 2 brothers. She met the love of her life, Yankie Barhanovich, when she was 16 years old, married him 4 years later, and remained married for 49 years, one month shy of their 50th wedding anniversary if not for his unexpected death. Together, they raised 5 children, as she was a stay-at-home mom her entire life. She was a devout Catholic, attended mass daily, and served on the altar society, where she was the oldest living parishioner of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church until the time of her death. She also loved playing Bingo at the Elks Lodge on Friday nights with her sisters in her later years.
She is predeceased in death by her loving husband, Frank “Yankie” Barhanovich, her son Mark Barhanovich, her stillborn daughter Rita Barhanovich, her grandson Roy T. Ebberman III, her great-grandson Zack Fayard, her great-granddaughter, Candace Polite, seven sisters Winnie Fountain, Maggie Borries, Bertha Hutcherson, Stella Cannette, Rita Steinweinder, Dot Page, and Juliet Wheeler, two brothers Henry Diaz and George Diaz, and many nieces and nephews.
Survivors include two daughters Martha Ann Ebberman (Roy), Kathy Polite (Chuck), two sons Frankie Barhanovich, and Kenny Barhanovich (Diane), a daughter-in-law Jerrie Barhanovich, six grandsons Dean Ebberman, Kenny Barhanovich, Jason Polite (Angela), Christian Polite, Chuckie Polite, and Steven Barhanovich, nine granddaughters Donna Derouen (Darney), Chelle Barhanovich, Suzanne Barhanovich, Renee Barhanovich, Rachel Hebert (Greg), Jennifer Morano (Brandon), Amy Polite, Jamie Mitchell, and Dana Barhanovich, nine great granddaughters, nine great grandsons, one great-great granddaughter, and two great-great grandsons.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 16, from 10 am until 12 noon, with a 12 noon Mass of Christian Burial, all at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Antonia Barhanovich
REFERENCES:
The Advocate [Baton Rouge], “Anthony Barhanovich", July 10, 1983 , p. 4-B.
The Advocate [Baton Rouge], “Frank "Yankee" Barhanovich Sr.; Biloxi Councilman dies”, April 9, 1987 .
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Crew Notice”, April 7, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Frank J. Brohonovich [sic] dies”, May 17, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “John Barhanovich dies”, January 30, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Mariettea] Barhonovich buried”, May 10, 1940.
The Daily Herald, 'F.J. Barhanovich takes over duties as head of Biloxi K.C. Council', July 15, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Antonia Barhonovich 93, dies at Biloxi", October 31, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “[Frank Barhanovich III] Barhanovich infant”, May 24, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “Barhanovich is winner of Lions Cup award 1959”, January 1, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “John Barhanovich”, March 23, 1967.
The Daily Star, “Gladys Starkey Barhanovich”, August 17, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Ruth A. Barhonovich”, April 1, 1999.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Dominica Barhanovich]”, May 17, 1968.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Anthony Barhanovich]”, July 10, 1983.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Roy T. Ebberman]”, January 3, 1987.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [F. Yankie Barhanovich]”, April 9, 1987.
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 and Jacobina Sekul (1881-1956).jpg)
Biloxi Cemetery-7th Addition-October 2013
BEAORVICH
Marko Beaorvich (1883-1966) was born at Supetar, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. He was a resident of Biloxi for sixty years and made his livelihood as a fisherman. Marko had married Jacobina Sekul and they lived at 567 Forrest Avenue in Biloxi. Marko was survived by his spouse and three children: Lucas Beaorvich (1907-1969) m. Leona Snear (1909-1976) of Handsboro; Henrietta B. Savage (1911-1999) m. Anthony Cvitanovich, Aden Bellew, and Charles E. Savage (1903-1977), of Ocean Springs; and Eleanor Beaorvich (1913-1994) m. Farrell Grove (1913-1994) of Biloxi.
CHILDREN
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Lucas Beaorvich
Lucas Beaorvich (1905-1969) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 5, 1905. He was educated in the public school sustem of Biloxi and took a business course after high school. Lucas married Leona Snaer (1909-1976) in 1930 and they had a daughter, Adele Mary Beaorvich m. Mr. Parks. Circa 1930, Lucas left Biloxi and opened a grocery store in Handsboro. He was the proprietor of this store until 1951 when he acquired the Handsboro Trailer Court. Lucas ran for Tax Assessor of Harrison County in January 1957.(The Daily Herald, December 28, 1956, p. 1)
Lucas Beaorvich expired in October 1969. Leona followed him in death passing in 1976. Their corporal remains were interred in the Floral Hills Cemetery at Gulfport, Mississippi.
Henrietta working in her cafe on Government Street in 1954 and in the 1980s
Henrietta Beaorvich
Henrietta Beaorvich (1911-1999) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 23, 1911 to Marco Beaorvich (1883-1966) and Jacobina Sekul (1882-1956). She married Anthony Cvitanovich (d. 1957) at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 5, 1926. They had a son, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Cvitanovich (1927-2014), born March 31, 1927 at Biloxi. They divorced and Anthony moved to New Orleans where he died in June 1951.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 38, p. 167 and The Gulf Coast Times, June 14, 1951, p. 2)
Child
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Samuel A. Cvitanovich
Samuel ‘Sammy’ Amos Cvitanovich (1927-2014) was born March 31, 1927 at Biloxi and died on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Ocean Springs. Sammy was lifelong resident of Ocean Springs and was the former owner of Henriettas Café in Ocean Springs for 52 years. His many interests were the love of his family, riding the horn and having his whiskey cocktail. He was also a longtime member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the Slavic Benevolent Society.
Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred "Peachie" Cvitanovich, parents, Anthony Cvitanovich and Henrietta Beaorvich Cvitanovich Bellew Savage, daughter, Mary Ann Cvitanovich and granddaughter, Alicia Ann Allen. Survivors include two daughters, Angela Cvitanovich Vermillion and her companion, Jody Marshall Pigford, Tanya Cvitanovich Guice, three grandsons, Douglas Paul Vermillion II and fiancee, Robyn Ashley Perkett, their unborn daughter, Schella Rose Vermillion, Anthony Michael "Tony Mac" Vermillion and fiancee, Kristy Angelic Allen and Nicholas Anthony Guice, two great-grandchildren, Jessica Ann Saunders and Donald Scott Saunders, and five great-great-grandchildren, Adalee Ann Wilson, Jaxston Nash Wilson, Kaiden Scott Saunders, Jordyn Sky Saunders and Leighla Rose Brown. The family would like to give a special thanks to a cousin, Nadine Marie Sekul, for all of her help. On Saturday, March 22, 2014, there will be an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where friends can visit one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs.(The Sun Herald, March 19, 2014)
Aden S. Bellew
Henrietta Beaorvich Cvitanovich (1911-1999) married Aden S. Bellew (1907-1981) at Mobile, Alabama in September 1936. He (1907-1981) was born August 22, 1907, the son of John Bellew (1859-1945) and Elizabeth Williams (1871-1910+). John Bellew was born July 17, 1859, the son of Irish immigrant, John Bellew (1835-ca 1865), and Delphine Holley Bellew Dampfman (1840-1910), the daughter of William Holley (1803-1850+) and Adeline Richard (1812-1850+). His siblings were: Eliza Bellew (b. 1860) m. John T. Hudson and Margaret Bellew (1865-1942) m. Anthony Santa Cruz (1853-1939).(Lepre, 1970, pp. 83-87)
John Bellew and Elizabeth Williams married in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 31, 1889.(Guice, p. 47) In addition to Aden S. Bellew, their other children were: Della Bellew (b. 1890), Singleton Bellew (1892-1968), Preston Bellew (b. 1895), Mary Bellew (b. 1897), Aliard? Bellew (b. 1899), Thomas Bellew, Eliot Bellew, Mrs. R.S. Williams, and Mrs. Cruthirds. John Bellew was born in the Woolmarket community of rural Harrison County, Mississippi. Elizabeth Williams was a native of Louisiana, but both of her parents were natives of Mississippi. As a young man, John Bellew made his livelihood as a log cutter at a sawmill. He remained in the timber industry and retired as a successful lumberman. Mr. John Bellew expired in March 1945.(The Jackson County Times, March 17, 1945, p. 1 and 1900 and 1910 Harrison Co., Mississippi)
In 1931, Aden S. Bellew resided at Ramsay Springs and was the proprietor of the Four Brothers Meat Market. At the time of his marriage to Henrietta B. Cvitanovich in September1936, Aden S. Bellew was a local dairyman at Biloxi. The newlyweds resided at 1429 4th Street on Point Cadet in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 3, 1936, p. 5)
In 1941, Aden S. Bellew was operating the Pine Grove Grocery on the corner of Copp Street and Nixon in Biloxi.(Biloxi City Directory). Bellew probably moved to Ocean Springs in June 1941, when he bought the A.M. Usner place from Frank B. Faessel (1870-1953) located in Lot 4 on East Beach. Charles Yarbrough resides here today. He acquired the property from Mr. Bellew in September 1973.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 478, p. 46). Bellew’s new spouse was, Laura Bellew (1906-1992).(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 77, p. 392)
In February 1943, Henrietta B. Bellew commenced a restaurant business at present day 1013 Government Street, which became the legendary Henrietta’s Café. Aden S. Bellew sold the Goverment Street property to his wife, Henrietta Beaorvich, on November 11, 1946. They divorced and she later married Charles Edward Savage (1903-1977), a L&N Railroad engineer from Wawbeek, Alabama. Henrietta B. Savage remained in business until 1995.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 96, p. 4) .
Aden S. Bellew expired at Saucier, Mississippi on March 19, 1981.
Anthony Cvitanovich, father of Sammy, expired at New Orleans in June 1951.(The Gulf Coast Times, June 14, 1951, p. 2)
Henrietta’s Cafe
Henrietta's Café opened for business in February 1943, in the Engbarth building on Government Street in Ocean Springs, Mississippi Aden S. Bellew sold his café and lot on Government Street property in Ocean Springs to his wife, Henrietta Beaorvich, on November 11, 1946.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 96, p. 4)
1951 Renovations
In January 1951, Henrietta’s Café was extensively refurbished. The building was divided with the restaurant on the west side and a rental space on the east side. Two large rental units were created in the rear of the building, which faces Desoto Avenue. A new kitchen was established and the package store was situated in the restaurant.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 12, 1951, p. 5)
In April 1951, Henrietta Savage acquired a newsstand at Biloxi. It was situated on the west side of town. She planned to operate the Biloxi business herself and leave the responsibility for her café business at Ocean Springs to Sammy and Peaches Cvitanovich.(The Gulf Coast Times, April 19, 1951, p. 2).
Henrietta’s Café closed May 20, 1995. Mrs. Savage was honored by a downtown parade at Ocean Springs on
Charles E. Savage
Henrietta B. Bellew married Charles Edward Savage (1903-1977), a railroad engineer from Wawbeek, Alabama. Mr. Savage came to Ocean Springs circa 1950. They were residing at 1013 Government at time of his demise.(The Sun Herald, December 11, 1977, p. A-2)
Eleanor D. Beaorvich
Eleanor Domenica Bearovich (1913-1994) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 6,1913. She married Louis Elbert Wentzell (1894-1953), the son of Charles H. Wetzell and Alice Cox, in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 31, 1935. They were the parents of Jacquelyn Wentzell m. Peter M. Skrmetta; Mrs. Joseph Janus; Louis E. Wentzell Jr.; Jack Wentzell; Edward Wentzell; and William Wentzell.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 45, p. 584)
Louis E. Wentzell expired on October 30, 1953.
Eleanor had several marriages after the demise of Louis E. Wentzell. She married Claude Evon Johnson in June 1957 and Richard A. Grove (1930-1997) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 6, 1974.(Harrison Co., Mississsippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 9, p. 131)
REFERENCES:
The Bay Press, “From Henrietta’s to Memories”, March 13, 2002.
The Daily Herald, "Announce Marriage", February 3, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Wentzell funeral Sunday afternoon”, October 31, 1953.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Jacobina Beaorvich”, November 1, 1956.
The Daily Herald, “Lucas Beaorvich enters Harrison Assessor's Race”, December 28, 1956.
The Daily Herald, “Marko Beaorvich”, September 17, 1966.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Henrietta’s Café Being Renovated”, January 12, 1951.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Mrs. Savage Buys New Business”, April 19, 1951.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Personal Items”, April 19, 1951.
The Gulf Coast Times, “Personal Items”, June 14, 1951.
The Jackson County Times, “John Bellew Dies”, March 17, 1945.
The Ocean Springs News, “Mrs. Jacobina Veaorvich (sic)”, November 8, 1956.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Street paving approved at Henrietta’s Café”, June 10, 1971.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Friends Toast Henrietta's 40th", February 24, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Henrietta’s legacy carries on at new diner”, August 17, 1985.
The Ocean Springs Record,"Henrietta’s reaches agreement", January 14, 1993.
The Ocean Springs Record,"Henrietta’s celebrates 50th", February 25, 1993.
The Ocean Springs Record,"Henrietta’s shuts down, ends 52-year tradition”, May 25, 1995.
The Sun Herald, "Charles Edward Savage", December 11, 1977.
The Sun Herald, “Eleanor Beaorvich Grove”, November 23, 1994.
The Sun Herald, 'Richard A. Grove', July 22, 1997, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Henrietta Savage”, December 8, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Henrietta’s passing ends a quieter era”, December 8, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Samuel Amos Cvitanovich”, March 19, 2014.
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BONICICH
Mary Consetta Bonicich Thian (1881-1972), age 90 years, died at 7:15 a.m. Saturday at Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi where she had been a patient for three days. She was the widow of Anthony Thian (1866-1932) and resided at 404 Dorries Street in Biloxi.
Mary was born at Milna, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. She had been a resident of the Coast for 74 years. Mrs. Thian was a parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the a member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary.
Mary was survived by three daughters, Ola T. Drouant and Mary T. Gilham, both of New Orleans, and Josephine T. Mazurette of Austin, Texas; two sons, Steve Julius Thian (1920-2011) m. Mary Zorich (1922-2010) of Biloxi and Victor Thian of New Orleans; nine grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Anthony Thion [sic] dies', January 28, 1932, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Inquest for A. Thian', January 29, 1932, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Mary Thian', February 27, 1972, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, 'Mary Zorich Thian', July 13, 2010.
The Sun Herald, Steve Julius Thian', December 11, 2011.
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CERINICH
Peter Cerinich (1894-1951) married Alena Sekul (1908-2002), the daughter of Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966) and Elena Trebotich (1884-1970), at Biloxi on January 6, 1926. They were the parents of three children: Nicholas Douglas Cerinich (1926-2002) m. Gilda Astleford Wambsgans (1928-1976) and Betty Joyce Lawrence; Jeanette Cerinich (1928-2011+) m. Louis E. Capuana Sr. (1925-2005); and Patricia Cerenich (1938-2016) m. Joseph Powell.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 485)
In late April, Peter Cerinich (1894-1951) let a contract with Joseph Wallace to build a new store and residenceon West Howard Avenue and Seal Avenue. I. Daniel Gehr designed the structures. Clarence Kornman moved two houses from the Cerinich lot before construction commenced. Other contractors were: Lester Frentz-painting; Albert Mangin-plumbing and electrical; and Biloxi Roof and Sheet Metal-roofing and metal work. The Cerinich store was called the Biloxi Cash Grocery and operated by Alena Sekul Cerinich (1908-2002) for over fifty years.(The Daily Herald, April 27, 1940, p. 3 and The Sun Herald, July 6, 2002, p. A6)
Children
Patricia Cerenich
On January 2, 2016, heaven received a bright new star, when Patricia "Patsy" Cerinich Powell went home to rest. She began her journey from her childhood home surrounded by the family she loved. She was born in Biloxi, MS on December 20, 1938, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended Mississippi Southern College for two years before raising a family with her husband of 57 years, Joseph "Sonny Boy" Powell in St. Bernard, LA; she returned to the home of her Mother following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She was an active member of the Slavic ladies Auxiliary, and she loved her Thursday Ladies Night with the girls, Susie B., Linda B., Jeanette C., Karole E., and Clare H.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Peter Cerinich and Alena Sekul Cerinich; grandparents, Stephen M. Sekul and Elena Trebotich Sekul; brother Nick Cerinich; and sisters-in-law, Gilda Cerinich and Betty Cerinich; brothers-in-law, Louis Capuano and Randy Berta; niece, Stephanie Capuano; aunts, Jacobina Gilich, Josephine Schaaf, Vestie Gabrich and Rita Elezovich; and uncles, John Sekul and Tony Cerinich.
She is survived, loved and dearly missed by her husband, Joseph "Sonny Boy" Powell; children, Karen (Paul) Gares, Karole Elfert, Jeff (Melanie) Powell, Susan (Steve) Porcuna and Joseph (Tanya) Powell, Jr.; grandchildren, Ross (Alicia) Gares, Paul Gares, Trinitee (Gus) Frame; Christopher Powell, Katy (CJ) McLennan, Kyle and Ashley Porcuna, and Jillian and Connor Powell; great grandchildren, Graham and Garrett Gares, and Hannah and Alena Frame; sister, Jeanette Cerinich Capuano; aunt, Clare S. Hornsby; sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Elvin) Battaya and Elaine Berta; and all of her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. Family and friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will follow at Bosarge Cemetery.
Thomas Cerinich
Thomas Cerinich [died before March 1985 in Hamilton Hill, Western Australia] was born at Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia and married Maria Sekul in Brac. She was the daughter of Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966) and Elena Trebotich (1884-1970). Thomas and Maria Sekul Cerinich were the parents of: Anton 'Tony' Cerinich (1928-1985) m. June ?; Mary Cerinich Mosley and Ella Cerinich Senior, both of Hamilton, Hill, Western Australia.(The Daily Herald, March 22, 1985, p. A-2)
Anton Cerinich
Anton 'Tony' Cerinich(1928-1985) was born at Bobovisce, Brac and immigrated to Australia with his family. Tony passed at Sydney, Australia on March 19, 1985. He made his livelihood as assistant director of Custodial Services NW Division, New South Wales, Australia. Tony was survived by his mother, Mrs. Maria Sekul Cerinich, the widow of Thomas Cerinich of Hamilton Hill, Western Australia; June Cerinich, his widow, of Sydney, Australia; daughter, Carolyn Cerinich Chinn m. Peter Chinn of Canberra, Australia; son, Rodney Cerinich of Kiama, Australia;and two sisters, Mary Cerinich Mosley and Ella Cerinich Senior, both of Hamilton, Hill, Western Australia. Tony was also survived by many relatives in Biloxi, including his aunt, Alena Sekul Cerinich, Mrs. Peter Cerinich.(The Daily Herald, March 22, 1985, p. A-2)
The Daily Herald, "Peter Cerinich, Biloxi grocery store owner, dies", June 14, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "City Hall Cash Grocery closes", Ocotber 18, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "Tony Cerinich", March 22, 1985.
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COVICH
Rosalie Covich
Rosalie Covich Isola, age 86 years of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away January 13, 2016. Beloved wife of the late John R. Isola. Loving mother of Susan (Gerald) Essiambre, Dianne (Scott Short) Owen, Andrew (Beth), Michael (Kim) and Peggy (Terry) Jerome. Proud grandmother of Erin, Jason, Kelly, Max, Kate, Annie and Tess. Great grandmother of Ava, William and Johnny. Dearest sister of Rita Forbes, Marie Frentz, Ronnie Covich, Betty Jean (Kenny) Hughes, the late Jerry Covich, Jr (Shannon) and the late Rudy Covich. Visitation will be Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2:00 to 9:00pm Funeral services will be held Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11:00am at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Interment will be at White Chapel Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
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CVITANICH
Vincent Cvitanich (1873-1947) was born at Milna, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia in 1873. He came to Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1907. He married Mary U. Grinovich (1880-1946). They had a child: Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979) who married Joseph Smolcich (1893-1967).(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 38)
Mary Grinovich was also a native of Milna, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. She died at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 6, 1946 at her residence 402 Oak Street. Father Herbert Mullin of St. Michael's Catholic Church conducted funeral services with internment in Biloxi Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Joseph Smolcich Jr., Vincent Smolcich, Raymond C. Barry, Steve Buzolich, Veen Lee, and Steve Smolcich.(The Daily Herald, August 9, 1946, p. 5)
Frances Cvitanich
Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979) married Joseph Smolcich (1893-1967) on May 22, 1916 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Children: Matilda Smolcich (b. 1920) m. Raymond C. Barry (1905-1988); Joseph 'Smoky Joe' A. Smolcich (1922-2010) m. Anna Kopszywa (1927-2010); Vincent L. Smolcich (1925-1981) m. Aurora Marie Saujon (1924-2007), the daughter of Robert Saujon (1865-1944) and Mary McCaleb (1897-1937); Steve Anthony Smolcich m. Patricia Lee Wilson; Mary Rita 'Melrita' Smolcich m. Marvin Lee Raesner; Samuel Dominick Smolcich (1934-2006) m. Vinnie Elva Seymour; and John Anthony Smolcich (1937-2001) m. Jeanet M. Smolcich. The Smolcich family started the Biloxi Seafood Company, the Roxy Theatre at 1430 East Howard Avenue, the Roxy Restaurant and owned much rental property on Point Cadet in East Biloxi.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 38 and The Sun Herald, October 12, 2010, p. A4)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Cvitanich funeral”, August 9, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “Cvitanich death”, June 9, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Frances C. Smolcich”, February 13, 1979.
The Daily Herald, “Vincent Smolcich”, 1981.
The Sun Herald, “Aurora Marie Saujon Smolich”, April 5, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “John Anthony Smolich”, August 31, 2001.
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FILIPICH
Nikola Filipich (1859-1931) and Lucy Skrnich (1867-1941) were from Milna, Brac, Croatia. Children: Steve Filipich (1895-1934) m. Clara Leleaux (1903-1929); Antonio Filipich (1897-1969) m. Mariga [Mary] Mihojevich (1899-1918) and Jennie Antonsich (1905-1977); Nicholas 'Meco' P. Filipich;(1902-1957) m. Marguerite Sekul (1909-1987); and Frank Filipich (1908-1961).
STEVE FILIPICH
Steve Filipich (1895-1934) was born at Milna, Brac, Croatia on September 3, 1895. He arrived in America on November 23, 1907 from Trieste and settled with his parents at 1303 1st Street on Point Cadet. Steve Filipich applied for his declaration of citizenship in the Southern District Court of Mississippi on August 10, 1916 and he was naturalized on June 20, 1921.(Declaration of Intention No. 281-S.Mississippi District Court-1916 and The Daily Herald, June 17, 1920, p. 4)
Steve Filipich married Clara Leleaux (1903-1929), the daughter of Hypolite Leleaux and Euphresine Dubois (1833-1936), on . There children were: Emerite Lucille Filipich (1921-1921); Margaret Filipich (1923-2018) m. Edward Soper (1916-1995); Clara Filipich (b. 1925); Nicholas Filipich (1927-2001) and Stephen Filipich (1928-1932).
Children
ANTONIO 'TONY' FILIPICH
NICHOLAS 'MECO' P. FILIPICH
Nicholas 'Meco' Paul Filipich (1902-1957) was born at Milna, Brac on august 18, 1902. He married Marguerite Sekul (1909-1987), the daughter of Steve C. Sekul (1881-1970) and Lucia Trebotich (1887-1918), in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 30, 1926. Their children: Nicholas 'K-9' Paul Filipich II (1928-2000) m. Betty Fryfogle (1931-2014); Lucy 'Sue' Filipich (b. 1930) m. George A. Trebotich (1919-2014); Jeanette Filipich (1933-2011) m. Matthew F. Kuluz, M.D.; Judy Ann Filipich; and Stephen 'Stip' A. Filipich (1935-2001).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Filipich-Mihojevich”, December 22, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Steve Filipich preparing for citizenship”, June 17, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Child dead”, October 4, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Filipich funeral”, January 22, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Filipich dies”, April 28, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Butorovich-Filipich”, January 26, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Jennie Antonsich Filipich”, February 20, 1977.
The Sun Herald, “”,
The Sun Herald, “Margaret 'Nana' Filipich Soper”, March 5, 2018.
GLIGO
Palmiro Gligo(1884-1949) was born on January 1, 1884 at Bobovisca, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. His mother’s name may have been Vaccaria. Palmiro arrived at New York City on June 30, 1902 aboard La Britagne sailing from La Havre, France. Palmiro was single, a clerk and the nephew of Nikola Skrmetta of Biloxi, Mississippi.(NY Passenger List, T715, R287, Line 29, p. 52)
Palmiro Gligo married Vincenza Skrmetta (1883-1905) and Sam Mihojevich married Perina Skrmetta in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi on June 13, 1904 at the Catholic Church of the N.B.V.M. The Gligos were domiciled on Oak Street when Vincenza expired on October 29, 1905. She had lived at Biloxi since 1901 and they had no children.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 14, 1904, p. 1 and October 30, 1905, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 15, p. 396)
Circa 1907, Palmiro Gligo married Marica Sekul (1888-1948), the daughter of Antonio Sekul (1854-1940) and Helena Skrmetta. Marica was born at Bobovisca, Brac, Croatia and came to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1902.
In 1910, Palmiro and Marica Sekul Gligo were residents of Sacramento, California. Here Palmiro made his livelihood working in an office building. Their first son, George J. Gligo (1911-1984) was born here in June 1911.(1910 Sacramento Co., California Federal Census T624_92, p. 17B, ED 104)
By 1920, the Gligo family had relocated to San Pedro, Los Angeles County, California. Here Palmiro entered the commercial seafood industry as a fisherman, probably as a tuna fisherman.(1920 Los Angeles Co., California Federal Census, T625_111, p. 20A, ED 312)
Marica Sekul Gligo died on February 5, 1948 at 658 West 8th Street in San Pedro, Los Angeles County, California. She was survived by her spouse, three sons, and four brothers: Steve M. Sekul and Peter Sekul of Biloxi, Mississippi and John Sekul and Mark Sekul of Chile, South America; seven sisters: Mrs. [Vencenta] Sam Marinovich; Mrs. [Jacobina] Mike Beovich [sic]; Mrs. Domenica Barhonovich; Mrs. [Catherine] Alex Pitalo, Mrs. [Ursula] Louis Pitalo, all of Biloxi, Mississippi, and Sister Mary Josephine, Convent of Mercy, Split, Yugoslavia, and Mrs. Tom Cerenich of Australia.(The Daily Herald, February 6, 1948, p. 7)
Palmiro Gligo died at San Pedro, California on January 24, 1949.
Children
George J. Gligo (1911-1984) was born June 6, 1911 at Sacramento, California. He died in July 1984 at Palos Verdes, Los Angeles County, California. No further information.
Palmiro Gligo
Palmiro Gligo (1917-2008) was born at Sacramento, California on September 8, 1917 and was the second child of Palmiro and Marica Gligo. Palmiro is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Thomas Hart; his two granddaughters and their husbands, Paula and Samuel Spence and Amy and Matthew Dow; his great-grandchildren, Anthony Spence, Heather Dow, Ian Dow and Nicholas Spence; nephews and their families, Joseph and Kathy Gligo and John and Joyce Gligo; and niece, Rita Corpus. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, George Gligo and John Gligo, and his wife, Dorothy Gligo (1919-1987)
A 90 year resident of San Pedro and Rancho Palos Verdes, California, Palmiro maintained strong ties to the early San Pedro community members that he grew up with on 8th street in San Pedro and worked with in the San Pedro fishing industry. Palmiro retired from his position as Vice President of Procurement and International Operations for Star Kist Foods, Inc., in 1985. Throughout his long career in the fishing industry, he enjoyed the opportunity to visit and live in many countries around the world including Peru, Italy, Guam, Panama, the Philippines, and many small nations in Africa. The many friends and colleagues that he left in each place continued to call on his expertise and sage advice long after his retirement. In 1939, Palmiro earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Loyola University where he attended on an academic scholarship and played football. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. As a young man, he was an avid and skilled bowler and boasted many victories and trophies. In later years, he enjoyed golf and spent many days with his family in Palm Springs. Palmiro loved the Los Angeles Lakers and rarely missed watching a game. A Rosary service will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park Chapel, 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, on Sunday, November 23 at 6:30pm.
John V. Gligo
John Victor Gligo (1924-2007) was a lifetime resident of San Pedro, California. He was born April 16, 1924, and passed away November 19, 2007. "Big John" as he was known by his friends, was one of the greatest all around athletes to play football and baseball for San Pedro High School. John is an honored member of the San Pedro Sports Walk Hall of Fame. Upon graduation from high school, John attended the University of San Francisco on an athletic scholarship. With the outbreak of World War II, John served his country honorably for the U.S. Army stationed in the South Pacific.
Upon discharge, John embarked on a career in the fishing industry; first as a commercial fisherman and then as a plant supervisor for Star Kist Foods. John is survived by his brother, Palmiro Gligo, of Rancho Palos Verdes; and by his son, John Jr. and his daughter, Rita Corpuz of San Clemente. A viewing will be held at Green Hills Mortuary on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 from 10am until 6pm. Funeral services will be held at Green Hills Memorial Chapel on Friday, November 23, 2007 at 9am.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Hymenal”, June 14, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Deaths”, October 30, 1905.
The Daily Breeze [Torrance, California], “John Victor Gligo”, November 20, 2007.
The Daily Breeze [Torrance, California],“John Gligo and Henry Pacheco: Jolly Roger at half-staff for Gligo, Pacheco”, December 1, 2007.
The Daily Breeze [Torrance, California], , “Palmiro Gligo, ”, November 21, 2008.
The Daily Herald, “Palermo [sic]Gligo of San Pedro wants copy”, January 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. P. Gligo dies”, February 6, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Gligo funeral”, February 7, 1948.
Mary Guich
Mary Guich (1894-1968), a native of Milna, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, married Peter J. Radich (1875-1954) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 17, 1913. They were the parents of: Nicolena Radich (1914-2001) m. William Peter Strayham (1909-1956); Etta C. Radich (1916-1998); Nicholas Charles Radich (1918-1976); Andrew Tony Radich (1921-2004); Peter M. Radich (b. 1924) m. Emelda Joyce Diaz; Tony Radich (b. 1926); Mary Peggy Radich (1929-1955) m. Henry G. Byrd; Victoria Radich (1936-1936);and Stella Ann Radich (1939-1941).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 266 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi 1930 Federal Census R11146, p. 23B, and ED 2)
Peter J. Radich (1875-1954) was born September 30, 1875 at Bobovisce, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia the son of Nicholas Radich and ?. He came to Biloxi in November 1902 and lived at 212 Pine Street where he made his livelihood as a fisherman in Biloxi's seafood industry. Peter departed Europe from LeHavre, France and arrived at New York City aboard the SS Latonia on October 21, 1902.(Petition for Naturalization-US District Court-Southern Mississippi No. 240, filed July 24, 1920 and The Daily Herald, July 26, 1920, p. 3)
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Cora Vincich] Guich dies”, April 18, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Nada Guich”, January 2, 1965.
The Daily Herald, “Lena Marinovich”, February 8, 1970.
The Daily Herald, "Nick C. Radich", March 17, 1976, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, "Nicolena Radich Strayham", September 5, 2001, p. A7.
Marko 'Mike' Halat (1880-1929) was born November 6, 1880 at Bobovisce, Brac, a Croatian isle off the Dalmatian Coast. On June 15, 1908 in the B.V.M. Catholic Church, Mike Halat married Frances Grassi (1888-1969), the daughter of Paul Grassi and Margaret Grassi. Miss Grassi was also a native of Brac, Croatia. Their children born at Biloxi, Mississippi were: Paul John Halat (1909-1977) m. Margaret Skrmetta (1913-2007); Anastatia J. Halat (1911-1991); Margaret J. Halat (1913-1994) m. Walter A. Kopszywa (1912-1987); Peter Paul Halat (1915-1968) m. Louella Mary Gary and Shirley Sandlin; Frances Halat (1917-1917); Frances Halat (1918-) m. James Joseph Freche (1907-1972); Josephine Halat (1921-1999); and Mike Joseph Halat (1926-2003) m. Gloria Theresa Viator Romero (1930-2010).
Marko 'Mike' A. Halat (1880-1929) settled at 118 Pine Street in Biloxi. He had arrived here circa 1904 and made his livelihood as a fisherman. In late August 1929, Mike Halat was working for Captain Steve Rodolfich (1887-1971) aboard the Arcadia, a power boat, in Lake Borgne, Louisiana. While attempting to tie an awning rope, it broke and he fell into the lake. All attempts to save Mike Halat were futile as he was a poor swimmer. His body was found near the Rigolets by Captain Vincent Kuluz (1898-1987), master of the Annie Long. The US Coast Guard had dispatched two vessels for his search and rescue and at least twenty-five fishing boats from Violet, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana were on the scene. Tony M. Pitalo, a nephew, was aboard one of the USCG boats during the search for Halat's body. Mike Halat's ccorpse was brought to the O'Keefe Undertaking Service at Biloxi and buried on August 31, 1929 in the Biloxi Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Halat's Catholic funeral service were: Vincent Rosetti; Steve Rodolfich; Mitchell Cavanaugh; Jerry Covich; and Steve T. Sekul. Nick Trebotich of Oakland, California, a cousin of Mrs. Halat, came to Biloxi for the funeral.(The Daily Herald, August 30, 1929, p. 1 and p. 8, August 31, 1929, p. 1, and September 4, 1929, p. 4)
Frances Grassi Halat (1887-1969) had come to Biloxi from Croatia circa 1905. She expired on August 17, 1969. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Halat Children
Paul J. Halat
Paul 'Chilly Coon' John Halat (1908-1977) was born March 23, 1908. On June 9, 1935, he married Margaret 'Maudie' Skrmetta (1913-2007), the daughter of Lawrence [Lorenc] Skrmetta (1882-1972) and Jacobina Sekul, both Croatian immigrants. They were the parents of four children: Joyce Elaine Halat (b. 1939) m. Ronald Simon Franklin; Sandra Halat; Paul Lawrence Halat (b. 1944) m. in Los Angeles Co., California; and Michael Joseph Halat m. ? (Harison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 46, p. 124 and MRB 119, p. 473)
Paul J. Halat was the proprietor of the Biloxi Seafood Packing Company. He died on September 20, 1977. Maudie Skrmetta Halat lived until January 1, 2007.(The South Mississippi Sun, September 22, 1977, p. A4
Anastasia J. Halat
Anastasia J. Halat (1911-1991) was born February 6, 1911. She never married.
Margaret M. Halat
Margaret M. Halat (1913-1994) married Walter A. Kopsyzwa in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 11, 1947.(
Peter P. Halat
Peter Paul Halat (1915-1968) was born . He married Louella Mary Gary on February 17, 1939 and they settled at 806 Oak Street in Biloxi. Their children were: Michael 'Mickey' Anthony Halat (b. 1939) m. Carolyn Ann Rogers Sulzbach (b. 1945), a native of Fayette County, Alabama and the daughter of William L. Rogers and Pauline Thomason; and Peter P. Halat Jr. (b. 1942) m. Sandra A. Dees (b. 1944), of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and the daughter of Joseph Dees (1910-1946) and Dorothy Eglin Dees McKinnon (b. 1919).(
Peter P. Halat Jr.-Mayor of Biloxi from 1989-1993
Peter Paul Halat Jr. (b. 1942) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 27, 1942. He attended Biloxi Senior High School and graduated with the Class of 1960. On August 10, 1963 in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, he married Sanda Ann Dees (b. 1944), the daughter of Joseph P. Dees (1910-1946) and Dorothy 'Dot' Eglin Dees McKinnon (b. 1919). They were the parents of: Sean Stefan McKinnon Halat m. Michelle Ann Holomon and Lynetta Marie Dobbins.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 103, p. 404 and MRB 105, p. 25)
Peter P. Halat Jr. attended the Jackson School of Law at Jackson, Mississippi and became a member of the Mississippi Bar Association in .
Biloxi Mayor
Peter P. Halat Jr. began his term as Biloxi's mayor in July 1989.
REFERENCES:
Edward Humes, Mississippi Mud, (Gallery Books: New York-1994), 434 pages.
The Biloxi-d’Iberville Press, “Peter Halat enters Mayoral race”, November 16, 1988.
The Daily Herald, “Mike Holot [sic], Biloxi fisherman, falls from boat, drown”, August 30, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Search for Holat's body”, August 30, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Body of fisherman brought to Biloxi”, August 31, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Mike Halat buried”, September 4, 1929..
The South Mississippi Sun, “Paul John Halat”, September 22, 1977.
The Sun Herald, “Julia Halat Kopszywa”, June 15, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Mike Joseph Halat”, October 19, 2003.
HIRE
Nikola ‘Nick’ Hire (1877-1944) was born in April 1877 at Bobovisce, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He came to Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1902 to make his livelihood in the rapidly developing seafood industry.
On April 29, 1907 in Harrison County, Mississippi, Nick Hire married Vincenta ‘Vica’ Martinich (1877-1968), also a native of Bobovisce, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. She had been at Biloxi in 1905.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 19, p. 78)
Their nuptials were celebrated in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 29, 1907. Vica and Nick Hire were the parents of six children: Margaret Hire (1909-1910); Paul Hire (1910-1988) m. Estelle Cook (1915-1998); Peter Hire (1912-1954) m. Grace Nobles (1913-1994); Catherine Hire (1914-1917); Edward M. Hire (1916-1996); Catherine Hire (1917-19); and Nicholas ‘Corky’ R. Hire Jr. (b. 1922) m.
CHILDREN
Margaret Hire
Margaret Hire (1908-1910) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1908 and died on March 22, 1910.[Tombstone in Biloxi Cemetery]
Paul Hire
Paul Hire (1910-1988) was born at 1312 1st Street on ‘The Point’ in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 7, 1910. He had acquired the moniker "Heedy", which was derived from his Croatian ancestry. After serving in the US Navy, Paul Hire made his livelihood as a shrimper, owned a bar (Heedy's Bar) on the corner of Cedar Street and East Beach where St. Michaels Catholic Church is today, and worked as a pipe fitter at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation at Pascagoula, Mississippi. He became associated with Mrs. Brown of Biloxi and was employed by her Broadwater Construction Company. Mr. Hire also was the captain of a Chandeleur charter boat operating out of the Broadwater Marina.
On March 1, 1942, in Harrison County, Mississippi, Paul Hire married Estelle ‘Nuna’ Cook (1915-1998), a young school teacher, who had recently arrived on the Mississippi coast. Estelle was born at Philadelphia, Neshoba County, Mississippi. After graduation from Siena College (Memphis), she taught school in rural Neshoba County. Mrs. Hire later acquired a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 54, p. 442 and Estelle Cook Hire, )
Estelle Cook was drawn to Biloxi and the Coast by her Roman Catholic religion. She began her teaching career at Biloxi where she taught at Howard II elementary school on Point Cadet. Mrs. Hire also taught in the elementary school system at Ocean Springs. In 1983, while the principal of the Taconi School in Ocean Springs, she was selected as the outstanding administrator for that year. Mrs. Hire retired in 1984 after thirty-one years in that noble profession. (The Ocean Springs Record, April 7, 1983, p. 14)
Mrs. Hire had a master degree in education from the University of Southern Mississippi. She and Paul reared four children at Ocean Springs: Agnes Paula Hire (b. 1943), Jerome ‘Jerry’ Nicholas Hire (b.1944), Marsha Ann Hire m. Mr. Haynes (b. 1946), and Julia Claire Hire (b. 1950) m. Jerry Platt.
In over forty years in her lovely home, Mrs. Hire has maintained it in excellent and at near original conditions. She has added a carport and repaired the roof. The original wood shingles are still on the roof under the newer construction. The weatherboards are cypress.
Estelle Cook Hire
[from The Sun Herald, June 19, 1998, p. A-11]
OCEAN SPRINGS -- Mrs. Estelle ''Nuna'' Cook Hire, 82, of Ocean Springs, died Wednesday, June 17, 1998, in Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Hire was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and had been a resident of the Coast since 1940. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs and was active in the Legion of Mary. She was a retired teacher and principal in the Ocean Springs School District.
Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Paul ''Heedy'' Hire. Survivors include three daughters, Paula Hire of Dallas, Texas, Marcia Hire Haynes of Atlanta, Ga., and Julia Hire Platt of Ocean Springs; a son, Jerome ''Jerry'' Hire of Hartford, Ala.; three sisters, Mary Gibson of Philadelphia, Miss., Jane Sabrio of New Orleans, La., and Polly Nyby of Port Townsend, Washington; two brothers, John Cook of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and Pat Cook of Montgomery, Alabama; four grandchildren, Angela Hire Grimm, Ashley Platt, Jacob Platt, and Joshua Platt, all of Ocean Springs; two great-grandchildren, Brennan Crimm and Lauren Crimm, both of Ocean Springs.
There will be a 1 p.m. Mass on Saturday, June 20, 1998, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, where friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Peter Hire
Peter Hire (1912-1954), called Preacher, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 6, 1912. He worked in the Biloxi seafood industry as a fisherman and oysterman and enlisted in the US Army in December 1940 and served during WW II. Peter married Grace Nobles (1913-1994) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 28, 1950. [Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 81, p. 37)
Peter Hire was a member of the Gulf Coast Fisherman’s Association and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He expired at the Gulfport veterans’ Administration Hospital on March 26, 1954. Grace N. Hire lived to January 22, 1994. Both their burials were in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 27, 1954, p. 6)
Catherine Hire
Catherine Hire (1914-1917) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 26, 1914, She expired at Biloxi on November 17, 1917. [Tombstone in Biloxi Cemetery]
Edward M. Hire
Edward M. Hire (1916-1996), called Eddie, was born at Biloxi on September 21, 1916.
Nicholas R. Hire
Nicholas R. Hire, called “Corky’, married Loyce Smith in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 14, 1955.
ANNA HIRE
Anna Hire (1882-1962) married Peter Pavlov (1882-1951) who was born March 16, 1882 to George Pavlov and Diana Sapurnich at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Peter came to America in 1905. He embarked from Le Havre, France on the La Savoie on December 10, 1905 and arrived at New York City on December 17, 1905. Peter declared his intention to become an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 6, 1917. He was naturalized at Biloxi on February 21, 1921 receiving Certificate of Naturalization No. 1511976.[Declaration of Intention No. 346 and Petition for Naturalization No. 239-US District Court-Southern Division of Mississippi]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Nick Hire buried”, February 7, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “Peter Hire dies”, March 27, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Anna Pavlov”, July 26, 1962.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs Vica M. Hire”, September 5, 1968.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Mrs. Estelle Hire selected outstanding administrator”, April 7, 1983.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Paul Hire”, October 13, 1983.
The Sun Herald, “Paul ‘Heedy’ Hire”, October 10, 1988.
The Sun Herald, “Eddie M. Hire”, May 6, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Estelle Cook Hire”, June 19, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Alice Davidson Hire”, June 19, 2004.
Marie Jurich [Baricev]-[Courtesy of Jacobina Tabb]
Marie [Maritza, Mary, and May] Jurich (1911-1997) was born at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia on November 6, 1911. On June 22, 1932 in Harrison County, Mississippi, she married Anthony M. Baricev (1908-1982), the son of Peter [Petar] M. Baricev (1880-1951), born on Molat, Croatia and Theresa [Tereza] Buyasich (1880-1957), also a native of Molat. They were the parents of Jomarie Baricev (1944-1976) m. Victor Suzanno Soares, the son of Armindo 'Herman' Soares (1908-1994) and Judith Suzzano (1917-2006) on August 23, 1964; Catherine Baricev Fiorentini of San Diego, California; and Anthony 'Tony' D. Baricev.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 43, p. 612 and Bk. 127, p. 376)
Marie Jurich Baricev (1884-1962)died at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Mississippi on August 4, 1997. Jomarie Baricev Soares had preceded her in death passing on December 23, 1976. Anthony M. Baricev died on May 19, 1982. Their corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery, also at Biloxi, Mississippi.
 and Marie V. (1917-2000)_0.jpg)
*SSDI indicates his birth date as May 29, 1913.
Marie V. Barhonovich Jurich (1917-2000), age 83 years, of Biloxi, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 25, 2000. Mrs. Jurich was born in Biloxi on January 13, 1917. She was a waitress in Biloxi all her life, with 35 years at Rosetti's PoBoys in Biloxi. Her retirement was followed by many proud hours as a volunteer at Biloxi Regional Medical Center. She was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church, The Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary and St. Michaels Altar Society. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter "Mutt" Jurich, Sr.; her parents, Frank and Mildred Barhonovich; a sister, Antonia Barhonovich; and three brothers, Anthony Barhonovich, John Barhonovich and Peter Barhonovich. Survivors include three daughters, Betty Meyers and her husband, Dennis; Marie Gombos and her husband, Al; and Toni Briscoe and her husband, Mendy; a son, Peter M. Jurich Jr., and his wife, Kathy; a brother, Frank J. Barhonovich; and seven grandchildren, Denise Cruthirds, Stacey Meyers, Michael Meyers, Dennis Meyers Jr., Angela Gombos, Aerin Gombos and Peter Jurich III. A service was held at St. Michaels Catholic Church with burial will be in Biloxi Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi was in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, February 27, 2000, p. A-7)
George Nicholas "Zora" Jurich (1928-1994), age 65 years, of Biloxi, died Wednesday, June 15, 1994, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Jurich was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was handicapped from birth with deafness. Zora was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church at Biloxi. Zora Jurich was preceded in death by his parents, Dominic Jurich (1885-1959) and Catherine Sekul Jurich (1884-1962); and three brothers, Peter Jurich, Joseph M. Jurich (1918-1967), and John P. Jurich (1913-1981). He was survived by Mary 'Monica' Baricev (1911-1997). Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the funeral of Mr. Jurich. Following services at St. Michael's Catholic Church burial followed at the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, June 17, 1994, p. A-2)
Luka Kuljis (1886-1965) was born in the village of Milna, on the island of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia on August 11, 1886. He married Tadica Pitalo (1883-1978), a native of Bobovisce, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. She was the daughter of Stephen Pitalo and Mandelina ? . Children: Joseph Kuljis (1908-1988) m. Georgia Foster (1908-1989); Stephen Joseph Kuljis (1911-1960) m. Ruth Moniot (19-1962); Marguerite Kuljis (1913-1986) m. Ojo J. Ohr (1903-1991); Peter T. Kuljis (1916-1983) m. ; Madaline [Mandelina] Kuljis (1921-1993) m. John Bolton Richards (1918-1986); and Alexander 'Alex' John Kuljis (1924-1979).
Dr. Joseph Kuljis
Dr. Joseph Kuljis (1908-1988) was born at Biloxi on 1908. He married Georgia Ruth Foster (1908-1989), a native of Union, South Carolina. Graduate of Tulane University. Died March 17, 1988 in the Baptist Hospital in New Orleans. Survived by spouse; a son, Joseph L. Kuljis; and Madaline Kuljis Richards, his sister. Burial Southern Memorial Park at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Times-Picayune, March 19, 1988, p. B-7)
Stephen J. Kuljis
Stephen 'Steve' Joseph Kuljis (1911-1960) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 21, 1911. He married Ruth Moniot (1920-1962), the daughter of Leon Moniot and Martha Moniot, in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 8, 1942. They were the parents of five children: Georgia Kuljis (1943-2010) m. George W. Lawrence; Ruth Kuljis; Hope Alexis Kuljis m. George Grego Garbin; Jacqueline Rita Kuljis (1947-1996) m. Armond J. Boudreaux and Anthony Corso; Stephen Jospeh Kuljis Jr.; and Peter deMoniot Kuljis (1960-2016) m. Vickie L. Baker and Kathy Buck.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 54, p. 30)
In July 1941, Steve Kuljis acquired the grocery store of Charles Schuman on east Howard Avenue near Lameuse Street.(The Daily Herald, July 10, 1941, p. 3)
During WW II on March 11, 1942, Steve Kuljis enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was called to actve duty in May 1942. In early November 1942, he was in combat in the North African campaign and received a citation for bravery from his commanding officer. The citation read as follows: "Accomplishment of assignement and outstanding bravery displayed at risk his own life, under enemy fire, during initial assault and capture of Arzew [Oran] French Algiers, North Adfrica, November 8-11, 1942; operation successfully carried out in cooperation with the United States Army and British Royal Navy."(The Daily Herald, March 29, 1943, p. 8)
Children
Georgia R. Kuljis Lawrence (1943-2010)-On August 10, 2010, after fulfilling God's purpose for her life on earth, the angels were sent to bring Georgia R. Lawrence home to her eternal reward. She was 67 years of age. Georgia was born in Biloxi where she remained a lifelong resident. She was of the Catholic Faith and a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church where she faithfully served as a Eucharistic Minister. Georgia graduated from Sacred Heart Girls High School in 1961. She was a member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary. She is remembered by many for her dedication to the Biloxi Girls Softball League, her ten years as cafeteria manager at Mercy Cross High School, and her commitment to catholic education. In 1998 she was awarded "Mother of the Year" by the Biloxi Lions Club. She spent her entire life offering selfless unconditional love to her family, friends and everyone she encountered. Through her immense love and support for her grandchildren the legacy of "Ria" will forever live on. She is preceded in death by her parents, Stephen "Scupps", Sr. and Ruth Moniot Kuljis; sister, Jacqueline Corso; father-in-law, Anthony Lawrence, Sr. and mother-in-law, Teresa Calamari Lawrence. Georgia is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, George W. Lawrence; three daughters, Gina (Dannie) Skrmetta, Gwyn (Boots) Diaz, Gela (Dennis) Meins; five grandchildren, James and Danielle Skrmetta, Josh, Jacob and Justin Diaz; sister, Hope Garbin; two brothers, Stephen Kuljis, Jr., Peter D. Kuljis and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.mmA Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. Reciting of the Rosary will be at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be in Biloxi City Cemetery. A celebration of Georgia's life will follow at the Slavonian Lodge, 159 Maple St. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, August 13, 2010)
Jacqueline Rita Kuljis (1947-1996) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 14, 1947. She died on November 25, 1996.
Peter DeMoniot Kuljis (1960-2016), age 60 years, of Biloxi, passed away on Monday, February 29, 2016. He was born on April 17, 1955 and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1973. Peter had a deep love for his family and was extremely proud of his Croatian and French heritage. He was a member of The Slavonian Lodge where he served on the Board of Trustees. He was also a member of The French Club. Peter's heritage instilled in him an immense love of the water, boats and being a fisherman. He also enjoyed his mornings having breakfast with his Slavonian Lodge brothers and playing bourre (booray) with them. Peter was the owner of Cable Unlimited and he installed and serviced security systems. He was a jack-of-all-trades, excelling in mechanical work, carpentry, and art, which he used to paint and build props and stages for high school proms and carnival balls. Many people also remember him as a mechanic at Lyon's Chevron gas station in Biloxi. Peter had a big heart and used all of his many talents to help others when in need. Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen "Skups" Kuljis, Sr. and Ruth Moniot Kuljis; sisters Georgia Lawrence & Jacqueline Corso. Peter is survived by his daughter Meagan Kuljis and granddaughter Talyn Pizzetta; sister Hope Garbin and brother Steve(Diane) Kuljis; nieces, nephews and other relatives. A celebration of Peter's life will be held Sunday, March 13, 2016 at noon at The Slavonian Lodge, 159 Maple Street. All family and friends are welcome to attend. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, March 6, 2016)
Marguerite Kuljis
Marguerite Kuljis (1913-1986) was born April 22, 1913 at Biloxi. She married Ojo J. Ohr (1903-1991). Marguerite died on July 24, 1986 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Her corporal remians were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Peter T. Kuljis
Peter Tony Kuljis (1916-1983) was born March 10, 1916 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Verna Mae Cannette (1916-1988), the daughter of Edward James Cannette (1893-1950) and Estella Diaz Cannette (1896-1980), in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 8, 1946.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 51, p. 310)
Madeline Kuljis
Madeline Kuljis (1921-1993) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 24, 1921. She was named Miss Biloxi at the Buena Vista Hotel in early February 1938.[The Daily Herald, February 5, 1938, p. 1]
Madeline married John Bolton Richards (1918-1986) and they were the parents of Sherry Ann Irene Richards. Sherry Ann married Paul Louis Babuchna Jr. in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 30, 1968.
Alexander J. Kuljis
JOSEPH KULJIS
Joseph Kuljis (1888-1957)
SAM KULJIS
Sam Kuljis (1889-1961) was born Siman Kuljis on August 9, 1889 at Milna, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia . He arrived at Boston, Massachusetts on May 21, 1921 aboard the SS Argentina, which had earlier embarked from Trieste, Austria for America. Mr. Kuljis declared his intent to become an American citizen in the Southern Federal District Court at Biloxi, Mississippi in May 1925. At this time, he was domiciled at 314 Pine Street in Biloxi. Sam Kuljis indicated that he was 5 feet 8 ½ inches tall and weighed 178 pounds.(Declaration of Intent No. 804-Southern District Federal Court of Mississippi, May 19, 1925)
Circa 1925, Sam Kuljis married Mary Josephine Keresich (1906-1996), a native of Biloxi. In 1940, the Sam Kuljis family lived at 126 Myrtle Street on Biloxi’s Point Cadet. Sam and Mary J. Kuljis were both employed in the local seafood industry. He captained a fishing vessel and she labored in a local factory shucking oysters and picking shrimp. At this time their three daughters had been born and lived at home: Margaret Rita Kuljis (b. 1926) m. Charles Harry McMahon in October 1942; Vincentia ‘Vee’ Kuljis (1928-2012) m. Murphy J. Trahan Sr. (1926-1980) in October 1948; and Teresa Kuljis (b. 1931) m. Bernard Ward in June 1949.(1940 Harrison Co., Mississippi T627_2024, p. 9A, ED 24-5)
Sam Kuljis expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 25, 1961. He was followed in death by his wife who passed on May 10, 1996. Their corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, October 25, 1961, p. 2)
ANTONIA KULJIS
Antonia Kuljis (1890-1960) was born June 13, 1890 at Milna, Brac, Croatia. She married John Skrnich (1887-1968), also a native of Milna, Brac. Children: Clara Ann Skrnich (1912-2003) m. John Frank Cosmich (1909-2009); Margaret Skrnich (1913-1935) m. Vincent Rosett; Thomas Skrnich (1914-2001) m. Lillian Broux; Joseph ‘Chibby’ Skrnich (1915-2009); John Skrnich Jr. (1917-2007) m. Flora Gazzo (1924-2001), the daughter of Andrew Gazzo and Viola Daniel; Michael Skrnich (1919-1973) m. Isabell Leleaux (1922-1996); Antonia Skrnich (1922-1923); Samuel J. Skrnich (1924-2001) m. Marie Grace Sanzari; Frances Dominica Skrnich (1924-2010) m. Lawrence W. Mason (1918-2004); Lucretia Skrnich m. Neville J. Broussard (1920-1999); and Dolores Rita Skrnich m. George A. Sonnier.
Antonia Kuljis Skrnich passed on September 18, 1960 at 1442 East Beach in Biloxi. She was survived by her spouse; five sons; and four daughters; three brothers, Luka Kuljis, Sam Kuljis and Peter Kuljis; two sisters, Madica Kuljis Buzolich and Yubica Kuljis Banicich [sic] in Yugoslavia [Croatia]; 26 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The Reverend Herbert Mullen officiated at her funeral in St. Michael's Catholic Church follwed by burial in the Biloxi Cemetery. services under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.(The Daily Herald, September 19, 1960, p. 2)
PETER KULJIS
In July 1948 in Harrison County, Mississippi, Peter Kuljis (1902-1966) married Dina Mary Mladinich (1914-2006), the widow of John Joseph Labetich (1909-1944). John Joseph Labetich (1909-1944) had died at the Presidio, US Army Camp, in San Francisco, California on February 20, 1944. He had married Dina Mary Mladinich (1914-2006) in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 12, 1934. They had one daughter, Frances Labetich who married Gus C. Cavalier Jr. (1933-2005). John J. Labetich's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1944, p. 7 and March 1, 1944, p. 8 and The Sun Herald, October 7, 2006)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Dr. Kuljis in Greenville”, August 12, 1935.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Kuljis new Miss Biloxi”, February 5, 1938.
The Daily Herald,“Grocery changes [ownership]”, July 10, 1941, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “John L. (sic) Labetich dies in Army camp”, February 21, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “Steve Kuljis dies at Biloxi”, August 27, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. John Skrnich”, September 19, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Sam Kuljis", October 25, 1961, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Ruth Kuljis”, March 21, 1962.
The Daily Herald, “Former Biloxi Shrimp Ruler taken by death”, March 2, 1977.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Tadica Pitalo Kuljis”, February 13, 1978.
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Sun Herald, “Peter T. Kuljis”,
The Sun Herald, “Verna Mae Kuljis”,
The Sun Herald, “Georgia Foster Kuljis”, June 5, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Madeline Kuljis Richards”, Febriuary 16, 1993.
The Sun Herald, “Mary J. Kuljis”, May 12, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Dina Mary Mladinich Labetich Kuljis”, October 7, 2006.
The Sun Herald, “Vincentia Trahan”, August 23, 2012.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
MARICICH
Luka John Maricich (1893-1963) was born May 3, 1893 at Supetar on the isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He came to Biloxi, Mississippi in the fall of 1922 from Baltimore, Maryland where he had landed on June 14, 1922 disembarking from the SS Helenia which had sailed from Trieste, Austria, now Italy. Luka made his way from the East Coast and soon joined the large Slavic community at Biloxi’s Point Cadet. His spouse Danica Pleticolcich Maricich (1894-1966), and Marie Maricich, their infant daughter, came from Brac in 1923 and joined him at 1426 First Street.(Declaration of Intention No. 740, Federal Court-Southern District-Gulfport, Mississippi, December 19, 1922 and The Daily Herald, December 20, 1922, p. 3)
In 1930, the Maricich family lived at 218 Cedar Street on Point Cadet where Luka J. Maricich made his livelihood as a fisherman. He and Danica were the parents of at least six children: Marie Maricich (1919-1956) m. Carl J. Hebden (1923-1980); Luke John Maricich Jr. (1925-1988) m. Theresa Marie Rutledge in May 1947, m. Sarah R. Gavin in August 1955, m. Mara Lena Homlish in October 1965; Elena Agnes Maricich m. Anthony S. Hannigan Jr. (1918-2009) in December 1941; Katherine Maricich (1930-1993) m. Mr. Arceneaux and Carol Biggs (1927-2010); Anthony J. Maricich (1931-1984) m. Myrtle Ann Slater in September 1957; and Jerry Peter Maricich (1932-1989) m. Dolores R. Masse in September 1952 and Deborah Mae Daily in February 1965.
Luka John Maricich died at Biloxi on July 15, 1963. Danica expired on December 8, 1966. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Children
Marie Maricich
Marie Maricich (1919-1956) was born at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia on September 30, 1919. She came to Biloxi in 1923 with her mother, Danica Pleticolcich Maricich (1894-1966) from the Dalmatian island of Brac. Marie married Carl J. Hebden (1923-1980) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 31, 1942.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 54, p. 236)
Marie M. Hebden died at Homestead, Florida on December 31, 1956 from injuries that she received in an automobile accident at Homestead on December 6, 1956. Mrs. Hebden was survived by her husband, M. Sgt. Carl J. Hebden; two children, Janice Hebden and Carl J. Hebden Jr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luka Maricich; three brothers, Jerry Maricich; Anthony Maricich; and Luka Maricich Jr; two sisters, Katie Stanfield and Elena Tamer, all of Biloxi. The body will be brought to Biloxi for burial. (The Daily Herald, December 31, 1956, p. 2)
Funeral services for Marie M. Hebden were held from the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home at Biloxi on January 3, 1957. Internment was in the Biloxi Cemetery following a Requiem Mass at Nativity BVM Catholic Church.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1957, p. 2)
Luke J. Maricich Jr.
Luke John Maricich Jr. (1925-1988) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 12, 1925. He appears to have married four times in Harrison County, Mississippi. Theresa Marie Rutledge on May 8, 1947; Sarah R. Gavin on August 30, 1955; Mara Lena Homlish in October 4, 1965; and Laura Poole on October 5, 1968.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 74, p. 387; MRB 102, p. 444; MRB 130, p. 339; and MRb 139, p. 532]
Mr. Maricich was a lifelong resident of the Coast and made his livelihood as a boat captain in the oil and gas industry. He was a Catholic. Luke J. Maricich Jr. died June 26, 1988 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was survived by four daughters: Cheryl Overton of Wichita, Kansas; Rosalie Maricich of Metairie, Louisiana; Debbie Maricich of Benton, Florida, and Angel Maricich of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; three sons, Larry Maricich and Luke John Maricich II, both of Biloxi, and Dennis Maricih of Ocean Springs; a sister, Katheirne Biggs of Biloxi; and a brother, Jerry Maricich of Slidell, Louisiana; and seven grandchildre. Luke's funeral was dirrected by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi with internment at the Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, June 28, 1988, p. A-3)
Elena A. Maricich
Elena Agnes Maricich (1927-) married Anthony Seth Hannagan Jr. (1918-2009), a native of Illinois, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 31, 1941.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 54, p. 24)
Anthony S. Hannagan Jr. expired on July 9, 2009 in Park Forest, Illinois. His corporal remains were interred in the Fort Sills Veterans Cemetery at Oklahoma.(The Southtown Star [Chicago], Anthony S. Hannagan II, July 26, 2009)
Katherine Maricich
Katherine Maricich Arceneaux Biggs (1930-1993), age 63 years, of Violet, Louisiana, died Saturday, May 29, 1993, in Chalmette, Louisiana. Mrs. Biggs was a longtime resident of Biloxi, a Catholic and homemaker. Survivors include her spouse, Carol Biggs (1927-2010) of D'Iberville, Mississippi; a daughter, Patricia Menefee of Ocean Springs; son, Peter Stanfield of Slidell, Louisiana and Tony Arceneaux of Ocean Springs; and four grandchildren. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi had charge of Mrs. Biggs' funeral service with graveside services at Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, June 1, 1993, p. A-2)
Anthony J. Maricich
Anthony 'Tony' John Maricich (1931-1984) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 15, 1931. He married Myrtle Ann Slater in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 8, 1957. Tony and Myrtle Ann Maricich left Biloxi in 1958 for Pascagoula, Mississippi where they settled at 2021 Margie Moore Avenue. Tony was employed with the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation. He later was the proprietor of the S & M Cabinet Shop at Pascagoula.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 110, p. 97)
Mr. Marich expired at Pascagoula, Mississippi on April 2, 1984. He was survivied by his spouse; two sons, Eddie Slater of Indianola and Paul Slater of Pascagoula; four daughters, Tina Key of Pascagoula; Pat Hobbs of Jackson; June Flores of Huntsville, Alabama; and Jean Armstrong of Greenville; two brothers, Jerry Maricich (1932-2989) and Luke Maricich and a sister, Katie Biggs (1930-1993), all of Biloxi; 23 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.(The Daily Herald, April 13, 1984, p. A-2)
Jerry P. Maricich
Jerry Peter "Runt" Maricich (1932-1989) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Dolores R. Masse in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 16, 1952 and Deborah Mae Daily on February 22, 1965. Jerry made his livelihood as a boat captain. He died on December 9, 1989 in Slidell, Louisiana while a resident of Pearl River, Louisiana. He had lived in Pearl River since 1984. Mr. Maricich was survived by Jerry Alan Maricich, a son; two daughters, Marie Maricich of Slidell, and Diane Lynn Marich Sirey of Pearl River; a sister, Katie Biggs of North Biloxi; and five grandchildren. His internment was in the Crowe Cemetery at Lacombe, Louisiana.(The Sun Herald, December 12, 1989, p. C-2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB Bk. 91, p. 112 and 128, p. 558)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Isle Brach [sic] man wants to be an American”, December 20, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxian dies following wreck in Homestead, Fla.”, December 31, 1956.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Hebden Rites”, January 4, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “Luka Maricich”, July 16, 1963.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Danica Maricich”, December 9, 1966.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony Maricich”, April 13, 1984.
The Oklahoman [Oklahoma City], "Anthony S. Hannagan", July 12, 2009, p. A-18.
The Southtown Star [Chicago], "Anthony S. Hannagan II", July 26, 2009.
The Sun Herald, 'Luke Maricich Jr.', June 28, 1988.
The Sun Herald, “Jerry 'Runt' Maricich”, December 12, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Katherine Maricich Biggs”, June 1, 1993.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
MARINOVICH
Mateo 'Mike' Marinovich
Mateo 'Mike' Marinovich (1889-1929) was born March 14, 1887 at Milna, Brac. He left Trieste and arrived at the port of New York in November 1905 and declared his name as Kuznia Marinovich. He had married Margurite T. Misko (1886-1943) in Croatia. They settled at 1323 First Street and Mike made his livelihood in the seafood industry. Their children were born in Biloxi: Steve Joseph Marinovich (1917-1999); Mary Helena Marinovich (1920-2011) m. Willard A. Newman (1917-1990); and Rita Marinovich (1925-2005) m. Clay Frank Baudry (1924-1992).
Children
Steve J. Marinovich
Steve Joseph Marinovich (1917-1999) was born July 1, 1917 to Mike Marinovich and Marguerite . He married Marie Lovlyn Arceneaux (1922-2001), the daughter of Adam Arceneaux and . She was a native of Abbeville, Louisiana. Children: Steve Michael Marinovich (1941-1942); Mary Jo Marinovich m. Bissett; and Margaret Ann Marinovich m. Breeland.
Steve Marinovich expired at
Marinovich Trawl Company
Steve J. Marinovich began his trawl making service about 1946. He manufactured and exported netting and trawls from his Oak Street headquarters. In April 1963, Steve was appointed by the Biloxi City Council to the Boiloxi Port Commission replacing Albert Duckett.(The Daily Herald, April 25, 1963, p. 1)
SAM MARINOVICH
Sam Marinovich (1881-1956) was born December 25, 1881 to Joseph Marinovich at Zdrelo, Serbia. He married Vencentia Sekul Keresich (1884-1974), the widow of Joseph Keresich (d. March 1906) in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 13, 1908. Children: Annie Marinovich m. John Skrmetta and Fountain; Alena Marinovich (1911-1970); Stephanie Marinovich (1913-2001) m. Sidney Fountain; Joseph Marinovich; Frances Marinovich (1916-1918); Antoney Marinovich (1919-1919); Jake Marco Marinovich (1921-2003) m. Octavia Rousseau and Helen Delores Anderson; and Samuel Marinovich (1923-1934). Sam's step-daughter, Mary Josephine Keresich (1906-1996) married Sam Kuljis (1889-1961).
REFERENCES"
The Daily Herald, “Marinovich child dies”, June 10, 1942.
MIHOJEVICH
Steven Mihojevich and Frances Martinich
[image made Biloxi Cemetery-August 2012]
Steven [Stip] Mihojevich (1872-1947) was born at Boboviscia, Brac on February 22, 1872, the son of Anthony 'Tony' Mihojevich and Mary Doukstoni. Stip Mihojevich left Le Havre, France on the SS Britannia and arrived at New York City on February 14, 1901. He settled at 219 Cedar Street.(Southern District Mississippi-Declaration of Intention for Citizenship, No. 280)
Stip Mihojevich married Frances 'Frankie' Martinich (1872-1956) in Bobovisca, Brac. Her father was Matthew Martinich and mother, Frances Trebotich. She came to Biloxi in 1905 with Anthony Mihojevich (1902-1982), their son. The Steve Mihojevich family later resided at 220 Myrtle Street on Point Cadet where he made his livelohood as a fisherman. There children were: Mary Mihojevich (1899-1918) m. Anthony Filipich (1897-1969); Anthony Mihejovich (1902-1982) m. Angelina Russo (1907-2008); Peter Mehojevich (1906-1997); Katrina [Katie] Mehojevich (1907-1999) m. Frank Kovacevich (1899-1971); Joseph Mehovecich (1909-1991) m. Marguerite Fountain; Frances Mihovecich (1913-2002) m. Mike Sekul (1911-1988).
Mrs. Frances Mihojevich expired at Biloxi on July 9, 1956. Steve Mihojevich died on April 12, 1947.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 38-A, p. 111)
Steve Mihojevich (1872-1947), a 1903 Dalmatian immigrant and the son of Tony Mihojevich and Mary Doukstoni, married Frances Martinich (1872-1956), also a native of Dalmatia. Her father was Matthew Martijich and mother, Frances Trebotich. She came to Biloxi circa 1904. Their children were: Antonio 'Tony' Mihojevich (1902-1982); Peter Mihojevich (1907); Katrina Mihojevich (1908) m. Frank Kovacevich; Joseph Mihojevich (1909-1991) m. Marguerite Fountain; and Frances Mihojevich (1913) m. Mike Sekul. The Steve Mihojevich family resided at 220 Myrtle Street on Point Cadet. Mrs. Frances Mihojevich expired at Biloxi on July 9, 1956. Steve died on April 12, 1947.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 38-A, p. 111 and 1920 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T625_876, p. 30B, ED 39)
CHILDREN
Antonio Mihojevich
Angelina 'Angie' Russo (1907-2008), native of NOLA and the daughter of Salvador Russo and Olivia Fallo married Tony Mihojevich (1902-1982) on April 27, 1927 at Nativity BVM in Biloxi, Mississippi. Children: Claudette Frances Mihojevich m. William Laughlin Quigley Quigley and Stephanie Mihojevich m. Don Francis Pizzetta (1935-1987). Employed at the Gulf Central Seafood factory. Angie R. Mihojevich expired at her home on 220 Myrtle Street in Biloxi on January 23, 2008. Burial Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, January 24, 2008, p. A6)
Children
Claudette F. Mihojevich
Claudette Frances Mihojevich was valedictorian of Class of 1948 at Sacred Heart Academy. Terese Peresich was salutatorian. Claudette garduated from Loyola University [NOLA] with a degree in Medical Technology. Before her marriage to William Laughlin Quigley of Biloxi in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 17, 1952, Claudette worked as a laboratory technician at the Biloxi VA Hospital. Thier first child, Deborah Ann Quigley was born in October 1953. She married Paul Franklin Bates in December 1973.(The Daily Herald, May 25, 1948, p. 2, February 19, 1952, p. 14; and Ocotber 30, 1953, p. 18)
Stephanie Ann Mihojevich
Stephanie Ann Mihojevich married Don Francis Pizetta in Harrison County, Mississippi April 6, 1958.[Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 111, p. 455.
___________________
Sam Mihojevich
Sam Mihojevich (1881-1927) was born February 2, 1881 at Bobovesci, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He left Le Havre, France and arrived at New York City on June 29, 1902. Sam married Perina Skrmetta (1886-1945) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 13, 1904. She was the daughter of Nicholas Skrmetta (1855-1918) and Margaret Jahsih (1862-1947).(The Daily Herald, June 14, 1904 and April 26, 1915, p. 4)
Sam and Perina S. Mihojevich settled at 1418 Howard Avenue and Sam worked in the Biloxi seafood industry. Their three children were Biloxi born: John Mihojevich (1906-1985); Geraldine Carmel Mihojevich (1909-1989) m. Roger N. Townsend (1915-2006); and Joseph James Mihojevich (1912-1992) m. Catherine Silva (1914-1995).
Circa 1919, the family left Biloxi, Mississippi and relocated to San Pedro, Los Angeles County, California. Sam was killed accidentally here on May 27, 1927. Perina married Ivan [John] Domjanov (1894-1957) after the demise of her spouse. Ivan was born at Kastel Gomilica, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia and came to America in July 1913. He worked as a coal miner in Wyoming before settling at San Pedro, California
In September 1933, Perina and Geraldine came to Biloxi to visit relatives and friends. Geraldine had graduated from the University of California and was an accomplished musician and piano teacher.(The Daily Herald, May 27, 1927, p. 8 and September 7, 1933, p. 2)
Perina Skrmetta expired on April 24, 1945 in southern California. Ivan lived until September 19, 1957. It appears that he married Helen Pavlov (1892-1966) after Perina's demise.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Hymeneal”, June 14, 1904.
The Daily Herald, “Petition to naturalization”, April 26, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Sam Mihojevich killed”, May 27, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, September 7, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Perina Skrmetta Mihojevich] Domjamov dies”, April 25, 1945.
The Daily Herald, “[Claudette] Mihojevich and [Terese] Peresich heard at class night”, May 25, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Quigley-Mihojevich", February 19, 1952, p. 14.
The Sun Herald, "Angelina Russo Mijojevich", January 24, 2008, p. A6.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Captain George A. Misko and Madeline Pitalo
[image made Biloxi Cemetery-August 2012]
Captain George Anthony Misko (1878-1971) was born March 25, 1878 in the Bobovisce, a village on the island of Brac off the Dalmatian coast. He arrived at Biloxi in 1903 and became a crewman on the Julia H., a schooner owned by Lopez-Dunbar and Company. In 1908, he married Madeline [Mandelina] Pitalo (1888-1983) and lived at 215 Cedar Street with their children: Anthony 'Tony' Misko (1911-1993) m. Ida Mae Nadalich (1914-1996); Elizabeth Misko (1913-2001) m. Mr. Gutierrez; Albert J. Misko (1915-2006) m. Eunice Leckich; Georgio Misko (1920-1924); Stephen 'Steve' Misko (1918-1930); Madeline Rita Misko m. Charles D. Jenkins; Peter Misko (1923-1985) m. Laura Kracher; Antonia Misko (1926-2011) m. Joseph A. Juen; Frances A. Misko m. Joseph M. Lamas; Lucretia Misko m. Mr. Doljanin; and John 'Brioche' Misko (1930-2012). During the off-season he worked on the track gang of the local street carline.(The Daily Herald, April 22, 1971, p. 2)
George A. Misko was a charter member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association and worshipped at St. Michael's Catholic Church He retired in 1949 after sailing Biloxi's srhimp and oyster watercraft. In 1968, Captain Misko reined over the Biloxi Shrimp Festival. In March 1968, Captain Misko was feted for his 90th natal anniversary at his Cedar Street home. A confectionary replica of the Jolly Traveller, his fishing boat, graced the dining table at the celebration.(The Daily Herald, March 26, 1968, p. 14)
Peter D. Misko Sr. and Katie Misko-Biloxi Cemetery [image made August 2012]
Peter Dominick Misko (1881-1959) was born June 10, 1881 . He married Katrina 'Katie' Skrmetta (1884-1948). Children: Anthony Misko (1909-1910); Nicholas A. Misko (1911-1994) m. Flavia Hebert; Lawrence Misko; Lucretia Misko (1920-2006) m. Peter V. 'Troubles' Skrmetta (1917-2000); Peter Dominick Misko Jr. (b. 1914); and Steve Rocco Misko (1916-2006) m. Mary Lou Misko; and Joseph R. Misko (1916-1990) m. Velma Dujmov (1922-1998).
Lucy [Lucia] Misko (1892-1975) was born in Louisiana. She married Vincent Polovich (1882-1952), a native of NOLA and the son of Matre Polovich and Mary Krich in Harrison County, Mississippi on November 24, 1915. Their children were: Matre Polovich (1917-1998) m. Dorothy Romero (1925-2003); Lucille Polovich; Anthony V. Polovich m. Margaret Migues; Vincent J. Polovich (1925-2007) m. Edith Allen; and Lucretia Polovich.
John Misko married Olivia Sekul
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "Time Traveler-"Living Historians-Conversation with Peter Misko", Jauary 24, 2013, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, “[John Misko] Waiting for bride from Dalmatia [Olivia Sekul]”, June 19, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Marriage licenses”, January 24, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “George Misko celebrates his 90th birthday", March 26, 1968.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Shrimp Festival King (George Misko) of 1964 Dies, April 22, 1971.
The Daily Herald, "Peter Misko", January 11, 1985, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Velma Dujmov Misko", September 1, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Lucretia Misko Skrmetta”, March 7, 2006.
The Sun Herald, “Stephen Rocco Misko”, March 17, 2006.
The Sun Herald, "Peter Misko Jr. looks forward to a century of living", August 27, 2006, p. F11.
The Sun Herald, “Antonia Misko Juen”, June 20, 2011, p. A6
The Sun Herald, "John 'Brioche' Misko", November 4, 2012, p. A13.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
MLADINICH
Ernest J. Mladinich (1875-1953) was the son of Jacob Mladinich and Dina Filipich and a native of the village of Milna on the Island of Brac in the Adriatic Sea just off the Damaltian coast of Croatia. He married Catherine Bonacich Mladinich (1874-1962), also a native of Milna. They acquired their land on Point Cadet in December 1931. Ernest Mladinich expired on January 20, 1953. He had come to Biloxi from Croatia, then a part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, in 1901. Mladinich was a veteran of the Austrian Navy. He and wife, Catherine Bonacich, were the parents of two children: Ernest Mladinich Jr. (1906-1990) m. Amanda Tremontana (1908-1997) and Dina Mladinich (1914-2006) m. John J. Labetich (1909-1944) and Peter Kuljis (1902-1966).(The Daily Herald, January 20, 1953, p. 4 and The Sun Herald, October 7, 2006)
Dixie Fisheries Incorporated
Dixie Fisheries Incorporated owned by Ernest Mladinich Sr., Ernest Mladinich Jr., and J. Mladinich Sr. are making extensive improvements to their East Beach plant to comply with the new health inspection requirements. The work will be completed before the opening of the shrimp season.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1934, p. 2)
CHILDREN
Ernest J. Mladinich Jr.
Ernest J. Mladinich Jr. (1906-1990) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 1906. On June 29, 1924, in Harrison County, Mississippi, he married Amanda Tremontana (1908-1997), a Croatian immigrant and the daughter of Joseph Tremonta (1878-1950), who born on Brac, Croatia and Mary Cerenich, also a Croatian immigrant. The Tremontana family came to Biloxi from Croatia in 1921 and lived at 240 Myrtle street with their children: Joseph Tremontana Jr.; Amanada Tremontana (1908-1997) m. Ernest Mladinich Jr. (1906-1990); Lucretia Tremonta (1911-1937) m. Earl F. Cook (19-1999); Josephine Tremontana (1913-2004) m. Julian K. Cook (1908-1994); and Mary Tremontana m. Thomas Garbin (1895-1966) and Mr. Calmut.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 39, p. 411)
Ernest and Amanda T. Mladinich (1906-1990) were the parents of two daughters: Katherine 'Katie' Mladinich (1928-2018) m. James Preston Coleman Jr. (1928-1995) and Mary M. Mladinich (b. 1935).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 39, p. 411)
Ernest retired from the Biloxi Police as its Captain after twenty years of loyal service. He was a member of the Slavonian Society of Biloxi and a Catholic. Mr. Mladinich died at Biloxi on April 5, 1990. Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Beauvoir Road, Biloxi directed his funeral followed by internment in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, April 6, 1990, p. )
Amanda T. Mladinich (1908-1997), age 89, died on March 4, 1997. Her corporal remains were also interred at Southern Memorial Park .
Children
Katherine 'Katie' Mladinich Coleman (1928-2018), age 89 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Mrs. Coleman was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 27, 1928 to Ernest Jacob and Amanda Tremontana Mladinich. She was co owner of Serv-Rite Grocery Store for many years. Mrs. Coleman enjoyed playing bingo and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Preston Coleman, Jr.; and her parents. Mrs. Coleman's survivors include her children, Sharon (Dale) Creel, James (Kathy) Coleman, Jr. and Mary (Virgil) Morse; her sister, Margaret Mladinich; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 4 step great-grandchildren. At Mrs. Coleman's request, there will be no services held. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keeefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, March 18, 2018]
Dina M. Mladinich
Dina Mary Mladinich (1914-2006) married John Joseph Labetich (1909-1944). He died at the Presidio, US Army Camp, in San Francisco, California on February 20, 1944. in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 12, 1934. They had one daughter, Frances Labetich who married Gus C. Cavalier Jr. (1933-2005). John J. Labetich's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1944, p. 7 and March 1, 1944, p. 8 and The Sun Herald, October 7, 2006)
After the demise of her spouse, Dina M. Labetich in July 1948 married Peter Kuljis (1902-1966) in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 77, p. 475)
Obituary
Mrs. Dina Mary Mladinich Labetich Kuljis (1914-2006) died October 4, 2006, at her Biloxi residence. Dina was born March 1, 1914.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, John Joseph Labetich and Peter "South America" Kuljis; mother, Catherine Bonacich Mladinich; father, Ernest Mladinich, Sr.; brother, Ernest Mladinich, Jr.; sister-in-law, Amanda Tremontana Mladinich, and son-in-law, Gus Cavalier, Jr.
She is survived by a daughter, Frances Labetich Cavalier; grandsons, Daniel John Cavalier of Daphne, AL, Joel Craig Cavalier and his wife, Laurie, of Biloxi; great grandsons, Michael Graham of Honolulu, HI, Jesse Kittrell of Biloxi, and Grant Edward Cavalier and Great Granddaughter, Shelby Danielle Cavalier and her mother, Chris, of S. W. Ranches, FL; and her beloved companions, Barbie, Ken, Tigger and Nala.
Dina was a former member of St. Michael Catholic Church and St. Michael Altar Society until August, 2005. She then became a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She was a retired seafood worker and was a dedicated member of the Slavic Ladies Auxiliary. She donated time and talent to their famous pusharata sales and the Slavic Benevolent Association of St. Nicoli and their famous Slavic Golf tournament.
Although her eyesight and hearing failed in her later years, she was always eager and ready for outings with her faithful companions, for a trip to the casinos and weekly pitty pat card games.
Dina won her battle with cancer years ago. It took a stroke to bring her down. She only asked, "How did this happen?" She never questioned God or complained. When asked how she felt, she would answer, "Just fine." When asked if she hurt, she would respond, "No, thank God."
Nana taught everyone she met to love and forgive. She taught us that life is short and to live each day like it was their last. To know her was to love her. The angels carried her to heaven where she joined our loved ones who were eagerly waiting for her. There is no doubt that her first words to God were, "Where's the broom?"
A special thanks to Dr. Dawn Hanson, Deaconess Home Health, Trinity Hospice, and to the caregivers at Nursing Management for their tender loving care.
Visitation will be Monday, October 9, 2006, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. After the burial, friends and family are invited to Our Lady of Fatima Hall for a gathering after which they are also invited to the home of Joel and Laurie Cavalier, 2019 Marisol Court, Biloxi, (in Bent Oaks Subdivision) for a celebration of her life.[The Sun Herald, October 7, 2006]
Andrew Mladinich
Andrew Mladinich (1877-1938), also a son of Jacob Mladinich and Dina Filipich, came to America in 1902 and Biloxi in 1905. He had married Clementine Bonacich at Milna in 1901. She came to Biloxi in August 1906 aboard the SS Brooklyn debarking Marseille, France on August 4, 1906 with their two children: Ola Ursula Mladinich (1900-1988) and Andrew Jakonro [Jake] Mladinich (1902-1967).
Clementine B. Mladinich expired at Biloxi on June 18, 1915. She had been a resident of Biloxi for nine years and had resided at 208 Cedar Street. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 18, 1915, p. 1)
CHILDREN
Ola U. Mladinich
Ola Ursula Mladinich (1900-1988) married Matre Peter Pitalo (1898-1981), a Croatian immigrant, at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 20, 1917. They were the parents of: Peter M. Pitalo (1919-2000+); Andrew Pitalo (1920-1939); John Pitalo (1922-1932); Elizabeth R. Pitalo (1923-2000) m. Dennis Frank Dartez (1920-1983); Marguerite Pitalo (1926); and Anthony 'Tony' Pitalo Sr. (1928-2000+) m. Blanche Jumonville.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 437 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi R 1146, p. 23A, ED 2)
Jake Mladinich
Jake Mladinich (1902-1967) married Mary Pierotich, the daughter of John Pierotich and , in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 3, 1925. They lived at 1435 First Street and reared two sons: A. Jake Mladinich (1926-2014) and John M. Mladinich (1928-2013).
Children
-image.jpg)
Andrew Jake Mladinich II and E. June Stojcich Mladinich
A. Jake Mladinich II (1926-2014), Biloxi entrepreneur and personality, died at Biloxi on December 18, 2014. A. Jake “Jake” Mladinich II, was born on May 28, 1926 in Biloxi, MS. His parents, A. Jake Mladinich, Sr. and Mary Mladinich, provide a classic example of immigrants who lived out the American Dream. They were Slavic immigrants who came to Biloxi in the late 19th century to work in the seafood industry. With hard work and the help of relatives they eventually acquired waterfront property and built a successful and well-known complex of tourist-related family businesses on the beach in an area that is now in west Biloxi. Jake worked in the family businesses and eventually inherited in 1987, a segment of his parents properties, including the Fiesta entertainment complex, the Cabana Beach apartments and the Sea-n-Sirloin Restaurant.
Jake’s many civic memberships and titles included Past President and current member of the Slavic Benevolent Association, Past President of the MS Gulf Coast Hotel Association, MS Gulf Coast Restaurant Association and MS Gulf Coast Motel Association; Past Commissioner of the Biloxi Port Commission and the Point Cadet Development Commission (PCDC-Waterfront Master Plan); Past Board of Directors of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce; Past Vice-President and current member of the Biloxi Businessmen’s Club; current member of Main Street Biloxi, Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce, B.P.O. Elks, Chapter #606 and Biloxi Yacht Club.
Jake owned many businesses which included The Flame Restaurant in Gulfport, The Party Store, the Hot-Stop Restaurant, Peppermint Lounge, The Nineteenth Hole, Fiesta at the Fiesta Complex, the Sports Page Lounge, Cabana Beach Motel and Apartments, Fiesta Gift Shoppe, Sea-n-Sirloin Restaurant, White Pillars Gourmet Restaurant, Le Chateau Apartments, Traders Lounge, Rodenberg Properties, LLC, Fiesta, Inc. and Orleans, Inc. all in Biloxi.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors included his wife of 57 years, Ethel June Stojcich McElveen Mladinich (1927-2015), the daughter of Anthony Stojcich (1901-1983) and Edna Fowler (1902-1982); his children, Mary Kathleen Mladinich Spain, Andrew Jake Mladinich, III, Andra June Mladinich, April Mladinich Fairley and Tania Mladinich (William) Buchanan; his grandchildren, David Andrew Spain, Kathleen June Miller, Damien Alexander Spain, Dennis Anthony Spain, Andrew Jake (Katie) Mladinich, IV, Richard Anthony Mladinich, Jeffrey Randall (Heather) Fairley, II, Charlotte Renee Fairley (Eric) Martin, Amy Darlene Fairley, June Pierce Shivers, William Buchanan, IV, Gavin Buchanan and Liam Buchanan; his great-grandchildren, Aubree Jade Mladinich, Rowan Christopher Fairley, Kaitlyn Shivers and Morgan Shivers.(The Sun Herald, December 20, 2014, p. A-6 and March 12, 2015, p. A-4)
[Biloxi Cemetery-October 2012]
After the death of Ola, in Louisiana, probably Iberia Parish, he married Mary Bourgeios (1897-1971), the daughter of Alces Bougeois and Eva Louvier, a native of Avery Island, Louisiana. Andrew applied for naturalization in May 1922. He lived at 237 Cedar Street in Biloxi at the time.(The Daily Herald, June 2, 1922, p. 3 and April 5, 1971, p. 2)
Children: Andrew Mladinich Jr. (1920-1955); Julius Joseph Mladinich (1921-2011) m. Teresa Flora Larvella (1925-1960) and Rita Griffin Roddy (1922-1999), the widow of William J. Roddy (1912-1962); Eva Mae Mladinich (1922-2017) m. Frank Joseph Mallette (1920-2008); Ernest Paul Mladinich (1926-1988) m. Nona Mae Foster (1925-1985); Lucille Mladinich (1915-1990) m. Ballinger ; Mary Ann Mladinich m. Sidney D. Johnson; and Thomozina Mary Mladinich m. Wallace Hebert (1921-1995).
CHILDREN
Andrew Mladinich Jr.
[The Daily Herald, October 24, 1955, p. 2]
Julius J. Mladinich
Eva Mae Mladinich
Eva M. Mladinich
Eva Mae Mladinich (1922-2017) was born at Biloxi on December 7, 1922 to Andrew and Mary Mladinich. At St. Michael's Catholic Church on 3 June 194, she married Frank Joseph Mallette (1920-2008), probably a native of Missouri and in the US Coast Guard. Frank passed at Gainesville, Florida in January 2008. They had divorced in Orleans Parish, Louisina in April 1946. Eva Mallette, a life-long resident of Biloxi, passed away peacefully on 13 October 2017 at the Kare Med Personal Care Home in Ocean Springs at the age of 94 years. A life well-lived. At a young age she went to work in the seafood factories, then had a successful career with the Base Exchange at Keesler, retiring as a manager. She later was the hostess at the Sea 'n Sirloin restaurant. Eva was a very outgoing, generous, funny, and caring lady. Always the life of the party, she never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell and a plate of goodies to share. She was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Fatima. She traveled the country with the Golden Age Club, keeping the entire bus laughing. Eva was a member of the Slavonian Lodge in Biloxi. She loved her longtime pets Pippi and Chance. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, the Saints, the Braves, bingo, and the slots. Eva spent many days fishing with her grandsons, catching lots of catfish. She made the best pork roast in the world. Eva is survived by her son, Kenneth (Wanda) Mallette of Ocean Springs, MS; grandsons, Dr. Scott (Chetta) Mallette of Monument, CO, and Dr. Jeff (Dane) Mallette of Gulf Breeze, FL; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Mallette, Gabrielle Mallette, Sarah Mallette, Rachel Mallette and Michael Mallette; great-great-granddaughter Violet Mallette; sisters, Thomasine Hebert of Biloxi, MS, Lucille Ballinger of Charlotte, NC, and Mary Ann Johnson of Gulfport, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary Mladinich of Biloxi, MS; brothers, Andrew Mladinich Jr. of Biloxi, MS, Ernest Mladinich of Biloxi, MS, and Julius Mladinich of New Orleans, Louisiana. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, November 9th, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima in Biloxi, with a reception to follow in the Parish Center. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Eva's life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Our Lady of Fatima, 2090 Pass Rd, Biloxi, MS, 39531. The family would like to thank Bea, Crystal, Jenny, and Shavon at Kare Med and Regina, Tammy, and Stephanie of Notre Dame Hospice for their care of Eva in her final days.[The Gainesville Sun, January 11, 2008 and The Sun Herald, November 7, 2017]
Ernest P. Mladinich
Ernest Paul Mladinich(1926-1988) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a Merchant Marine. Ernest was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, the Slavonian Benevolent Association and Seafarers Union International. Ernest married Nona Mae Foster (1925-1985) in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 26, 1960.
Ernest expired at Biloxi on February 11, 1988. His corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park by Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home.(The Sun Herald, February 12, 1988, p. A4.
Mary Ann Mladinich
Tomozina M. Mladinich
Tomozina Mary Mladinich was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Wallace Joseph Hebert (1921-1995) in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 3, 1942. Children: Wallace J. “Joe” Hebert (1943-2003) m. Anne Hebert; Kevin Troy Hebert m. Shirley Jean Pizzetta; Pamela Jane Hebert m. Billy Jo Smith and Daniel Chadwick Griffon; and Mary Beth Hebert m. Mr. Farrell.
Wallace J. Hebert died at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 22, 1995.(The Sun Herald, January 24, 1995, p. A-2)
Mary Mladinich
REFERENCES:
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 54114-The Estate of Jake Mladinich Sr.-
Journals
The Daily Herald, "", June 18, 1915.
The Daily Herald, "Naturalization applicants [Andrew Mladinich] start for citizenship", June 2, 1922.
The Daily Herald, "Improving factory", August 2, 1934.
The Daily Herald, "[Andrew] Mladinich funeral", April 14, 1938.
The Daily Herald, "[Preston] Coleman-[Katherine] Mladinich", February 4, 1947.
The Daily Herald, "Mladinich-Redding", May 23, 1949
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Catherine Mladinich", October 22, 1962.
The Daily Herald, "Ernest Mladinich dies", January 20, 1953.
The Daily Herald, "Andrew Mladinich Jr.", October 24, 1955.
The Daily Herald, "Lucy T. Mladinich", January 7, 1963.
The Daily Herald, "[Jake] Mladinich rites”, March 22, 1967.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary Mladinich”, April 5, 1971.
The Gainesville Times, 'Frank Mallette', January 11, 2008.
The Sun Herald, "Ernest [Paul] Mladinich", February, 1988.
The Sun Herald, "Ernest J. Mladinich Jr.", April 6, 1990.
The Sun Herald, "Wallace J. Hebert", January 24, 1995, p. A-2.
The Sun Herald, "Preston Coleman Jr.", October 29, 1995.
The Sun Herald, "Wallace “Joe” Hebert", September 10, 2003, p. A-10.
The Sun Herald, “Julius Joseph ‘Joe’ Mladinich”, January 30, 2011, p. A10.
The Sun Herald, "Mladinich wins Jacobs award", November 25, 2012.
The Sun Herald, "Mladinich earns Coast tourism award", November 28, 2012.
The Sun Herald, "Mladinich earns Coast tourism award", November 28, 2012.
The Times-Picayune, “Decisions-Mallette v. Mallette”, April 3, 1946, p. 25.
The Times-Picayune, “Action is taken in slander suit”, April 16, 1963.
The Times-Picayune, “Rita Griffin Roddy Mladinich”, October 2, 1999.
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PAVLOV
Peter Pavlov(1882-1951) was born March 16, 1882 to George Pavlov and Diana Sapurnich at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Peter came to America in 1905. He embarked from Le havre, France on the La Savoie on December 10, 1905 and arrived at New York City on December 17, 1905. Peter declared his intention to become an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 6, 1917. He was naturalized at Biloxi on February 21, 1921 receiving Certificate of Naturalization No. 1511976.[Declaration of Intention No. 346 and Petition for Naturalization No. 239-US District Court-Southern Division of Mississippi]
Peter Pavlov married Anna Hire (1882-1962), a native of Bobovisce, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. They lived at 324 Pine Street on Biloxi’s Point Cadet. Peter made his livelihood as a fishermen in the Biloxi canning industry and became a partner in the Seacoast Packing Company. He served as its president from 1934 until his demise. Peter expired at home on January 17, 1951. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, January 18, 1951, p. 6)
Peter and Anna Hire Pavlov were the parents of six children: Danica V. Pavlov (1908-1996) m. Grgur 'George' Garbin (1893-1969); George Pavlov (1910-1963) m. Cecile Arguelles (1908-1994); Margaret Pavlov (1912-2008) m. Vincent 'Visco' Kuluz(1898-1987); Frances 'Flossie' Pavlov (1915-2004) m. James J. Touchet;Peter Pavlov II (1919-2012) m. Mary Alice Smith (1925-2015); and Frank Buffalo Pavlov (1920-2005) m. Hilda Marie Belter (1922-1999).
Danica V. Pavlov
Danica Victoria Pavlov (1908-1996) was born December 23, 1908 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
George Pavlov
George Pavlov (1910-1963) was born August 9, 1910 at Biloxi, Mississippi.. He married Cecile Arguelles (1908-1994), the daughter of Joseph Peter Arguelles (1866-1944) and Louise E. Bellman (1867-1958). They were the parents of George Pavlov Jr. (1943-1991) m. Janet Bosarge and Martha Ann Webb and Wayne J. Pavlov (b. 1945). George Pavlov expired on September 7, 1963 while Cecile A. Pavlov lived until March 21, 1994. Both were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery 6th Addition on the north side of the CSX Railroad tracks.
Margaret Pavlov
Margaret Pavlov (1912-2008) was born July 1, 1912 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Vincent Kuluz
Frances "Flossie"Pavlov Touchet
Frances "Flossie" Pavlov Touchet was born February 24, 1915 at Biloxi, Mississippidied Wednesday, April 7, 2004, in Biloxi after a brief illness. She was 89 years old. Mrs. Touchet was born Jan. 28, 1915 and was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a retired seafood worker and was employed at Austin's Style Center at its original location in downtown Biloxi. However, she was mainly known for her culinary talents, preparing Slavonian pastries and other dishes for family gatherings and for her many friends. Her "red velvet" cake became the signature dessert at the White Pillars Restaurant in Biloxi.
"Flossie" also was known for her sharp wit, her colorful candor and her friendliness Frances. She was a member of the Slavic Ladies Auxiliary and St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi. In the early '30s she was also queen of the Oyster Festival in Biloxi.
The light of her life was her son, James Joseph "J.J." Touchet, Jr., a onetime high school and collegiate football standout who died when his Navy fighter jet crashed in 1978 in Lake Eufala, Ala. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Annie (Hire) Pavlov; a brother, George Pavlov; and a sister, Danica (Pavlov) Garbin.
She is survived by a sister, Margaret (Pavlov) Kuluz of Biloxi; two brothers, Dr. Peter Pavlov of Ocean Springs, and Frank Pavlov of Biloxi; and her special niece and caregiver, Frances (Kuluz) Creel of Biloxi. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Peter Pavlov II
Dr. Peter ‘Doc’ Pavlov II was born February 23, 1919 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Mary Alice Smith (1925-2015) at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on May 3, 1947. Mary was reared in Jonestown, Mississippi and raised on the family farm in Philipp, Mississippi.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit MRB 74, p. 325]
Children: Peter Pavlov III; Michael Pavlov, PhD; Mary Ann Pavlov m. Wolfgang Vogelbein; Dr. Paul Marion Pavlov (b. 1955) m. Theresa Ann Lamburth (b. 1954-Chicago), daughter of Paul Raymond Lamburth and Harriet Mozelle Nix; Joseph Pavlov; Dr. John Pavlov; and Francis Pavlov.
Frank B. Pavlov
Frank Buffalo Pavlov married Hilda Belter May 26, 1949.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Georgette Pavalov [sic] and John Mavar are head of Carnival Ball", February 19, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Pavlov death”, Januay 18, 1951.
The Sun Herald, “Danica V. Garbin”, January 13, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Frances Pavlov Touchet”, April 10, 2004.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Mary Smith Pavlov”, February 10, 2015.
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PIEROTICH
John J. Pierotich (1877-1942) and Antonia Barhanovich (1880-1957) were the progenitors of the Biloxi family. They were both born on August 14, 1877 at Supetar [St. Peter], Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. John J. Pierotich arrived at New York City on June 8, 1905 from Trieste on the SS Bremen. Antonia arrived at New York City on November 14, 1947 aboard Princess Irene.(Declaration of Intention No. 350-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-December 6, 1917 and Petition for Naturalization No. 262-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-January 27, 1921)
John J. Pierotich and family lived at Biloxi, Mississippi on 231 Cedar Street and 219 Maple Street. He made his livelihood in Biloxi’s seafood industry harvesting oysters and shrimp for various seafood canneries. J.J. Pierotich and spouse were the parents of Matthew Frank Pierotich (1905-1956) m. Viola Bond (1908-1994); Mary Pierotich (1907-1983) m. Jake Mladinich (1902-1967); John J. Pierotich Jr. (1908-1969) m. Hilda E. Fountain (1914-1991); Frank Pierotich (1911) m. Eunice Bailey; and Anthony Pierotich (1913-1986) m. Sara Nell Lint (1928-1987).
Children
Viola Bond Pierocich and son
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Matthew F. Pierotich
Matthew Frank ‘Slim” Pierotich (1905-1956) was born September 11, 1905 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Viola Bond (1908-1994) and their children were: Louis Lee ‘Billy’ Pierocich (1937-2006) m. Lillian Delchamp and Elmyra Pal Pierocich m. Pat Harrison Reeves.
Mary Pierotich
Mary Pierotich (1907-1983) was born June 23, 1907 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Jake Mladinich (1902-1967) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 3, 1925. Children: John Mladinich and Jake Mladinich
John J. Pierotich Jr.
John J. ‘Spex’ Pierotich Jr.(1908-1969) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 27, 1908. He married Hilda E. Fountain (1914-1991) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 31, 1934. They lived at 301 Howard Lane in Biloxi where John made his livelihood as a boatman for a seafood factory. John and Hilda were the parents of two children: Ronald 'Ronnie' C. Pierotich (b. 1935) m. Judith Ewing (1934-2010) and Maxine Pierotich (b. 1939).(1940 Harrison Co., Mississippi T627_2024, p. 20A, ED 24-2)
Children
Ronald C. Pierotich
Ronald C. Pierotich married Judith Ewing (1934-2010) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 26, 1955. Children: Mark Anthony ‘Doby’ Pierotich (1957-1993) m. Roxann Marie Gutierrez and Jennifer Ann Pierotich m. Larry Allen Drawdy.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 101, p. 571)
Frank Pierotich
Frank Pierotich (1911-) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 29, 1911. He married Eunice Bailey, the daughter of Lottie Gazzo, on May 4, 1935 at Pascagoula, Mississippi. Mayor J.W. Watts officiated at their nuptials. Miss Veronica Anticich and Frank ‘Buddy’ Bass were their attendants.(The Daily Herald, July 17, 1935, p. 2)
Frank Pierotich made his livelihood as a fisherman until June 1935, when he was appointed to the Biloxi Police Department by Mayor John W.A. O’Keefe.(The Daily Herald, July 1, 1935, p. 1)
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Anthony C. Pierotich
Anthony Ching Pierotich (1913-1986) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 13, 1913. He married Sara Nell Lint (1928-1987) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 30, 1948.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,‘Telephone case is postponed’, June 23, 1921.
The Daily Herald,‘Changes in Biloxi Personnel’, July 1, 1935.
The Daily Herald,‘Wedding Announcement’, July 17, 1935.
The Daily Herald,‘Eunice Pierotich dead’, July 19, 1937.
The Daily Herald,‘Mrs. [Eunice] Pierotich’s funeral’, July 20, 1937.
The Daily Herald,‘John Pierotich Sr. dies’, March 20, 1942.
The Daily Herald,‘M.F. (Slim) Pierotich’, June 21, 1956.
The Daily Herald,‘Mrs. Antonia Pierotich’, May 11, 1957.
The Daily Herald,‘John Pierotich Sr. dies’, March 20, 1942.
The Sun Herald,‘Hilda F. Pierotich’, August 28, 1991.
The Sun Herald,‘Viola Bond Pierocich Woodward’, January 1, 1995.
The Sun Herald, 'Billy Pierocich', October 25, 2006.
The Sun Herald, 'Louis Lee Billy Pierocich', October 26, 2006.
The Sun Herald, 'Judith Pierotich', July 17, 2010.
The Times-Picayune,‘Pierotich new port unit head’, March 20, 1974.
_____________________________________________________________
PITALO
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Biloxi Cemetery-6th Addition-Section 2-Block 6-Lot 100 .
GEORGE PITALO
George Pitalo (1860-1928) was born in January 1860 at Bobovisce, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He married Anastasia 'Stona' Trebotich (1858-1942), probably at Brac. It appears that George Pitalo left 'Austria' and landed at New York City on August 28, 1902. He declared his intention to become an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 7, 1917.(Declaration of Intention No. 355-Southern District Court of South Mississippi-December 1917)
The Pitalo children were also born at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia and came to America with their mother in 1904: Louis A. Pitalo (1891-1959) m. Ursula Sekul; Matre Pitalo m. Mary Kuluz; Antonio Pitalo (1899-1977) m. Katie Surian (1908-1988); and Nicholas Pitalo m. Lenora Antonsich.
The George Pitalo family settled at 322 Pine Street on Biloxi's Point Cadet and worked in Biloxi's thriving seafood industry as oystermen and seafood factory workers. George Pitalo died at Biloxi on March 26, 1928. Stonal lived until August 6, 1942. The year and day of her death on her tombstone appears to be incorrect from her burial records.
Children
Louis A. Pitalo (1891-1959), son of George Pitalo and Anastasia Trebotich, married Ursula Sekul (1900-1975). Children: George Pitalo (1923-1931); John Anthony 'Crash' Pitalo (1924-2007) married Marguerite "Margie" Vickery (1923-2005); and Estelle Pitalo married Robert Himmel.
Matre Pitalo married Mary Kuluz on June 20, 1921 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of: Anastasia Pitalo m. Joseph 'Zibbie' Jurich (1918-1967); George Pitalo (1924-2006) m. Hazel Marie Langlinais; Matre Pitalo Jr. m. Jumonville?; and Marion Daniel Pitalo m. Sarah Roberts Tremmel.
Anthony G. Pitalo (1899-1977) arrived at New York in 1904. He was born at Bobovisce, Brac. He was a resident of 322 Pine Street when applying for citizenship in August 1918. Anthony Pitalo was naturalized in June 1921 and he married Katherine "Katie" Surian (1908-1988). They later lived at Bay St. Louis.(The Daily Herald, August 5, 1918, p. 3, August 18, 1920, p. 4, and June 23, 1921, p. 1)
Children
Anthony G. Pitalo
Anthony G. Pitalo Jr (1931-2017), age 86 years, passed away on March 22, 2017. Known to his family and friends as "Buddy," he was born on January 22, 1931 in Biloxi to Anthony and Katherine Pitalo. He grew up in Bay St. Louis, graduated from St. Stanislaus College in 1948, and went on to graduate from Tulane University in 1952. Following his college graduation, Buddy served two years in the United States Air Force before returning home to work in his father's store, Pitalo's Supermarket. It was during that time that he courted and then married Patricia Poolson in 1957. Buddy began his teaching and coaching career in 1960 at St. Stanislaus College. He obtained his Master of Science degree from William Carey College while teaching. Buddy was a member of the SSC Sideline Club and he dedicated 25 years to teaching at the school, from which he retired in 1985. After retiring, Buddy then built a restaurant that he called, "Bud's Catfish House." He and his family worked together to make the business successful. Once he sold the restaurant in 2006, he dedicated his time to traveling with Pat and attending the extra-curricular activities of his grand-children and eventually his great grand-children. Any spare moments were spent out in his yard picking up pecans or working on a household project. He truly enjoyed just being outside. In May of 2013, Buddy was honored as the oldest living baseball coach for St. Stanislaus College. Just this year, he was honored by the American Legion Post 139 for 45 years of service and loyalty. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony G. Pitalo, Sr. and Katherine S. Pitalo, and by his sister, Anna P. Gayaut. He is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 59 years, Patricia P. Pitalo, and his four children, Catherine R. Pitalo, Donald A. Pitalo (Carolyn), David C. Pitalo (Cathy), and Cynthia P. Wasilenko (Clayton). He was a doting grandfather to his grand-children, Courtney P. Rich (John), Moira Nix, Anthony Pitalo, Allyson Pitalo, Ryan Pitalo, Caroline Pitalo, Hannah Pitalo, and Abbie Sawyer. Buddy was also blessed to have seven great grand-children, Dominique, Cayler Ann, Jayden, Beckam, Harley, Lawson, and Skylar. The family wants to thank his caregivers at Dunbar Village and Notre Dame Hospice. They would also like to thank his home caregivers, especially Dale, Cherriel, Mary, and Evette, for their support during his last days. Visitation will be held at 10:30 am with Mass to follow at 11:30 am at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church on March 24, 2017. A private burial service will be held next week. Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.[The Sun Herald, March 24, 2017]
Nicholas Pitalo (
PETER PITALO
Peter Pitalo (1866-1947) was born February 20, 1866 at Bobovisce, Brac, Croatia. Circa 1891, Peter Pitalo married Elizabeth Tremontana (1865-1925), the daughter of Mateo Tremontana and Lucretia Sekul. They were the parents of: John Joseph Pitalo (1893-1918); Yerka Pitalo (1895); Matre Pitalo (1898-1981) m. Ola Mladinich (1900-1988) ; and Peter Pitalo (1900)
Peter Pitalo came to Biloxi circa 1904. His wife and children arrived in 1907 and settled at 322 Pine Street. Peter Pitalo worked as a fisherman in the Biloxi seafood industry and later owned a grocery and market on the NE/C of Cedar and 1st Street on Point Cadet. Peter expired at NOLA on May 23, 1947. He was survivied by matre Pitalo, his son, and Margaret Zaro, a sister and resident of Sacremento, California. Peter's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1947)
John J. Pitalo
John Joseph Pitalo (1893-1918) was born March 5, 1893 in Croatia. He came to Biloxi in 1907. John expired at 213 Cedar Street on December 2, 1918. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, December 2, 1918, p. 3)
Matre P. Pitalo
Matre Peter Pitalo (1898-1981) was born in Croatia on September 6, 1898. He married Ola Mladinich (1900-1988), also a Croation immigrant, at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 20, 1917. They were the parents of: Peter M. Pitalo (1919-2000+); Andrew Pitalo (1920-1939); John Pitalo (1922-1932); Elizabeth R. Pitalo (1923-2000) m. Dennis Frank Dartez (1920-1983); Marguerite Pitalo (1926); and Anthony 'Tony' Pitalo Sr. (1928-2016) m. Blanche Jumonville (1928-2016).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 437 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi R 1146, p. 23A, ED 2)
Children
Anthony Pitalo
Anthony M. "Tony" Pitalo, Sr., age 87 years of Ocean Springs, MIssissippi, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Ocean Springs. Tony was born in Biloxi and was a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. He was the owner of Pitalo's Hardware and Boat Supply. Tony enjoyed all sports, loved playing golf and watching horse racing. He was a member of the Slavonian Lodge and St. Michael Catholic Church. He is preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Jumonville Pitalo ; his parents, Matre and Ola Pitalo; his sisters, Elizabeth Dartez and Margaret Pitalo; and his brothers, Peter Pitalo, John Pitalo and Andrew Pitalo. Tony's survivors include his daughter, Kristi (Tommy) Murphy; his son, Tony Pitalo, Jr.; and his grandchildren, Brent Murphy and Shannon Murphy. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. Michael Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 10:30 am. Friends may visit from 9:30 am until mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, "Blanche Pitalo", May 16, 2016 and The Sun Herald, 'Anthony M. Pitalo Sr.', May 26, 2016)
Anthony Pitalo
Anthony M. Pitalo (1892-1966), called Tony, was born at Bobovisce, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia on February 1, 1892. He left Palermo, Italy in November 1907 aboard the SS Campania, a Cunnard liner, for New York City arriving here on December 5, 1907. Anthony settled on 1326 1st Street at Biloxi, Mississippi with Marica Rosetti (1895-1986), a native of Starigrad, Hvar, Croatia. They were married at Gulfport, Mississippi on January 6, 1915. Tony became an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 20, 1912 receiving No. 1511995.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 230 and Petition for Naturalization-South District Court-South Mississippi Certificate No. 256, January 14, 1921 and June 20, 1921]
Children: Stephen J. Pitalo (1916-1980) m. Dorothy M. Pitalo (1923-1989) ; Anthony M. Pitalo Jr. (1920-1995) m. Marguerite Vickery Parker; and Mandina Pitalo (1924-1975) m. Charles Vincent Polite (1917-2005).
Tony M. Pitalo made his livelihood at Biloxi as a fisherman. He had been secretary of the Slavonian Benevolent association, member of the Biloxi Benevolent Association, East End Volunteer Fire Company and the Croatian Fraternal Organization. Tony expired on May 6, 1966 at the US Public Health Service Hospital in New Orleans where he had been a patient for three days. Mr. Pitalo was survived by Marcia [sic] Pitalo, his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Charles Polite of Biloxi; a foster daughter, Mrs. George Little of McAllister, Montana; two sons, Steve Pitalo and Tony Pitalo Jr., both of Biloxi; five sisters: Stella Yurich of New York City; Mary Bilic of Camden, New Jersey; Angelina Trevizjon of South America; and Mrs. Frances Skrmetta and Miss Anna pitalo, both of Yugoslavia; and eight grandchildren. Burial was in Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, May 6, 1966, p. 2)
 and Catherine Sekul (1891-1970).jpg)
Alexsandro Pitalo and Catherine Sekul
Biloxi Cemetery-March 2014
Alexsandro Pitalo
Alexsandro Pitalo (1887-1960) married Catherine Sekul (1891-1970) in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 1, 1913. Children: Dr. Stephen S. Pitalo (1914-2004) m. Marjorie Harris (1917-1992); Magdalena Pitalo (1915-1916) and Tony Pitalo (1917-1917); Peter Pitalo (1919-1982); Alex Mike 'Lou' Pitalo; and Mark Pitalo.(Harrison Co. Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 224)
Children
[L-R: Steve 1914-2004), Lou (1925-), Mark, John (1921-2000) and Peter Pitalo (1919-1982) from Facebook of Margaret Pitalo Peeples]
Stephen S. Pitalo
Dr. Stephen S. Pitalo, age 90 years, and a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi, died Monday December 20, 2004 in Biloxi. Dr. Pitalo graduated from Biloxi High School in 1932, and from Perkinston Jr. College in 1934. He then attended Loyola School of Dentistry and received his D.D.S. in 1938. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during WWII. Dr. Pitalo was also a member of the Slavic Benevolent Association of Croatia, a longtime member of the Lions Club and the Reveler's Carnival Association, and was an active member of the Perkinston Alumni Association. He was also active in Babe Ruth Little League Baseball and a member of Sunkist Country Club. Dr. Pitalo was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. Preceding him in death was his wife Marjorie Harris Pitalo. He is survived by three sons; Gerald A. Pitalo and wife Tam of New Orleans, LA, Stephen "Kenny" Pitalo of Huntsville, AL, and Ric Pitalo and wife Robin of Biloxi, MS., two brothers; Lou [Alex M.] Pitalo and Mark Pitalo, both of Ocean Springs, MS, six grandchildren; Stephen Pitalo, Richele Ann Pitalo, Paul Pitalo, Shannon Nolan, Patrick Nolan, and Margaret Korn, and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday December 27, 2004 at the Howard Ave. Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:30pm. Services will be on Tuesday December 28, 2004 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where Dr. Pitalo will lie in state beginning at 9:00am with a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 10:00am. Burial will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, December 26, 2004)
CALIFORNIA
[from The Sacremento Bee, September 4, 1945, p. 21]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Wedding yesterday [Skermetti-Pitalo]”, April 21, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Patallo-Roseta”, January 7, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Death of John Pitalo”, December 2, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Waited 16 years to become citizen”, August 18, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Boats charged with violating oyster law [Captain M. Pitalo] at Pascagoula”, June 1, 1928.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Pitalo dies”, August 7, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Peter Pitalo dies in New Orleans”, May 24, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Infant [Michael John] Pitalo dies”, December 18, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Pitalo Hardware founder, Matre Pitalo, dies at 82”, June 3, 1981.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary 'Marisa' Pitalo”, March 10, 1986..
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Ola Mladnich Pitalo”, October 11, 1988.
 and Mary G. (1894-1968).jpg)
Peter J. Radich (1875-1954) was born September 30, 1875 at Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia the son of Nicholas Radich and ?. He came to Biloxi in November 1902 and lived at 212 Pine Street where he made his livelihood as a fisherman in Biloxi's seafood industry. Peter departed Europe from LeHavre, France and arrived at New York City aboard the SS Latonia on October 21, 1902. He became an American citizen on November 24, 1920 at Biloxi, Mississippi.(Petition for Naturalization-US District Court-Southern Mississippi No. 240, filed July 24, 1920 and The Daily Herald, July 26, 1920, p. 3)
Peter married Mary Guich (1894-1968), a native of Milna, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 17, 1913. They were the parents of: Nicolena Radich (1914-2001) m. William Peter Strayham (1909-1956); Etta Cora Radich (1916-1998); Nicholas Charles Radich (1918-1976); Andrew Tony Radich (1921-2004); Peter M. Radich (1924-2011) m. Emelda Joyce Diaz (1925-2013); Tony Radich (1926-2014); Mary Peggy Radich (1929-1955) m. Henry G. Byrd; Victoria Radich (1936-1936); and Stella Ann Radich (1939-1941).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 266 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi 1930 Federal Census R11146, p. 23B, and ED 2)
Nicholas C. Radich
Nicholas 'Nick' Charles Radich (1918-1976) was born July 17, 1918 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He lived at 212 Pine Street in Biloxi where he made his livelihood as an independent, commercial fisherman. Nick was owner and Captain of the Mary Etta, a shrimp boat. Nick died on March 17, 1976 in the Marine Hospital at New Orleans after a long illness. He was survived by two sisters, Miss Etta Cora Radich and Nicolena Radich, the spouse of William Peter Strayham; and four brothers: Andrew Radich; Peter Radich; Tony Joseph Radich (1926-2014); and John 'Hack' Radich, all of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, March 17, 1976, p. A2)
Tony Joseph Radich (1926-2014) was born September 14, 1926 on Point Cadet. He attended St. Michael's Catholic School through the 8th grade and then worked in Biloxi's seafood industry until enlisting in the US Navy in 1943. After a trying diesel mechanic school in New York, Tony decided that his future lie in the Merchant Marine service. He retired after 35 years of sea duty and setttled in the Radich family home on Point Cadet. Mr. Radich died at Biloxi on April 9, 2014. His internment was in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, April 11, 2014, p. A-4)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Peter Radish files admission papers", July 26, 1920, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Nick C. Radich", March 17, 1976, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, "Nicolena Radich Strayham", September 5, 2001, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, "Emelda Joyce Diaz Radich", October 16, 2013.
The Sun Herald, "Tony Joseph Radich", April 11, 2014.
RODOLFICH
CAPTAIN STEPHAN RODOLFICH [from The Times-Picayune, March 27, 1933, p. 17]
Captain Stephan ‘Steve' Rodolfich (1887-1971), a 1900 Croatian immigrant, and Johanna ‘Noonoo’ Molitva Skrmetta (1886-1980), a 1907 Croatian immigrant and the daughter of John Skrmetta (1852-1929) and Perina Marinovich (1854-1937), were the progenitors of the Rodolfich family of Biloxi, Mississippi. Captain Steve was born February 22, 1887 and Johanna M. Rodolfich on February 7, 1886, both on the Island of Brac, Croatia. Their children were: Mary Rodolfich (1908-1997) m. Julius Barich (1907-1993); Perina Rodolfich (1911-2006) m. Mr. Lees; Stephania Rodolfich (b. 1913) m. Ralph Olier (1923-2006); Sophie Vincentia Rodolfich (1914-1960); Nicholas D. Rodolfich (1915-2005) m. Margaret Lorraine Smith (1924-2013); John Rodolfich (1917-1917); and Olive Rodolfich (b. 1924).
The Rodolfich family resided at 116 Maple Street in Biloxi. Steve Rodolfich was a fisherman and in 1918 he was employed by the Dunbar-Dukate Company. In 1930 the family also operated a grocery store on Maple Street, while Captain Steve continued to earn his livelihood from the sea.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 30B, ED 2)
1929 HALAT DROWNING
Marko 'Mike' A. Halat (1880-1929) settled at 118 Pine Street in Biloxi. He had arrived here circa 1904 and made his livelihood as a fisherman. In late August 1929, Mike Halat was working for Captain Steve Rodolfich (1887-1971) aboard the Arcadia, a power boat, in Lake Borgne, Louisiana. While attempting to tie an awning rope, it broke and he fell into the lake. All attempts to save Mike Halat were futile as he was a poor swimmer. His body was found near the Rigolets by Captain Vincent Kuluz (1898-1987), master of the Annie Long. The US Coast Guard had dispatched two vessels for his search and rescue and at least twenty-five fishing boats from Violet, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana were on the scene. Tony M. Pitalo, a nephew, was aboard one of the USCG boats during the search for Halat's body. Mike Halat's ccorpse was brought to the O'Keefe Undertaking Service at Biloxi and buried on August 31, 1929 in the Biloxi Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Halat's Catholic funeral service were: Vincent Rosetti; Steve Rodolfich; Mitchell Cavanaugh; Jerry Covich; and Steve T. Sekul. Nick Trebotich of Oakland, California, a cousin of Mrs. Halat, came to Biloxi for the funeral.(The Daily Herald, August 30, 1929, p. 1 and p. 8, August 31, 1929, p. 1, and September 4, 1929, p. 4)
1940 LOVING CUP
Captain Steve Rodolfich 116 Maple Street was honored with a silver loving cup for his contributions to the oyster industry by Dunbar-Dukate and the Louisiana Conservation Department for delivering the best oysters to Violet, Louisiana for the 1940 oyster season and for the discovery of oyster reefs in Lake Borgne.(The Daily Herald, June 28, 1940, p. 8)
RODOLFICH FAMILY [Courtesy of Ava Rodolfich Coleman-February 2012]
CHILDREN
MARY RODOLFICH
Mary Rodolfich (1908-1997) was born on April 4, 1908. Circa 1927, she married Julius Barich (1907-1993), a 1922 Croation immigrant. In 1930, the Barich family lived at 212 Cedar Street and Julius made his livelihood as a fisherman. Children: Mary Joyce Barich (1928-1999); Barbara Catherine Barich m. James Mickey McCarthy; and Perina Juliet Barich.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 46B, ED 2)
Julius Barich expired on January 23, 1993. Mary Rodofich Barich passed on October 1997 and Mary Joyce Barich died on September 13, 1999. Their corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
PERINA RODOLFICH
Perina Rodolfich (1911-2006) was born February 2, 1911. In August 1938, Perina Rodolfich, Miss East Biloxi, participated in the Miss Mississippi beauty contest held at Biloxi. She was a fine accordion player and had played the instrument on broadcast radio. On October 23, 1938, Perina married Barney C. Rogers in the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Barney C. Rogers (b. 1914) was the son of Professor and Mrs. Joel Rogers of Chattanooga. He was a graduate of the University of Chattanooga and was employed with Rogers & Leventhal, a construction company. Barney was reared in the Sale Creek region north of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, Tennessee. Later Perina Rodolfich married Mr. Lees. They lived at NOLA. No further information.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1934, p. 2 and 1930 Hamilton Co., Tennessee Federal Census R 2253, p. 5B, 3rd Civil District)
STEPHANIA RODOLFICH
Stephania Rodolfich (1912-1988) was born August 10, 1912 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Ralph A. Olier (1923-1985). They were the parents of two children: Sandra B. Olier m. Davis and Ralph S. Olier. Stephania expired at Biloxi on September 21, 1988. Her corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, September 22, 1988, p. A-4)
BILOXI CEMETERY [December 2012]
SOPHIE V. RODOLFICH
Sophie Vincentia Rodolfich (1914-1960) was born January 26, 1914. She never married and circa 1957 she went to live at NOLA with Perina R. Lees, her sister. Sophie expired in the Crescent City at the Touro Shakespears Home on March 27, 1960. Miss Rudolfich was survived by two brothers, Steve 'Babe' Rudolfich and Nick Rodolfich, both at Biloxi; four sisters, Mrs. Julius Barich of Gulf Hills, Mrs. Perina Lees of New Orleans; Mrs. Ralph Olier and Miss Olive Rodolfich, both of Biloxi. Her corporal remains were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for interment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune, March 28, 1960, p. 3 and The Daily Herald, March 28, 1960, p. 2)
Margaret L. Smith Rodolfich (1924-2013)
NICHOLAS D. RODOLFICH
[image made 1947 at Detroit and courtesy of Ava Rodolfich Coleman via FaceBook]
Nicholas Dominic Rodolfich (1915-2005) was born October 17, 1915. Nicholas married Margaret Lorraine Smith (1924-2013), a native of Georgetown, Washington and the daughter of Soloman and Gladys Smith, in Harrison County, Mississippi in November 1952. Children: Nicholas Keef Rodolfich; Jean Rodolfich m. Alexander Vendrell; Angela Rodolfich m. Mr. Ladner; and Ava Rodolfich m. John Coleman.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 91, p. 488 and The Sun Herald, December 3, 2005, p. A10 and January 2, 2014, p. A4)
JOHN RODOLFICH
John Rodolfich (1917-1917) was born January 11, 1917 and died October 23, 1917.(Tombstone-Biloxi Cemetery)
STEPHEN RODOLFICH
Stephen ‘Babe’ Rodolfich (1919-1981) was born January 25, 1919. On October 23, 1938 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, he married Flora E. Hardy (1923-2006), the niece of Maye Hardy. They resided at 527 Chartres Street in Biloxi. Babe and Flora E. Rodolfich were the parents of four children: Steve Rodolfich (1939-2011) m. Robin Sue Galle’; Wayne Rodolfich (1942-2000) m. Susan Marie Gilmore; Forrest Lane Rodolfich (b. 1943) m. JoeLynn Frances Jernigan; and Scarlett Rebecca Rodolfich (1948-1987) m. Wayne ‘Cage’ Elliott (1942-2004).
Babe Rodolfich reared his family on Church Street, now Fred Haise, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was the proprietor of the Shady Oaks Lounge on Division Street. Babe Rodolfich passed on December 1981. Flora E. Rodolfich followed him in death expiring on September 21, 2003.
OLIVE RODOLFICH
Olive Rodolfich was born circa 1924. No further information.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Mike Holot [sic], Biloxi fisherman, falls from boat, drown”, August 30, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Search for Holat's body”, August 30, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Body of fisherman brought to Biloxi”, August 31, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Rogers-Rodolfich”, January 3, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Oyster captain at Biloxi gets Cup”, June 28, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Sophie Rodolfich”, March 28, 1960.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Scarlett Elliott”, February 28, 1987, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, “StephanieRodolfich Olier”, September 22, 1988, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Joan Lee Romano Rodolfich”, June 10, 1994, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Mary R. Barich”, October 2, 1997, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Mary Joyce Barich”, September 15, 1999, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, “Mr. Wayne Rodolfich”, April 19, 2000, p. A11.
The Sun Herald, “Flora E. Rodolfich”, September 23, 2003, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Nicholas Dominic Rodolfich”, December 3, 2005, p. A10.
The Sun Herald, “Perina Rodolfich Lees”, March 2, 2006.
The Sun Herald, “Margaret Lorraine Smith Rodolfich”, January 2, 2014.
The Times-Picayune, “Rich store of information on Louisiana fisheries given in Conservation Bulletin”, March 27, 1933, p. 17.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths [Sophie Rodolfich]”, March 28, 1960.
Personal Communication:
Ava Rodolfich Coleman has been a major contributor and editor to this brief family history.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SEKUL
ANTHONY SEKUL
Anton Sekul (1854-1940) was the founder of the Sekul family of Biloxi, Mississippi. Anton was born in Bobovisce, Brac, Splitsko-Dalmatia County, Croatia, the son of Stephan Sekul and Jacobina Lurisich. He married Helena Skrmetta and they were the parents of twelve children: Roko Sam Sekul (1878-1947); Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966) m. Elena Trebotich (1884-1970); Jacobina Sekul (1881-1956) m. Marko Beaorvich (1883-1966); Vencentia Sekul (1884-1974) m. Joseph Keresich (d. 1906) and Sam Marinovich (1881-1956); John Sekul [Chile, South America]; Marko Sekul [Chile, South America]; Dominica Sekul (1889-1968) m. Frank Barhonovich (1886-1930); Catherine Sekul (1891-1970) m. Alexsandro Pitalo (1887-1960); Marica Sekul (1888-1948) m. Palmiro Gligo (1884-1949) [lived in Sacramento and San Pedro, California]; Peter C. Sekul (1892-1971) m. Mara Trebotich (1907-1996); Ursula Sekul (1900-1975) m. Louis Pitalo (1891-1959); Sister Olivia Mary Josephine [Split, Croatia]; and Maria Sekul m. Tom Cerinich [The Cerinich family lived at Hamilton Hill, Western Australia].
Anton Sekul arrived at Biloxi in 1928. He expired on September 16, 1940 at the home of Peter Sekul, his son, at 1627 3rd Street in Biloxi. Anton Sekul left two sisters: Katherine Sekul Trebotich (1859-1948) of Biloxi, Mississippi and Mrs. Nicholas Skrmetta of South America.(The Daily Herald, September 16, 1940)
CHILDREN
Roko Sam Sekul
Roko Sam Sekul (1878-1947) born at Bobovisce, Brac, Croatia on August 16, 1878. He came to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1902. During the Boer War, he was a horse-tender on a British ship. Roko made hi slivelihood as a fisherman and in later life was the night watchman for the Seacoast Packing Company. Roko S. Sekul expired on July 5, 1947. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery on Biloxi's West Beach.(The Daily Herald, August 14, 1920, p. 4 and July 7, 1947, p. 2)
Steve M. Sekul
Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966) married Elena Trebotich (1884-1970) in Harrison County, Mississippi in 1907. They were both Croatian immigrant from Bobovisce on the island of Brac in the Aegean Sea off the Dalmatian Coast. Children: Anton 'Tony' Sekul (1907-1907); Alena Sekul (1908-2002) m. Peter Cerinich (1894-1951); John M. Sekul (1911-1984) m. Elizabeth Marjorie Lamas (1917-1984); Jacobena Sekul m. Percy J. Wetzel Jr. and Andrew Gillich; Vincentia [Vitsie] Sekul (1915-2002) m. Alonzo Gabrich (1894-1948); Josephine Sekul (1918-1986) m. William F. Schaaf (19-1986+); and Clare Sekul (1922-2017) m. Warren H. Hornsby (1922-1996).
Groceryman
In July 1941, Steve M. Sekul acquired the City Hall Cash Grocery from Peter Cerenich and Alena Sekul, his spouse. Mr. and Mrs. Cerenich also operate a grocery on West Howard Avenue and Seal Avenue.(The Daily Herald, July 10, 1941, p. 3)
CHILDREN
Anton Sekul
Alena Sekul
Alena Sekul (1908-2002) was born on December 10, 1908. She married Peter Cerenich (1894-1951) at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 6, 1926. Children: Nicholas Douglas Cerenich (1926-2002) m. Gilda Astleford Wambsgans (1928-1976) and Betty Joyce Lawrence. Jeanette Cerinich (1928-2011+) m. Louis E. Capuana Sr. (1925-2005).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 485)
Groceryman
In late April 1940 , Peter Cerinich (1894-1951) let a contract with Joseph Wallace to build a new store and residence on the NW/C of West Howard Avenue and Seal Avenue. I. Daniel Gehr designed the structures. Clarence Kornman moved two houses from the Cerinich lot before construction commenced. Other contractors wefor the Cerinich projects were: Lester Frentz-painting; Albert Mangin-plumbing and electrical; and Biloxi Roof and Sheet Metal-roofing and metal work. The Cerinich store was called the Biloxi Cash Grocery and operated by Alena Sekul Cerinich (1908-2002) for over fifty years.(The Daily Herald, April 27, 1940, p. 3 and The Sun Herald, July 6, 2002, p. A6)
In July 1941, Petet Cerenich and wife sold their interest in the City Hall Cash Grocery to Steve M. Sekul, his father-in-law. Since the Cerenichs had just completed a new grocery on West Howard Avenue and Seal Avenue, they relinquished their Central Biloxi location..(The Daily Herald, July 10, 1941, p. 3)
Jacobena Sekul
Blessing of the Fleet
[L-R: Alton L. Bellande; Jacobena Sekul Gilich; Andrew M. Gilich; and Marcel "Mickey" Bellande]
John M. Sekul
John M. Sekul
John Marshall Sekul (1911-1984) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 31, 1911 to Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966) and Elena Trebotich (1884-1970), both Croatian immigrant from Bobovisca on the island of Brac in the Aegean Sea off the Dalmatian Coast. Children: Alena Sekul (1909-1984+) m. Peter Cerinich (1895-1940+); John M. Sekul (1911-1984) m. Elizabeth Marjorie Lamas (1917-1984); Jacobena Sekul m. Percy J. Wetzel Jr. and Andrew Gillich; Vincentia [Vitsie] Sekul m. Alonzo Gabrich (18-1948); Josephine Sekul (1918-1986) m. William Schaaf; and Clare Sekul (1922-2011+) m. Warren Hornsby.
Education
John M. Sekul matriculated to Springhill College at Mobile and graduated from Loyola University Law School at New Orleans. He took the Mississippi bar exam in 1935 and in April 1935 spoke to the Biloxi Lions Club on the Biloxi seafood industry, a subject that he was intimately acquainted having been reared at 1627 East Third Street on Point Cadet.(The Daily Herald, April 2, 1935, p. 5)
Family
On October 30, 1938, John M. Sekul married Elizabeth Marjorie Lamas (1917-1984), the daughter of Rudolph Lamas (1877-1920+), a Biloxi seafood merchant, and Kathryn (1878-1920+). John and Marjorie were the parents of Judith C. 'Judy' Sekul (1939-1987) m. Raymond Charles Seymour (b.1931) and Steve M. ‘Buzzy’ Sekul.(1943-2009).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 49, p. 244)
Demise
Judge Sekul died in the Biloxi Regional Medical Center on January 9, 1984. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi. Marjorie Lamas Sekul expired in December 1984.
Judith Sekul Seymour (1939-1987) died on May 2, 1987. She was survived by Raymond Charles Seymour, her spouse, and children: Julia Seymour Sheridan; Marjorie Seymour Ricahrd; Raymond C. Seymour Jr., and John F. Seymour. Stephen 'Buzzy' Sekul, her brother, also was a survivor of Mrs. seymour.(The Sun Herald, May 4, 1987, p. A4)
Josephine Sekul
Josephine Sekul Schaaf (1918-1986), age 67 years, died Wednesday, January 15, 1986 at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas after a brief illness. Josephine Sekul Schaaf, better known affectionately as "Aunt Jo," was born March 20, 1918 and reared in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Steve M. Sekul. She graduated from Biloxi schools and Soule Business College in New Orleans, La. In 1949 she and her husband, Bill, moved to Galveston and opened a seafood business, Fisherman's Wharf. She also owned and operated Shrimp & Stuff Restaurants. Aunt Jo was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Altar Society, Galveston Restaurant Association, Texas Restaurant Association, National Marine Fisheries, and Wednesday Night Dance Club. She is survived by her husband, William F. Schaaf Sr.; six children, Elena Jo Garcia, Catherine Bennett, Joseph Stephen Schaaf and Stephen Sekul Schaaf, all of Galveston, Stephanie Wentzel of Kingwood, and William F. Schaaf Jr. of Dickinson, six grandchildren; and sisters, Alena Cerinch, Jackie Gilich, Vetsie Gabrich and Clare S. Hornsby, all of Biloxi. She is also survived by her niece, Anna Mae Gilich of Galveston, and numerous nieces and nephews in Biloxo. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Church with the Monsignor Eugene Cargill officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. A rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Church, Father Tim Bucek officiating. Pallbearers will be W. Fred Hornsby, Drew Gilich, Steve Wetzel, Lonnie Gabrich, Louis Capuano, Andrew Gilich, Bo Hornsby and Nick Cerinich. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Broadway Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to St. Patrick's School or the American Heart Association. [The Galveston Daily News, 18 January 1986, p. 4-A]
MacArthur said, "I hold no branch in higher esteem than the Merchant Marine service."
During the war, Bill met his future wife, Josephine Sekul, from Biloxi, Miss.. Josephine's family owned Seacoast Packing Co., a shrimp cannery plant in Biloxi, and this was Bill's introduction to the seafood business. In 1949, Bill and Josephine opened Southeast Packing Co. in Galveston, Texas located at Pier 22. They packed and shipped shrimp across the United Sates. Warren Hornsby served as the national salesman for the company, and he and Bill made an incredible business team. In 1968, Bill and Josephine opened Fisherman's Wharf Pier 22 which catered to local patrons and tourists. In 1976, in a joint venture with their daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Jim Bennett, they opened Shrimp and Stuff Restaurant. In 1980, the four of them opened another Shrimp and Stuff Restaurant on Stewart Road. Bill and Josephine's six children worked in the family business while growing up. One of Bill's greatest joys was providing jobs to the young people of Galveston. Many successful business and community leaders had their first work experience with Bill. They all learned the value of hard work.
Throughout the years, Bill became part of the fabric of Galveston. His wonderful smile, warm personality and fire-red hair were the perfect combination for making life-long friends. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Men's Club, president of the Galveston Jaycees, served as a director for Galveston Chamber of Commerce , and was a member of the Galveston Restaurant Association and the National Fishery Association.
In his earlier years, Bill was an avid golfer and he introduced his three sons to the sport. He never missed his weekly poker games with some of Galveston's finest. Bill enjoyed traveling, and he and his wife took their 6 children on many wonderful vacations across the country. He and Josephine also loved their frequent get-away trips to Las Vegas.
Bill was an amazing father to his children and involved in all of their activities while they were growing up. He also loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His house was always filled with laughter and fun. He worked hard, but also took time to enjoy his life and his family. His priorities were faith, family, and friends. He taught his children, through example and small lessons, how to be a good person and live with dignity. Bill's life was well lived.
In 2002, Bill married Gerry Bennett of Galveston, and they spent the next years until his death, hosting family events, parties with friends and traveling the world. After Hurricane Ike in 2008, they moved to Tuscan Lakes in League City, Texas, but they never lost their love of Galveston and their wonderful friends on the Island. They attended church in Galveston each Sunday and could often be seen at local restaurants afterwards.
Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine Sekul Schaaf, his daughter, Marian Lynn Schaaf, and his parents, Joseph and Katherine Schaaf.
Bill is survived by his wife Gerry Bennett, daughters Elena Jo Petree (Pete), Catherine Bennett (Jim), Stephanie Marquard (Kevin), sons William F. Schaaf Jr., Joseph Schaaf (Carolyn), and Stephen Schaaf (Cynthia). He is survived by his eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, his sisters Ginger Christopher and Nancee Kearney and brother Michael Schaaf.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 30, 2016, from 5-7 PM with a rosary at 6:30 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Galveston, Texas. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11 AM at Sacred Heart Church with the Rev. Tim Bucek officiating. Internment will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston, Texas.
Proudly serving as pallbearers are Bill's six grandsons: Christopher Garcia, Geoff Wentzel, Greg Wentzel, Stephen Schaaf, William Schaaf, and John Preston Schaaf.
The Schaaf family wishes to thank his wonderful cardiologist Dr. Ahmed S. Ahmed who worked tirelessly in securing him a bed in the medical center, and the medical staff at Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute in Houston, Texas. Dr. Biswaijit Kar and his cardiology team provided world-class medical treatment for Bill. The CV-ICU nurses were exceptional with their care, compassion and love for Bill in his final days. The family wants to recognize particularly his nurse, Destiney MacAuley, who never left his bedside. The family also wishes to thank their many friends who prayed unceasingly for Bill's recovery. Our hearts were touched and your kindness will never be forgotten.[The Daily News [Galveston, Texas], May 26, 2016]
Clare Sekul
Clare Beatrice Sekul Hornsby
Clare Beatrice Sekul (1922-2017) attended Biloxi High School, Perkinston Jr. College and graduated from the University of Mississippi with her Bachelor of Law degree on May 28, 1945. She was believed to have been the first native Biloxi woman to become a lawyer and the 41st in the State of Mississippi. Miss Sekul went to Ole Miss via Perkinston Junior College where she graduated in May 1941.(The Daily Herald, May 28, 1945 and May 30, 1945, p. 7)
Clare married Warren Haywood Hornsby (1922-1996), a native of
Legal Legend
The Harrison County Bar association named Clare Sekul Hornsby a Coast legal legend' in April 2013. The association planned to make a $1000 donation in Mrs. Hornsby's name to the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project which provides pro bono services to clients.(The Sun Herald, April 20, 2013, p. A-4)
JACOBINA SEKUL
Jacobina Sekul (1881-1956) married Marko Beaorvich (1883-1966). Children: Henrietta Beaorvich (1911-1999) married Cvitanovich, Bellew, and Charles E. Savage (1903-1977).[see Beaorvich family]
CATHERINE SEKUL
Catherine Sekul (1891-1970) was born March 5, 1891. In Harrison County, Mississippi on February 1, 1913, she married Alexsandro Pitalo (1887-1960). Children: Dr. Stephen S. Pitalo (1914-2004) m. Marjorie Harris (1917-); Magdalena Pitalo (1915-1916) and Tony Pitalo (1917-1917); Peter Pitalo (1919-1982); Alex Mike 'Lou' Pitalo; and Mark Pitalo.(Harrison Co. Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 224)
PETER SEKUL
Peter C. Sekul (1892-1971) was born October 23, 1892 at Bobovisce, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He married Mara [Margaret] Trebotich (1907-1996) who was also born at Bobovisce. Their nuptial vows were exchanged in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 29, 1925.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 118)
Mara Trebotich came to America aboard the Aquitania landing at NYC in December 1923. When she applied for naturalization in February 1954, Mara stated that she was born on July 18, 1904 at Bobovisce and that Peter Sekul was born August 18, 1893, also at Bobovisce and had come to America in January 1921 and had been naturalized in June 1928. Mrs. Sekul took her oath of allegiance to the United States in February 1954.[Petition of Naturalization No. 1343-District Court-Biloxi, Mississippi-1954)
Mr. Sekul was president of the Sea Coast Packing Company and a denizen of Biloxi for fifty years. He and Mara lived at 1627 East 3rd Street on Point Cadet. Peter was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Slavonian Benevolent Society.
Peter C. Sekul was survived by his widow, Margaret Trebotich Sekul; three sons, Anthony 'Tony' Sekul (1926-1987) and Louis Sekul (1932-1996) m. Mary Ann Rollins, both of Biloxi, and Ronald Sekul (b. 1945) of Jackson, Mississippi; two daughters, Helen Sekul (b. 1929) m. Leo Paul Gutierrez jr. (1927-2002) of Biloxi and Olivia Sekul (b. 1940) m. Mr. Robbins and Mr. Rukavina of Denver, Colorado; four sisters, Vincentia Sekul (1884-1974) m. Joseph Keresich (d. 1906) and Sam Marinovich (1881-1956) and Ursula Sekul (1900-1975) m. Louis Pitalo (1891-1959), both of Biloxi, Sister Mary Olivia of the Convent of Spilt, Croatia, and Mrs. Mary Sekul Cerenich of Australia.
Mr. Sekul expired in the Howard memorial Hospital at Biloxi, Mississippi on October , 1971. His funeral was under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe funeral home. A Requiem Mass was held at St. Michael's Catholic Church before her corporal remains she was placed in the Mausoleum II at Southern Memorial Park cemetery.
MARICA SEKUL
Marica Sekul (1888-1948) was born in Brac and came to America in 1902. Circa 1907, she married Palmiro Gligo, the widower of Vincenza Skrmetta (d. 1905). As early as 1910, they were living in Sacramento, California where George Gligo (1911-1984) was born.
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STEVE C. SEKUL
Steve C. Sekul (1881-1970) was born at Brac, Croatia on November 23, 1881. He married Lucia Trebotich (1887-1918) on July 29, 1907 at N.B.V.M. Catholic Church and Yerka Barisich (1887-1977) on June 12, 1921. Children: Anton Sekul (1908-1908); Marguerite Sekul (1909-1987) m. Meco Filipich (1902-1957); Mike Sekul (1911-1988) m. Frances Mihojevich (1913-2002); George Sekul (1913-1986) m. Agnes A. Semski (1919-1999); Lucy Sekul (1916-2004) m. Samuel Joseph Mavar (1912-1993); Mary Lou Sekul m. Worth; and Dr. Wallace Steve Sekul (1922-1994) m. Elizabeth Montgomery (1925-2012+).
MIKE SEKUL
Mike Sekul (1911-1988) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 13, 1911. On June 7, 1936, Mike Sekul married Frances Mihojevich (1913-2002), the daughter of Steve Mihojevich and Frances Martinich. Their children were: S. George Sekul (b. 1938) m. Diane Poulos (b. 1942); Sherman Michael ‘Rock’ Sekul (b. 1941) m. Rose Ann Girouard and Louann Deniro; Geraldine ‘Chee’ Frances Sekul m. James Leroy Garringer; and Michael Joseph Sekul (1956-2011) m. Lola Kae Windom.
GEORGE SEKUL
George Sekul (1913-1986) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 22, 1913. He married Agnes A. Semski (1919-1999), the daughter of Peter Semski (1889-1981) and Augustine Cruso Semski (1894-1974), in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 31, 1940.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 51, p. 242)
George Sekul was survived by his spouse; four sons, George "Giggles" Sekul and Thomas J. Sekul, both of Ocean Springs, Morris Sekul and Stephen "Maroono" G. Sekul (1955-2013), both of Biloxi; two daughters, Carolyn "Catty" Mooney of Vancouver, Washington and Bettye Dennery of Philadelphia.
MARIA SEKUL
Maria Sekul [living in March 1985 in Hamilton Hill, Western Australia] was born at Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia and married Thomas Cerinich in Brac. They were the parents of: Anton 'Tony' Cerinich (1928-1985) m. June ?; Mary Cerinich Mosley and Ella Cerinich Senior, both of Hamilton, Hill, Western Australia
Children
Anton Cerinich
Anton 'Tony' Cerinich (1928-1985) was born at Bobovisce, Brac and immigrated to Australia with his family. Tony passed at Sydney, Australia on March 19, 1985. Tony made his livelihood as assistant director of Custofdial Services NW Division, New South Wales, Australia. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Maria Sekul Cerinich, the widow of Thomas Cerinich of Hamilton Hill, Western Australia; June Cerinich, his widow, of Sydney, Australia; daughter, Carolyn Cerinich Chinn m. Peter Chinn of Canberra, Australia; son, Rodney Cerinich of Kiama, Australia;and two sisters, Mary Cerinich Mosley and Ella Cerinich Senior, both of Hamilton, Hill, Western Australia.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, July 2, 1907.
The Daily Herald, “Aliens busy perfecting naturalization papers”, April 21, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Getting out from under alien enemy class”, August 14, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Waiting for bride from Dalmatia”, June 19, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Marriage licenses”, January 24, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “John Sekul speaker before Lions Club”, April 2, 1935.
The Daily Herald, "Announce Marriage", February 3, 1936, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, “Slavonian boy comes from Dalmatia to Biloxi”, January 30, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “Grocery changes”, July 10, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Clare seoul receives law degree”, May 28, 1945.
The Daily Herald, “R.S. [Roko Sam] Sekul dies”, July 7, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. P. Gligo dies”, February 6, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “[Louis E.] Wentzel [sic] funeral Sunday afternoon”, October 31, 1953.
The Daily Herald, “Steve M. Sekul”, July 18, 1966.
The Daily Herald, “Elena T. Sekul”, December 3, 1970.
The Daily Herald, “Catherine Sekul Pitalo”, December 3, 1970.
The Daily Herald, "Peter C. Sekul", October 20, 1971, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Yerka B. Sekul”, March 13, 1977.
The Daily Herald, "Charles Edward Savage", December 11, 1977, p. A-2.
The Daily Herald, “Attorney and former city Judge Sekul dies in medical center at age of 72”, January 10, 1984.
The Daily Herald, “Marjorie Sekul”, December 1984.
The Daily Herald, “Tony Cerinich [Sydney, Australia]”, March 22, 1985.
The Jackson County Times, “John Bellew Dies”, March 17, 1945.
The Ocean Springs News, “Mrs. Jacobina Veaorvich (sic)”, November 8, 1956.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Friends Toast Henrietta's 40th", February 24, 1983, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record,"50th", February 25, 1993,
The Ocean Springs Record, “Henrietta’s legacy carries on at new diner”, August 17, 1985.
The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald, “Judy S. Seymour”, May 4, 1987.
The Sun Herald, “Eleanor Beaorvich Grove”, November 23, 1994.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Margaret Trebotich Sekul", February 3, 1996, p. C2.
The Sun Herald, "Agnes A. Sekul", April 5, 1999, p. A9.
The Sun Herald, “Henrietta Savage”, December 8, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Henrietta’s passing ends a quieter era”, December 8, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Frances Sekul”, June 13, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Alena Sekul Cerinich”, July 6, 2002, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Dr. Stephen S. Pitalo”, December 26, 2004, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Stephen M. Sekul”, September 13, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Michael Joseph Sekul”, March 20, 2011, p. A13.
The Sun Herald, “Longtime attorney [Clare Sekul] Hornsby in the hot seat for benefit roast”, Ocotber 9, 2011, p. A9.
The Sun Herald, “Hornsby honored as legal legend on Coast”, April 20, 2013, p. A-4.
The Sun Herald, “Stephen G. Sekul”, October 6, 2013, p. A.
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SKRMETTA [SKRMETTI-STARMETA?]
JOHN SKRMETTA
Circa 1880 in Croatia, John Skrmetta (1852-1929) married Perina Marinovich (1854-1937). They were the parents of eight children of which seven were living in 1910. Known children: Lawrence 'Lorenc' Skrmetta (1882-1972) m. Jacobina Sekul (1885-1975); Peter Martin Skrmetta (1885-1963) m. Frances Pitalo (1895-1922) and Louvina Saput (1905-1964); Johanna Molitva Skrmetta (1886-1980) m. Stephen Rodolfich (1887-1971); Caterina 'Katie' Skrmetta (1887-1974) m. Mr. Perkov; John Skrmetta (1890-1918); Nickola Skrmetta (1893-1969) m. Jerolima ? (1895-1917) and Manuela Gonzales; Paul Mate Skrmetta (1896) m. ; and Helena Deoma Skrmetta (1898-1978) m. Peter Joseph Babich (1897-1949).(1910 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T624- , p. , ED )
In 1910, John and Perina M. Skrmetta were domiciled on 2nd Street and Pass Christian, Harrison County, Mississippi. He worked as an oysterman, Perina worked in a cannery, and Peter was captain of an oyster boat.
CHILDREN
Lawrence C. Skrmetta
Lawrence [Lorenc] C. Skrmetta (1882-1972) was born March 12, 1882 at Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia. He came to America on December 20, 1895 landing in New York City. Married Jacobina Sekul (1885-1975) . She was born March 5, 1885 in Brac, Croatia. Children: Mark S. Skrmetta (1911-2011) m. Marguerit Skrmetta (1912-1974); Margaret Maudie Skrmetta (1913-2007) m. Paul John 'Chilly Coon' Halat (1909-1977); Katherine T. Skrmetta (1918-1978) m. Frank R. Rysavy (1914-1971); and Lawrence M. 'Ham' Skrmetta (1920-1999) m. Antonio Rosetti (1916-1975) and Ethel Marie Landry Foret (1926-2006), former spouse of Camille Foret.
Captain Peter M. Skrmetta
Captain Peter Martin Skrmetta (1885-1963) was born August 31, 1885 in Croatia and came to America in 1903. He married Francis Pitalo (1895-1922) a 1907 Croatian immigrant. They were the parents of three children: Perina 'Pat' Skrmetta (1916-2003) m. Merrill J. Bills and Clarence A. Douglas; Mandelena Skrmetta (b. 1918); and Vincentia Skrmetta (1922-1922).
Before 1920, Peter Martin Skrmetta and Frances Pitalo lived at 1530 East Howard Avenue on the corner of Pine Street on Point Cadet. He made his livelihood as the captain of fishing schooner. In August 1922, while shrimping aboard the Louis Goldman in the Lake Borgne area of southeast Louisiana, Captain Skrmetta was summoned to Biloxi. A seaplane had been sent to locate him at sea to notify him that Frances P. Skrmetta (1895-1922), his wife, and infant daughter, Vincenzia Skrmetta (1922-1922), had been electrocuted and killed by a 2300 volt, electric wire that was laying in their front yard. Their untimely deaths occurred on August 17th. The corporal remians of Mrs. Skrmetta and her baby were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August 18, 1922, p. 3 and August 19, 1922, p. 3
In January 1925, Captain Peter M. Skrmetta married Louvinia Saput (1905-1964) after the demise of Frances Pitalo. Their children were: Mary Skrmetta (1925-2011); Catherine J. Skrmetta (1928-1984) m. Charles F. Schwark (1923-2010); Peter M. Skrmetta Jr. (b. 1930) m. Jacqueline E. Wentzell; Noel James 'Jimmie' Skrmetta (1936-2004) m. Bobbie Jean Maumus (b. 1935); Mandeline 'Manda' G. Skrmetta (1920-2013) m. Lewis Voorhis 'Hooks' Langlinais (1916-2007); Genevieve Skrmetta (1939-2015) m. Francis Wayne Creel; and Dorothy Skrmetta (b. 1942).(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, 19B, ED 2 and The Daily Herald, August 22, 1964, p. 2)
Children
Genevieve Skrmetta
Genevieve Skrmetta Creel (1939-2015) was born May 27, 1939 to Peter Martin Skrmetta and Louvininia Saput. She passed away Sunday, November 29, 2015. She was born in Biloxi and proud of her Croatian Heritage. She loved people and generously gave her time to church and shut-ins. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Manda Langlinais, Parina Bills, Mary Skrmetta and Catherine Scwark ; brother, Jimmie Skrmetta, daughter, Sarah Ann and a granddaughter, Kara Ann.
Genevieve is survived by her husband, Francis Wayne Creel; daughters, Mary Martha (Will) Rogers; Adonna Currie, Mary Frances (Joel) Newbaker; son, Wayne “Junior” Creel; sister, Dorothy Skrmetta and brother, Peter (Jacqueline) Skrmetta; grandchildren, Nathan (Brittany) Newbaker, Kacee Currie, Kristi Currie, Brandon (Madisyn) Newbaker, Kathryn Newbaker, Kyle Currie and Noah Rogers; great-grandchildren, Hunter Newbaker and Paitlyn Newbaker; nieces and nephews; and many, many, friends and family whom she loved and cared for.
Services will be held Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church, formerly St. John’s. Friends may visit from 10:00 to 12:00pm. Burial to follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Pan American Clipper
Ship Island Excursion trips
I
n June 1935, Peter Skrmetta began ferrying tourists to Ship Island on the President Roosevelt, a power boat. Skrmetta ran to the island three times daily making stops commencing at the Baltar Pier at the Hotel Biloxi and White House Piers, twice daily.(The Daily Herald, june 27, 1935, p. 2)
Pan American Clipper
The Pan American Clipper, a $15,000, diesel powered, excursion boat, recently completed by Toche Brothers Shipyard on East Beach, has been operating for several weeks between Biloxi and Ship Island with Captain Peter Skrmetta at the helm. The vessel was built for the Mavar Fish and Oyster Company and runs at 12 mph. The boats runs from her main landing at the foot of Delaunay Street [Baltar Pier?] and makes stops at the Buena Vista, Hotel Biloxi, and White House piers on its regular schedule of three trips daily.(The Daily Herald, March 30, 1937, p. 3, May 29, 1937, p. 6, and June 25, 1938, p. 3)
2015
In February, Captain Louis Skrmetta, operations amnager of Pan Isles Inc.-Ship Island Excursions, announced that Gulf Islands National Seasore had renewed its contract for ferrying passengers to Ship Island for ten more years.(The Sun Herald, February 24, 2015, p. A-6)
John Skrmetta
Nickola Skrmetta
Nickola 'Nick' Skrmetta (1893-1969) was born at Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia on February 24, 1893. He arrived at New Orleans on October 4, 1906 from Palermo, Italy. Nick married Jerolima ? (1895-1917) and Pauline (1901-1928+) ? at Houston, Texas on November 26, 1928. He was a resident of San Pedro, Los Angeles, California in June 1932, when he applied for American citizenship.
Letter from Brac-1921
Nikola Skermeta (sic), 413 Copp Street in Biloxi, received a woeful letter from his parents at Bobovisci, in the island of Brach (sic), off the Dalmatian coast in the far-away Adriatic Sea. It recited the privation and suffering common in that country, where the native grape vines have succumbed to a disease which the people have been unable to cure, andin consequence of which many American grape vines have been imported. The soil there is rocky, quite unlike the rich American soil, and the vines require time become acclimated and learn to struggle against the poor soil condition, said Mr. Skermeta (sic) His people write that it will take about six years before they will be able to harvest these grapes. In the meantime, the people of Brach (sic) are enduring great hardships. Mr. Skermeta (sic) was at the Federal clerk's office inquiring into some safe method to send his parents money, a previous remittance never reached them. Reports by Biloxians of losses of money sent to relatives have been frequent, are unable to understand it being accustomed to Uncle Sam's generally prompt and safe deliveries. Mr. Skermeta's (sic) parents wrote that many people were eating grass to save themselves from starving. (The Daily Herald, January 19, 1921, p. 4)
Nick Skermetta expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 7, 1969. He was a resident of 101 East End Homes and survived by his wife, Manuela Gonzales, and two sons, Peter "Troubles" V. Skrmetta (1917-2000) m. Lucretia Misko (1920-2006) and John "Johnny" Skrmetta (1915-1977) both of Biloxi. Nick's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, December 8, 1969, p. 2)
Paul Mate Skrmetta
Helena D. Skrmetta
Helen Deoma Skrmetta (1898-1978) was born December 17, 1898. She married Peter Joseph Babich (1897-1949 and they lived in Sacramento, California. At least two children: Dr. John M. Babich (1924) and Judge Joseph G. Babich (1926-2008). Helen died in Sacramento County, California on November 16, 1978.
)
NICHOLAS A. SKRMETTA FAMILY-BILOXI CEMETERY
NICHOLAS A. SKRMETTA
Nicholas A. Skrmetta (1855-1918) was born June 13, 1855 the son of Peter Skrmetta and Vicentia Burich. He married Margaret Jahsih (1862-1947). Children: Peter Blaz Skrmetta (1885-1963); Perina Skrmetta (1886-1945) m. Sam Mihojevich (1881-1927) and Ivan Domjanov (1894-1957); Marko P. Skrmetta (1889-1959) m. Angelina Illich; Paul Cecil Skrmetta (1895-1966), and Mary Skrmetta (1898-1947) m. Grego Anticich (1886-1954).
Paul Mate Skrmetti (1895-1968) was born December 28, 1895 at Bobovice, Brac, County of Split-Damaltia, Croatia. He came to New Orleans via ship from Palermo, Sicily and arrived in the Crescent City on September 28, 1906. At Biloxi, in December 1923, he married Tinah Athaline Borden, the daughter of Thomas Spurgeon Borden (1883-1967), a native of Georgetown, Grand Cayman, British West Indies and Annie Austin Borden (1888-1955), a native of Alabama. Paul Skrmetti appeared in Federal Court in Biloxi, Mississippi on June 4, 1929 to become an American citizen.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1929, p. 2)
In 1930, the Skrmetti family was domiciled on East Beach and living with Annie A. Borden. Paul was making his livelihood as a fisherman while Athaline work as a clerk in a store with her mother. Thomas J. Skrmetti (1926-2008), a son, had been born in 1926.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 42B, ED 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 35, p. 486)
REFERENCES:
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 40775, 'Estate of Marko Skrmetta'-
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 54180, 'Estate of Angelia Skrmetta'-
Mississippi Coast History & Genealogy Society, "A Genealogy of the Skrmetti-Skrmetta Family", Volume 31, No. 2-June 1995.
The Daily Herald, "Skermettas [sic] and Rosettas [sic] fight at christening", July 26, 1912.
The Daily Herald, "Dalmatians suffering; relatives here do not forget the Folks in the old home", January 19, 1921, p. 4)
The Daily Herald, "Use seaplane to search for husband of dead Biloxi woman [Frances Pitalo Skrmetta]", August 18, 1922.
The Daily Herald, "Funeral Mrs. Skrmetta today", August 19, 1922.
The Daily Herald, "Automobile accident causes three deaths", January 31, 1923.
The Daily Herald, "Announce new Subdivision [Paul Skrmetti]", May 21, 1926.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. [Katie] Skrmetti dies", January 4, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Perina Skrmetta Mihojevich] Domjamov dies”, April 25, 1945.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Four generations [Skrmetta family] span Ship Island”, April 8, 1999, p. 14.
The Sun Herald, “Ethel Marie Landry Skrmetta”, Jul 21, 2006.
The Sun Herald, "Mr. Anthony 'Crash' Pitalo', January 23, 2007, p. A4.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SKRNICH
Lucy Skrnich (1867-1941) was born at Milna, Brac, Croatia on August 18, 1868. She married Nikola Filipich (1859-1931) also a native of Milna, on the isalnd of Brac. Children: Stephen Filipich; Antonio Filipich m. Mary Mihojevich (1899-1918) and Jennie Antonsich; Nicholas Filipich; and Frank Filipich.
Michael Skrnich (1887-1968) was born December 31, 1887 at Milna, Brac, Croatia. He married Antonia Kuljis (1890-1960), also a native of Milna, Brac. Children: Clara Ann Skrnich (1912-2003) m. John Frank Cosmich (1909-20090; Margaret Skrnich (1913-1935) m. Vincent Rosett; Thomas Skrnich (1914-2001) m. Lillian Broux; Joseph ‘Chibby’ Skrnich (1915-2009); John Skrnich Jr. (1917-2007) m. Flora Gazzo (1924-2001), the daughter of Andrew Gazzo and Viola Daniel; Michael Skrnich (1919-1973) m. Isabell Leleaux (1922-1996); Antonia Skrnich (1922-1923); Samuel J. Skrnich (1924-2001) m. Marie Grace Sanzari; Frances Dominica Skrnich (1924-2010) m. Lawrence W. Mason (1918-2004); Lucretia Skrnich m. Neville J. Broussard (1920-1999); and Dolores Rita Skrnich m. George A. Sonnier.
Antonia Kuljis Skrnich passed on September 18, 1960 at 1442 East Beach in Biloxi. She was survived by her spouse; five sons; and four daughters; three brothers, Luka Kuljis, Sam Kuljis and Peter Kuljis; two sisters, Madica Kuljis Buzolich and Yubica Kuljis Banicich [sic] in Yugoslavia [Croatia]; 26 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. The Reverend Herbert Mullen officiated at her funeral in St. Michael's Catholic Church follwed by burial in the Biloxi Cemetery. services under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.(The Daily Herald, September 19, 1960, p. 2)
CHILDREN
JOHN SKRNICH JR.
John Skrnich Jr. (1918-2007) married Flora Gazzo (1924-2001), the daughter of Andrew Gazzo and Viola Daniel. Children: Mike Skrnich (b. 1943); Danny Skrnich (b. 1945); Debbie S. Watts, and John Skrnich III (1957-1964). Biloxi fisherman from 1934 until 1987. Captain of the 'Deborah'.(The Sun Herald, February 9, 2007, p. A5)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Filipich dies”, April 28, 1941.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Rosetti dies”,
The Daily Herald,“Skrnich [John Skrnich III] lad drowns in fall from boat deck”, September 23, 1964, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. John Skrnich [Antonia Kuljis]”, September 19, 1960.
The Daily Herald,“John Skrnich Sr.”, July 29, 1968.
The Daily Herald,“Antonia K. Skrnich”, September , 1968.
The Sun Herald,“Isabell Skrnich”, November 21, 1996, p. A2.
The Sun Herald,“Thomas Skrnich”,January 23, 2001, p. A3
The Sun Herald,“Flora G. Skrnich”,August 12, 2001, p. A11.
The Sun Herald,“Clara Ann Cosmich”, October 28, 2003, p. A6.
The Sun Herald,“John Skrnich Sr.”, February 9, 2007.
The Sun Herald,“Joseph ‘Chibby’ Skrnich”,August 21, 2009.
The Sun Herald,“Frances Skrnich Mason”, March 15, 2010.
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Sun Herald,“”,.
The Sun Herald,“”,.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
TREBOTICH
Kate Sekul and Mateo Trebotich [Biloxi Cemetery-August 2012]
MATEO TREBOTICH
Mateo 'Mike' Trebotich (1853-1935) was born at Bobovisce, Brac, Croatia on September 30, 1853. He came to the United States in January 1901 arrving at New York City by a steamer that had embarked earlier from Trieste, Austria. In December 1917.
Mike Trebotich married Katherine 'Kate' Sekul (1859-1948), the daughter of Steve Sekul and Jacobina Barisich. They lived at 238 Cedar Street with their children: Steve B. Trebotich (1886-1971) m. Paula Broussard (1907-1973); Domena [Doma] Trebotich (1880-1966) m. Sam Surian (1881-1926); Jacobina Trebotich (1883-1980) m. Vincent Gospodinovich (1882-1964); and Marguerite Trebotich (1892-1985) m. Peter Buzolich (1886-1920).
JOHN TREBOTICH
John Trebotich and Jacobina Grasich (1856-1936) were the parents of: Elena Trebotich (1884-1970) married Steve M. Sekul (1880-1966); George J. Trebotich (1891-1952) m. Antonia Kordek (1894-1935) and Angelina ? Trebotich (1908-1981); Matt Trebotich (1893-1950) m. ; and Roko Trebotich (1896-1944) m. Agnes Welch.
GEORGE TREBOTICH
George Trebotich [Biloxi Cemetery-August 2012]
George Trebotich and Michelina Pitalo [Biloxi Cemetery-August 2012]
GEORGE J. TREBOTICH
George J. Trebotich (1886-1926) and Katika [Kate] Michelina Pitalo (1891-1978), both natives of Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia, married at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 6, 1913. They were the parents of the following children: Paul Trebotich (1915-1935); Steve Trebotich (1916-2010) m. Paula Broussard and Helen Hardy (1921-2008); Joseph M. Trebotich (1917-1996); George A. Trebotich (1919-2014) m. Lucy Catherine Filipich; John L. Trebotich (1920-2003) m. Ida Belle Stokes; Louis Joseph Trebotich (1923-2004) m. Margaret Evelyn Farris Shultia; Madeline Trebotich (1924-2006) m. Ernest Keenan; and Peter B. Trebotich (1926-1996).(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 22B, ED 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 459)
At Biloxi, Mississippi in January 1934, Kate Pitalo Trebotich declared her interntion to become an American citizen. She stated that she lived at 1714 East Howard Avenue and had come to America on the SS Martha Washington from Trieste, Austria arriving at New York City on December 24, 1912. George Trebotich, her spouse, had come earlier arriving on September 26, 1907.(Declaration of Intent No. 910-Southern Disrict Court-Janaury 1934)
Trebotich sons of World War II
[L-R: Steve Trebotich (1916-2010); Joseph M. Trebotich (1917-1996); George A. Trebotich (1919-2014); John L. Trebotich (1920-2003); Louis J. Trebotich (1923-2004); and Peter B. Trebotich (1926-1996) from The Daily Herald, September 11, 1945, p. 3]
CHILDREN
Paul Trebotich
Steve Trebotich
Steve Trebotich [1916-2010]
Children
Roland Matthew Trebotich
Roland Matthew Trebotich [1937-2020], age 83, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020. Mr. Trebotich was born on November 10, 1937 and was a native and longtime resident of Biloxi. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a lifelong member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association (Slavic Lodge). He was a longtime volunteer of the Lord is my Help. He was a former member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and a devoted member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by parents Steve Trebotich and Paula Broussard Trebotich. He is survived by sister Catherine “Kay” Brochard, niece Diana (Thomas) McGuire, and nephews Donald (Catherine) Brochard and Ronald Brochard. In addition, he is survived by great-nephews Brandon (Katelyn) McGuire and Sean (Brianna) McGuire, great-niece Alexis McGuire, and great-great-niece Haven McGuire.
Joseph M. Trebotich
Joseph M. Trebotich [1917-1996] was born October 23, 1917 at Biloxi.
George A. Trebotich
John L. Trebotich
Louis J. Trebotich
Madeline Trebotich
Madeline Trebotich (1924-2006) was born at Biloxi on
m. Ernest Keenan
Peter B. Trebotich
Peter Bernard Trebotich Sr. [1926-1996] was born at Biloxi on May 20, 1926. He expired at Methodist Medical Center from heart failure at Jackson, Mississippi on May 1996 at the age of 69 years. Peter Barwood Drive, a jeweler, died of heart failure Thursday at Methodist Medical Center. A mass is 2 p.m. today at St. Therese Catholic Church with burial in Lakewood Memorial Park. Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Mr. Trebotich had lived in Jackson more than 50 years. He owned and operated Diamond Jewelers in Pearl for more than 28 years. He was a communicant and charter member of St. Therese Catholic Church. He was a World War II Army veteran and served in Germany. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include: wife, Marie; sons, Bernie Trebotich, Paul Trebotich and Mitch Trebotich, all of Jackson; daughters, Deborah Trebotich of Houston, Texas, and Georgette T. Cerula of Germany; brothers, Steve Trebotich of Biloxi, Joe Trebotich and Louis Trebotich, both of Ocean Springs, Johnny Trebotich of Beaumont and George Trebotich of Jackson; sister, Madeline T. Keenan of Biloxi; and seven grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church, 309 McDowell Road, Jackson MS 39212; or The Mustard Seed, 1025 Luckney Road, Brandon MS 39042.[The Clarion Ledger, May 11, 1996]
Children: Peter ‘Bernie’ Bernard Trebotich Jr.[1952-2020]; Paul Trebotich; Mitchell Trebotich; Deborah Trebotich; Georgette T. Cerula.
GEORGE TREBOTICH
George Trebotich married on June 5, 1937 in Dalmatia and arrived in Biloxi in September 1937 and lived at 1519 3rd Street.(The Daily Herald, September 3, 1937, p. 2)
MATEO TREBOTICH
Matteo 'Matt' Trebotich (1893-1950) was born June 13, 1893. He died December 31, 1950.
[The Daily Herald, January 1, 1951, p. 2]
Children
ROKO TREBOTICH
[The Daily Herald, April 13, 1944, p. 9]
Roko Trebotich (1896-1944) came to Biloxi circa 1906 from Brac. He married Agnes Welch, native of NOLA on October 1, 1918. Roko expired at his home at 310 Pine Street on Point Cadet on April 12, 1944.
Children
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Aliens busy perfecting naturalization papers”, April 21, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Two [John Skornich (sic) and George Trebotich] after citizenship”, April 21, 1923.
The Daily Herald, "Peter Trevotich [sic] dead", August 1, 1923.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Trebotich [Jacobina Grasich] dies”, April 4, 1936.
The Daily Herald,“Bridal couple weds”, September 2, 1937.
The Daily Herald,“Roko Trebotich dies”, April 13, 1944.
The Daily Herald,“Matt Trebotich dies”, January 1, 1951.
Joseph Tremonta (1878-1950) was born on Brac, Croatia on March 19, 1878, the son of Matre Tremontana and Lucretia Sekul. He married Mary Cerenich. Came to Biloxi from Croatia in 1921. Live 240 Myrtle Street. Children: Joseph Tremontana Jr.; Amanada Tremontana (1908-1997) m. Ernest Mladinich Jr. (1906-1990); Lucretia Tremonta (1911-1937) m. Earl F. Cook (19-1999); Josephine Tremontana (1913-2004) m. Julian K. Cook (1908-1994); and Mary Tremontana m. Thomas Garbin (1895-1966) and Mr. Calmut.
Joseph Tremontana expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 17, 1950.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Tremontana death”, December 18, 1950.
The Daily Herald,“”,
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Croatian arrivals from Cres-Battaya, Evanocich, Velcich, Pisarich and Ziz
Croatian arrivals from Cres-Battaya, Evanocich, Velcich, Pisarich and Ziz
CRES
BATTAYA
EVANOSICH
STEVE EVANOSICH
Steve Evanosich (1882-1955) was born on February 2, 1882 at Cres [Cherso], Otok Cres, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. He married Laura Browning. Children: Leona Harriet Evanosich (1919-1919). Steve made his livelihood at Biloxi as a fisherman and cook. He died on December 27, 1955 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 31, 1919, p. 3 and December 27, 1955, p. 2)
JOSEPH P. EVANOSICH
Joseph P. Evanosich (1884-1962) was born May 1, 1884 at Cres [Cherso], Otok Cres, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. He married Ana Brozovic (1895-1956), a native of Selce, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. At Biloxi, Mississippi, they resided at 1036 Caillavet Street. Children: Michael A. Evanosich (1908-1994) m. Lillian Hagerty; Steve Evanosich (1918-1919); Joseph E. Evanosich (1916-1991); Frank Evanosich; Nicholas Evanosich (1919-1985); Anthony Evanosich; Anna Joan Evanosich (19-2009) m. Nelse Geary (1928-2001); Edna Evanosich m. Mr. Adams; Mary Evanosich m. Mr. Muschich.
The Joseph P. Evanovich family lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and in New Jersey for many years.
CHILDREN
STEVE EVANOSICH
Steve Evanosich (1918-1919) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 27, 1918. He died on June 25, 1919. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 26, 1919, p. 4)
ANNA J. EVANOSICH
Anna Joan Evanosich (19-2009) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on . In Harrison County, Mississippi on February 18, 1950, she married Nelse Geary (1928-2001), probably a native of Oregon.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Infant [Leona H. Evanosich] buried Saturday”, March 31, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Death of infant son [Steve Evanosich]”, June 26, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Anna Evanosich”, September 4, 1950.
The Daily Herald,“Steve Evanosich”, December 27, 1955.
The Daily Herald, “Joseph P. Evanovich”, September 1962.
The Trentonian [New Jersey], “Anna E. Geary”, September 8, 2009.
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 and Mary Peresich_0.jpg)
Mary J. Peresich (1884-1963) and Gasper J. Pisarich (1873-1951)
[Courtesy of Matt Lyons Jr.-January 2014]
GASPER J. PISARICH
Gasper John Pisarich (1873-1951) was born February 8, 1873 in Cres [Cherso], Primorje-Gorski kotar County, Croatia. He immigrated to America circa 1897 and married Marie J. Peresich (1884-1963) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 7, 1903.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit County MRB 14, p. 200)
Their children were: John Joseph Pisarich (1903-1982) m. Amanda Davidson (1906-1980); Ray Vincent Pisarich (1905-1988) m. Eunice Carmelite Blanchard (1907-2005); Adelaide Pisarich m. James A. Allen; Elvira Gertrude Pisarich (1909-1999) m. Earl Louis William Anglada (1909-1973); Maria Pisarich (1909-1995) m. Noel E. Balius (1905-1994); Anna Mae Pisarich (1912-1996) m. Charles Alfred Lewis; Francis Matthew Pisarich (1918-2008) m. Mary L. Davis (1922-2012+); Josephine Pisarich (1921-2001) m. Francis J. Malpass (1917-2002); Glenn Anthony Pisarich (1926-1960) m. Joyce Elizabeth McDonnell (1929-2006).
Captain Gaper J. Pisarich was employed in the seafood industry most of his life. He worked for the E.C. Joullian Packing Company; C.B.Foster Packing Company; and at the time of his demise was foreman for the Southern Shell Fish Company managed by Chester Delacruz. Captain Pisarich was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, the Gulf Coast Seafood Workers Association, Back Bay Volunteer Fire Compnay, and the Woodmen of the World.(The Daily Herald, April 30, 1951, p. 9)
Move To Lakeshore
John J. Pisarich
John Joseph Pisarich(1903-1982) was born at Biloxi on November 13, 1903. He married Amanda Davidson (1906-1980). John was an excellent barber and began cutting hair at age 19 years. he owned an operated John's Barber SHop on Howard Avenue. Mr. Pisarich was a member of Elk's Lodge No. 606, the Knights of Columbus No. 1244 and the Slavonian Benevolent Association.
John expired at Biloxi on April 18, 1982 at the age of 78 years. He was survived by daughter, Jerry P. Stafford of Biloxi; two sons, John J. Pisarich Jr. (1926-1996) m. Alberta Ann Pickard of Biloxi and Robert G. Pisarich m. Virginia Maria Fountain of Ocean Springs; five sisters: Adelaide P.Allen; Elvera P. Anglada; Maria P. Balius; Josephine P. Malpass; amd Mrs. Anna P. Lewis, all of Biloxi; two brothers, Ray V. Pisriach and Francis Pisarich, both of Biloxi; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
Mr. Pisarich's funeral was under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi. Following services at Nativity BVM Cathedral committal was at Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, April 19, 1982, p. A-2)
Ray V. Pisarich
Ray Vincent Pisarich (1905-1988) was born July 1, 1905. He married Eunice Carmelite Blanchard (1907-2005), a native of Jeanerette, Louisiana, and the daughter of Varice Blanchard and Octavia Blanchard, on January 28, 1934. Mr. Pisarich made his livelihood as a plumbing contractor and worked on some of Biloxi’s largest structures. He and Eunice were the parents of. Children: Carmelite Pisarich m. Edward E. Payne and Ray V. Pisarich Jr. m. Elmerita Frances Mihojevich;
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| Mrs. Eunice Blanchard Pisarich (1907-2005) was born on February 7, 1907, in Jeanerette, Louisiana. She died Tuesday, March 8, 2005, in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Pisarich was a resident of Biloxi for 90 years. She was a member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church. Mrs. Pisarich was preceded in death by her husband, Ray V. Pisarich, Sr., her parents, Varice Blanchard and Octavia Blanchard, granddaughter, Charlotte Pisarich, thirteen brothers and sisters, and a son-in-law, Edward E. Payne. She is survived by her daughter, Carmelite Pisarich Payne, a son, Ray V. Pisarich, Jr., and wife, Elmerita, eight grandchildren, Cynthia Payne McCartney and husband, Bill, Diane Payne Griffin. Edward V. Payne and wife, Melanie, Mary Jo Skelton and husband, Mike, Thomas W. Pisarich and wife, Caroline, Joseph G. Pisarich, Raechele Pisarich, and Katie Pisarich Paske and husband, Chris, and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Friday, March 11, 2005, from 10-11 AM, with an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial, all at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, March 10, 2005) |
Adelaide Pisarich
Elvira G. Pisarich
Elvira Pisarich Anglada, age 89 years, of Biloxi died Tuesday, April 6, 1999, in Biloxi. Mrs. Anglada was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Biloxi and was a member of the Altar Society with St. John's Catholic Church. She served as a volunteer and chaperone for the Sacred Heart High School all girl band. She was also a member of the Herbert Mullins Sr. Citizens Center and former member of the Elks Auxiliary. Mrs. Anglada was a volunteer during World War II. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl L. Anglada; her parents, Gaspar and Mary Peresich Pisarich; three brothers, John Pisarich, Ray Pisarich and Glen Pisarich; and three sisters, Adelaide Allen, Anna Lewis and twin sister, Marie Balius. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Evelyn Dellenger and son-in-law, Stanley Dellenger Sr., both of Biloxi; a granddaughter, Diane Puzz of North Biloxi; three grandsons, Paul Dellenger of North Biloxi, Stanley Dellenger Jr. of Biloxi and Matthew Dellenger of Denver, CO.; a sister, Josephine Malpass; and a brother, Francis Pisarich, both of Biloxi. Friday, April 9, 1999, at St. John's Catholic Church in Biloxi, a Mass Service will begin at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery in Biloxi. (The Sun Herald, April 8, 1999)
Maria Pisarich
Anna M. Pisarich
Anna Mae Pisarich (1912-1996) was born in 1912. She married John Lewis and they were the parents of: John J. Lewis and Lisa Lewis m. Stephen Fletcher.
Anna was a 1930 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School and went to workas a sales lady for the J.C. Penny Company and after 42 years she retired as office manager.
Francis M. Pisarich
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Francis Matthew Pisarich (1918-2008) was born September 22, 1918 at Biloxi. He graduated valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy in 1936. Francis was a Lieutenant in the US Coast Guard. He led a wave of assault infantrymen onto Omaha Beach on D-Day for which he was awarded a letter of commendation for his leadership under fire. Francis was a master plumber. He owned and operated Francis Pisarich Plumbing in Biloxi. Francis and his wife traveled extensively and enjoyed theater and the arts. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church from its inception. Mr. Pisarich passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2008 in Biloxi. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Francis M. Pisarich was preceded in death by his parents, Gaspar and Mary Peresich Pisarich; sisters, Adelaide Allen, Maria Balius, Elvira Anglada, Anna Lewis, Josephine Malpass; and brothers, John, Ray and Glenn Pisarich. He was survivored by his wife, Mary Davis Pisarich of Biloxi; daughter, Mary Frances "Molly" (Frank) Cox of Biloxi; son, Stephen Matthew Pisarich of Saucier; grandchildren, Stefanie (John) Walley, Teddy (Ashley) Johnson, Stephen F. (Meggan) Pisarich, Matthew (Renee') Pisarich, Kristen Johnson, Averil Pisarich, Alex Pisarich, and Beth Cox; and 5 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 21, 2008, 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment is in Southern Memorial Park. (The Sun Herald, November 21, 2008, p. A-4)
Josephine Pisarich
Josephine Pisarich was born . She married Frank Malpass (1917-2002) in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 2, 1940.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit MRB 51, p. 296)
Josephine P. Malpass, age 79 years, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, in Biloxi. Mrs. Malpass was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy. She was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church where she served as a eucharistic minister and lector, was a member of the Altar Society and served on the Bingo Committee. She was an employee of the Harrison County Tax Collector's Office for many years and was a kindergarten teacher at St. John's Elementary School in Biloxi. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Josephine was preceded in death by a son, Geoffrey P. Malpass Sr. (1996); her parents, Gaspar and Mary Pisarich; four sisters, Adelaide Allen, Anna Lewis, Maria Balius and Elvera Anglada; and three brothers, John Pisarich, Ray Pisarich and Glenn Pisarich.
Survivors include her husband, Frank J. Malpass (1917-2002) of Biloxi; two daughters, Cathey Boney of Leavenworth, Kan., and Holly Balius of Laurel; a son, Dennis B. Malpass (b. 1943) of LaPorte, Texas; a brother, Francis Pisarich of Biloxi; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Johns Catholic Church in Biloxi where friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and recitation of the rosary will be at 10:40 a.m. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, January 22, 2001)
Glenn A. Pisarich
Glenn Anthony Pisarich (1926-1960) was born January 25, 1926 at Biloxi. He enlisted in the USMC on June 6, 1944 and was honorably discharged on September 14, 1945. Glenn married Joyce Elizabeth McDonnell (1929-2006).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, June 1, 1912.
The Daily Herald, '[Captain Gasper J Pisarich] Pisarich death', April 30, 1951.
The Daily Herald, 'John Pisarich Sr.', April 19, 1982.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Anna Pisarich Lewis”, January 14, 1996, p. B-2.
The Sun Herald, “Geoffrey P. Malpass”, March 30, 1996, p. A-2.
The Sun Herald, “Josephine P. Malpass”, January 22, 2001.
The Sun Herald, “”, , p. .
The Sun Herald, “Eunice Blanchard Pisarich”, March 10, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Joyce McDonnell Pisarich”, November 25, 2006.
The Sun Herald, “Francis Matthew Pisarich”, November 21, 2008.
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VELCICH
JAMES S. VELCICH
James [Giacomo] S. Velcich (1865-1931) was born at Cres [Cherso], Croatia in December 1865. He came to America circa 1883 and married Mary [Maria] Martinolich (1866-1938), also a Croatian immigrant, at New Orleans on August 21, 1892. Children: James F. 'Jake' Velcich (1893-1989); Josephine F. Velcich (1896-1978) m. Albert B. Trochessett (1891-1963); Frances Velcich (1898-1989) m. Frank A. Cassanova (1895-1976); John A. Velcich (1901-1968) m. Helen Cotton (1917-2000); Anthony Velcich (1902-1917); Joseph J. Velcich (1904-1989) m. Marie Germaine Baudot (1904-1929) and Leona Baudot (1906-1985); Maria Velcich (1906-1986) m. Louis George 'Dutch' Monteverde (1900-1973); Anna Velcich (1910-1977) m. James Burke Suberbielle (1905-1979); and Antonia 'Toni' Velcich (1912-1999) m. Irwin Favre
CHILDREN
JOSEPHINE VELCICH
Josephine Velcich was born February 10, 1896 at NOLA. She married Albert B. Trocheset (1891-1963), the son of Trochesset and , on June 23, 1916 at Lake Shore, Hancock County, Mississippi. At this time, Albert was employed with the Southern Express Company at Pensacola, Florida. By 1930, the family was domiciled at 1020 Lameuse Street with their five children: Lillian M. Trochesset; Geraldine Trochesset; James V. Trochesset; and Evelyn M. Trochesset. Albert made his livelihood as a house carpenter at this time.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal census R 1146, p. 21A, ED 6)
FRANCES VELCICH
Frances Velcich (1898-1989) was the spouse of Frank A. Cassanova (1895-1976). She was born in Louisiana on March 31, 1898 and moved to the Coast in 1921. Their children were: Francis A. Cassanova (1924-1996); Helen C. Bieda; Audrey C. Moran (1926-2011) m. W.F. 'Chris' Moran; and Wallace E. Cassanova (b. 1928) m. Marilyn Johnson (b. 1930). Frances V. Cassanova expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 30, 1989. Her corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi. She was survived by Antonia 'Toni' Velcich Favre (1912-1999), a sister, and James F. 'Jake' Velcich (1893-1989), a brother.[The Sun Herald, June 1, 1989, p. A4]
JOHN A. VELCICH
John A. Velcich (1900-1968) was born December 17, 1900 at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He married Helen Cotton and died at Baton Rouge, Louisiana on March 13, 1968.(The Daily Herald, March 14, 1968, p. 2)
ANTHONY VELCICH
Anthony Velcich (1902-1917) was born December 5, 1902 at Bay St. Louis, Missisippi. He died at NOLA in March 1917. Anthony's corporal remians were interred in the St. Roch Cemetery.(The New Orleans Daily States, March 22, 1917, p. 14)
ANNA VELCICH
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Early Mississippi Coast Families-Trochesset-Fayard-Paquet, Special Issue, (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-August 1982).
The Daily Herald, “Trochesset-Velcich”, June 24, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “John A. Velcich”, March 14, 1968.
The New Orleans Daily States, "Anthony Velcich", March 22, 1917.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Francis Cassanova”, June 1, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “F.A. Cassanova”, July 19, 1996.
The Times-Picayune, "Marie G. Baudot Velcich", February 4, 1929.
The Times-Picayune, "Helen Cotton Velcich", April 26, 2000.
The Times-Picayune, "",
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ZIZ
As presently known, the Ziz family of the Mississippi Gulf Coast was represented by two brothers, Antonio D. Ziz who settled in the DeLisle area of West Harrison County and George M. Ziz who resided at Biloxi, Mississippi. They were immigrants from Cres [Cherso] on the island Cres, Croatia.
ANTONIO D. ZIZ
Antonio D. Ziz (1857-1925) was the son of Antonion Ziz and Maria Muscardini. He immigrated to America circa 1882 and on July 29, 1890, he married Mary Evelina Sellier (1859-1932), the daughter of Jules Sellier and Mary Basilice Dedeaux, at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church at Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi. They were the parents of three children: Ellen Mary Ziz (1892-1975) m. Charles A. Martin Jr. (1894-1977); Christopher Louis Ziz (1894-1973) m. Selma Alice Courtenay (1899-1973); and Christine A. Ziz (1896-1960) m. Henry S. Lindsey (1892-1960).(Leepre, 1995, p. 383)
CHILDREN
Ellen M. Ziz
Ellen M. Ziz (1892-1975) was born on February 15, 1892. She married Charles A. Martin Jr. (1894-1977) on October 22, 1919 in Harrison County, Mississippi. In 1930, they were domiciled at 323 East 2nd Street at Pass Christian, Mississippi. Charles made his livelihood as a clerk in a hardeware store. They were the parents of two children: Geraldine Martin (1920-2009) m. Gordon E. Bishop (1921-1996) and Charles Roland Martin (1924-2003) m. Frances Howell (b. 1924). The corporal remains of this family was interred in the Live Oak Cemetery at Pass Christian, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 346 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 14A, ED 21)
Christopher L. Ziz
Christopher Louis Ziz (1894-1973) was born on February 14, 1894. He married Selma Alice Courtenay (1899-1973) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 18, 1924.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 36, p. 151)
CHILDREN
Anthony V. Ziz
Anthony Vincent Ziz (1894-1966) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 21, 1894. He worked in retail sales in a hardware store most of his life and was a member of St. John's Catholic Church on Back Bay. Anthony died at Jackson, Mississippi on March 18, 1966. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 19, 1966, p. 2)
George M. Ziz
George Anthony Ziz (1928-1979) m. Frances Louise Norton (1928-2008) on October 1, 1945. Children: Mary Francis Ziz (1946-1996); George A Ziz II m. Barbara Ann Taylor; Jeffrey Dominic Ziz m. Lisa Ann Randazzo ; Nora Ziz; Michael William Ziz (1948-1948); Della Christine Ziz m. David Lee Fayard; Theresa Zizm. Mr. Whiteside; and Laura Ziz m. Landry; Catherine Ziz m. Mr. Fountain; Joseph Frederick Ziz m. Vera Patrick Dern; and Constance M. Ziz m. George Joseph Rogalski.
Mary E. Ziz
Mary Ellen Ziz (1926-1991) married Harry Paul Dronet on October 4, 1945. Children: Gary Dronet Dana Dronet; Keith Dronet; Chris Dronet; Kathy Dronet; Mark Dronet; Mary Dronet;(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 346 and 69, p. 456)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi [1847-1900], Volume III, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
The Daily Herald, “Lindsey-Ziz”, May 22, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Ziz dies”, September 17, 1947 .
The Sun Herald, “Mary Frances Ziz”, July 23, 1996.
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Croatian arrivals from Dubrovnik-Milian [Miljan] and Kulivan
Croatian arrivals from Dubrovnik-Milian [Miljan] and Kulivan
Kulivan Family
[L-R: Beatrice Charlet Gibert Kulivan (1884-1959?); Mike Kulivan (1875-1944); and Marie Kulivan Randazzo? (1902-1974). Courtesy of David Kulivan-NOLA-April 9, 2014]
KULIVAN
The name Kulivan appears more Irish than Croatian. In researching the name, I discovered ‘Kuljevan’ and in particular a Marco Kuljevan, age 17 years and resident of Ragusa, Austria* who left Hamburg, Germany on August 27, 1892 aboard Scandia bound for the Port of New York and Baltimore. There are some interesting facts that suggest that Marco Kuljevan and Michael ‘Mike’ Kulivan (1875-1944) may be the same person. The most obvious is their identical birth year date of 1875 and close similarity in spelling of their surname. Also in the 1940 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census, Mike Kulivan lists his year of immigration as 1892, the same year that he left Germany and landed at the Port of New York.
*Ragusa is now called Dubrovnik, Croatia and is the seat of government of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia.
On April 8, 1901, at New Orleans, Michael ‘Mike’ Kulivan (1875-1944), a Dalmatian fisherman, married Beatrice Charlet Gibert (1884-1959?), a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the daughter of Alfred C. Gibert and Louisa Fatter Gibert. Mike’s name on the marriage certificate appeared as ‘Michele Kuglievan’ very similar to ‘Kuljevan’.
The Kulivans lived at 1431 East Howard Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mike was the Capitan of several Biloxi schooners and in 1918 was employed by the Dunbar-Dukate Company.
Biloxi Trading and Packing Company
In September 1920, Mike Kulivan became an incorporator of the Biloxi Packing & Trading Company. The organization was composed of many of his fellow Croatian immigrant fishermen: Jake Rosetti, Vincent Rosetti, Vlocho Milion*, Grego Anticich, Mrs. Mary Anticich, John Skrmetta, and John Mavar. Frank Bosarge was the only non-Croatian in the company. Of these immigrant fishermen, John Mavar would become the most successful. (The Daily Herald, September 18, 1920, p. 4)
The Biloxi Trading and Packing Company was capitalized with $25,000 in stock with a par value of $1. Its mission was to ‘own, operate, lease factories and canneries and package vegetables, fruits, oysters, fish and shrimp.(The Daily Herald, September 18, 1920, p. 4)
In September, Grego Anticich, Mary Skrmetta Anticich and Mijo Anticich incorporated the Anticich Canning and Packing Company at Biloxi. The company evolved from the The Biloxi Packing & Trading Company which had been incorporated on September 20, 1920 at New Orleans. From the deed records of Harrison County, Mississippi, it appears that the Anticich family took control of the Biloxi Trading & Packing Company between August 1924 and August 1925 and began operating as the Anticich Canning and Packing Company.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 53, p. 571)
*probably Bilaz Milian (1881-1946), a native of Dubrovnik, Croatia and became a resident of Biloxi in 1901. He became an American citizen on February 18, 1914 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Blaz Milian married Sedonia Perria (1882-1968), the widow of John Nadalich (1880-1919), in May 1920.
Children
Marie Kulivan (1902-1974) m. Frank S. Randazzo (1899-1975); Joseph Alfred Kulivan (1904-1973) m. Mathilda D. Massaro (1911-1992); Louise Kulivan (1907-1980) m. Anthony Fabian Taranto (1906-1975); Frances Beatrice Kulivan (1908-1940) m. Arnold Seidule (1903-1944); Alfreda Katherine Kulivan (1911-1996) m. Frederick Carl Weiss (1908-1967); Marjorie Kulivan (1913-1994) m. Joseph A. Corso (1907-1954); Floris Mary Kulivan (1916-2008) m. James Mosline Savarro (1899-1967); Bernice Kulivan (1917-1976) m. Joseph Ewing (1912-1999); Caroline Kulivan (1919-1988) m. Louis W. Wetzel (1911-1988); Alfred Michael Kulivan (1921-2003) m. Gladys Simpson (1913-1980); Lucille Kulivan (1923-1984) m. Tincu Troyou and Walter C. DeWitt; Wilda Mae Kulivan (1925-2008) m. Samuel ‘Lucky’ Sitren (1923-2003).
Alfred Michael Kulivan
Alfred M. Kulivan
1975 Biloxi Shrimp King Alfred 'Mike' Kulivan and Gladys Simpson Kulivan, his wife.
[Courtesy of David Kulivan of NOLA-June 1975]
Alfred "Mike" Kulivan (1921-2003), age 81years, of Biloxi, died Sunday, October 19, 2003 in Biloxi. Mr. Kulivan was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He was a retired shrimper and owner of the boat "Mark Anthony." He worked on the Biloxi Schooner and the research vessel Tommy Munro. He was the 1974 Shrimp King. Mr. Kulivan was a member of the Slavic Benevolent Association of Croatia. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church and volunteer at Biloxi Seafood and Maritime Museum.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Kulivan, parents Michael and Beatrice Kulivan, brother, Joseph Kulivan, 7 sisters, Marie Randazzo, Caroline Wetzel, Lucille Dewitt, Louise Taranto, Beatrice Seidule, Bernice Ewing, and Margie Corso.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Patti Wooten and husband Mark of Pearland, Texas, Charlene Reed (1947-2017) and husband Steven of Milan, Illinois, 2 sisters, Floris Savarro of Biloxi, Wilda Mae Sitren of Ocala, Florida, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6-8pm, Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.
Children
Charlene Kulivan [Reed]
Charlene Kulivan (1947-2017) was born February 6, 1947. She received her degree as a medical technician and worked many years in the field of phlebotomy earning her the affectionate title, "The Vampire". She was an avid reader and animal lover. She spent her later years actively volunteering at homeless veteran shelters. Charlene married Steven J. Reed, who preceded her in death. Charlene expired at Milan, Illinois on 20 November 2017. She was survived by her three children; 4 grandsons, 2 great-grandsons, her sister, a nephew, many cousins and their families respectively. Cremation services were handled by Wheelan-Pressly Funeral and Cremation Home. The family requests any donations made in her name be made to charities that benefit the homeless and veterans.[The Sun Herald on Dec. 17, 2017]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Packing and Trading Company”, September 18, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Randazzo-Kulivan”, September 24, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Seidule dies”, August 27, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Seidule buried”, August 29, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Mike Kulivan dies”, September 21, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Gladys Simpson Kulivan”, December 10, 1980.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Caroline Wetzel”, April 29, 1988.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph Ewing”, March 4, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Marjorie Kulivan Corso”, July 6, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Alfred ‘Mike’ Kulivan”, October 21, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Wilda Mae Sitren Kulivan”, November 2, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “”,
The Times-Picayune,“Corso”, July 4, 1954.
The Times-Picayune,“Weiss”, September 16, 1967.
The Times-Picayune,“Kulivan”, July 15, 1973.
The Times-Picayune,“Wetzel”, March 11, 1988.
The Times-Picayune,“Alfreda Katherine Weiss”, September 22, 1996.
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MILIAN [MILJAN]
Bilaz Milian (1881-1946) was born on April 20, 1881 at Dubrovnik, Croatia and became a resident of Biloxi in 1901. He became an American citizen on February 18, 1914 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Blaz Milian married Sedonia Perria (1882-1968), the widow of John Nadalich (1880-1919), in May 1920. They had a son, George Edward Milian (1920-1979).
In 1930, Blaz, called 'Viloho', and Sedonia P. Nadalich Milian were domiciled at 510 Bohn street in Biloxi. He made his livlihood as
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Application for naturalization [Bilas Miljan]”, November 20, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Federal Court at work”, February 18, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Marriage licenses”, May 18, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Blaz Milian dies”, April 19, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “”, .
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Croatian arrivals from Fiume (Rijeka, Croatia)-Negovetich and Simonich
Croatian arrivals from Fiume (Rijeka, Croatia)-Negovetich and Simonich osarep Mon, 12/31/2012 - 13:41NEGOVETICH
Peter Negovetich (1869-1940) was born in Fiume, now Rijekva, Croatia. He was a resident of Volosca when he left Croatia and landed near Mobile Bay in October 1893 when his ship was driven during the 1893 Hurri.cane He was living at 231 Myrtle Street at Biloxi in August 1918 when he applied for citizenship.
Peter married Maria Kercich (1963-1935), also a Croatian immigrant, in Harrison County, Mississippi. Mary was the widow of Martin [Matteo] Polovich [also Puglisvich and Pulovich] and Antonio Illich (1862-1899). All of her children were born in New Orleans: Vincent Polovich (1882-?); Anna Polovich [she spelled it Pulovich] (1885-1967) m. Frank M. Subat (d. April 1944); Mary M. Illich (1891-1907); John Illich (1893-1970) m. Nettie Elizabeth Bills (1891-1918); Antonia Clara Illich (1896-1941) m. Octave Trochesett (1890-1955); Angelina Illich (1897-1967) m. Marco Skrmetta (d. 1959); and Mike [Michel] Illich (1899-1968).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 13, p. 114)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Receives patent', July 21, 1914, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Foreigners want citizenship', August 5, 1918, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, 'Peter Negovetich died yesterday', February 16, 1940, p. 3.
The Times-Picayune, 'Subat', April 13, 1944, p. 2.
The Times-Picayune, 'Subat', February 11, 1967, p. 8.
SIMONICH
Victor Simonich (1862-1916) was born in Fiume, now Rijeka, Croatia on September 9, 1862. He immigrated to America arriving at New Orleans in 1881. Victor Simonich came to Biloxi circa 1892, where he became engaged as a fruit dealer and grocery merchant. On September 9, 1891, he married Matilda Sforzin [now Swansine] (1877-1948), born at Mali Lošinj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia and the daughter of Antonio Sforzin [now Swansine] (1832-1888) and Matteo Vidulich (1850-1910). Their nuptials were celebrated at the home of her mother and step-father, Antonio “Capt. Toney” Bunicich, in Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi. .(The Daily Herald, July 4, 1916, p. 3 and The Daily Herald, September 12, 1891, p. 1)
Victor Simonich and family resided at 407 Magnolia Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. He owned a grocery store at the corner of Howard and Delaunay Street. In November 1906 he moved the store to larger quarters on West Howard Avenue, two- doors west from Delaunay Street and in 1907 he opened a second store on Nixon Street. In 1916, Victor Simonich was granted a patent for a barrel cover which found great utility with Biloxi’s merchants. The business prospered thusly that Mr. Simonich was receiving daily orders for his invention for local utility and export. Victor apparently over extended himself and from about 1914 through 1916 he reportedly took advantage, for personal use, some of the funds belonging to the Austrian Benevolent Society for whom he was treasurer. When an accounting was demanded, he sadly committed suicide on July 3, 1916. Matilda lived until 1948. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald,May 17, 1916, p. 2 and July 4, 1916, p. 1)
Victor Simonich and Matilda Swansine Simonich were the parents of: ?atio Onorato Simonich (1893-1893); Louise M. Simonich (1894-1972) m. Joseph F. Uccellini; John Anthony Simonich (1895-1967) m. Leola Dellenger (1904-1988) and Elvina Holliman Brielmaier; Albert Edward Simonich (1897-1900); Matilda Simonich m. George Quint; Victoria Simonich m. J. Randoff; Inez Irma Simonich (1906-1929) m. Elmer R. Walker; Joseph Anthony Simonich (1907-1965) m. Audrey F. Sterne (1917-1988); and Henry J. Simonich m. Hazel Turner.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Simonich manufacturing barrel covers”, May 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Victor Simonich Kills Himself At Home Tuesday”, July 4, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Ucelline (sic)-Simonich”, November 26, 1919, p. 4.
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Croatian arrivals from Hvar [Lesina], Croatia-Jelusich, Kovacevich, Kuluz, Rosetti, and Soljan.
Croatian arrivals from Hvar [Lesina], Croatia-Jelusich, Kovacevich, Kuluz, Rosetti, and Soljan.
Stari Grad [Old City]
Kovacevich family home at Starigrad, Hvar, Croatia
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers]
KOVACEVICH
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Mateo Kovacevich (1886-1959) and Francisca 'Franina' ? Kovacevich (1892-1969)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers-March 2014]
MATEO KOVACEVICH
Mateo Kovacevich (1886-1959) was born at Stari Grad, Hvar, Croatia on December 13, 1886. He left Trieste, Austria aboard SS Kaiser Franz Joseph I with his sister, Mira Kovacevich (1891-1965) in November 1912 and they landed at New York City on December 3, 1912. In Biloxi, Mateo lived with Sima Kovacevich Rosetti (1884-1942), his widowed sister, and her children at 1510 1st Street on Point Cadet. Matio married Francisca 'Franina' ? Kovacevich (1892-1969), whom the family relates was not a blood relative although she was born Kovacevich. She had two siblings at Biloxi: Mira Kovacevich and They were the parents of two daughters: Frances Mary Kovacevich (1922-2008) and Gloria L. Kovacevich (1929-2008) m. Edward Daniel Maranville (1931-2006).(Declaration of Intention No. 774-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-May 1924)
Mateo Kovacevich made his livelihood as a fisherman. He worshipped at St. Michael's Catholic Church and socialized with members of the Slavonian Benevolent Association. Mateo expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 24, 1959. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, Mira Kovacevich Barhonovich, a sister, and Peter Kovacevich, a brother domiciled at Stari Grad, Hvar.
Children
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Frances Mary Kovacevich (1922-2008)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers]
Frances Mary Kovacevich (1922-2008), age 86 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in Biloxi. She was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi and a lifetime member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and a member of the Altar Society. She was a founding member of the Slavic Benevolent Association Ladies Auxiliary and instrumental in producing the Slavic Ladies cookbook. Frances was retired Civil Service from KAFB and a member of N.A.R. F. E.
Ms. Kovacevich was preceded in death by her parents, Mateo and Franina Kovacevich; and brother-in-law, Edward D. Maranville. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Maranville of Biloxi; three nieces, Sandra (Anthony) Starcher, Michele (Peyton) Myers, Cheryl (Gary) Conley; three great-nieces, Gina Digirolamo, Hope Myers, Holly Myers and one great-nephew, James Myers.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said for the repose of her immortal soul on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church where friends may visit one and half hours prior to service. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to: St. Michael's Catholic Church Building Fund. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Ave. is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, August 14, 2008)
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Gloria Kovacevich (1929-2008) and Edward D. Maranville (1931-2006)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers]
Gloria Kovacevich
Gloria Kovacevich (1929-2008) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 2, 1929. She married Edward Daniel Maranville (1931-2006), a native of Assembly Point, Lake George, Warren County, New York, in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 3, 1953. They were the parents of: Sandra Ann Maranville (b. 1959) m. Anthony DiGirolamo and Anthony Starcher; Michele Maraville (b. 1963) m. Peyton G. Myers; and Cheryl F. Maranville (b. 1964) m. Gary Conley.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 93, p. 317 and Michele Marvanville Myers at Hattiesburg, Mississippi-March 2014)
MIRA KOVACEVICH
Mira Kovacevich (1891-1965) was the sister of Mateo Kovacvich. She married Frank Barhonovich (1889-1963) at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church on November 14, 1914. Frank Barhonovich (1889-1963) was born May 21, 1889, at Supetar, Brac, Splitsko-Dalmatia County, Croatia the son of Frank Barhanovich and Maria Barhanovich (1856-1940). They were the parents of: Marie V. Barhonovich (1917-2000) m. Peter M. 'Mutt' Jurich (1914-1981); Frances Pauline Barhonovich (1919-1919); Anthony R. Barhonovich (1920-1994) m. and Ruth Alice Hormanski (d. 1999); Antonia Barhonovich; John F. Barhonovich (1924-1988) m. Gladys Marie Stoute Broussard (); Frank J. Barhonivich m. Amelia Lechner; and Peter Matre Barhonovich (1931-1991) m. Annette Louise Melancon.
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Frank Kovacevich (1899-1971)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers]
FRANK KOVACEVICH
Frank Kovacevich (1899-1971) was born in Croatia. He married Katrina 'Katie' Mihojevich (1907-1999) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 24, 1925. Katie was the daughter of Steven [Stip] Mihojevich (1872-1947) and Frances 'Frankie' Martinich (1872-1956), both native of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB )
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Ivan "Nane" Kovacevich (1900-1980)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Meyers]
Ivan Kovacevich (1900-1980) according to family lore landed at New York City and then left on a ship that took him to Tampico, Mexico rather than the Gulf Coast of America. He married here and had a family with at least three sons: Ivan 'Pancho' Kovacevich Jr. (1928-1986) m. Beverly Williams; Roberto Kovacevich; and Francisco Kovacevich.
Children
Ivan Kovacevich Jr.
Ivan "Pancho" Kovacevich (1928-1986) was born on August 10, 1928 at Tampico, Mexico. In his youth, he would come to Biloxi and spend summers with his Kovacevich family from Hvar. Pancho met Beverly Jane Williams (b. 1928), the daughter of Carroll ‘Peck’ Everitt Williams (1900-1977) and Ophelia Langlinais (1907-1995). They were married in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 25, 1953. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 95, p. 499)
Pancho Kovacevich declared his intentions to become an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississipi on June 9, 1950. He traveled from Tampico, Mexico by Greyhound Bus entering the USA at Laredo, Texas on January 18, 1949.[Declaration of Intention No. 1109-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-June 1950]
At Biloxi, Pancho Kovacevich made his livelihood for 27 years as the local distributor for The Times-Picayune. He died at Biloxi on August 5, 1986 and corporal remains interred at Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, August 7, 1986, p. A-2)
Pancho and Beverly had a large family. They were the parents of three sets of twins. The Kovacevich children born at Biloxi, Mississippi were: twins-Carroll Kovacevich m. Sybil Gutierez and ; Ivan James Kovacevich m. Mary Lee ? m. Kari Clair Sekul m. Betty Ann Misko m. Debra Jane Gunter; Beverly Jane Kovacevich; twins-Michael Eugene Kovacevich m. Roxanne Fillingame and Maria Lisa Gollott and Maria Kovacevich; Laurie Ann Kovacevich m. Wallace H. Gollott and Kurt F. Kuluz; Jeffrey Thomas Kovacevich m. Vonda Kay Steinwinder; and twins-Robert Kovacevich and Porfiria Ann Kovacevich m. Lavoughn Bryant Stokes.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “”, September 13, 1905.
The Daily Herald, “Certificate of arrival for Mathes [sic] Kovacevic”, October 14, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Matio Kovacevich", June 25, 1959.
The Sun Herald, “Ivan 'Pancho' Kovacevich”, August 7, 1986, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Katie Kovacevich”, May 31, 1999, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, “Paul F. Kovacevich Sr.”, August 29, 2004, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, “Edward Daniel Maranville", March 23, 2006, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, “Gloria Kovacevich Maraville”, October 29, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “Gerald 'Coach' Kovacevich", April 22, 2012.
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KULUZ
Olga, Louisiana 1938
Olga, Louisiana 1938-Olga was a small fishing community situated on the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. It was very typical of many fishing villages on the east side of the Mississippi River in that many Croatian immigrants were employed in the oyster industry. The Mateo Kuluz family settled at Olga and Ostrica, Louisiana from Sucuraj, Island of Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. On November 12, 1929 at Biloxi, Mississippi, the Kuluz Brothers, Anthony M. Kuluz, Vincent Kuluz, and Matthew Kuluz, all natives of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, incorporated their seafood business, The Kuluz Brothers Packing Company, located on Point Cadet.
The Mateo Kuluz family came to Biloxi circa 1920 from Ostrica, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana where they were oystermen. Mateo is believed to be the son of Mateo Kuluz and Helena Brdovich. He married Frances Dragavich or Dragicevich, the daughter of Nick Dragicevich (Dragavich??) and Frances Alesich. She was the mother of: Anthony ‘Toney' M. Kuluz, Ellen Kuluz (Taliancich), Nicholas ‘Nick' Thomas Kuluz, Vincent Matthew Kuluz, Dominick Kuluz, Mary Kuluz, and Katherine ‘Katie' Kuluz
Frances Dragicevich was born at Sucuraj, Island of Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Her sister, Teresa Dragicevich (1872-1949), married Anton Protich (1861-1924) and reared a family at New Orleans: Nick Protich; Angela P. Vosbien; Leo Protcich; Frank Protich; and Anthony Protich. Teresa died on December 6, 1949 at NOLA and her corporal remains interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in the Crescent City.(The Times-Picayune, December 8, 1949, p. 3)
Kuluz Brothers Packing Company
At Biloxi, Mississippi, the Kuluz Brothers, Anthony M. Kuluz, Vincent Kuluz, and Matthew Kuluz on November 12, 1929 incorporated their seafood business, The Kuluz Brothers Packing Company Incorporated.(The Daily Herald, November 15, 1929, p. 8)
Kuluz Brothers Packing Company Boats
1930-Indian Girl $5000 loss
The Indian Girl was launched in July 1904 at Lazarus, now called D’Iberville, Mississippi by the Trochesset Brothers. It appears that the Kuluz Brothers Packing Company acquired the Indian Girl in August 1929 after she had been converted to a gas screw. On May 17, 1930, the vessel was fishing in Louisiana waters when she blew up and burned near Mitchell [sic] Island. Captain Vincent [Visco] Kuluz was badly burned and the crew rescued by the USCG.(Matthew Kuluz M.D on July 26, 2016 The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 19, 1904, p. 5 and The Daily Herald, May 18, 1930)
Indian Girl was listed in the annual Merchant Vessels of the United States, 1934 under "vessels lost" (p. 1007) as burned on May 17, 1930 near Martin Island, Louisiana. Three crew members, no lives lost according to the report. Her last owner of record in the 1933 annual was Visco Kuluz of Biloxi (documented at Gulfport) as a fishing vessel with a crew of 5 and a 37 hp gas engine. Her register dimensions were 47.2 ft x 17.5 ft x 3.9 ft 17 tons gross and 11 tons net. (pp. 366-367)
1933-advertisement
[from The Daily Herald, July 31, 1933, p. 7]
1935-Improvements
On April 8, 1944, the A.W. Covacevich shipyard on Back Bay launched the Matthew Kuluz, a streamlined, cabin, type trawler, for the Kuluz Brothers. A 100 HP Caterpillar engine powered the vessel, which was 58-feet in length, had a 16-foot beam, and hold depth of 4 1/2 feet with the capcity of 180 barrels of shrimp. Marie Kuluz (b. 1933), daughter of Anthony Kuluz (1891-1956) and Annie Mozaro Kuluz (1901-1979), sponsored the shrimp boat. Covacevich has now has two boats under construction: a 52-foot trawler for the Biloxi Canning Company and a 55-foot vessel for Louis Thornton. Frank Broussard, Alex McCaleb, and Gene Ryan assisted A.W. Covacevich in the vessel's vonstruction.(The Daily Herald, April 10, 1944, p. 7)
Family Histories
VINCENT [Visco] KULUZ
CHILDREN
PETER J. KULUZ
Peter James ‘Peterboy’ Kuluz (1935-2014) was born at Biloxi on February 6, 1935. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1952 as Salutatorian of his class. He attended the University of Southern Mississippi and received a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting and Business Administration. After graduation, he served with the United States Army and then began a long and distinguished career as a prominent coast banking executive.
Mr. Kuluz was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Slavic Benevolent Association, past member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, past member of the American Bankers Association, Executive Board Member of the Boy Scouts of America, past Chairman of the Biloxi Development Commission, and past President of the Mercy Cross Booster Club. Mr. Kuluz was a plain spoken person who never pretended to be anything other than what he was, a man who worked hard all his life and was devoted to his family and friends. He acquired these traits from his parents and instilled them into his children. Mr. Kuluz was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent (Visco) and Marguerite Kuluz; in-laws, Bill and Clara Cosmich; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Filipich Kuluz and Leanna Besse Cosmich; brother-in-law, Jim Tinley; and nephew, Matthew Kuluz, Jr.
Mr. Kuluz is survived by his loving and caring wife of 55 years, Patricia Cosmich Kuluz; sons, Peter (Carmen) Kuluz of Ocean Springs, Kenny Kuluz of Ocean Springs, Carl (Belinda) Kuluz of Olive Branch, MS, Tommy (Lynn) Kuluz of Ocean Springs, Kurt (Laurie) Kuluz of D'Iberville, and Kevin (Bridgette) Kuluz of Biloxi; daughter, Karen (Hayden) Hubbard of Destin, FL; 10 grandchildren, Brooke, Kurt, Tommy, Madeline, Regan, and Ally Kuluz, Avery and Jack White, Hayden and Piper Hubbard. He is also survived by his brothers, Dr. Matthew Kuluz of Pascagoula, Vincent (Jean) Kuluz of Biloxi, and Pat (Linda) Kuluz of Biloxi; and sisters, Francis (Jerry) Creel and Donna Watts of Biloxi; and brother-in-law, Junie (Doris) Cosmich of Edgewater, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Edgar Hull, Dr. John McCloskey, Dr. Robert Burns, and the Staff at Hospice of Light, especially Glenda, Teresa, and Nicki for the compassionate care they provided.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 9am till 11am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Peter James Kuluz
CHILDREN
Carl J. Kuluz
Carl Joseph Kuluz, age 56 years, a proud business owner and long-time resident of Olive Branch, Mississippi died unexpectedly on November 27, 2018 at Methodist Germantown Hospital.
Carl Kuluz was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on June 1, 1962. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1980 as a star baseball and football player. In 1980, the baseball team won the State Championship with Carl Kuluz as the winning pitcher in both games of the state finals. Throughout his life, Carl was a passionate tennis player, church member and business owner. He was an active member of Maples Memorial United Methodist Church where he enjoyed serving the church and community with his friends in the Mens Club. Some of Carl’s favorite memories were spent on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and on the tennis court with his family and friends.
Carl was preceded in death by his father Peter James Kuluz, Sr., grandparents Vincent (Visco) and Marguerite Kuluz; and Bill and Clara Cosmich; in laws, C.T. and Katherine Gilreath and cousin Matthew Kuluz, Jr.
Carl is survived by his mother Patricia Kuluz; his wife of 28 years, Belinda Gilreath Kuluz; his daughter, Madeline Kuluz and son, Regan Kuluz; his brothers Peter James Kuluz, Jr., Kenny Kuluz, Tommy (Lynn) Kuluz, Kurt (Laurie) Kuluz, Sr., Kevin (Bridgette) Kuluz and sister Karen Kuluz White. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paxton Dickson, Dr. Brad Somer, Jerry McClarty, RNP and all the nurses and staff of Germantown Methodist Hospital and the West Clinic for the compassionate care they provided.
Visitation will be on Friday, November 30, 2018 from 9am till 11am with a Funeral Service beginning at 11am at Maples Memorial United Methodist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. A private burial service will be the following day at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church Family Life Center in Biloxi, Mississippi at 11 am, following private burial.[The Sun Herald, 'Carl Joseph Kuluz', November 2018]
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, ‘City Items’, July 19, 1904, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, ‘Boat changes are reported’, August 17, 1929.
The Daily Herald, ‘Kuluz Brothers Packing Company, Inc.’, November 15, 1929.
The Daily Herald, ‘Kuluz child dies’, December 16, 1929.
The Daily Herald, ‘Power boat Indian Girl is total loss’, May 18, 1930.
The Daily Herald, ‘Kuluz Brothers Packing Company [advertisement]’, July 31, 1933.
The Daily Herald, ‘Improvements made to Kuluz factory’, August 14, 1935.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mateo Kuluz dies’, February 17, 1936.
The Sun Herald, ‘Mr. Peter James [Peterboy] Kuluz’, December 30, 2014, p. A-4.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Teresa] Protich, December 8, 1949.
The Sun Herald, 'Carl Joseph Kuluz', November 2018.
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ROSETTI
Biloxi Cemetery
[image made June 2012 by Ray L. Bellande]
ANTONIO J. ROSETTI
Antonio Joseph ‘J.T.’ Rosetti (1870-1935) married Antonia Luxich or Lusich (1864-1959) circa 1897. Children: Vincent Rosetti (1897-1968) m. Sophia Frank (1897-1930) and Nora Grantham (1899-1989); and Anna Rosetti (1901-1924) m. Martin P. Baronich (1895-1964); and Mary [Marya and Maritza] Rosetti (1906-1975) m. Anthony M. Pitalo (1892-1966)
CHILDREN
Biloxi Cemetery-2013
Vincent T. Rosetti
Vincent T. Rosetti (1897-1968) was born at Stari Grad on February 16, 1897. He married Sophia Frank (1897-1930), a native of Baltimore, Maryland, in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 24, 1916 and Nora Grantham in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 23, 1934. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB and MRB 45, p. 432)
Vincent and Sophie Frank Rosetti were the parents of : Antonia M. Rosetti (1916-1975) m. Oscar Hanson Jr. (1895-1952) and Lawrence M. Skrmetta Jr. (1920-1999); Anthony J. Rosetti (1919-1974) m. Margaret Puzz (b. 1921); Frederick Rosetti (1924-2011) m. Mary Ann Glavan (1921-1997) m. John Konish and Agnes Rosetti; Joseph Marine Rosetti (1927-2007) m. Elizabeth 'Bettie' Melonie Arguelles, Betty Necaise DeSilvey, and Hazel Winterstein Carpenter.
CHILDREN
Antonia M. Rosetti
Antonia M. Rosetti (1916-1975) was born December 8, 1916 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Oscar A. Hanson Jr. in April 1939 and Lawrence 'Ham' M. Skrmetta Jr. (1920-1999) in November 1948. Ham married Ethel Marie Landry Foret (1926-2006), former spouse of Camille Foret, after Antonia's demise.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 49, p. 542 and MRB 78, p. 241)
Antonia lived at 1320 East 4th Street at Biloxi. She was a lifelong resident and was active in the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW, and was a Lady Colonel on the staff of Governor William Waller. Antonia was the mother of two daughters, Jo Ann Hanson m. Edward Conway and Cheryl A. Hanson (1945-1997) m. Robert E. Hickey II (1942-1991).(The Daily Herald, June 22, 1975, p. A2)
Antonia Rosetti died at Howard Memorial Hospital on June 20, 1975. She was survived by Lawrence Skrmetta, her spouse; two daughters, Mrs. Jo Ann Conway of New Orleans and Mrs. Cher Hickey of Biloxi; three brothers, Vincent Rosetti Jr. and Joseph Rosetti of Biloxi and Frederick Rosetti of Lakewood, California; her stepmother, Nora Grantham Rosetti (1899-1989) of Biloxi; three stepbrothers, Raphael 'Ray' Skrmetta (1915-2006), Cecil B. Skrmetta (1918-1997) m. Vivian Bosarge (d. 2006), and Paul Skrmetta (1916-1991), all of New Orleans; and four grandchildren. Mrs. Skrmetta's corporal remains were entombed in the Biloxi Cemetery after services at St. Michael's Catholic Church.(The Daily Herald, June 22, 1975, p. A2)
Anthony J. Rosetti
Anthony Joseph Rosetti (1919-1974) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 24, 1919. He married Margaret Norita Puzz (1920-2016) on January 1, 1939 in Harrison County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Andrew Puzz (1895-1971) and Gertrude Anglada (1898-1980).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 49, p. 368)
At Biloxi, Anthony J. Rosetti made his livelihood as a salesman for American National Life Insurance Company. He was a veteran of World War II and a member of St. John Catholic Church. Anthony and Margaret Puzz Rosetti were the parents of: Linda Lee Rosetti m. May 1961 to Francis Joseph Lawrence; Anthony 'Bubby' J. Rosetti Jr. (1942-2012) m. July 1962 to Mary Dell Ross; Gary David Rosetti m. June 1968 to Martha Elizabeth Helm; Myra Jean Rosetti (1949-2013); and Bryan Paul Rosetti m. in June 1986 Laura Ann Quave .
Mr. Rosetti died on May 30, 1974 at Howard Memorial Hospital at Biloxi, Mississippi following a heart attack at his residence, 931 Thomas Street. He was survived by his spouse; children; Nora Rosetti, his mother; and three brothers: Vincent Rosetti and Joseph Rosetti of Biloxi and Fred Rosetti of California; and a sister, Antonia Rosetti Skrmetta of Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, May 31, 1974, p. 2)
Margaret Norita Puzz Rosetti
Nearly a century has been witnessed by a dear Biloxian who has departed from this life. Margaret Norita Puzz Rosetti died on Sunday, May 15, 2016. Margaret was born July 26, 1920, at the home of her parents on Chartres Street (Bayview Avenue) in the Biloxi neighborhood affectionately remembered as "Back Bay". She was baptized in St. John Catholic Church, now Blessed Seelos, and was educated in that same parish school. She met the love of her life, Anthony J. Rosetti, while strolling on Wachenfeld Pier and then married him in 1939. She lost her beloved "Tony" in 1974 after 35 years of marriage. He suffered a massive heart attack while aboard a vessel in the Gulf, shrimping for the Blessing of the Fleet Fais Do-Do. Margaret was blessed with the longevity and good health to know and love four generations of progeny: Children, Linda Lee Rosetti Lawrence (Francis), Anthony Joseph Rosetti, Jr., deceased (Mary Dell Ross), Gary David Rosetti (Elizabeth Helm), Jeanie Rosetti, deceased, and Bryan Paul Rosetti (Laura Quave); 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren. Margaret is survived by one sister and her husband, Iris Puzz Vierling and William 'Buddy" Vierling and one sister-in-law, Shirley Usey Puzz. She is preceded in death by her brothers and their wives, Andrew Puzz, Donald and Betty Puzz, and Larry and Delores Puzz; and her sisters and their husbands, Violet and Steve Bowen and Helen Dale and Guy Mansi. Margaret was truly a member of the greatest generation and all that title suggests. She has a strength, courage and independence that comes with the experiences of 95 years of life. She was the matriarch of a large, loving family. Though she was petit in stature, she possessed a quiet authority. Her children and their families were her life's work and joy. Their health and well-being were her primary concern even until her final days. Margaret had the grace and dignity that defines the word 'lady". She will be missed and her memory cherished by all that knew and loved her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Seelos Catholic Church at 11am on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Family and friends are invited to visit from 10-11am. Burial 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, 2016]
CHILDREN
Linda Lee Rosetti
Anthony J. Rosetti Jr.
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Anthony "Tony" Joseph Rosetti, Jr. (1942-2012), age 69 years , passed away to eternal life on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Biloxi Regional Medical Center, after a long illness, surrounded by his devoted family. Tony was born in Biloxi, Mississippi to Anthony J. Rosetti and Margaret Puzz Rosetti on September 22, 1942. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1960. He had medically retired from Mississippi Power Company in Gulfport, Mississippi after many years of service and had served his country in the Army National Guard. He most enjoyed the challenge of working on cars, electrical equipment, motors or any moving part and readily shared his knowledge and assistance. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He cherished and was devoted to his family and in his later years, spending precious time with his grandchildren, which brought him great joy and indeed the inspiration to keep on surviving after many illnesses. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony J. Rosetti, Sr. and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, L. W. "Pat" and Gertrude Garber Ross. Tony is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Dell Ross Rosetti, whom he adored and loved deeply; his two sons, Anthony "Tony" Joseph Rosetti III and wife Jeannie Wescovich Rosetti, Jared Ross Rosetti and wife Kimberly Saucier Rosetti; three grandsons and one granddaughter, Anthony Joseph Rosetti, IV and wife Amanda Keener Rosetti, Nicholas Philip Rosetti, Jared "Ross" Rosetti, Jr. and Ava Noel Rosetti; and two great-grandsons, Gaige Hunter Rosetti and Brayden Christopher Byers, whom he loved and cherished. He is also survived by the first love of his life, his mother, Margaret Puzz Rosetti; two sisters, Linda Lee Rosetti Lawrence and husband Francis Lawrence and M. Jeanie Rosetti (1949-2013); two brothers, Gary David Rosetti and wife Elizabeth Helm Rosetti, Bryan Paul Rosetti and wife Laurie Quave Rosetti; as well as much loved nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 23, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi where friends may visit from 9:00 am until service time. Burial will follow at D'Iberville Memorial Park on Gorenflo Road in D' Iberville.(The Sun Herald, January 22, 2012)
Myra J. Rosetti
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Myra Jean ‘Jeanie’ Rosetti (1949-2013) passed from this life, Tuesday, December 17, 2013. She was 64 years old. Born in Biloxi on July 9, 1949, Jeanie was a lifelong resident. She attended St. John Elementary School, graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Girls High School and Phillips Business College. Miss Rosetti was employed for almost 30 years as a budget analyst at Keesler Air Force Base before her retirement. Jeanie loved her family and dedicated her life in recent years to caring for her mother. Her nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews would tell you that Jeanie was a wonderful aunt. She loved to bake and to travel and she was a loyal supporter of Biloxi Main Street. Jeanie is preceded in death by her father, Anthony 'Tony' Joseph Rosetti and her brother, Anthony 'Tony' Joseph Rosetti Jr. (1942-2012). She is survived by her mother, Margaret Puzz Rosetti; her sister, Linda Rosetti Lawrence (Francis); her brothers, Gary Rosetti (Elizabeth) and Bryan Rosetti (Laurie) and sister-in-law, Mary Dell Ross Rosetti. She is also survived by a very special niece, Linda Lawrence Cagnolatti (Guy) and 17 more nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at Biloxi City Cemetery. Southern Mississippi Funeral Services, Ocean Springs is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, December 22, 2013)
Frederick Rosetti
Frederick Rosetti (1922-2011) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 9, 1922. He married Mary Ann Glavan (1921-1997) in Harrison County, Mississippi on 1941. They were the parents of Frederick Rosetti Jr. (1941-1941).
Joseph M. Rosetti
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Joseph M. Rosetti
[Courtesy of Stephanie P. Rosetti-2013]
Joseph Marine Rosetti (1927-2007), called Rosy and Joe, was born at Biloxi, Misssissippi on September 6, 1927. He married Elizabeth Melonie Arguelles (1928-1975) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 21, 1945. They were the parents of: Sophia Marlene Rosetti (b. 1949) m. Ronnie Kimble and Stephanie Patricia Rosetti (b. 1953) m. Kenneth Dale Guilbeau and Winnon Ray Crosby.
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Elizabeth Melonie Arguelles
[Courtesy of Stephanie P. Rosetti-2013]
Later Joseph M. Rosetti married Betty Necaise, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. They were the parents of Toni J. Rosetti, and twins, Tina M. Rosetti and Gina Maria Rosetti m. Louie M. Ladner and Gary S. Blaize. They divorced and Mr. Rosetti's third wife was Hazel Eugenia Winterstein Carpenter with whom he had no children together.
Obituary
Mr. Joseph (Joe) Marine Rosetti, age 79 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi, went to live in God's eternal garden on August 20, 2007. Mr. Rosetti, also known as "Rosy", was born September 6, 1927, at home on First Street, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Joe began working at age 13 years as a shrimper alongside his father. He worked in the piping department at Ingall's Shipyard at Pascagoula, Mississippi during World War II. He also salmon fished in Bellingham, Washington. After spending time rough necking for Rowan Drilling Company and Noble Drilling, he worked for and retired from Avondale's Shipyard in Louisiana as a pipefitter.(The Sun Herald, August 23, 2007)
Joe was a 3rd Degree of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed playing the harmonica, being a "master whistler" and kidding with folks to make them smile and brighten their day. In his love of the outdoors, he enjoyed grafting pecan and persimmon trees, raising chickens and turkeys (donating the turkeys to the Sheriff's department for the soup kitchen). His favorite and most life-affecting trip was to Medjugorje, Croatia (sic). His family always enjoyed his mischievous grin along with his claim to be the "Godfather" of the Coast Mafia. His deepest devotions were to his family and praying the Rosary. One of his great joys was sitting with the Eucharist at Church. Though, eventually, his health prevented him from sitting with the Eucharist, he continued to pray the rosary daily at home.(The Sun Herald, August 23, 2007)
Mr. Rosetti was preceded to Heaven by his parents, Vincent T. Rosetti and Sophia Frank Rosetti, one sister, Antonia (Tonina) and two brothers, Anthony (Tony) Rosetti and Vincent (Vicki) Rosetti. He leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, Hazel Eugenia Winterstein Carpenter Rosetti, of Biloxi; one brother, Frederick "Freddie" Rosetti and wife, Agnes, of Lakewood, California; five daughters: Sophia Rosetti Kimble and husband, Ronnie Kimble, Apopka, Florida; Stephanie Rosetti Guilbeau Crosby of Biloxi; Toni J. Rosetti, Biloxi, Gina Rosetti and Tina Burgess, Kiln; one stepdaughter, Dyanne Kelly and husband, Mike, Biloxi; 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.(The Sun Herald, August 23, 2007)
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2007, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Ocean Springs, Mississippi with Father Henry McInnery presiding. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery under the auspices of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, August 23, 2007)
Marya Rosetti
Marya Rosetti (1895-1986) m. Anthony 'Tony' M. Pitalo (1892-1966). She was known as Mary, Marica and and Maritza. Anthony M. Pitalo (1892-1966), called Tony, was born at Bobovisce, Isle of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia on February 1, 1892. He left Palermo, Italy in November 1907 aboard the SS Campania, a Cunnard liner, for New York City arriving here on December 5, 1907. Anthony settled on 1326 1st Street at Biloxi, Mississippi with Marica Rosetti (1895-1986), a native of Starigrad, Hvar, Croatia. They were married at Gulfport, Mississippi on January 6, 1915. Tony became an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 20, 1912 receiving No. 1511995.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 230 and Petition for Naturalization-South District Court-South Mississippi Certificate No. 256, January 14, 1921 and June 20, 1921, The Daily Herald, January 7, 1915, p. 6]
Children: Stephen J. Pitalo (1916-1980) m. Dorothy M. Pitalo (1923-1989) ; Anthony M. Pitalo Jr. (1920-1995) m. Marguerite Vickery Parker; and Mandina Pitalo (1924-1975) m. Charles Vincent Polite (1917-2005).
Tony M. Pitalo made his livelihood at Biloxi as a fisherman. He had been secretary of the Slavonian Benevolent association, member of the Biloxi Benevolent Association, East End Volunteer Fire Company and the Croatian Fraternal Organization. Tony expired on May 6, 1966 at the US Public Health Service Hospital in New Orleans where he had been a patient for three days. Mr. Pitalo was survived by Marcia [sic] Pitalo, his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Charles Polite of Biloxi; a foster daughter, Mrs. George Little of McAllister, Montana; two sons, Steve Pitalo and Tony Pitalo Jr., both of Biloxi; five sisters: Stella Yurich of New York City; Mary Bilic of Camden, New Jersey; Angelina Trevizjon of South America; and Mrs. Frances Skrmetta and Miss Anna pitalo, both of Yugoslavia; and eight grandchildren. Burial was in Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, May 6, 1966, p. 2)
Anna Rosetti
Anna Rosetti (1901-1924) was born at Starigrad, Hvar, Zadar County Croatia on March 5, 1901. On June 30, 1921 in Harrison County, Mississippi, she married Martin Paul Baronich Sr. (1895-1964), who was born at Molat, Zadar County, Croatia. They were the parents of Martin P. Baronich Jr. (1922-1943); Leopold ‘Poley’ M. Baronich (1924-1974); and Harold J. Baronich Sr. (1924-2001) m. Cecelia R. Manno (1924 -2007).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 224)
Martin P. Baronich made his livelihood as a fisherman for the local seafood canneries. The family homestead was at 223 Sophie Street on Point Cadet. Antonia R. Baronich expired at Biloxi on October 5, 1924. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
After the death of Anna Rosetti Baronich on October 5, 1924, Martin P. Baronich married Antonia L. Jelusich (1903-1988), the daughter of John Jelusich (1871-1945) and Josephine Mickletich (1878-1945+) in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 15, 1925. They were the parents of: Jessie Baronich (1926-1927); Victor ‘Mitt’ A. Baronich (1927-2003) m. Amy Ann Christian; Rudolph ‘Cotton’ Carl Baronich (b. 1930) m. Tommie Gentry; Burnett ‘Sookie’ J. Baronich (1934-1983) m. Sybil White; Robert 'Bobby' W. Baronich (b. 1939) m. Germaine Kay Duncan (1944-2010). (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 216)
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MARINO ROSETTI
Marino Rosetti (1882-1956) was born August 15, 1882 at Stari Grad, Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He left Havre, France and arrived at New Orleans on September 20, 1905. Marino's mother may have been born Cvitanich.(Declaration of Intent No. 421-Southern District Court-South Missisippi)
Circa 1914, Marino Rosetti married Domina Sekul (1892-1968). Marguerite Rosetti (b. 1915)and Olivia Rosetti (b. 1919) were born at Biloxi, Mississippi. The family moved to San Jose, California circa 1919 and three children, Vincent Rosetti (1919-1980), Lucy Rosetti (b. 1922), and Paul Rosetti (b. 1926) were born here.(Santa Clara Co., Calofornia 1930 Federal Census R219, p. 16A, ED 75)
Marino Rosetti died at San Jose, California on February 18, 1956. Domina lived intil April 23, 1968.
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JAKOV ‘JAKE’ P. ROSETTI
Jakov 'Jake' Philip Rosetti (1884-1959) was born August 24, 1884 at Starigrad, Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia to Vincenzo Rosetti (1845-1900) and Margarete Cvitanovic (1845-1919). Jake left Starigrad, Hvar in 1903 and arrived at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 7, 1903. He became an American citizen on February 25, 1910 at Biloxi, Mississippi. It is interesting to note that his first applcation for citizenship was rejected on August 10, 1909, because his two witnesses, John Fallo and Jacob Covacevich, could not read or write the English language.(Southern District Court-South Mississippi Petition for Naturalization No. 10 and No. 11-August 1909 and February 1910)
Circa 1907, Jake P. Rosetti married Pauline Pitalo (1890-1965), a native of Bobovisce, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Pauline was the daughter of Pitalo. Children: Vincent J. Rosetti (1908-1983); George Rosetti (1909-1981) m. Edna Mary Melvin (1914-1979); Anthony J. ‘Tony’ Rosetti (1912-2000) m. Eloise Reeves (1915-2000); and Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971) m. Ruby Broussard (1915-1969).
Rosetti's Restaurant and Lounge
In 1933, Jake P. Rosetti after toiling in the Biloxi seafood industry as an oysterman, factory operator and later grocery store proprietor and service station owner, opened a restaurant and lounge on East Howard near Myrtle Street. Jake is credited with being the first to sell the Po-Boy sandwich, a New Orlean's creation, at Biloxi. At this time, Mr. Rosetti was operating Rosetti's Shell service station and vending the iconic New Orleans' sandwhich, in particular the Ham Po-Boy, which lead to the family entering the restaurant industry.(The Sun Herald, October 7, 1984, Sec. II, p. 13)
Rosetti's most famous Po-Boy became 'the Vancleave Special'. This unique sandwich owes its origin to Clifton 'Kipp' Malachi Dees (1927-2011) of Vancleave and Vincent "Vici" Rosetti (1908-1983) of Biloxi. Rosetti was the proprietor of Rosetti’s, a neighborhood café, located on "the Point" in Biloxi. The business is extant today [1999] on East Howard Avenue, but it is now owned by another family and known as The Biloxi Schooner.
In 1947, late one night, Kipp Dees and several amigos were completing an evening of partying and dancing at Sie’s Place in Biloxi. They developed a healthy appetite, the kind resulting from drinking beer and dancing. The Vancleavers stopped at Rosetti’s, a legendary eatery, best known for its roast beef po-boy, to satisfy hunger pangs before heading northeast to Vancleave. Kipp Dees ordered a crabmeat po-boy with cheese. In subsequent visits to Rosetti’s, Kipp, who was facetiously called "Vancleave" by Vici Rosetti, again ordered the crabmeat po-boy and requested cheese. Rosetti tasted Kipp’s concoction and was so delighted with the results that he placed the po-boy sandwich on his menu calling it "The Van Cleave Special", in honor of his friend "Van Cleave" Dees. At this time, Dees' culinary creation costs a whopping $1.75 making it the most expensive sandwich in the house. In recent times, "The Van Cleave Special" has been observed on restaurant menus as far east as Miami, Florida. (Kipp Dees, January 6, 1999)
Children
Vincent J. Rosetti
George E. Rosetti
George Eudie Rosetti (1909-1981) married Edna Mary Melvin (1914-1979). They were part-owners of a restaurant named "Rosetti Poor Boys" at the Ocean Springs Bridge. Children: George Rosetti Jr. (b. 1935) m. Barbara Bacon; Wayne Lynn Jacob Rosetti (b. 1937) m. Helen Jurta Bates (b. 1935); Larry B. Rosetti (1941-2016) m. Maureen Kay Vlahov (b. 1943).
Children
George Rosetti Jr.
George Rosetti Jr. (b. 1935) graduated from Biloxi High School and matriculated to Mississippi Southern College. He completed Law School at Tulane University and served two years in the USAF in the Judge Advocate Corps. While stattioned at Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, he married Barbara Bacon of Kearney, Nebraska. Their first child, Lisa Rosetti was born in April 1962.(The Daily Herald, December 8, 1962, p. 14)
Wayne L.J. Rosetti Sr.
He matriculated to the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg that fall, but his college career was cut short by a chance encounter. In his fourth month a friend reported he was getting ready to join the army. Wayne decided to drop out of school to serve his country too, and, by the way, take advantage of the GI Bill tuition benefits on his return. After obtaining his parents’ permission, he launched a three-year army stint.
Army life provided sufficient "down" time for Wayne to engage in his favorite activity, reading. His diverse interests ran to both fiction and non-fiction, especially history. Near the end of his stent he went into town on leave and saw the movie, Lust for Life, with Kirk Douglas. This show, about the life of Vincent Van Gough, included a scene with Van Gough’s brother Theo, an art dealer. Vincent couldn’t sell many of his paintings, so they accumulated at his brother’s apartment, presenting a habitation loaded with paintings. The scene touched something inside Wayne and at that moment he decided he wanted to be a painter. Prior to that inspiration he’d never had that feeling, nor had there been a painter in the family.
While in town he bought a sketchbook, pencils, and a paperback book with an introduction to art whose first rule stated, "Sketch everything!" He took that to heart. His first sketches were of his combat boots and towel on his bunk. The results pleased him enough that he soon graduated to cardboard canvas and an inexpensive oil painting set. At the time he was stationed in Texas, and, upon attending a bullfight, went back to the base and painted his first large piece, the fight, and found himself gratified with his results.
Discharged from service in 1957, he returned home, searching for a job that would give him time to paint. His uncle owned a wholesale plumbing and electric supply on Howard Ave. and suggested he go into the family trade. With credit given by his uncle he rented a small building on 25th Ave. and hung a homemade sign. In two years he was doing so well he moved his business, "Rosetti Supply Co.", into a larger space on 28th St. Once the business was established he found he had spare time to devote to his art.
In December 1964 he married his one and only, Helen Jurta Bates. From the very beginning she had a strong influence on his art, Wayne consulting her on such things as color choices. Their marriage has survived happily to this day, with two grown successful offspring: Wayne L. Rosetti Jr. (b. 1964) m. Terry Oberhausen and Victoria Rosetti (b. 1969) m. Roger Applewhite.
In the late 1960s he discovered an art shop in Edgewater Mall that sold him clay for sculpting. Similar to his painting, he decided he would pursue his sculpture without any formal training. "My first one, a frog, came out so well I wanted to do more," Wayne recalled. "Next I created a seal, just from memory" from Biloxi High School.
Larry 'Butch' Bryant Rosetti (1941-2016) graduated from Biloxi High School. In Harrison County, Mississippi, Larry married Maureen Kay Vlahov (b. 1943) on August 30, 1964. Children: Kevin Rosetti and Claudine Rosetti (b. 1971) m. John Robinson.
Larry B. Rosetti (1941-2016), age 75 years, of Biloxi, MS passed away Monday, August 22, 2016 in Biloxi. Mr. Rosetti was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi, MS. He was a graduate of Biloxi High Class of 1959 and he attended Perkinston Junior College. Mr. Rosetti graduated from USM in Hattiesburg with a Master's Degree in Chemistry. He worked for Courtaulds Chemical in Mobile, Alabama and Reichold Chemical in Gulfport. Mr. Rosetti was co-owner of American Distillation Inc. in North Carolina and owner of Eudie's Po Boy in Biloxi with his brother, Wayne. He continued to work as a consultant until his 70's. Mr. Rosetti enjoyed fishing, crabbing, family, especially his grandchildren and preparing his po boys for family and friends. A great moment in his life was celebrating the 50th Anniversary with family. He is preceded in death by his parents, George Eudie Rosetti, Sr. and Edna Melvin Rosetti. Mr. Rosetti's survivors include his wife of 52 years, Maureen Kay Vlahov Rosetti of Biloxi; his daughter, Claudine (John) Robinson of Rogers, Arkansas; his son, Kevin Rosetti of Denver, Colorado; his granddaughters, Emily and Olivia Robinson; his brothers, George (Barbara) Rosetti, Jr. and Wayne (Helen) Rosetti, Sr. Funeral Services will be held at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Friends may visit from 1:00 pm until service time. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald on September 1, 2016)
Anthony J. Rosetti
Anthony 'Tony' J. Rosetti (1912-2000) graduated from Biloxi High School and matriculated to Ole Miss where he was awarded its pharmacy degree in May 1937. Tony went to work in Jackson, Mississipppi as a pharmacist in June 1937. He married Eloise Reeves (1915-2000). Two children: Pauline 'Polly' Rosetti Meaut and Anthony J. Rosetti Jr.(The Daily Herald, June 14, 1937, p. 3)
Anthony J. "Tony" Rosetti, age 87 years, died Tuesday, March 28, 2000, in Biloxi. Mr. Rosetti was a lifelong resident of the Coast and was the owner-operator of the Grand Drug Store in Biloxi for 57 years.
Tony was a third degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 1244 and a fourth degree member of D'Iberville 23-0557 Assembly. He had been a member of the Ole Miss "M" Club since 1936 for boxing and baseball, a member of Elks BPOE No. 606, Slavic Benevolent Association of Croatia, the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame, and the Biloxi Lions Club for over 43 years. He was the co-founder of Professional Drug Company and was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi.
Mr. Rosetti was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Reeves Rosetti; and three brothers, Vincent Rosetti, George Rosetti, and Louis Rosetti. Survivors include a daughter, Pauline ‘Polly’ Meaut of Biloxi; a son, Tony Rosetti of West Point; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Rosetti's funeral service was at Nativity B.V.M. with entombment in Southern Memorial Park mausoleum.
Louis J. Rosetti
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Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971)
Louis J. Rosetti (1915-1971) was born on August 24, 1915 at Biloxi, Mississippi to Jake Philip Rosetti (1884-1959) and Paulina Pitalo. He married Ruby Broussard (1915-1969) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 26, 1939. They were the parents of four sons: Louis J. Rosetti Jr.; Jake P. Rosetti m. Victoria Ann Rose; Richard Reid Rosetti m. Carolyn Haven Raley and Deborah Gail Upchurch; and Frank M. Rosetti (1956-1961).
Louis J. Rosetti served the people of Biloxi, Mississippi in law enforcement with the Biloxi Police Department for almost thirty years. He began as a desk sergeant and climbed through the ranks to be appointed acting Chief of Police in October 1962 and named Police Chief in December 1963. Mr. Rosetti was a member of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Association; Tennessee-Mississippi Sheriff's and Police Officer's Association; and the Slavonian Benevolent Association. He worshiped at St. Michael's Catholic Church and worked as a trustee of the New Biloxi Hospital to handle indigent care cases.
Louis J. Rosetti died on March 24, 1971 at his home at 203 Rose Street of an apparent heart attack. Ruby Broussard, his wife, expired on March 18, 1969.
Nikola Peter Buda Karuza (1888-1975) and Marya Rosetti (ca 1890-1961)
[courtesy of Peggy Karuza (b. 1946)]
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MARY [Marya] ROSETTI
Mary (Marya) Rosetti (ca 1890-1961) was born at Stari Grad, Isle of Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia to Vincenzo Rosetti (1845-1900) and Margarete Cvitanovic (1845-1919). She married Nikola Peter Buda Karuza (1888-1975) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 27, 1910 in the Catholic Church.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 23, p. 97)
The Karuza family moved to Bellingham, Washington where they reared five children: John Marko Karuza (1911-2003); Vincent Karuza (1914-1988); Mike Andrew Karuza (1915-2007); Nicholas Peter Karuza (1917-1989); and Frank Karuza (1919-1996).
Marya Rosetti Karuza passed on at Bellingham, Washington on May 19, 1961.
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JOHN PAUL ROSETTI
Sima Kovacevich (1884-1942)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Myers-March 2014)
John Paul Rosetti (1878-1918) married Sima Kovacevich (1884-1942). John was born at Stari Grad, Hvar on June 24, 1878. He left Bremen, Germany on the SS Necka and arrived at Baltimore, Maryland on February 27, 1909. John P. Rosetti declared his intention to become an American citizen in December 1917. His death on November 13, 1918 precluded his naturalization.(Southern District Court-South Mississippi Petition for Naturalization No. 341 and The Daily Herald, November 14, 1918, p. 3)
Sima Kovacevich was born August 14, 1884 at Stari Grad on Hvar, an island in the Dalmatian Archipelago. She arrived at New York City aboard SS Martha Washington on August 25, 1910 and settled at 1510 1st Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. Sima took her oath of allegiance to the United States on February 18, 1932.[Petition for Citizenship No. 468-Southern District Court-S. Mississippi-February 1932]
Their children were: Margarita Rosetti born June 26, 1906 at Stari Grad; Vincent 'Vicho' Paul Rosetti (1908-1979) was born March 13, 1908 at Stari Grad; Franjica [Frances] Rosetti (1909-1975) born November 21, 1909 at Stari Grad m. Frank A. Knebel (1909-1977); John M. Rosetti (1912-1980) b. February 5, 1912 at Biloxi; Peter F. Rosetti (1914-1974) b. February 12, 1914 at Biloxi m. Lois Kelly; infant boy Rosetti (1915-1915); and Emily Rosetti (1917-1918).
CHILDREN
Vincent P. Rosetti
Vincent 'Vicho' Paul Rosetti (1908-1979) was born March 13, 1908 at Stari Grad, Hvar, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He left Trieste aboard SS Martha Washinton and arrived NYC on August 21, 1910. Vincent settled at 1510 1st Street in Biloxi, Mississippi where he worked as a fisherman. He declared his intention to become an American citizen in June 1927 at Biloxi. Vicho took his oath to become an American on February 17, 1930, also at Biloxi, Mississippi.[Petition for Citizenship No. 452-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-February 1930]
Vincent was reared in Biloxi, Mississippi but later moved to Handsboro where he opeated Rosetti's Grocery Store for 39 years. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church and the Slavonian Lodge.
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Marie 'Mary' Breaux Rosetti
Vincent P. Rosetti married Marie 'Mary' Breaux (1915-2009), a native of Carencro, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana and the daughter of John Breaux and Isabelle Breaux, in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 22, 1935. They were the parents of: John Ray Rosetti (1936-2014) m. Vivian Lenore Brumfield; George F. Rosetti (1938-2012) m. Claudetta Needham; of Gulfport; two daughters, Isabelle M. Rosetti (1940-2016) m. Paul Michael Bishop (1937-2015); and Diann Rosetti m. Cliff Ladner.
Vincent P. Rosetti expired at Gulfport, Mississippi on February 12, 1979. Mary Breaux Rosetti lived until March 31, 2009. Their corporal remains were interred in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, Mississippi.
CHILDREN
John R. Rosetti
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John R. Rosetti (1936-2014)
John R. Rosetti (1936-2014), age 77 years, of Gulfport, entered his Heavenly rest on January 9, 2014, in Gulfport. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Marie Rosetti and his brother, George F. Rosetti. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Vivian Brumfield Rosetti; a daughter, Renee (Mike) Lizana, Slidell, LA; a son, Matt Rosetti, Gulfport; four grandchildren, Captain Curt Lloyd, Chase Lizana, Kaiden Rosetti, and Kiley Lizana; his sisters, Isabelle (Mike) Bishop of Long Beach and Diann (Cliff) Ladner of Ocean Springs; a sister-in-law, Claudetta N. Rosetti; and numerous nieces, nephews, many family members and friends. He was an avid sports fan and never missed Kaiden's Ladner of Ocean Springs; a sister-in-law, Claudetta N. Rosetti; and numerous nieces, nephews, many family members and friends. He was an avid sports fan and never missed Kaiden's ballgames.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Friends may visit from 11:30 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, January 12, 2014)
George F. Rosetti
George F. Rosetti (1938-2012), age 74 years, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 19, 2012, after a lengthy illness, Lewy Body Dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent C. Rosetti and Maria Breaux Rosetti; and his son, George Michael Rosetti. He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 53 years, Claudetta Needham Rosetti of Gulfport; his children, Michelle Parker and her husband Dwayne of Gulfport, and Melinda Rosetti-Spence and her husband, Joe, of Long Beach; his brother, John Rosetti and his wife Vivian of Gulfport; his sisters, Isabelle Bishop and her husband, Mike,of Long Beach and Diann Ladner and her husband, Cliff, of Biloxi; his brother-in-law, Harold W. Needham and his wife, Joann, of Daytona Beach Shores, Florida; three grandchildren, Jennifer Hunter, Alicia Parker, and David M. Spence; three great grandchildren, Cole Hunter, Grant Hunter and Cooper Powell; and his dog, LyLy. Coach Rosetti, a native of Gulfport, graduated from Gulfport High School (Commodores) in 1956. He continued his education at William Carey College in 1957, transferred to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston from 1957-1958 and transferred back to William Carey College, playing basketball at both locations and graduating with a BS degree in Mathematics in 1961. During his coaching and teaching years he also received his Masters in Physical Education and in Mathematics. He was an outstanding basketball player at Gulfport High, University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey College as a point guard. With his love of teaching and sports, he immediately began his coaching career and teaching math at West Junior High School in 1962. He continued his career at West Junior High until September 1965, when Gulfport East High School opened their doors. He taught math, was the boys' head basketball coach for nine years and also served as an assistant football coach and head baseball coach for a few years. His career continued when Gulfport High and Gulfport East merged to become one school, at that time he became the head coach of the Gulfport Lady Admirals from 1977-1982 and captured two Big "8" titles. However, he was offered an opportunity to coach on a college level and began coaching the girls' basketball team, Phillips College Patriots for three years and won the 1984 and 1985 Little College Woman's National Championship. During the years of 1983-1993 he was a math teacher for Harrison Central High School and was offered the job of coaching the Harrison Central High School Red Rebelettes. From 1993-1995 he taught math and coached the Harrison Central High School Rebelettes team to three 5-A South State Championships and the 5-A state title in 1995. From 1995-2003 he coached the St. John Eagles boys' basketball team and won the Division "8" 2-A title in 2003. He also had the privilege of coaching the Sharks and the Gamblers, two semi-pro men's basketball teams that were here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After 42 years of coaching and teaching and many accomplishments, he finally decided to retire in 2004.
Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Blanks, Dr. Peter Bernheim, Dr. Lennon Bowen, Dr. Paul Mullen, the staff at Camelia Home Health and Hospice, and the staff of Canon Hospice for their care and kindness during his illness. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association at 2159 East Pass Road Gulfport, MS 39507; American Cancer Society at 417 Security Square Gulfport, MS 39507; the Humane Society of South Mississippi at 615 25th Avenue Gulfport, MS 39501; or a charity of your choice.
The visitation will be held on Sunday, September 23, 2012, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 24, 2012, at St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. (The Sun Herald, September 23, 2012)
Isabelle Rosetti
Isabelle M. Rosetti
Isabelle Mary Rosetti (1940-2016) died on March 8, 2016 at Long Beach, Mississippi. She married Paul Michael Bishop (1937-2015) in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 24, 1962.
She worked in accounting services, as well as co-owned and operated PM Enterprises with her husband. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
Isabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Bishop, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Rosetti, her siblings George and John Rosetti. Survivors include her sister, Diann Ladner, her children, Paul Michael (Melanie) Bishop, Jr., Barbara (Scott) Lemon, and Tony Vincent (Penny) Bishop, 7 grandchildren, Christine, Cathryn, Michael, Sara, Meghan, Lauren, and Tony Vincent, Jr., 1 great-grandchild, Charlie, and numerous other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Friday, March 11, 2016, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 East Beach Blvd., Long Beach.
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Frances Rosetti
Frances Rosetti (1909-1975) was born November 21, 1909 at Stari Grad, Hvar. Frances left Trieste for America on the SS Martha Washington and arrived at NYC on August 21, 1910. She married Frank A. Knebel (1909-1977) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 27, 1931.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 43, p. 104)
Frances and Frank A. Knebel were the parents of three daughters: Lillian S.A. Knebel (b. 1932) m. Claude F. Garner; Barbara Mae Knebel (b. 1936) m. Jerries Bosarge; and Anita Selema Knebel (b. 1941) m. Frank Carroll Gutierrez.
Frances Rosetti Knebel became an American citizen on February 17, 1942 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Her certicicate number was 5430855.(Petition for Naturlization Southern District Court-South Mississippi No. 563)
Mrs. Knebel died in October 1975. She was survived by her spouse and children and two brothers, Vincent Rosetti (1908-1979), Handsboro and John Rosetti, Biloxi. Frank A. Knebel survived until August 1977. Their corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, October 21, 1975, p. A2)
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John M. Rosetti
John "Bruno" M. Rosetti
[Mary Ellen Thornton and John M. Rosetti-June 20, 1937]
John Mark “Bruno” Rosetti (1912-1980), founder of Quality Poultry and Seafood Market at Biloxi Mississippi died 1 June 1980 at his business on Caillavet Street repairing his boat for the shrimp season. Bruno, a native of Biloxi and a life-long resident of the Coast, was born February 5, 1912. He was formerly a commercial fisherman. Bruno was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in North Biloxi and the Slavonian Benevolent Association. Bruno and spouse, Mary Ellen Thornton (1920-2002), the daughter of William Thornton (1878-1953) and Mary E. Thornton (1890-1971), married in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 20, 1937 and were the parents of three sons: John Mark Rosetti Jr.; Clell Morris Rosetti m. Rhonda Anne Rushing and Linda Garbo; and Nicholas William Rosetti. Their grand children were: John M. Rosetti III, Donna Rosetti, Troy Rosetti, Todd Rosetti and Nicole Rosetti.
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Peter F. Rosetti
Peter F. Rosetti (1914-1974) and Sima Kovacevich Rosetti (1884-1942)
[Courtesy of Michele Maranville Myers-March 2014]
Peter F. Rosetti
Peter F. Rosetti (1914-1974) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 12, 1914. During WW II, he served in the US Coast Guard. Peter married Lois Kelly in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 28, 1948. They were the parents of two daughters: Sema Ann Rosetti m. Edward Dennis Pleasant and Mary Jane Rosetti m. Thomas Wayne Moore and Norman Bela Nyray.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 76, p. 555)
Peter F. Rosetti expired on September 15, 1974 at his residence 1510 East 1st Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, September , 1974, p. 2)
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Infant boy Rosetti
This male infant Rosetti (1915-1915) was born and died on December 29, 1915.
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Emily Rosetti
Emily Rosetti (1917-1918) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on Feb 5, 1917 and passed on March 2, 1918.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “To the Marsh for detention”, September 13, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Big Storm in Gulf”, September 30, 1907.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Court Cases”, August 3, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “US Court adjourns”, February 26, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Says they throw brickbats at night”, November 22, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Threatens to kill girl [Mary Rosetti] unless she marries him”, October 25, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Volley of words make court lively”, January 21, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Petallo [sic]-Roseta [sic]”, January 7, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi to have new packing plant”, May 9, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “John Rosetta dead”, November 14, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Sophie] Rosetti dies”, April 22, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Tony Rosetti died Saturday”, July 15, 1935.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Margaret Skrnich] Rosetti dies”, October 17, 1935.
The Daily Herald, 'Biloxi News Paragraphs [Wayne Rosetti baptism]', February 8, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “Party at Rosetti home”, June 14, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “[Fred Jr.] Rosetti child dies”, December 13, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Antonia [Lusich] Rosetti”, April 2, 1959.
The Daily Herald,“[Vincent] Rosetti head of cafe unit”, September 9, 1964.
The Daily Herald,“Ruby B. Rosetti”, March 19, 1969.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi’s Police Chief [Louis J. Rosetti] dies”, March 27, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony J. Rosetti”, May 31, 1974.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Antonia Rosetti Skrmetta”, June 22, 1975.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Frances Knebel”, October 21, 1975.
The Daily Herald, “Frank A. Knebel”, August 15, 1977.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Engagement Announced”, February 2, 1978.
The Sun Herald, “Vincent Rosetti”, May 19, 1983.
The Sun Herald,“Nora Rosetti”, March 9, 1989.
The Sun Herald,“Eloise Rosetti”, March 14, 2000.
The Sun Herald,“Anthony J. Rosetti”, March 30, 2000.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph "Joe" Marine Rosetti”, August 23, 2007.
The Sun Herald, “Marie Breaux Rosetti”, April 2, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Anthony ‘Tony’ Rosetti”, January 22, 2012
The Sun Herald, “George F. Rosetti”, September 23, 2012
The Sun Herald, “Myra Jean Rosetti”, December 22, 2013.
The Sun Herald, “John Rosetti”, January 12, 2014.
The Sun Herald, “Paul Michael Bishop”, November 17, 2015.
The Sun Herald, “Isabelle Rosetti Bishop”, March 10, 2016.
The Sun Herald, “Margaret Norita Rosetti”, May 17, 2016.
The Times Picayune,“Missing in action”, October 29, 1943.
The Times Picayune,“Last of dead”, October 11, 1947.
The Times Picayune,“Another Orleans hero due home”, October 23, 1947.
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SOLJAN
Mato Anton ‘Mike’ Soljan (1898-1971) and Margarete Marie Rosetti (1906-1975)
Mato Anton ‘Mike’ Soljan (1898-1971) was originally from the town of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar and immigrated to America in 1921. He was the only member of his family to come to Biloxi. On April 13, 1925, he married Margarete Marie Rosetti (1906-1975), called Mary, in Harrison County, Mississippi. Mary Rosetti was the daughter of the widow Sima Kovacevich who married Mr. Rosetti. The Kovaceviches were also from Stari Grad with some members living in Split and Brac. Mary Rosetti came to America in 1910. Her mother agreed to rent a room to Mato Soljan when he arrived in Biloxi only because she was familiar with his family from Croatia, which would suggest they were from Stari Grad. Hvar Town and Stari Grad. In the old Stari Grad cemetery, I found lots of Soljans and Kovaceviches but only one Rosetti. Rosettis might have been from Hvar. A lot of people assume the name is Italian -- and its origins may be. Rosetti is a common name around Venice, and that whole area was under Venetian rule for hundreds of years. In some cases the families were originally Venetian, and in other cases they just changed their Slavic names to sound more Venetian.(Cathy Willis-February 2011)
Children of Mato Soljan and Mary Rosetti: Marie Soljan (1925-2002) m. Mr. Sullivan; Selma Soljan (1927-2002) m. Mr. Castle; Antonia Soljan (1929-2003) m. Jerry Willis; Mato A. Soljan II (1931-1933); Dolores M. Soljan (1933-1999) m. Steve F. West; Raymond Soljan; and Michael Wayne Soljan (b. 1943) m. Darnell Ann Dannelley.
Mato A. Soljan died at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 11, 1971. He was survivied by his widow; two sons, Raymond R. Soljan, Pascagoula and Michael Soljan, Biloxi; four daughters, Mrs. Marie Sullivan and Mrs. Steve West, both of Biloxi; Mrs. Selma Castle, San Antonio, Texas; and Mrs. Antonio Willis, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; two brothers, John and Victor Soljan, both of Yugoslavia; two sisters, Mrs. Antonio Planche and Miss Vinka Soljan, both of Yugoslavia; 19 grandchildren and one great grandchild.(The Daily Herald, March 11, 1971, p. 2)
Margarete followed him in death expiring on January 17, 1975. Their corporal remains with those of two children: Mato A. Soljan Jr. who died on February 20, 1933, and Marie Soljan Sullivan, who passed on March 7, 2002 at Seneca, South Carolina, were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.[from tombstones in Biloxi Cemetery, The Sun Herald, March 11, 2002, p. A6]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Mato Soljan", March 11, 1971, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, “Marie Soljan Sullivan”, March 11, 2012.
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Croatian arrivals from Igrane or Ygrane-Alach-Anticich, Cvitanovich, and Talijanich
Croatian arrivals from Igrane or Ygrane-Alach-Anticich, Cvitanovich, and Talijanich
Igrane is a village in Croatia, around 19 km south from Makarska. It has about 420 inhabitants.[1]
At the highest point of the village is the "Kula Zale" tower - named after Ivan Anticic [Anticich], and built during the 17th century as a protection against Turks. The Pre-Romanesque church of St. Michael (Sveti Mihovil), dating from 11.century, dominates the village. Tourism and agriculture are the main sources of income for the inhabitants.
Biloxi Cemetery-6th Addition
ALACH
Andrew John Alach (1895-1959) was born at Igrane, Croatia. He married Margaret Covich Anticich (1902-1990) circa 1932. Margaret Covich was the widow of Blaz Anticich (1881-1929) who she had wedded in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 23, 1919. Their child was Maria ‘Polly’ Genette Anticich (1927-1998) m. Kenneth Joseph Toups.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 139 and Bk. 72, p. 411)
Andrew J. Alach and Magaret Covich were the parents of: Catherine ‘Connie’ Alach (1944) m. Andre Durel Charitat (1938-2008), the son of Jean G. Charitat (d. 1971) and Louise Barlow (1907-2001); Adri-Anna Alach (b. 1945) m. Luther A. Youngs III; and Andrew John Alach Jr. (1936-2015) m. Joan Carol Laurance.
Children
Andrew John Alach Jr. (1936-2015)
Andrew 'Andy' John Alach, Jr., died Tuesday May 5th, 2015. Born October 16th, 1936, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Margaret Covic Alach and Andrew John Alach Sr., Andy grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi. He met his wife of 49 years, Joan Carol Laurance Alach while attending the Ray-Vogue School of Design in Chicago. He and Joan were married in Chicago January 28th, 1966, and relocated to Lakeland, Florida, in 1971. He is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughter Susan Margaret Alach, his son Andrew John Alach III, daughter in law Kathryn Alach, his sisters Adri Anna Youngs and Catherine 'Connie' Charitat, and five grandchildren, Ellen Catherine Earl, Anthony James Earl, John Cyril Earl, Andrew John Alach IV, and Phoebe Kathryn Alach. He is preceeded in death by his parents and his sister, Dr. Polly Toups. Andy will be laid to rest in Biloxi, Mississippi at the Biloxi City Cemetary at 1166 Irish Hill Drive in the Blaz Anticich family mausoleum. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to Lions Club International.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “[Blaz] Anticich takes own life in New Orleans”, August 9, 1929, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Toups-Anticich”, August 9, 1946, p. 2.
The Sun Herald,“Andrew J. Alach Jr.”, July, 2015.
The Tampa Tribune, "Polly A. Toups”, December 30, 1998, p. 7 .
The Times-Picayune,“Charitat-Alach”, April 19, 1959.
The Times-Picayune,“Andrew J. Alach Sr.”, December 27, 1959.
The Times-Picayune,“Chariat”, February 8, 2008.
632 Howard Avenue
Grego Anticich owned this home at 314 East Howard Avenue from
ANTICICH
Grego Anticich
Grego Anticich (1886-1954) was born March 3, 1886 at Ygrane, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, the son of Mat Anticich and Christine Lulich. Grego married Mary Skrmetta (1898-1947), the daughter of Nicholas Skrmetta (1855-1918) and Margaret Jakoich (1862-1947). He expired February 9, 1954. Mary died March 28, 1947. Veronica Anticich Cangemi (1919-1998), their daughter married Felix O. Cangemi (1912-1982) in October 1940.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 51 , p. 385)
Captain John M Anticich (d. 1941), brother of Grego Anticich, and native of Croatia, died at NOLA in July 1941.(The Daily Herald, July 23, 1941, p. 6)
Blaz Anticich Memorial-Biloxi Cemetery
-born Igrane%2C Croatia.jpg)
Mijo Anticich-Southern Memorial Park
Mijo Anticich
Mijo Anticich (1885-1867) was born September 28, 1885 to Joseph Anticich and Marie Morovich.
Biloxi Trading and Packing Company
The Biloxi Packing & Trading Company was incorporated in September 1920. The organization was composed primarily of Croatian immigrant fishermen: Jake Rosetti, Vincent Rosetti, Vlocho Milion, Grego Anticich, Mary Skrmetta Anticich, Mike Kulivan, John Skrmetta, and John Mavar. Frank Bosarge was the only non-Croatian in the company. Of these immigrant fishermen, John Mavar would become the most successful. (The Daily Herald, September 18, 1920, p. 4)
The Biloxi Trading and Packing Company was capitalized with $25,000 in stock with a par value of $1. Its mission was to ‘own, operate, lease factories and canneries and package vegetables, fruits, oysters, fish and shrimp.(The Daily Herald, September 18, 1920, p. 4)
The Biloxi Trading and Packing Company was located on Biloxi’s Point Cadet. The organization acquired Lot No. 5, Lot No. 8 and a very small part of Lot No. 9 in Block No. 1 of the Summerville Addition Subdivision. The lots was acquired from Vincent Olivari in January 1921 for $4750. The tract was described as: bounded on the north by First Street; east by the Estate of Lazaro Lopez; south by the Gulf of Mexico; and west by the Dunbar-Dukate Company.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 39, p. 79)
In September, Grego Anticich, Mary Skrmetta Anticich and Mijo Anticich incorporated the Anticich Canning and Packing Company at Biloxi. The company evolved from the The Biloxi Packing & Trading Company which had been incorporated on September 20, 1920 at New Orleans. From the deed records of Harrison County, Mississippi, it appears that the Anticich family took control of the Biloxi Trading & Packing Company between August 1924 and August 1925 and began operating as the Anticich Canning and Packing Company.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 53, p. 571).(Harrison County, Ms. Charter Copy Book 6, p. 487)
Veronica Anticich Cangemi v. Anticich Canning and Packing Company
In late October 1954, Judge Dan M. Russell accepted the petition of Ralph Harold, Nick Mavar and Glenn L. Swetman (1901-1994) to sell in a private sale the real estate and property of the Anticich Canning and Packing Company to John Mavar Jr., Sam Mavar and Victor Mavar. The selling price was $70,000 and included the copyright brands-American Beauty and Silver Spray and the following vessels: Adriatic, Europa, Lillian; Lillian B., Louise, Mary, Baltic, Pacific, On Time, and Veronia.( Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 387, p. 483)
The sale of the Anticich Canning and Packing Company to the Mavars was effected on November 5, 1954.( (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. and Bk. 388, p. 346)
REFERENCES:
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Case No. 34589, ‘Veronica Anticich Cangemi v. Anticich Canning and Packing Company’-1954.
The Daily Herald, “The Daily Herald, “Americans from troubled Dalmatia”, March 4, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi now has new concern”, August 28, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Packing & Trading Company”, September 19, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Anticich takes life in New Orleans”, September 24, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Officers 'Canned' by striking shrimp pickers at Biloxi”, November 15, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “New disorder in shrimp war occurs today”, October 19, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Cangemi-Anticich”, October 17, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “$200,000 sought by Mrs. Anticich”, October 22, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Anticich gives testimony”, January 22, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “$50,000 damage suit is filed”, January 28, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Anticich funeral”, July 23, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary Anticich dies in Birmingham”, March 28, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi packer dies in auto Crash at Bay [St. Louis]”, February 9, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Mijo Anticich”, March 22, 1967.
The Times-Picayune, “Anticich”, March 23, 1967.
______________________________________________________________
CVITANOVICH
Antony Cvitanovich
Antony 'Tony' Cvitanovich (1886-1964) arrived at New York in 1906 from Ingrene, Croatia. He came to Biloxi from Louisiana where he and his brothers, Dominic Cvitanovich (1894-1962) m. Philomena Sercovich (1900-1985); Thomas Cvitanovich (1895-1977) m. Antonia Ragusin (1908-2001); were in the oyster business.
In June 1923, Tony Cvitanovich married Mary Elizabeth Trojanovich (1894-1987), a native of Trestino, Croatia who came to Biloxi in 1922. They were the parents of: Mary Antonia Cvitanovich (1924-1985) m. Robert F. Mahoney (1923-2005); Ann E. Cvitanovich (1927) m. LeRoy P. Clark (b. 1923); and Andrew Cvitanovich (1927-2014) m. Mary Ouida Parker (1935-1988) and Sarah Gautreaux.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 35, p. 154; MRB 39, p. 397; MRB 133, p. 490)
Southern Seafoods
Children
Mary A. Cvitanovich [Mary Mahoney]
Dominic Cvitanovich
Dominic Cvitanovich (1894-1962) came to America and settled at New Orleans the early 1900s. He relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi in 1919. Dominic married Philomena Sercovich (1900-1985), a native of New Orleans. Children: Barbara Faith Cvitanovich m. Stephen A. Lyons; Earl Cvitanovich; Darrell D. Cvitanovich; and Anthony Cvitanovich.
Obituary
Dominic (sic) Cvitanovich (1893-1962), age 68 years, native of Igrane, Yugoslavia [Croatia], resident of New Orleans since 1908 and Biloxi since 1919, died at his home, 1143 East Howard Avenue about 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. from Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home with 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church and burial in Biloxi Cemetery.
Mr. Cvitanovich owned and operated the Sanitary Grocery on East Howard Avenue. He and his brothers, Anthony at Biloxi, and Tom in New Orleans, also formerly operated Southern Seafood on Back Bay for twenty years. He also owned several properties, including apartments. Dominick was a member of the Slavonian Benevolvent Association, St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society.
Dominick Cvitanovich was survived by Philomena Sercovich (1900-1985), his wife; a daughter, Barbara Faith Cvitanovich of Biloxi m. Stephen A. Lyons; Anthony Cvitanovich, USAF, Madison, Wisconsin; Earl Cvitanovich and Darrell Cvitanovich of Biloxi and Mississippi State Highway patrolmen; three brothers, Steve Cvitanovich, Yugoslavia, Anthony Cvitanovich, Biloxi, and Tom Cvitanovich, New Orleans; a sister, Mrs. Katie C. Pabrico, Yugoslavia; and two grandchildren.
Children
Anthony Cvitanovich
In 1944, Captain Anthony Cvitanovich, US Army Air Force and USAF, completed flight training and received his wings at Spence Field, Georgia. During the Korean Conflict, he was assigned to the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 5th Air Force flying the F-51.
Thomas Cvitanovich
Thomas Cvitanovich (1895-1977) m. Antonia Ragusin (1908-2001)
Anthony Cvitanovich
Anthony Cvitanovich married Henrietta Beaorovich (1911-1999), the daughter of Marko Beaorvich (1883-1966) and Jacobina Sekul (1881-1956). Children: Samuel A. Cvitanovich (1927-2014) m. Mildred ‘Peachie’ Noel (1932-1990), the daughter of Herman Noel and Sadie Mae Noel.
Children
Samuel A. Cvitanovich
Samuel 'Sam" Amos Cvitanovich (1927-2014), age 86 years, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died Sunday, March 16, 2014. Sammy was a native of Biloxi, a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs and was the former owner of Henriettas Café in Ocean Springs for 52 years. His many interests were the love of his family, riding the horn and having his whiskey cocktail. He was also a longtime member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the Slavic Benevolent Society.
Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred "Peachie" Cvitanovich, parents, Anthony Cvitanovich and Henrietta Beaorvich Cvitanovich Bellew Savage, daughter, Mary Ann Cvitanovich and granddaughter, Alicia Ann Allen. Survivors include two daughters, Angela Cvitanovich Vermillion and her companion, Jody Marshall Pigford, Tanya Cvitanovich Guice, three grandsons, Douglas Paul Vermillion II and fiancee, Robyn Ashley Perkett, their unborn daughter, Schella Rose Vermillion, Anthony Michael "Tony Mac" Vermillion and fiancee, Kristy Angelic Allen and Nicholas Anthony Guice, two great-grandchildren, Jessica Ann Saunders and Donald Scott Saunders, and five great-great-grandchildren, Adalee Ann Wilson, Jaxston Nash Wilson, Kaiden Scott Saunders, Jordyn Sky Saunders and Leighla Rose Brown.
The family would like to give a special thanks to a cousin, Nadine Marie Sekul, for all of her help. Visitation will be on Friday, March 21, from 5pm until 8pm, with a 7 pm Rosary, all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Saturday, March 22, 2014, there will be an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where friends can visit one hour prior to service. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs.(The Sun Herald, March 19, 2014, p. A-4)
REFERENCES:
Edward J. Lepoma, A Passion for People: The Story of Mary Mahoney and her Old French House Restaurant, (Quail Ridge Press: Brandon, Mississippi-1998).
The Baton Rouge Advocate, “Darrell D. Cvitanovich”, May 6, 2006.
The Daily Herald, “Cvitanovich-Noel”, December 19, 1949.
The Daily Herald, "Flies 72nd Mission [in Korea]", June 7, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Grocer and former Seafood man [Dominic Cvitanovich] dies at home on Sunday”, January 29, 1962.
The Daily Herald,
The Ocean Springs News, “Biloxi's oldest building has been restored”, October 8, 1964.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Philomena Cvitanovich”, October 13 1985.
The Sun Herald, “Mildred Noel Cvitanovich”, May 7, 1990.
The Sun Herald, "Angel Cvitanovich", June 2, 1997, p. C2.
The Sun Herald, “Passion chronicles life of [Mary Cvitanovich] Mahoney”, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Antonio [sic] [Ragusin] Cvitanovich”, November 13, 2001, p. A5.
The Sun Herald, “Robert F. Mahoney”, August 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Mildred Cvitanovich”, July 10, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “Samuel Amos Cvitanovich”, March 19, 2014.
The Sun Herald, “Andrew Matthew Cvitanovich”, May 5, 2014.The Times-Picayune, “Thomas Cvitanovich”, September 15, 1977.
The Times-Picayune, “”,.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Pascal F. Talijanich and Antonio Mavar
[Biloxi Cemetery-September 2012]
TALIJANICH-TALIANCICH FAMILY
Pascal Fabian Talijanich (1902-1976) was born at Ygrane or Ingrane, Croatia on May 16, 1902. His father was Baracha or Barisa Talijanich and mother, Katherine Lovic or Loverich. Pascal married Antonia Mavar (1909-1996) on April 25, 1937 in the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 47, p. 620, The Daily Herald, April 26, 1937, p. 6 and The Times-Picayune, May 2, 1937, p. 5)
1932 Arrival
Pascal F. Talijancich was greeted on the docks at New Orleans in early March 1932 by Captain Peter A. Taliancich (1889-1942) and Leopold J. Taliancich (1892-1943), his two older brothers, who had come to the Crescent City from Croatia in 1903 and 1905 respectively. The Taliancich Brothers were associated together in the oyster shipping and produce business at NOLA. Peter bragged that he was 'the greatest fisherman on the Coast' while Leopold was a butcher in the French Quarter. Pascal was invited join his brothers in their enterprises and he was so optimistic of his future here that he exclaimed: "This is New Orleans. This is heaven to me. I will make my fortune." (The Times-Picayune, March 5, 1932, p. 3)
Restaurateur
Pascal F. Talijanich soon developed a partnership with Anthony Zanki. Their business was the Mid-City Restaurant situated at 4139 Canal Street. This relationship ended in March 1936 and Pascal opened the Broadview Restaurant at 1420 North Broad Street. By June 1939, his success here allowed him to buy for $25,000 his restaurant premises and the three contiguous buildings from 1420 to 1432 North Broad. While a resident of NOLA, Pascal was a member of the Young Men's Business Club and the Mid-City Carnival Organization.(The Times-Picayune, June 14, 1939, p. 13 and The Daily Herald, May 24, 1952, p. 4)
Biloxi
Pascal and Antonia relocated to Biloxi in 1947. Here he operated the Wisbee Washerterias at 309 Porter and 1729 West Howard Avenue.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1952, p. 4)
Slavonian Lodge
Pascal was elected president of the local Slavonian Society in May 1952.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1952, p. 4)
European visit
Pascal returned to Igrane for the first time in 1950. In May 1950, he left for New York to board a steamship for Croatia to visit his 92 year old mother. Pascal planned to visit his Mavar in-laws, also in Croatia.(The Daily Herald, May 20, 1950, p. 3)
Pascal F. Talijanich died on May 16, 1976. Antonia Mavar expired on February 12, 1996. Their corporal remians were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Bridal couple weds”, September 2, 1937.
The Daily Herald,“Talijancich head Slavonian body at Biloxi”, May 24, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Pascal F. Talijancich”, May 1976.
The Sun Herald, "Antonia Talijancich", February 14, 1996.
The Times-Picayune, "Jugoslavian, 26, see brothers in city for first time",
The Times-Picayune, "Croatian Circle to be formed today", August 21, 1932.
The Times-Picayune, "Mid-City Restaurant", April 1, 1936.
The Times-Picayune, "Biloxi, Miss.", May 2, 1937.
- 1016 views
Croatian arrivals from Lopud, County Dubrovnik, Croatia
Croatian arrivals from Lopud, County Dubrovnik, Croatia ray Sun, 10/19/2014 - 16:56MOZARO-MAZARO
['Old' Biloxi Cemetery-Section H. Image made July 2013]
LUCAS MOZARO
Lucas [Luka] Mozaro (1861-1910) was born at Lopud, County Dubrovnik, Croatia in 1861. He married Annie Zelz (1864-1945), also a Croatian immigrant, possibly on Lopud. Children: Mary A. Mozaro (1889-1956) m. Charles D. Medanich (1881-1934); Anthony M. Mozaro (1892-1971); Helena Margarite Mozara (1895-1954) m. Marco G. Glavan (188-1957); Romana Frances Mozaro (1897-1921); Annie L. Mozara (1901-1979) m. Anthony M. Kuluz (1892-1956); Herbert 'Salty' Mozaro (1902-1995); Walter J. Mozaro (1904-1957) m. Eva M. Talianicich (1912-1990); and Volta Mozara (b. 1905).
Children
[from Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi (1991)-p. 216, p. 233, and p. 234]
Mary Antonia Mozarra born October 12, 1889 f. Luck m. Anna
Samuel Lukas Mozara born May 28, 1892 f. Lukas m. Annie Zitz
?sa Marguerite Mozara born February 5, 1895 f. Lukas m. Annie Zetz
Samuel Lukas Mozara born May 28, 1892 f. Lukas m. Annie Zitz
Helena Margarite Mazerat born April 16, 1896 f. Luke m. Annie Zelz
Romana Gabrielle Mozara born March 24, 1899 f. Lucas m. Annie Zitz
Children
[from 1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census]
Mary Mozarra born October 1889
Tony Mozarra born May 1892
Elina Mozarra born April 1896
Romana born March 1899
Mozaro Children Biographies
Mary Antonia Mozaro
Mary Antonia Mozaro (1889-1956) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 12, 1889. On April 4, 1907 at Biloxi, Mississippi, she married Charles D. Medanich (1881-1934), the son of John Medanich and a native of Pula, Istria County, Croatia. Pula is a large winemaking and shipbuilding center in the Istrian region of northern Croatia. Charles was employed in New Orleans at the time of their nuptials.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 4, 1907, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 19, p. 51)
Charles D. Medanich was born on November 4, 1880. He left Glascow, Scotland aboard the SS Aina and arrived at New York City on June 16, 1899. When Charles submitted his application to become an American citizen in April 1911, he related that he lived at 3222 Oak Street in Biloxi, Mississippi and made his livelihood as a ship carpenter. His height was given as 5 feet 2 inches.(Declaration of Intention No. 93-Southern District Court of Mississippi-April 1911)
Charles D. and AnnieM. Medanich were the parents of: Nicholas A. Medanich (1908-1987) m. Dessa Leona Medanich (1904-1962); Margaret Medanich (b. 1912); Elizabeth Medanich (b. 1914); Charles Paul Medanich (1917-1984); Frank J. Medanich (1921-2009) m. Jean King; and John Medanich (1928-1983).
Anthony M. Mozara
Anthony 'Tony' M. Mozaro (1892-1971) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 28, 1892. He made his livelihood as a commercial fisherman and resided at 329 Pine Street on Point Cadet. In late December 1919, The Daily Herald reported that "Tony Mozaro became violent for the third time Tuesday morning and it was necessary for [Police] Chief Bills to take charge of him until transportation can be secured to carry him to Jackson where he will receive treatment." (The Daily Herald, December 24, 1919, p. 3)
Tony Mozaro may have been the family member that changed the spelling of the family name to Mazara' from 'Mozaro'. Tony died on October 26, 1971 in the Howard Memorial Hospital at Biloxi where he had been a patient for 36 days. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, October 26, 1971, p. 2)
Ella M. Mozara
Ella Marguerite Mozaro was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 5, 1895. She married Marko George Glavan (1885-1957). Marko G. Glavan was born March 25, 1885, in Privlaka, a fishing village on the Dalmatian Coast about twelve miles northwest of Zadar, Croatia. It was from Zadar that Marco G. Glavan immigrated to America landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. On January 20, 1915 he applied for naturalization papers at the U.S. District Court in Biloxi. Mr. Glavan resided at 118 Jackson Street.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1915, p. 2)
Marco and Ella M. Glavan settled at 199 Oak Street in Biloxi. Here they reared their five children: Eurylda Glavin aka Sister Joseph Frances Glavan (1915-2002); Sylvia Rita Glavan (1918-2004); Mary Ann Glavan (1921-1997) m. John Konish; Herbert Anthony Glavan m. Toni Darlene Ellis (1944-1970); and Marco G. Glavan II (1923-1986) m. Fern McCaleb (1930-1994).(The Daily Herald, March 12, 1954, p. 12)
Annie L. Mozaro
Annie Lukrecia Mozaro (1901-1979) was born at Biloxi on October 18, 1901. Annie married Anthony ‘Tony’ Kuluz (1892-1956) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 30, 1922. In 1930, Tony Kuluz and his two brothers organized the Kuluz Brothers Packing Company on Point Cadet.
Herbert Mozaro
Herbert 'Salty' Mozaro was born 1902 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a lifelong Biloxi resident and fisherman. He was well known on the Coast for playing the harmonica; for his cast net; and for drinking salt water.
Walter J. Mazara
Walter J. Mazara(1904-1957) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi December 12, 1904. He married Eva Marie Talianicich (1912-1990) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 19, 1939. Children: Brenda Joyce Mazara (1941-1941); Sherry Mazara (b. 1942) m. James A. Vollmuth; and Anthony Michael Mazara (1944-1989) m. Carol Rene Porterfield m. Paul Edward Vaughn.
STEVONO [STEPHEN] MOZARO
[Tombstone with wrong death date in 'Old' Biloxi Cemetery-Section H]
Stevono Mozaro (1862-1899) was born circa 1862. He died in on September 6, 1899 at Biloxi, Mississippi after an illness of several months. His funeral and internment in the Biloxi Cemetery was under the auspices of the Spanish Benevolent Association from the residence of L. Mozaro on Jackson Street.(The Biloxi Herald, September 7, 1899, p. 8)
[Biloxi Cemetery 7th Addition-Block 41-Lot 10]
JOHN MOZARRO
John Mozarro (1883-1951) married Viola ‘Katie’ Kasovich (1893-1929) on May 13, 1912 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Children: Mary A. Mozaro (1915-1942) m. Delbert 'Country' J. Franklin (1914-1987) and Stephen A. Mozara (1915-1998) m. Clarice Elizabeth Fountain (1918-2005).
Mary A. Mozaro
Mary A. Mozaro (1915-1942) married Delbert J. Franklin (1914-1987) in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 20, 1935. They were the parents of John L. Franklin (1937-1999) m. Rita Mae Krieger (19-2003) and Patricia Franklin m. Mr. Lambert.
%20and%20Clarice%20Fountain%20(1918-2005).jpg)
Stephen A. Mozaro and Clarice E. Fountain
[courtesy of Ronnie Fountain-August 2013]
Stephen A. Mozaro (1915-1998) married Clarice Elizabeth Fountain (1918-2005), the daughter of Walter Fountain and Winnie Diaz Fountain, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 26, 1937. In 1938, Stephen and Clarice F. Mozaro relocated from Biloxi to Galveston, Texas where he was the captain of a yacht. Here he and Clarice reared their four children: John Stephen Mozaro (1938-1938); Carol Ann Mozaro (b. 1941) m. Mr. Case; Professor Stephen A. Mozaro Jr. (b. 1942) m. Karen M. Kovacevich (b. 1951); and Captain Ronald Gregory Mozaro (b. 1952) m. Mildred R. Simon (b. 1961).
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Herald, “Local and Personal”, September 7, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, "A New Order", October 12, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,"Medanich-Mazzarra [sic]", April 4, 1907.
The Daily Herald, "Luca Mozarra [sic] commits suicide", May 10, 1910.
The Daily Herald, "Naturalization Papers", January 21, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Died [Romana Mozaro] Friday morning”, March 21, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Son to Mazaros”, December 30, 1938.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Mozzara [sic] dies", January 22, 1945.
The Daily Herald, "Mozara death", February 19, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Glavan [Ella Mazaro] expires", March 12, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony M. Kuluz”, January 25, 1956.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Mozaro”, September 10, 1957.
The Daily Herald, "Marco Glavan death", December 26, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony Mazara”, October 27, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Annie L. Kuluz”, February 13, 1979.
The Dallas Morning News, “Frank J. Medanich”, April 7, 2009.
The Dallas Morning News, “Frank J. Medaich, TCU halfback used bond career to aid students”, April 8, 2009.
The Sun Herald, "Delbert 'Country' Franklin", May 24, 1987.
The Texas City Sun,“Clarice E. Fountain Mozara”, September 17, 2005.
- 140 views
Croatian arrivals from Losinj, Croatia-Antonsich, Benvenutti, Budinich, Evanosich, Martinolich, Nadalich, Ragusin, and Swansine [Sforzin]
Croatian arrivals from Losinj, Croatia-Antonsich, Benvenutti, Budinich, Evanosich, Martinolich, Nadalich, Ragusin, and Swansine [Sforzin]
LUSSINGRANDE [Italian] or VELI LOSINJ [Croatian]
ANTONSICH
John Antonsich (1869-1937) was born February 22, 1869 at Veli Losinj, Croatia. He arrived at New Orleans on August 15, 1900 aboard the SS Augusta imbarking from Glascow, Scotland. He married Jennie Budnich (1876-1930) at NOLA in 1900. They moved to Bunkie, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana where they remained until October 1915 when they relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi.
Antonsich children born at Bunkie, Louisiana were: Jennie Antonsich (1905-1977) m. Anthony Filipich (1897-1969); Anthony Joseph ‘Murge’ Antonsich (1911-1980) m. Melody Prevost (1919-1993); Louise Antonsich (1912-2002) m. Michael Bumbera (1913-1982); Lenora Antonsich (1909-2005) m. Nikola [Nicholas] Pitalo (1902-1981); and Anna May Antonsich (1915-) m. Max A. Robinson (1910-1976).
Children
Mary Antonsich
Mary Antonsich (1898-1939) was born in Losinj, County Primorsko-goranska, Croatia. She married Steve Grasich (1886-1958), a natve of Brac, County Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. Mary was born in Losinj, Croatia. She expired at Biloxi on October 12, 1939. Children: John S. Grasich (1918-1996); Louis Grasich (1919-) ; Catarina [Katherine] Grasich (1920); Joseph Grasich (1923-1925); Jennie May Grasich (1924-1924); Louise Grasich (1925-) m. Walter L. Palmer (1924-1991); Louise Anna Grasich (1927-2005); Frieda Grasich (1929-1964) m. Eugene J. Kerr (1928-2011); and infant Grasich (1939-1939).
Jennie Antonsich
Anthony J. Antonsich
Louise Antonsich
Lenora Antonsich
Anna May Antonsich
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “John Antonsich files Citizenship petition”, April 22, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Aliens may learn from reading”, May 12, 1920.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. [Mary Antonsich] Gracich dies', October 13, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Joseph Antonsich”, April 7, 1980.
The Sun Herald, “Melody Prevost Antonsich”, March 1993.
The Sun Herald, “Anthony Antonsich”, October 9, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Louise A. Bumbera”, July 2, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Leonora A. Pitalo”, March 13, 2005.
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.jpg)
Family lore relates that Frank was a stowaway on steamer that left Trieste for New Orleans. He arrived in the Crescent City in 1880 and married Mary Louise Desbles or Desblais (1868-1943) between 1889 and 1893. They were the parents of: John Benvenutti (b. 1887); Joseph Benvenutti (b. 1889); Estella Benvenutti (1893-1988) m. Henry J. Meyer; Dora Benvenutti (b. 1895) m. Mr. Cox; Maximillian Benvenutti (1898-1979) m. Elosie A. Delaney (1901-1983); Florence Benvenutti (1900-1988) m. Joseph Lacoste; Augustina Benvenutti (1905-2000) m. Ernest Sperier (1901-1983); and Albert Joseph Benvenutti (1906-1987) m. Clara Woodcock (1911-1999).
Anthony D. Benvenutti Jr.
John Joseph Budinich (1876-1957) was born at Lussin Grande on the Croatian island of Losinj, County Split-Dalmatia on August 6, 1879. He left Croatia, then a possession of Austria, and went to sea when he was but a lad of twelve years of age. John J. Budinich came to America arriving at New York City in September 1900, having embarked from Trieste, Austria on the SS Gotfritt Jenker. Mr. Budinich came to Biloxi in January 1901. In Harrison County, Mississippi on September 26, 1904, he married Catherine Battaya (1884-1932), the daughter of Battaya and .(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 16, p. 115 and The Daily Herald August 10, 1914, p. 2)
When Mr. Budinich declared his intentions to become an American citizen in Augsut 1914, he related to authorities that "[I] will not fight for Austria, me. No, no, no. I fight under the stars and -what you call it? If Emperior Francis Joseph want me to fight he lead me to the depot in a coffin."(The Daily Herald August 10, 1914, p. 2)
John Joseph Budinich was naturalized in the South Mississippi Division of the US District Court at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 24, 1920.(Petition for Naturalization Southen Mississippi District Court No. 203 and Naturalization Certificate No. 1511951)
CHILDREN
ANTONIA J. BUDINICH
Antonia Juliet Budinich (1907-1993) was born April 13, 1907. She married Robert Augustus Malone in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 20, 1925. Antonia B. Malone expired at Sedalia, Pettis Co., Missouri in September 1993. Their first child, Shirley Malone, was born on July 30, 1926.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 5 and The Daily Herald, August 2, 1926, p. 2)
LOUIS R. BUDINICH
Louis Rudolph Budinich (1909-1909) was born in January 1909. He expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 16, 1909. The family was domiciled at 412 Delaunay Street and the infant Budinich’s corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 17, 1909, p. 1)
HILDA M. BUDINICH
Hilda Mae Budinich (1910-2000) was born July 21, 1909. She married Neil Henry McAllister on June 26, 1923 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of:
After the demise of Neil H. McAllister, she married Willie Clyde May.
FRANCIS J. BUDINICH
Francis J. ‘Buck’ Budinich (1911-1989) was at born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 16, 1911. He married Anna Hartman (1913-1969). Children: Dawn B. Thomas and Rodney Budinich. Buck Budinich died at Ocean Springs on February 5, 1989. Interred Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, February 8, 1989, p. A4)
GEORGE R. BUDINICH
George Rudolph Budinich (1914-1957) was born November 14, 1915
CARL A. BUDINICH
Carl Arsane Budinich (1917-2009) was born January 16, 1917. He married Alma Rebecca Lewis (1922-1999), a native of Gloster, Massachusetts, in Harrison Co., Mississippi on January 6, 1942. They were the parents of two children: Carl A. Budinich Jr. m. Brenda Joy Roig in August 1966 and Sue Budinich m. Worthy McClure.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrology-Louis Rudolph Budinich”, May 17, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“[John Joseph Budinich] Will not fight for native land”, August 10, 1914.
The Daily Herald,“Former Biloxian [Joseph Argentina] fighting in Austrian army”, June 1, 1915.
The Daily Herald,“Daughter [Shirley] born to Malones”, August 2, 1926.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Budnich succumbs”, March 3, 1932.
The Daily Herald,“John J. Budinich”, October 1957.
The Daily Herald,“George Budinich”, November 7, 1957.
The Sun Herald, “Francis ‘Buck’ Budinich”, February 8, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Alma Rebecca Budinich”, December 22, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Hilda McAllister”, June 18, 2000.
The Sun Herald, “Bertha ‘June’ Budinich Redmond”, July 12, 2007 .
The Sun Herald, “Carl Arsane Budinich Sr.”, November 8, 2009.
Times-Picayune, “Miss Brenda Joy Roig [photo]”, August 14,1966.
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LUSSINPICCOLO [Italian] or MALI LOSINJ [Croatian]
 and Maria.jpg)
St. James Catholic Church Cemetery-Pass Christian Road, Gulfport [Handsboro], Mississippi
MARTINOLICH
Frank Martinolich Sr. died at Delisle, Missississippi last Sunday [December 1st] in his 84th year. He was a citizen of this county for 22 years and was born at Lussin [Losinj, Croatia], Austria. He was decorated by the Austrian government for services rendered during the war of 1866. True to his church he was a very devout Catholic and he died with all the sacraments of the church. The funeral took place at Handsboro was attended by a large number of friends and relatives of the deceased. Rev. Father Kuhn conducted the services. The deceased was a ship carpenter and well known in the community and the possessor of many staunch friends. He was the father of Matthew Martinolich (1861-1934) of Handsboro and Frank Martinolich Jr. (1866-1912).
The pallbearers were: John Marchitich, a close friend of the family, Leon Sellier of Delisle. Mr. Lapoci and others." [from The Daily Herald, December 5, 1912, p. ]
MATTEO MARTINOLICH
[The Biloxi Herald, August 14, 1897, p. 5]
Matteo Martinolich (1861-1934) was born February 11, 1861 at Lussinpiccolo, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia, the son of Francisco [Frank] Stanislaus Martinolich (1829-1912) and Maria Martinolich (1821-1896).
The Frank S. Martinolich family came to America and settled in Harrison Couty, Mississippi circa 1883.(1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal census R 809, p. 4A, ED 33)
On October 28, 1885, he married Johanna Pavolini (1864-1932), the daughter of Antonio Pavolini and Margarita Marsolina in 1885. Their nuptials were celebrated at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1995, p. 250)
Matteo and Johanna were the parents of: Francis A. Martinolich (1886-1911); Antonio R. Martinolich (1888-1976) m. Klara Kuhn (1895-1976); John J. Martinolich (1890-1952); Marie ‘Mamie’ Martinolich (1892) m. Mr. Campbell; Clara Victoria Martinolich (1894-1979) m. Thomas D. Webb (1895-1970); Joseph Dominique Martinolich (1896-1983) m. Inez M. Delmas (1898-1989); Andrew Kenneth Martinolich (1898-1989) m. Charlene Jeannette Schmidt (1909-1989); Catherine Odile Martinolich (1900-1991); and Anna Martinolich (1902-1993) m. Mr. Pix.(1900 and 1910 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 809, p. 4A, ED33 and T624_741, p. 4B, ED 37)
St. James Catholic Church Cemetery-Pass Christian Road, Gulfport [Handsboro], Mississippi
Matteo Martinolich [from Lang, 1936, p. 160]
At the age of 14 years, Matteo Martinolich entered the Poland* Navy Yard as an apprentice to learn shipbuilding mechanics and design. At the age of 21 years, he came to America through the port of New Orleans and was soon joined by Frank Martinolich, his brother. Matteo Martinolich settled at DeLisle in Harrison County, Mississippi. From DeLisle, he relocated to Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi and established the Martinolich Shipbuilding Company. Here he built hundreds of boats which sailed American waters as well as the Seven Seas. In 1906**, Matteo entered the government service for six and constructed dams, locks and barges on rivers in eastern Alabama and western Georgia. In his absence, Frank Martinolich maintained the boat building enterprises at DeLisle and Handsboro. During World War I, Matteo Martinolich designed and built many water craft at Handsboro for Frank J. Stuard of Gulfport. He was the first designer to introduce Mississippi pine in the construction of sea-going vessel which was approved by the marine underwriters. After the Great War, Martinolich established the Handsboro Ice Plant which by 1936 was operated by A.R. Martinolich, his son. Matteo Martinolich died on December 23, 1934. His corporal remains as those of his wife, parents and some children, were interred in the St. James Catholic Church Cemetery at Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi.
*Lang probably meant Pula Navy Yard at present day Pula, Istria County, Croatia.
**1910 Federal Census-Harrison Co., Mississippi has Matteo Martinloich at handsboro, Mississippi as a shipbuilder.
Schooner Josephine Mestier [built 1893 by Matteo Martinolich]
Children
Francis A. Martinolich
Francis ‘Frank’ Alphonse Martinolich (1886-1911) was born September 17, 1886 at DeLisle, Harrison County, Mississippi to Matteo Martinolich (1861-1934) and Johanna Pavolini (1864-1930+). When Frank was a child, the Martinolich family relocated from DeLisle to Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi. In 1910, Frank made his livelihood as a gas engineer until his health began to fail. He expired on June 2, 1911 in his parent’s home in Handsboro. Frank never married and he was survived by his parents, six brothers, and four sisters. His corporal remains were interred in the Catholic Cemetery at Handsboro, Mississippi.(Lepre, Vol. II, 1995, p. 161 andThe Daily Herald, June 3, 1911. p. 4)
Antonio R. Martinolich
Antonio ‘Anthony’ Romain [Roman] Martinolich (1888-1976) was born November 18, 1888 at DeLisle, Harrison County, Mississippi to Mateo Martinolich (1861-1934) and Johanna Pavolini (1864-1930+). He married Klara Kuhn (1895-1976), a 1910 immigrant and native of Erding, Bavaria, Germany on October 1, 1913 in Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1991, p. 212 an Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 437)
At Handsboro, Mississippi, Anthony R. Martinolich made his livelihood manufacturing ice. They were the parents of Frank A. Martinolich (1914-1968); Irma C. Martinolich (1915-1966); Juanita Martinolich (1917-2012) m. Maurice Greenwald (1912-1984); Genevieve Martinolich (1918-1934); and Elaine Martinolich (b. 1924).(1920 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census)
Anthony R. Martinolich expired on December 24, 1976. He was preceded n death by his spouse, Klara Kuhn Martinolich, who died on January 13, 1976. They and their following children were interred in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Gulfport, Mississippi: Frank A. Martinolich (1914-1968); Irma C. Martinolich (1915-1966); Juanita M. Greenwald (1917-2012) and spouse, Maurice Greenwald (1912-1984); Genevieve Martinolich (1918-1934); and Elaine Martinolich (1923-2013).
John Martinolich
John J. Martinolich (1890-1952) was born September 17, 1890. He worked in the Handsboro area until 1913 and relocated to Houston, Texas. Here he married Sadie E. Martinolich (1895-1930+) circa 1916.(Lepre, Vol. II, 19951, p. 161)
Marie Martinolich
Clara V. Martinolich
Clara Victoria Martinolich (1894-1979) was born March 12, 1894. She married Thomas David Webb (1895-1970) in Harrison County, Mississippi on November 3, 1920.(Lepre, 1991, p. 212 and Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 32, p. 432)
In 1930, Clara M. Webb and Thomas D. Webb (1895-1970) were residents of Old Pass Road in Mississippi City. At this time, Mr. Webb was employed as a truck driver delivering ice, very probably for Clara’s brother, Anthony R. Martinolich. Their children were: Thomas D. Webb Jr. (1921-1998) m. Elizabeth Webb; Clara Webb (1924); John Webb (1926); Helen Webb (b. 1930) m. William Ned Satchfield [1925-2008]; Virginia Webb m. Charles Gavagnie; and Robert A. Webb (1933-2009).(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 13A, ED 19)
Thomas David Webb died March 1970. Clara lived until October 1979.
Joseph D. Martinolich
Joseph Dominique Martinolich (1896-1983) was born February 10, 1896. He married Inez M. Delmas (1898-1989) on November 30, 1922 in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Lepre, 1991, p. 212 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 34, p. 372)
Children: Joseph D. Martinolich (1924); Dorothy Adaire Martinolich (1925-2015) m. Joseph O’Donnell Collins (1921-2012); Margaret E. Martinolich (1926-2002) m. George Joseph Peranich (1919-2006); Doris Marie Martinolich (1928) m. Thomas Walter Sheffield; and Charles J. Martinolich (1929).
Children:
Obituary for Dorothy "Dot" Adair Martinolich Collins
Dorothy Adair Martinolich “Dot” Collins (1925-2015) died peacefully at her home on July 19, 2015. Dorothy was born 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 raising her children she attended college and enjoyed oil painting, becoming an accomplished artist. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph O’Donnell Collins, Sr., her mother and father, her sister, Margaret Peranich, her brother Charles, daughter-in-law Francesca Mathews Collins, brothers-in-law, Francis X. Collins, William J. Collins, Jr., Paul J. Collins, Edmund D. Wilson, Louis Gaddy, and George Peranich, and sisters-in-law Dorothy Gates Collins and Jane Collins. She is survived by her sons, Joseph, Jr. and wife, Colleen, Charles, Sr. and wife, Debbie, Daniel and wife, Terese, and daughter Deborah Collins Jones. Dorothy was proud of her 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 (Jessica), Laura Collins Dennis (John), Benjamin Collins (Jackie), Kathryn Collins, Austin Collins, and Tiffany Jones and her great grandchildren, Oliver Collins, Clayton Kline II, Charles Collins III, Sawyer Collins, Claire Collins, and Frazier Jones. Dorothy is also survived by her brother Joseph D. Martinolich, sisters Doris Kansteiner and husband Larry, Agnes Gaddy, and Carolyn Carden and husband Charles, brother-in-law, Leonard A. Collins and wife, Lucille, and sisters-in-law, Rose (Mrs. Paul J.) Collins, Mary Collins (Mrs. Edmund D.) Wilson and Rosemary (Mrs. Francis X.) Collins. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Dorothy’s grandsons will serve as her pallbearers. Visitation will be Friday, July 24, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed at 10:00 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Pass Road, Biloxi. 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, July 23, 2015)
Andrew K. Martinolich
Andrew Kenneth Martinolich (1898-1989) was born
Catherine O. Martinolich
Catherine Odile Martinolich (1900-1991) was born March 7, 1900.(Lepre, 1991, p. 212)
Anna J. Martinolich
Anna Johanna Martinolich (1902-1993) was born March 3, 1902. She also moved to Houston, Texas and in 1930 was working as a sales clerk in a department store. Circa 1937 in Harris County, Texas, Anna married William Miner Crowell Pix (1895-1954), a native of Galveston, Texas. Kareen Claire Pix, a daughter, was born on March 13, 1939 in Houston, Texas. Kareen married George H. Gore in October 1979 in Harris County, Texas.(1930 Harris Co., Texas Federal Census R 2346, p. 10A, ED 67)
Anna J. Martinolich Pix expired on December 16, 1993 at Houston, Harris County, Texas. She was preceded in death by Miner Crowell Pix, her spouse, who passed on April 25, 1954.
Johanna Pavolini Martinolich expired in her home on Old Pass Road at Handsboro, Mississippi on
.jpg)
DeLisle Cemetery-Harrison County, Mississippi
FRANK S. MARTINOLICH JR.
Frank Stanislaus Martinolich Jr. (1866-1912) was born in November 1866 in Lussinpiccolo, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. In Harrison County, Mississippi, he married Armentine Pavolini (1877-1905) in October 1888. They were the parents of: Louis de Gonzaga Martinolich (1889-1920+); Mateo Martinolich (1891-1891); Louise Martinolich (1893-1913); Antonia Marguerite Martinolich (1896-1898); Theresa Eolina Martinolich (1898); Laura Martinolich (1902-1981) m. Howard G. Cuevas and Mr. Rosemann; Agnes Martinolich (1906); Leo Martinolich (1905-1914); and Jessie Martinolich (1907-1914).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 8, p. 423)
Children
Leo Martinolich
Leo Martinolich (1905-1914)
Jessie Martinolich
Jessie Martionlich (1907-1914)
REFERENCES:
John H. Lang, History of Harrison County, Mississippi, (The Dixie Press: Gulfport, Mississippi-1936)
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 II, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995).
JOURNALS
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, August 22, 1896.
The Daily Herald, “Frank Martinolich”, June 3, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Sad death of Frank Martinolich”, May 15, 1912
The Daily Herald, “Death of Frank Martinolich Sr.”, December 5, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Handsboro boys [Jesse and Leo Martinolich]sink to bottom of swift stream”, June 30, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. M. [Johanna Pavolini]Martinolich dies at Handsboro”, November 7, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Matteo Martinolich dies”, December 24, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “John Martinolich”, August 8, 1952.
The Sun Herald, “Thomas David Webb Jr.”, April 7, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Robert Anthony Webb”, October 2009..
The Sun Herald, “Juanita Martinolich Greenwald”, May 3, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph O. Collins Sr.”, October 24, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “Elaine Martinolich”, May 16, 2013.
The Sun Herald, “Dorothy Adair Martinolich Collins”, July 23, 2015.
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NADALICH
John Nadalich
John Nadalich (1880-1919) was born August 16, 1878 [tombstone relates September 16, 1880] at Mali Losinj, Istria County, Croatia. John left Trieste aboard the SS Girty and arrived a New York City on July 16, 1898. In February 1918, he was described as being 6 feet tall and weighing 178 pounds. (Declaration of Intent No. 452-Southern District Court of Southern Mississippi-February 28, 1918)
John Nadalich married Sedonia Perria (1882-1968), a native of DeLisle, Harrison County, in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 29, 1907. Their known children: Emma Nadalich (1910-1978) m. Anthony W. Covacvich (1907-1997); Juanita Nadalich (1912-1996); Ida Mae Nadalich (1914-1996) m. Anthony ‘Tony’ Misko (1911-1993); and Francis J. Nadalich (1917-1995) m. Weida 'Toot' Hebert (1921-2012).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 19, p. 104)
Blaz Milian
John Nadalich expired on July 15, 1919. In May 1920, Sedonia P. Nadalich married Blaz ‘Vlaho’ Milian (1881-1946), a shrimp boat captain and Croatian immigrant from Dubrovnik. They had a son, George Edward Milian (1920-1979). Blaz Milian became the stepfather of the children of the Nadalich children and reared them at 510 Bohn Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. (The Daily Herald, May 18, 1920, p. 4)
Children
Emma Nadalich
Emma Nadalich (1910-1978) was born on . She married Anthony W. Covacevich, the son of Jacob Covacevich (1875-1962) and at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on March 6, 1929. They made their home at 510 Bohn Street with B
Francis J. Nadalich
Francis ‘Monk’ John Nadalich (1917-1995) was born August 21, 1917. He married Weida Hebert (1921-2012), a native of Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana and the daughter of O’Neil Hebert and Elia Hebert, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 13, 1939. They were the parents of: Francis J. ‘Butch’ Nadalich Jr. (1939-2002); O’Neal ‘Neal’ James Nadalich (1945-1994) m. Linda Gale Prekup and Mary Sue Patronas; Diane Nadalich (1949) m. Joseph James Casano Jr. and Terry Gordon.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB )
Children
Francis J. Nadalich
Francis John Nadalich (1939-2002), called Butch, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 13, 1939. He graduated from BHS in 1957.
Butch passed on 5 June 2002 at Nashville, Tennessee. He was survivied by two children: Christopher O'Neal Nadalich of Jackson, Mississippi and Catharine Nadalich Parma of of Nashville; three grandchildren; his mother at Biloxi; and sister, Diane Nadlaich Gordon of Las vegas, Nevada.[The Sun Herald, June 8, 2002]
Weida “Toot’ Hebert was born July 29, 1921. She expired on November 24, 2012 at Las Vegas, Nevada where she went to reside with Diane Nadalich Terry, her daughter, after Hurricane Katrina. Toot Nadalich was preceded in death by her spouse; two sons; her parents; brothers, Electon Hebert, Wade Hebert, Ridley Hebert, Ellison Hebert, Edmond Hebert, and Willis Hebert; sisters, Nita Hebert Toups and Electa Hebert Smith. A memorial service at Biloxi, Mississippi was planned.(The Sun Herald, December 5, 2012, p. A5)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Covacevich-Nadalich”, March 7, 1929.
The Sun Herald,“Francis ‘Monk’ Nadalich”, November 8,1995.
The Sun Herald,“Francis J. Nadalich”, June 8, 2002.
The Sun Herald,“Weida Hebert Nadalich”, December 5, 2012.
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RAGUSIN
ANTHONY RAGUSIN
Anthony Ragusin (1861-1940), known on the Mississippi Coast as Captain Tony, was born August 15, 1861 at Lussin Piccolo, Croatia. He arrived in New York City in 1880 having sailed from Liverpool, England aboard the City of Paris. Sam Ragusin, Captain Tony’s brother settled at Seattle, Washington while Jack Ragusin remained at Losinj, Croatia. Captain Tony settled at Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1885 where he found employment in local shipyards at Pascagoula and Biloxi. He also was employed at the Dantzler Foundry at Gulfport, Mississippi, as well as, rigging vessels and sail repair.(The Daily Herald, April 15, 1940, p. 10)
Anthony Ragusin with Mary Bunicich (1872-1944), his spouse, reared four children at 525 East Howard Avenue: Antonia Ragusin (1908-2001) m. Thomas Cvitanovich (1895-1977); Mary Ragusin (1909-1999) m. John J. Askin (1895-1958); Anna Ragusin m. Stanley David Lodrigues (1912-1999); and Joseph A. Ragusin (1914-1978) m. Camille Exnicios (1911-2000).
JOSEPH RAGUSIN
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 [New Orleans]
MARCO RAGUSIN
Marco Ragusin (1858-1911) married Mary Swansine (1869-1928) on March 3, 1886 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of Antonio “Tony” Sforzin (1832-1888), the progenitor of the Swansine family in Louisiana and the Mississippi Coast and Domenica Mattea “Matteo” Vidulich (1850-1910), the daughter of Giovanni Vidulich and Mattea Ostromann. Antonio Sforzin was born circa 1832 in Croatia, the child of Francesco Sforzin and Maddalena Schierbich. On 28 Oct 1863 at the Zagreb Roman Catholic Church in Mali Lošinj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia. Tony Sforzin [Swansine] married Domenica Mattea “Matteo” Vidulich (1850-1910), daughter of Giovanni Vidulich and Mattea Ostromann.Tony Sforzin brought his wife and three children to the United States through the port of New Orleans in 1887. He died shortly after their arrival and his widow married Antonio “Capt. Toney” Bunicich, in New Orleans in October 1889.
[from The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 14, 1900]
Marco Ragusin arrived at New Orleans in 1870 and became a naturalized citizen at New Orleans on May 8, 1885. He was a successful schooner captain in his early years and then retired from the sea and opened a saloon in the Crescent City. During their married life the couple lived in New Orleans. In 1911 Mary lost Marco, her husband, on May 8th and her only son, Anthony Ragusin (1891-1911) on September 30th. She and her only daughter, Inez Ragusin Turcotte (1900-1993), then moved to Biloxi, Mississippi and for some time lived with Mary’s widowed sister, Matilda Swansine Simonich (1877-1948). Mary Swansine Ragusin died in New Orleans on November 4, 1928 and was interred with her husband and son at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in the Crescent City.
Inez Ragusin
On September 17, 1934, Inez Ragusin, called Cuz', married Alfred Arsene Turcotte (1897-1948), a native of Barre, Vermont whose parents were Wilfred Turcotte and Georgianna Pineault, French Canadian immigrants. Their nuptials were at St. Raymond's Catholic Church in NOLA. Alfred's father worked in a Vermont quarry. Prior to this marriage, Alfred A. Turcotte had been married to Maria ? Fontami Turcotte, a 1907 French Canadian lady, who brought Irene Fontami (1919-1930+), her Massachusetts born daughter, into the marriage.(The Daily Herald, September 21, 1934, p. 7 and 1930 Norfolk Co., Massachusetts Federal Census R 932, p. 29B, ED 2)
After their wedding in the Crescent City, the Turcottes settled at Biloxi, Mississippi at 228 Thomas Street. Alfred A. Turcotte had been an employee of the Veterans Administration for nearly one year. Apparently they left Biloxi for New England before April 1942. Here Alfred A. Turcotte registered for the WWII draft in April 1942, and related that he was married to Inez Turcotte and a resident of Bellingham, Massachusetts. At this time, he was employed by the City of Bellingham. Their mailing address was RFD No. 1 Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Alfred expired at Alexandria, Louisina on March 30, 1948.(The Daily Herald, April 1, 1948, p. 5)
Inez Ragusin Turcotte expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 8, 1993. Her corporal remains were sent to NOLA for internement in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. She had been clerk for Southern Bell's chief operators for thirty-three years, a member of Pioneers of America, and the N.B.V.M. Catholic Church and Altar Society.(The Sun Herald, January 10, 1993, p. A2)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “City News”, September 12, 1908.
The Daily Herald,“City News”, August 25, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, May 10, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Declaration of Intention [Joseph Ragusin]”, April 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “[A.V.] Ragusin is a marvel”, September 10, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Ragusin’s shower”, June 6, 1927.
The Daily Herald, "Turcotte-Ragusin", September 21, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony Ragusin, age 78, dies”, April 15, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary [Bunicich or Buninich] Ragusin dies”, December 11, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “A.A. Turcotte dies", April 1, 1948.
The New Orleans Item, "Funeral Marco Ragusin", May 9, 1911.
The Sun Herald, “Inez 'Cuz' Turcotte”, January 10, 1993, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Antonio [sic] [Ragusin] Cvitanovich”, November 13, 2001, p. A5.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANTHONY S. RAGUSIN
Anthony S. Ragusin (18-1910) married Mary Josephine Milinovich (1878-1966) at N.B.V.M. on July 14, 1901. She was the daughter of Adam Milinovich and Anna Matlovich, both Austrian immigrants. In 1880, the Adam Milinovich family was domiciled at Port Eads, South Pass of the Mississippi River, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.(1880 Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana R465, ED 141, p. 221A)
ANTHONY V. RAGUSIN-‘MR. BILOXI’
[L-R: Matt Lyons and "Mr. Biloxi"-Anthony V. 'Tony' Ragusin]
Anthony V. Ragusin (1902-1997) was born on April 22, 1902 at Biloxi, Mississippi the son of Anthony S. Ragusin (18-1910), a Croatian immigrant fisherman, and Mary Josephine Milinovich (1878-1966), a native of Port Eads, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Mary J. Ragusin was the daughter of Adam Milinovich (1841-1880+) and Anna Matlovich (1843-1880+), both natives of Croatia.(1880 Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana R465, ED 141, p. 221A) .
Anthony V. Ragusin was the oldest of the five children of Anthony S. Ragusin and Mary J. Milinovich that were all born at Biloxi, Mississippi: His siblings were: Albert J. Ragusin (1904-1991) m. Ruth Bellande (1906-1993); Mary Victoria Ragusin (1906-1994) m. Joseph Francis Carro (1915-1986); Anna Louise Ragusin (1908-1908); and Lydia Ragusin (1909-1993) m. Charles O. Flickner (1918-1988).(1910 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T624_740, p. 1A, ED 35)
Marriage and Family
On November 1, 1926, A.V. ‘Tony’ Ragusin married Edith Bill (1904-1979). Edith was the daughter of Bill and .(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 38, p. 499)
Chamber of Commerce
1938 Mississippi Art Association Exhibit
Military Career
Albert J. Ragusin
Albert J. Ragusin and Ruth C. Bellande Ragusin
Albert Joseph Ragusin (1904-1991) married Ruth Cecelia Bellande (1906-1993) 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. Ruth Cecelia Bellande was born on September 25, 1906 to Peter Bellande (1871-1933) and Alice Caillavet (1872-1955). (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 at Losinj
[L-R: Albert J. Ragusin (1904-1991), Ruth Bellande Ragusin (1906-1993), Jackie Tabb (b. 1943), Jacobina Gospodinovich Tabb (1914-2006), Dominic Leperi (1920-2004), and Margaret Rita Gospodinovich Leperi (1923-2008)]-image May 1985 with the courtesy of Jackie Tabb.
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 Biloxi Cemetery on the beach front.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Ragusin-Milinovich”, July 28, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, September 11, 1908.
The Biloxi D’Iberille Press,“Tony Ragusin, 94, oldest living outstanding citizen”, January 22, 1997.
The Daily Herald,“City News”, August 25, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Stuck [Antonio S. Ragusin]while seining dies of blood poison”, June 7, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi newsboy magazine writer”, January 5, 1917.
The Daily Herald,“Anthony Ragusin making progress”, July 24, 1918.
The Daily Herald,“Makes excellent drawings”, February 24, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi lad paints picture”, December 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin attending school”, July 12, 1928.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin likes school”, July 16, 1928.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin enters pictures”, March 31, 1938.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin promoted to rank of Major”, July 5, 1945.
The Daily Herald,“Jackson leaves secretaryship of Biloxi C. of C. Friday”, February 28, 1946.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin President Biloxi business club”, December ?, 13, 1946.
The Daily Herald,“Secretary Ragusin writes of past and future of Biloxi”, January 2, 1951.
The Daily Herald,“Ragusin assigned to Florence, Italy”, June 20, 1952.
The Sun Herald,“Man who put city ‘on the map’ dies”, March 4, 1997.
The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "Tony Ragusin, oldest living outstanding citizen", January 22, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "Legendary 'Mr. Biloxi' , the Man who lured Keesler, dies at 94", March 4, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "Ragusin was 'Mr. Biloxi'-Man who put city 'on the map' dies", March 4, 1997.
The Times-Picayune,“Duo presents keen view of Coast Region”, April 1, 1951.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“City News”, September 12, 1908.
The Daily Herald,“City News”, August 25, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, May 10, 1911.
The Daily Herald,“Declaration of Intention [Joseph Ragusin]”, April 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald,“Miss Ragusin’s shower”, June 6, 1927.
The Daily Herald, "Turcotte-Ragusin", September 21, 1934.
The Daily Herald,“Anthony Ragusin, age 78, dies”, April 15, 1940.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Mary Ragusin dies”, December 11, 1944.
The Sun Herald, “Inez 'Cuz' Turcotte”, January 10, 1993, p. A2.
The Times-Picayune,“Married-Ragusin-Milinovich”, July 28, 1901.
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SWANSINE [SFORZIN] FAMILY
by Dawna Graham Westbrook [October 2011]
The Swansine family name has gone through many metamorphoses and transformations as it was becoming Americanized. The family name was spelled “Sforzin” on original documents in Croatia, then a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The descendants signed their name with assorted spellings during their lives as follows: Sforsin, Sforian, Sporcini, Offarcin, Swancine and Swanzine. The current generation is spelling their name-“Swansine”.
ANTONIO SFORZIN
Antonio “Tony” Sforzin (1832-1888) was the progenitor of the Swansine family in Louisiana and the Mississippi coast. He was born circa 1832 in Croatia, the child of Francesco Sforzin and Maddalena Schierbich. On 28 Oct 1863 at the Zagreb Roman Catholic Church in Mali Lošinj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia. Tony Sforzin [Swansine] married Domenica Mattea “Matteo” Vidulich (1850-1910), daughter of Giovanni Vidulich and Mattea Ostromann. Tony brought his wife and three children to the United States through the port of New Orleans in 1887. He died shortly after their arrival and his widow married Antonio “Capt. Toney” Bunicich, in New Orleans in October 1889. Matteo Vidulich Sforzin Bunicich died on Nov 10, 1910 in New Orleans and her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery. The known children of Antonio and Matteo Swansine’s were: Mary Swansine (1869 –1928) m. Marco Ragusin (1858-1911); Joseph Swansine (1871-1922) m. Mary Mickletich (1876-1903); and Matilda Swansine (1877-1948) m. Victor Simonich (1862-1916).
MARY SWANSINE
Mary Swansine (1869-1928) married Marco Ragusin (1858-1911) on March 3, 1886 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Marco was a successful schooner captain in his early years and then retired from the sea and opened a saloon. During their married life the couple lived in New Orleans. In 1911 Mary lost Marco, her husband, on May 8th and her only son, Anthony Ragusin (1891-1911) on September 30th. She and her only daughter, Inez Ragusin, then moved to Biloxi and for some time lived with Mary’s widowed sister, Matilda Swansine Simonich.
Mary Swansine Ragusin died in New Orleans on November 4, 1928 and was interred with her husband and son at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in the Crescent City.
Inez Ragusin
On September 17, 1934, Inez Ragusin, called Cuz', married Alfred A. Turcotte (1885-1948), an 1894 French Canadian immigrant, at St. Raymond's Catholic Church in NOLA. Alfred was the son of Mrs. Georgian Turcotte pf Salem, Massachusetts. Prior to this marriage, Alfred A. Turcotte had been married to Maria ? Fontami Turcotte, a 1907 French Canadian lady, who brought Irene Fontami (1919-1930+), her Massachusetts born daughter, into the marriage.(The Daily Herald, September 21, 1934, p. 7 and 1930 Norfolk Co., Massachusetts Federal Census R 932, p. 29B, ED 2)
After their wedding in the Crescent City, the Turcottes settled at Biloxi, Mississippi at 228 Thomas Street. Alfred A. Turcotte had been an employee of the Veterans Administration for nearly one year. Apparently they left Biloxi for New England before April 1942. Here Alfred A. Turcotte registered for the WWII draft in April 1942, and related that he was married to Inez Turcotte and a resident of Bellingham, Massachusetts. At this time, he was employed by the City of Bellingham. Their mailing address was RFD No. 1 Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Inez Ragusin Turcotte expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 8, 1993. Her corporal remains were sent to NOLA for internement in the St. Louis Cemetery. She had been clerk for Southern Bell's chief operators for thirty-three years, a member of Pioneers of America, and the N.B.V.M. Catholic Church and Altar Society.(The Sun Herald, January 10, 1993, p. A2)
JOSEPH SWANSINE MARY MICKLETICH
Joseph “Pepe” Swansine (1871-1922) was born on 23 Jan 1871 in Mali Lošinj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia. He told the story of being strapped to the mast of the ship, in a storm, on the families’ voyage to America. In 1893, at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at Biloxi, Mississippi, he married Mary Mickletich (1876-1903), daughter of Stanislaus Mickletich and Sarah Perry. Pepe worked as a boatman as a young man and later at a local shipyard as a pipe fitter. He expired September 3, 1922 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His corporal remains were buried in the old section of the Biloxi City Cemetery. His beautiful wife, Mary, was born on March 15, 1876 in New Orleans. She died on September 14, 1903 and is buried beside her husband.
Joseph Swansine and Mary Mickletich were the parents of five children, all Biloxi natives:
Anthony J. Swansine Sr.
Anthony “Tony” Joseph Swansine Sr. (1893-1958) m. Laura Chatham (1897-1976) on December 23, 1914 in Biloxi, at the home of Judge J. W. Farish. Laura Chatham was the daughter of Aaron Andrew Chatham (1862-1914) and Susan Emma Snyder (1863-1938). She was born in Biloxi on April 19, 1897 and died March 15, 1976. Tony is buried with his wife at Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi. Their known children were: Elenora 'Noni' Cecile Swansine (1916-1967) m. Lawrence W. Previto Jr. (1913-1997); Evelyn Frances 'Cot' Swansine (1917-1984) m. Charles Francis Westbrook (1913-1974); Anthony Joseph 'A.J.' Swansine (1920-1990); Andrew W. 'Wilbur' Swansine (1923-2007) m. Vivian Theresa Lechner (1930-2006); and Lois Mae Swansine (1926-1989) m. Ralph M. Beaugez (1924-2015).
CHILDREN
Lois Mae Swansine
Lois Mae Swansine and Ralph M. "Buddy" Beaugez Jr.
Lois Mae Swansine (1926-1989) was born at Biloxi on 1926. She married Ralph M. Beaugez Jr. (1924-2015), a native of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on November 27, 1948 in Harrison County, Mississippi.[Harrison Co., Missisippi Circuit Court MRB 78, p. 361]
Joseph Swansine
Infant, Joseph Swansine (1896-1897), was born on October 29, 1896 and died on June 23, 1897 in Biloxi. He is buried next to his parents in the old section of Biloxi Cemetery. There is no longer a tombstone to mark his grave.(Lepre, 1991, p. 331 and The Biloxi Herald. June 26, 1897, p. 8)
Victoria Swansine
Victoria Swansine (1898-1978) was born on January 12, 1898. She died on September 11, 1978. Reverend Father Alphonse Ketels officiated at her marriage to Jacob “Jake” Joseph Kornman Sr. (1893-1967) on February 6, 1917 in Biloxi. Jacob J. Kornman was the son of Jacob J. Kornman and Josephine Aricer. Jake was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on July 7, 1893 and passed in Biloxi on December 15, 1967. Jake and Vicky are buried together at Southern Memorial Park Cemetery, Biloxi.(Lepre, 1991, p. 331)
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Mary Ann Swansine [image courtesy of Dawna Westbrook]
Mary Ann Swansine (1900-1939) was born on December 16, 1900. She married James Albert MacDonough (1886-1953) on June 6, 1937 in Harrison County, Mississippi. James was born in Nebraska on August 20, 1886 and died at the Biloxi VA on July 20, 1953. Mary died on June 3 Jun 1939 at Biloxi. The corporal remains of James MacDonough and Mary Swansine MacDonough were interred in the 6th Addition of the Biloxi City Cemetery.(Lepre, 1991, p. 331 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 48, p. 24)
Olivia Bernadette Swansine
Olivia “Eva” Bernadette Swansine (1902-1968) was born on September 18, 1902. She married Dewitt Talmage Burdine (1894-1986) on 21 Nov 1920 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Dewitt was born in Fort Deposit, Alabama on August 10, 1894 and died in Biloxi on May 12, 1986. The corporal remains of Dewitt and Eva Swansine Burdine were buried in the Biloxi Cemetery. She expired at Biloxi on May 14, 1968.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 32, p. 456)
MATILDA SWANSINE [aka MATILDA BUNICICH]
Matilda Swansine (1877-1948) was born in 1877 as the third surviving child of Antonio Sforzin and Matteo Vidulich (1850-1910). Matilda married Victor Simonich (1862-1916) on September 9, 1891 at the home of her mother and step-father, Antonio “Capt. Toney” Bunicich, in Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi. Victor Simonich was born in Fiume, now Rijeka, Croatia on September 9, 1862. He immigrated to America arriving at New Orleans in 1881. Victor came to Biloxi circa 1897, where he became engaged as a fruit dealer and grocery merchant.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1891, p. 1)
Victor Simonich and family resided at 407 Magnolia Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. He owned a grocery store at the corner of Howard and Delaunay Street. In November 1906 he moved the store to larger quarters on West Howard Avenue, two- doors west from Delaunay Street and in 1907 he opened a second store on Nixon Street. In 1916, Victor Simonich was granted a patent for a barrel cover which found great utility with Biloxi’s merchants. The business prospered thusly that Mr. Simonich was receiving daily orders for his invention for local utility and export. Victor apparently over extended himself and from about 1914 through 1916 he reportedly took advantage, for personal use, some of the funds belonging to the Austrian Benevolent Society for whom he was treasurer. When an accounting was demanded, he sadly committed suicide on July 3, 1916. Matilda lived until 1948. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald,May 17, 1916, p. 2 and July 4, 1916, p. 1)
Victor Simonich and Matilda Swansine Simonich were the parents of: ?atio Onorato Simonich (1893-1893); Louise M. Simonich (1894-1972) m. Joseph F. Uccellini (1883-1948); John Anthony Simonich (1895-1967) m. Leola Dellenger (1904-1988) and Elvina Holliman Brielmaier; Albert Edward Simonich (1897-1900); Matilda Simonich (1901-1980) m. George C. Quint (1886-1967); Victoria Simonich m. J. Randoff; Inez Irma Simonich (1906-1929) m. Elmer R. Walker; Joseph Anthony Simonich (1907-1965) m. Audrey F. Sterne (1917-1988); and Henry J. Simonich m. Hazel Turner.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Barabara Starkey, Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj, Croatia Marriages, 1821-1890, Ancestry.com.
JOURNALS
The Biloxi Herald, “Neighborhood Notes”, September 12, 1891.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, June 26, 1897.
The Daily Herald, “Necrology-Mrs. Matteo Bunicich”, November 10, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Swansine-Chatham”, December 24, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Simonich manufacturing barrel covers”, May 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Victor Simonich kills himself at home on Tuesday”, July 4, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Kornmann-Swansine”, February 8, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi cripple [Mary Swansine] is treated”, March 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Joseph Swansine dead”, September 4, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Swansine funeral held”, September 6, 1922.
The Daily Herald, "Turcotte-Ragusin", September 21, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “A.A. Turcotte dies", April 1, 1948.
The Seattle Times, "Louise S. Uccillini', April 29, 1972, p. B-15.
The Sun Herald, “Inez 'Cuz' Turcotte”, January 10, 1993, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Jacob Kornman Jr.”, August 1, 1998, p. A9.
The Sun Herald, “Vivian T. Swansine”, February 20, 2006.
The Sun Herald, “Andrew 'Wilbur' Swansine”, October 2, 2007.
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Croatian arrivals from Lovran, Croatia-Cosmich, Kersanac and Peresich.
Croatian arrivals from Lovran, Croatia-Cosmich, Kersanac and Peresich.
COSMICH
Frank Cosmich (1863-1959) was born November 8, 1863 at Lovran, County Istria, Croatia. At New Orleans, Louisiana on August 9, 1906, he married Maria Elizabeth Nicolich (1874-1946), a native of Lussinpiccolo, now called Mali Losinj, situated on the island of Losinj, also in Istria. Frank Cosmich arrived in America circa 1886 and Maria E. Nicolich circa 1905. They were the parents of four children: Andrew Cosmich (1908-1908); John Frank Cosmich (1909-2009) m. Clara A. Skrnich (1912-2003); Annie Cosmich (1912-2000); and Caroline Cosmich (1915-1915). (The Daily Herald, January 25, 1946, p. 7 and February 25, 1959, p. 2)
The Cosmich family lived at 222 Myrtle Street and later at 1411 1st Street on Point Cadet and worked in the seafood industry. John was an oysterman and Maria Cosmich was an oyster shucker.(1920 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_876, p. 27A, ED 39 and R 1146, p. 21A, ED 2)
CHILDREN
ANDREW COSMICH
Andrew Cosmich (1908-1908) was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on April 4, 1908. He died there on July 29, 1908. Andrew’s corporal remains were interred in the Cedar Rest Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
JOHN F. COSMICH
John Frank Cosmich (1909-2009), known as Captain Bill, was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on June 3, 1909. In July 1934, in Harrison County, Mississippi, he married Clara Ann Skrnich (1905-2003), the daughter of John Skrnich Sr. (1887-1968) and Antonia Kuljis (1890-1968). They were the parents of John F. Cosmich Jr. m. Leanna R. Bessie (1941-1996) and Doris Jean Allen; and Patricia Ann Cosmich m. Peter James Kuluz.
Captain Bill Cosmich was a longtime Captain of the shrimp boat, Dolores S. After retirement from shrimping in the Mexican Gulf, he worked for many years at the Baricev’s Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Biloxi. Captain Cosmich died at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on January 14, 2009. He was survived by two children, John F. Cosmich Jr., his son, and Patricia Ann ‘Patsy’ Cosmich Kuluz, his daughter; twelve grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and two great, great grandchildren. Bill worshipped at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Croatian Slavic Benevolent Association and lifelong member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. His corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in west Biloxi adjacent to his wife who preceded him in death.(The Sun Herald, January 16, 2009)
ANNIE C. COSMICH
Annie C. Cosmich (1912-2000) was born at Bay St. Louis on April 4, 1912. She was a lifelong Biloxi resident and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Altar Society, and the Slavic Ladies Auxiliary. She expired on July 13, 2000 and her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, July 14, 2000, p. A9)
CAROLINE COSMICH
Andrew Cosmich (1915-1915) was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on July 22, 1915. He died there on November 16, 1915. Caroline’s corporal remains were interred in the Cedar Rest Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Cosmich dies”, January 25, 1946.
The Daily Herald,“Frank Cosmich”, February 25, 1959.
The Sun Herald,“Leanna B. Cosmich”, September 9, 1996, p. A2.
The Sun Herald,“Annie C. Cosmich”, July 14, 2000, p. A9.
The Sun Herald,“John F. ‘Captain Bill’ Cosmich”, January 16, 2009.
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KERSANAC FAMILY
John Joseph Kersanac (1884-1959), the son of Joseph Kersanac and Mary Cosmich, was born at Lovran, Istria County, Croatia in November or December 1884, although his tombstone in the Biloxi Cemetery lists his birth as June 17, 1884. John arrived at New Orleans, Louisiana on January 4, 1898 on a steamship that had left the port of Fiume, now Rijeka, Croatia.(Declaration of Intent No. 343, Southern District Court of South Mississippi, December 5, 1917)
John J. Kersenac married Antonio Barhonovich (1887-1968), a native of Supetar, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Her sister, Vincentia Mary Barhonovich (1894-1968), had married Mitchell V. Gruich (1886-1958), native of Trogir, Dalmatia and the founder of the Gruich family of Biloxi, Mississippi in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 20, 1914.
John and Antonio were the parents of: Mary Ann Kersanac (1910-1983); Antonia Kersanac (1915-1916); Josephine Antonia Kersanac (1915-1968) m. Thoral Gerald Vint (1917-1968); and Joseph J. Kersanac Jr. (1908-1943) m. Catherine Virginia Benvenutti.
John J. Kersanac expired at his residence, 215 Cadet Street, in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 29, 1959. He had been a resident of Biloxi for fifty-eight years and had fished the Gulf waters for most of his life. John was a member of the Slavonian Lodge and Seafood Workers Association. He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Antonia Barhonovich; two daughters, Miss Mary Kersanac and Mrs. Theral [sic] Vint; three sisters, Mrs. Josephine Mitchell, Italy; Mrs. Catherine Tassorita, Italy; and Mrs. Tom Palmich, New York; one grandson and one great grandson.
SURVIVING CHILDREN
Joseph J. Kersanac
Joseph J. Kersanac Jr. (1908-1943) was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He married Catherine V. Benvenutti. They were the parents of an infant (1937-1937) and Joseph J. Kersanac Jr.
Joseph moved to Biloxi as a child and had made his livelihood in the seafood business and also operated a café in Ocean Springs situated near on US Highway 90 at the foot of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge.
'Snug Harbor'
In 1939, Joseph J. Kersanac (1908-1943), a native of Bay St. Louis, opened a restaurant called Kersanac's Snug Harbor. He also sold Texaco gas and oil. On April 1, 1939, Kersanac announced that he was demolishing the present building "to make room for a new, larger and more modern one". The food serving operation never shut down as Kersanac offered "curb service" during construction of the his new structure. The new building was wood framed and had living quarters on the second floor.(The Jackson County Times, April 1, 1939 and The Daily Herald, August 23, 1943, p. 6)
Mary Ann Kersanac
Josephine A. Kersanac
Josephine Antonio Kersanac (1915-1968) was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She married Thoral Gerard Vint (1917-1968), a native of Olney, Illinois, in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 5, 1947.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 74, p. 123)
Josephine died on December 12, 1968 at Slidell, Louisiana. She was reared in Biloxi, Mississippi and was a veteran of WW II and served as a Sergeant in the Women's Army Corp. Josephine was survived by her spouse and a sister, Miss Mary Kersanac (1910-1983) of Biloxi. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the funeral of Mrs. Vint. A Mass was held at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi followed by internment in Southern Memorial Park.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“Kersanac-Benveniutti”, November 11, 1933, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Ocean Springs building”,March 4, 1939, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Joseph J. Kersanac”, August 23, 1943, p. 6.
The Daily Herald,“John Kersanac”,November 30, 1959, p.2.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs Antonio [sic]Kersanac”, April 8, 1968, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Thoral G. Vint”, August 13, 1968, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Josephine Vint”, December 12, 1968, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Josephine Vint”, December 13, 1968, p. 2.
The Sun Herald,“Joseph John Kersanac”, November 14, 2002, p. A8.
The Jackson County Times,“Kersanac’s Snug Harbor”, April 15, 1939, p. 1.
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Biloxi Cemetery
Joseph Peresich (1852-1933) and Adelaide Ritter Peresich (1864-1936)
[Courtesy of Matt Lyons Jr.-January 2014]
PERESICH
The Peresich family of Biloxi, Mississippi had its origin with Joseph Peresich (1852-1933), a native of Lovran, Primorje-Gorski region, Croatia. Joseph was the son of Joseph Peresich and Mary Sepelich. He left the Croatian coast at the age of twelve to make his livelihood on the sea. Arriving in New Orleans in 1875, he chose to live in the United States and became a resident of the Crescent City. Here Joseph Peresich married Adelaide Ritter (1864-1936), the daughter of Frank Ritter and Catherine Muller (1837-1900+), in March 1883.
CHILDREN of JOSEPH PERESICH
Joseph Peresich and Adlelaide Ritter were the parents of nine children and seven lived to see the dawning of the 20th Century: Marie J. Peresich (1884-1963) m. Gasper John Pisarich (1873-1951); Anna Florence Peresich (1886); Josephine Clara Peresich (1887-1960); Francis George Peresich (1890); Matthew [Matteo] Stephen Peresich (1892-1963) m. Anna A. Moreno (1889-1917) and Effie May Thompson (1897-1983); Eugene A. Peresich (1895-1960) m. Althea Harkness (1897-1975); Adelaide Mabel Peresich (1897-1943) m. John Christian Lyons (1890-1950); Marion Louise Peresich (1900-1900); Antonio Amelia Peresich (1901-1959), and Rudolph Louis Peresich (1904-1985) m. Inez Blanche Hepler and Hazel A. Lyons (1890-1974).(Lepre, 1991, p. and p. and The Daily Herald, February 13, 1933, p. 1)
Children
 and Mary Peresich.jpg)
Mary J. Peresich (1884-1963) and Gasper J. Pisarich (1873-1951)
[Courtesy of Matt Lyons Jr.-January 2014]
MARIE J. PERESICH
Gasper John Pisarich (1873-1951) was born February 8, 1873 in Croatia. He immigrated to America circa 1897 and married Marie J. Peresich (1884-1963) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 7, 1903.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit County MRB 14, p. 200)
Children
John Joseph Pisarich (1903-1982) m. Amanda Davidson (1906-1980); Ray Vincent Pisarich (1905-1988) m. Eunice Carmelite Blanchard (1907-2005); Adelaide Pisarich m. James A. Allen; Elvira Gertrude Pisarich (1909-1999) m. Earl Louis William Anglada (1909-1973); Maria Pisarich (1909-1995) m. Noel E. Balius (1905-1994); Anna Mae Pisarich (1912-1996) m. Charles Alfred Lewis; Francis Matthew Pisarich (1918-2008) m. Mary L. Davis (1922-2012+); Josephine Pisarich (1921-2001) m. Francis J. Malpass (1917-2002); Glenn Anthony Pisarich (1926-1960) m. Joyce Elizabeth McDonnell (1929-2006).
Josephine C. Peresich
[Courtesy of Matt Lyons Jr.-January 2014]
JOSEPHINE C. PERESICH
Josephine Clara Peresich (1887-1960), called Josie, was born March 19, 1887 at Biloxi. Josie lived at 509 Seal Avenue and was employed by the Southern Bell Telephone Company. After 44 years of service, she retired in March 1952 and received a lifetime membership in the Telephone Pioneers of Biloxi.
Josephine died August 9, 1960, in the Biloxi Hospital.
Miss Peresich had been a life member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church and a member of its Altar Society and Apostleship of Prayer. She was survived by a sister, Mrs. Gaspar Pisarich; three brothers, Matthew S. Peresich; Eugene Adam Peresich Sr.; and Rudolph L. Peresich, all of Biloxi; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the funeral of Miss Peresich which was held at Nativity BVM Catholic Church with a Requiem Mass followed by internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August 9, 1960, p. 2)
FRANCIS G. PERESICH
Francis George Peresich (1890-pre 1900) as born at Biloxi on July 1, 1890 and baptized at Nativity BVM Catholic Church on December 28, 1890. He was not in the 1900 Federal Census of Harrison County, Mississippi and must have been one of three infants born to Joseph and Adelaide Peresich that did not live until 1900.(Lepre, 1990, p. 250)
MATTHEW S. PERESICH
Matthew Stephen ‘Motsie’ Peresich (1892-1963) was born February 5, 1892. He married Anna Augusta ‘Pansy’ Moreno (1889-1917), a native of New Orleans and the daughter of Frank J. Moreno and Anna Dornhauser.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit County MRB 27, p. 327)
Pansy Peresich died at Biloxi on November 6, 1917. She had an infant daughter that was born and died on August 18, 1915. Her funeral was held from the residence of her father at 219 Keller Avenue.(The Daily Herald, November 6, 1917)
While he was leave from duty with US Army serving with the 114th Ammo Train at Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, Motsie’ Peresich married Effie May Thompson in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 23, 1918. They were the parents of four daughters: Edna Peresich (1918-2004) m. Edmund Chadwick Campbell (1914-1994); Jovita Peresich (1920-2012) m. Cleo J. Falgout (1923-1944); Evelyn Peresich (1922-1995) m. Joseph L. Creel (1913- 2004); and infant girl Peresich (1941-1941). (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 30, p. 83 and The Daily Herald, March 22, 1918)
Effie Thompson (1897-1983) was born at Biloxi on July 2, 1897 to Frank Thompson (1874-1910), a native of Alabama and a boatman, and Margaret C. Guy Ladner (1872-1910+). Effie’s father died of typhoid fever at Biloxi on April 18, 1910 leaving his widow and six children at 225 Dorries Street: Edna Thompson (1893-1970) m. James D. Negrotto (1888-1962); Edgar Thompson (1895-1973) m. Willemena Breal (1901-1947) and Jane Bougeard Savarro (1903-1999); Effie Thomson (1897-1983) m. Matthew S. Peresich (1892-1963); Elsie Thompson (b. 1902) m. Martin J. Lczpaniak; Lillian Thompson (1905-1983+); and William Thompson (b. 1909).(The Daily Herald, April 18, 1910 and 1910 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T624_740, p. 12A-ED 33)
Effie Thompson Peresich expired at 411 Claiborne Street in Biloxi on March 8, 1983. She was employed as a cafeteria worker with the Biloxi Regional Medical Center until her retirement in January 1983. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.
Mrs. Peresich was survived by three daughters: Edna Peresich Campbell of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Dr. Jovita Peresich Falgout of Houston, Texas; and Evelyn Peresich Creel of Biloxi; a sister, Miss Lillian Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the Peresich funeral services with internment in Southern Memorial Park.
Eugene A. Peresich (1895-1960)
EUGENE A. PERESICH
Eugene Adam Peresich (1895-1960) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 6, 1895. He was educated at Biloxi’s Sacred Heart Academy and then began working as a Western Union delivery boy, Biloxi Daily Herald carrier [1906], and newspaper delivery boy for Eugene Bakeler, proprietor of the Biloxi News Company. Circa 1911, Eugene then became employed as a Southern Express Company deliveryman. He relocated to Mobile to clerk for the Southern Express Company. Mr. Peresich returned to Biloxi in the same capacity until he left the company in June 1917 to join the First National Bank of Biloxi as bookkeeper. He left the banking business and returned to the American Railway Express Company in March 1918 replacing John Lockett.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 9, 1906, p. 2 and The Daily Herald, March 13, 1918, p. 2)
In October 17, 1917 in Harrison County, Mississippi, Eugene A. Peresich married Althea Harkness (1897-1975), the daughter of Giles A. Harkness (1871-1915) and Rosalie Henley (1876-1944). The widow, Rosalie H. Harkness, married Charles F. Gilligan (1861-1943) also in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 7, 1928.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 414 and MRB 40, p. 430)
Watson Insurance Agency
In October 1921, the Watson Insurance Agency was acquired by Elbert L. Dukate and Edward C. Tonsmeire from Douglas Watson. Mr. Watson relocated to New Orleans, as he had purchased the LeBlanc & Railey Insurance in the Crescent City. Eugene A. Peresich was hired by Dukate and Tonsmeire to manage their new venture. Mr. Peresich had been manager of the American Railway & Express Company since 1912. He was assisted in this new venture by Antonia Peresich, his sister.(The Daily Herald, November 1, 1921, p. 6)
In October 1921, the Watson Insurance Agency was acquired by Elbert L. Dukate and Edward C. Tonsmeire from Douglas Watson. Mr. Watson relocated to New Orleans, as he had purchased the LeBlanc & Railey Insurance in the Crescent City. Eugene A. Peresich was hired by Messrs. Dukate and Tonsmeire to manage their new venture. Mr. Peresich had been manager of the American Railway & Express Company since 1912. He was assisted in this new venture by Antonia Peresich, his sister.(The Daily Herald, November 1, 1921, p. 6)
The Watson Insurance Agency had evolved from that insurance company commenced at Biloxi circa 1882 by Colonel E.W. Morrell. It proprietorship passed through several ownerships before the Dukate-Tonsmeire aquisition: Swan & Company, Swan & Bond Brothers, Bond and Watson, and then the Watson Insurance Agency of Douglas Watson.(The Daily Herald, 50th Anniversary Souvenir, Golden Jubilee Number, Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, p. 31)
In 1934, the Watson Agency was situated at 110 West Howard Avenue. It was touted to be the largest insurance agency in the State of Mississippi, the oldest on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and one of the oldest in Mississippi. The Watson Agency represented thirty-five companies that covered clients in Mississippi and other states with fire, marine, life, surety, and casualty insurance. The officers of the corporation were: Eugene Peresich, president; Fred B. Ferson, vice-president; Antonia Peresich, secretary-treasurer. Company personnel included: Sylvia Wachenfeld, policy clerk; Florence Garner, stenographer; George A. Schwan, inspector; and W.E. Beasley, manager of real estate development.(The Daily Herald, 50th Anniversary Souvenir, Golden Jubilee Number, Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, p. 31)
In April 1939, the Watson Insurance Agency relocated from the First National Bank Building to 112 East Jackson Avenue adjacent to the US Post Office. The structure was remodeled by the Collins Brothers in February and March 1939. Air conditioning and internal reconfiguration of the rooms, as well as windows were added by the contractor. Ironically, the Watson Agency had been located in this structure in 1924.(The Daily herald, February 24, 1939, p. 2 and April 3, 1939, p. 5)
Eugene Peresich & Sons-1939
Eugene Peresich & Sons was incorporated in the State of Mississippi on August 22, 1939 by Eugene A. Peresich, Giles H. Peresich, Eugene A. Peresich Jr. and Antonia Peresich.(The Daily Herald, April 23, 1940, p. 7)
Gaynel Land Company
The Gaynel Land Company was incorporated in the State of Mississippi on June 12, 1941 by Eugene A. Peresich, Mendum H. Dees, both of Biloxi, and W.J. Gex Jr. of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purpose of the company was to acquire and subdivide land and to erect houses within their land subdivisions.(The Daily Herald, June 20, 1941,p. 7)
In June 1941, with the construction of Keesler Field announced and in its incipient building phase, Gaynel Land Company began aggressively with the acquisition of 78 lots in the Oak Park Subdivision at Biloxi. It also took option on two parcels of lots in west Biloxi-one tract had 55 lots and the other 84 lots. The company planned to erect 217 homes.(The Daily Herald, June 20, 1941, p. 1)
CHILDREN of EUGENE A. PERESICH
The children of Eugene Adam Peresich (1895-1960) and Althea Harkness (1897-1975) were: Giles H. Peresich (1918-1985) m. Beatrice Bisso (1917-1964); Eugene A. Peresich (1920-) m. Doris M. Wink (1920-2007); Mary K. Peresich (1924-2003) m. Kenton Nourse II (1918-1991); Edward M. ‘Ned’ Peresich (1925-1998) m. Mary Lou LeBlanc (1928-1986); Gordon J. Perersich (1927-1996); Terese Peresich (b. 1930); Anne Marie Peresich (1931-2012) m. James J. Lund (1930-2000); John Patrick Peresich (b. 1933); and Althea Martha Peresich (b. 1934) m. John P. McDermott Jr. (1928-1982) and Robert L. Nungesser. and John Patrick Peresich m. Margaret C. Tremmel (1936-2001).
Giles H. Peresich
Giles Harkness Peresich (1918-1985) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 10, 1918. He was named for his deceased grandfather, Giles A. Harkness (1871-1915), a Biloxi brick mason, who resided on Delauney Street with his spouse, Rosalie Henley Harkness (1876-1944). After Giles A. Harkness passed in 1915, Rosalie Henley Harkness came to reside with Eugene A. Peresich and Althea H. Peresich in their Lameuse Street domicile. The widow, Rosalie H. Harkness, married Charles F. Gilligan (1861-1943) also in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 7, 1928.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 40, p. 430)
Giles H. Peresich graduated from Mississippi State College on August 11, 1939 with a B.S. degree from the School of Business and Industry.(The Daily Herald, July 29, 1939,p. 6)
Circa 1942, Giles married Beatrice ‘BeBe’ Bisso (1917-1964), native of New Orleans and the daughter of Captain Alexander L. Bisso (1876-1950) and Elfrida Margaret Clara Geir (1876-1955). The Bisso family had been in the tugboat and ferry business on the Mississippi River. Giles and BeBe Bisso Peresich were the parents of: Ronald Giles Peresich (b. 1943) m. Ramona Peresich; Adele Giles Peresich m. James T. Pate II; Joanne Peresich m. Mr. Glenn; and Stephen Giles Peresich m. Ellen L. Hutchinson.
In March 1942, Giles H. Peresich, who had joined the US Naval Reserve, was called to active duty effective 15 April, at the US Naval Training School at the University of Notre Dame. After he completed the 4-month training course, which included basic seamanship, navigation, gunnery and other subjects salient to to qualify as an officer, Giles was commissioned an Ensign and placed on active duty.(The Daily Herald, March 9, 1942, p. 7)
During WWII, Lt. JG USNR was commander of a PT-Boat serving his nation from Port Lyautey, French Morroco. The facility was established as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) shortly after the Operation Torch landing at the former Vichy France airfield at Mehdiya-Port Lyautey. The facility was captured in November 1942 by one American destroyer and an U.S. Army Raider team. The destroyer USS Dallas (DD-199) came up the Sebou River, silenced the shore batteries with its guns and landed the Raider team which in turn captured the airfield. After being secured, the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Twelfth Air Force 33d Fighter Group, Flying in P-40 Warhawks. The group took part in initial landings in French Morocco, arriving with the invasion force on 8 November.
Returning to his native Biloxi, Giles worked in his father's insurance business and became president of Eugene Peresich and Sons, a general insurance agency. He had been associated with the Watson Insurance Agency for many years. Giles was a past officer of the Biloxi Elks Lodge, which conducts an annual charity golf tournament in his honor.
Giles H. Peresich was an outstanding amateur golfer having won many amateur tournaments and titles. In May 1954, Giles H. Peresich defeated Al Bellande (1912-1970), who played some outstanding golf in losing in the finals of the inaugural Sunkist Country Club championship, 3 and 2 in the 36-hole, two-day event. Bellande shot a 76 and a 73, while Peresich had scores of 73-74.(The Daily Herald, May 18, 1954, p. 14)
G.H. Peresich was a charter member and founder of Sunkist Country Club. He was elected President of Sunkist Country Club in July 1954.(The Daily Herald, July 19, 1954, p. 14)
Giles H. Peresich, a retired insurance executive, died Monday, May 19, 1985, in Biloxi. He was survived by two sons, Ronald Giles Peresich and Stephen G. Peresich; two daughters, Adlele Peresich Pate and Joanee Glenn, both of Lakeland, Florida; four brothers: Eugene A. Peresich Jr., Ned peresich, Gordon Peresich, and J. Pat Peresich, all of Biloxi; four sisters: Mary Katherine Peresich Nourse; Ann Peresich Lund; and Martha Peresich McDermott, all of Biloxi; and Sister Mary Giles, R.S.M. of Mobile, Alabama; and five grandchildren. The Peresich funeral was under the auspices of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi. Following a Mass at Nativity BVM Cathedral internment was in Southern Memorial Park.
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Eugene A. Peresich II
Eugene Adam Peresich II (1920-) was born 1920 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Doris May Wink (1920-2007). Eugene matriculated to LSU were he received primary and CAA training.
Doris May Wink
Mrs. Doris May Wink Peresich [1920-2007], age 87 years, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died Monday, April 9, 2007, in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Peresich was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and a resident of Ocean Springs since 1991. She was Miss BHS for the class of 1937 at Biloxi High School. She was the mother of nine children and was also a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Peresich was preceded in death by her daughter, Janice Ann Peresich, parents, George and Marguerite Stanovich Wink, three sisters, Marguerite Wink Fayard, Georgette Wink Thompson and Helen Bernard Wink Bass, and a granddaughter, Mary Ann Cunningham. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Eugene A. Peresich, Jr. of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, three daughters, Doris Wink Peresich Cunningham of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Carol May Peresich of Kenner, Louisiana, and Linda Marie (Mitch) Peresich Long of West Jordan, Utah, five sons, Eugene (Myra) Peresich III of Huntsville, Alabama., Joseph G. Peresich of Tallahassee, Florida, Robert L. (Carmen) Peresich of Aberdeen, Scotland, Mark L. (Madelyn) Peresich and Thomas W. (Keri) Peresich, both of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, twelve grandchildren, Adam Peresich and Rebekah P. Hollingshead, Matthew Cunningham, Robert Peresich, Jr., Marguerite and Molly Peresich, Eric, Leah, Allison and Eli Long, and Ryan and Justin Peresich, and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 12, 2007, from to 9-11 AM, with an 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial, all at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, April 12, 2007, p. A-4)
World War II
Eugene A. Peresich Jr. enlisted as an aviation cadet in February 1941, while a student at LSU. Here he received primary and Civil Aeronautics Administration training. Peresich after graduating from LSU was sent to basic flying school at Goodfellow Field, San Angelo, Texas. He completed his basic flying course in July 1941 and went to the advanced flying school at Craig Field, Selma, Alabama. After the 10-week course was completed, Cadet Peresich was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps Reserve in September 1941.(The Daily Herald, July 18, 1941, p. 7 and October 11, 1945, p. 8)
In March 1942, 2nd Lt. Eugene A. Peresich Jr., US Army Air Corps, was an instructor at Cochran Field at Macon, Georgia.(The Daily Herald, March 9, 1942, p. 7)
Lt. Colonel Eugene A. Peresich Jr., age 25, 641 Lameuse Street, Biloxi former commander of a B-27 squadron in the ETO, has been released from active duty at the separation center at Drew Field, Florida. Colonel Peresich served with the 8th Air Force from May 1944 to June 1945, participating in the heavy air offensive during the land invasion of Europe. He flew 29 combat missions and was awarded the DFC with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with three clusters. He also holds the American Defense Medal and the European Theater ribbon with six battle stars. Colonel Peresich enlisted as an aviation cadet in February 1941, while a student at LSU. He was graduated a second lieutenant from the flying school at Craig Field, Alabama in September 1941. His last duty station in the United States was 3rd Air Force Headquarters at Tampa, Florida. He is now active as vice president of Eugene Peresich and Sons Inc., general insurance agency, and will travel throughout Mississippi, but will make his headquarters in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, October 11, 1945, p. 8)
CHILDREN
He graduated from Notre Dame High School in Biloxi and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford. After graduating, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Myra. They were a couple for 60 years.
Gene was employed by The Boeing Co., where he worked for 40 years. His work consisted of a wide variety of projects which included the Saturn V program and the International Space Station, the AWACS program and border defense. This employment offered unique living opportunities for the family. They resided in Huntsville, Alabama, Bountiful, Utah and Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The family will receive friends Friday, January 31, 2020 at Spry Funeral Home from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Byrd Springs at 11:00 am. He will lie in state before the service from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Interment will be in Valley View Memorial Gardens.published at www.spryfuneralhomes.com
Janice A. Peresich
Janice Ann Peresich [1956-1984] was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 7, 1956. She graduated from Biloxi High School and attended Perkinston Jr. College. On 1 September 1977. Janice, while a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi married Glen Dennis Daniels in Stone County, Mississippi. He was the son of Glennis Daniels [1915-1968] and Reva Paker Daniels Saucier [1925-1987]. Daniels was employed with Hercules Powder Company in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.[The Daily Herald, September 21, 1977. p. D-2]
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Mary K. Peresich
Mary Katherine Peresich (1924-2003) was born at Biloxi on January 21, 1924. She was a graduate of the Sacred Heart Academy at Biloxi where as a sophomore was named Miss Sacred Heart Academy in February 1939 while J.J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe III was Mr. Sacred Heart Academy. She was a cheerleader and Jerry played football.(The Daily Herald, February 25, 1939, p. 2)
Mary Katherine married Kenton R. Nourse Sr. (1918-1991), a native of East Aurora, New York. He came to Biloxi, Mississippi probably as a young, US Army Air Corps soldier at Keesler Field in 1942. Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 59, p. 302)
Kenton R. Norse was survived by his spouse at Biloxi; three sons: Rodney H. Nourse of Napa, California; Bruce E. Nourse of Carson City, Nevada; and David P. Nourse of NOLA; a sister, Frances Keicher of Eureka, California; his mother, Winifred Nourse (1897-1992) of East Aurora, New York; and two grandchildren.
Mr. Nourse's funeral was under the auspices of the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral of Biloxi. After his funeral Mass at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church internment followed in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery.(The Sun Herald, 'Kenton R. Nourse Sr.', May 27, 1991, p. A-2)
Mary Katherine Nourse, age 79 years, died Saturday, March 1, 2003, in Biloxi.
Mrs. Nourse was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a homemaker and a member of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral. She was preceded in death by her husband, Major Kenton R. Nourse Sr.; a son, Kenton R. Nourse Jr. (1943-1959); parents, Althea Harkness Peresich and Eugene A. Peresich Sr.; and three brothers, Giles Peresich, Ned Peresich and Gordon Peresich. Survivors include three sons, Rodney H. Nourse, Bruce E. Nourse and David P. Nourse; three sisters, Martha McDermott Nungesser, Ann Lund and Sister Mary Giles R.S.M.; two brothers, Pat Peresich and Eugene Peresich Jr.; and four grandchildren. Services will be at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral, where friends may visit one hour before service time. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, 'Mary K. Nourse', March 2, 2003)
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Edward M. Peresich
Edward 'Ned' McColl Peresich (1925-1998) was the son of Eugene Adam Peresich (1895-1960) and Althea Harkness (1897-1975). His siblings were: Giles H. Peresich (1918-1985) m. Beatrice Bisso (1917-1964); Eugene A. Peresich (b. 1920) m. Doris M. Wink (1920-2007); Mary K. Peresich (1924-2003) m. Kenton Nourse II (1918-1991); Gordon J. Peresich (1927-1996); John Patrick Peresich m. Margaret C. Tremmel (1936-2001); Anne Marie Peresich (1931-2012) m. James J. Lund (1930-2000); and Althea Martha Peresich m. John Phillip McDermott Jr. (1928-1982) and Robert Luke Nungesser (1934-2010).
Ned Peresich married Mary Lou LeBlanc (1928-1986). They were the parents of: Mary Beth Peresich m. Mr. Edgerton; Edward McColl Peresich Jr. (1952-2017) m. Margaret Joyce Allen, Barbara Byrd (1955-2001) and Karen Krebs; Myriam Terese Peresich m. Daniel Gregory Collins; Susan M. Peresich m. William J. Baugh; Paul D. Peresich m. June A. Krull; Matthew D. Peresich (1959-2001); and James M. Peresich.
Ned graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi and Spring Hill College at Mobile, Alabama. He was employed at E.A. Peresich & Sons, Watson Insurance Agency, Pat's Gulf Service, and Page, Mannino, Peresich, and McDermott legal firm. Ned was a member of Les Pierrot carnival organization and had been active in sports as a high school reporter and player with the Galloping Gaels. he also was member of the Hiller Park tennis club and Par Three golf league.
Mr. Peresich was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Lou LeBlanc; his parents and two brothers: Giles H. Peresich and Gordon J. Peresich. Ned was survived by his seven children and siblings: Eugene A Peresich Jr.; Mary Katherine Nourse (1924-2003); Sister Mary Giles, R.S.M., Ann P. Lund (1931-2012), John Patrick Peresich Sr. and Martha Peresich McDermott.
Edward McColl Peresich expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 2, 1998. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery under the direction of the Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home.
Children
Edward “Ned” McColl Peresich Jr.
Edward “Ned” McColl Peresich Jr. (1952-2017), age 64 years, of Lizana, Mississippi passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Ned was born on September 25, 1952 in Biloxi, MS. He attended school at Nativity B.V.M, Notre Dame, and MGCCC, Jeff Davis Campus. He was a carpenter, owner of two construction companies, owner of two restaurants, furniture re-finisher extraordinaire, wood carver, mechanical genius and master gardener. In his spare time he enjoyed beekeeping, gardening and farming. He was a past member of the Slavonic Lodge. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Byrd Peresich (1955-2001); parents, Edward McColl Peresich, Sr. and Mary Lou LeBlanc Peresich; brother, Matthew Peresich; and his beloved 2nd grandmother, Beb Lagarde. He is survived by his spouse, Karen Krebs Peresich; children, Brooks (Tracy) Peresich and Jacqueline Peresich (Paul) Dodd; grandchildren, Kevin Peresich, Olivia Peresich, Olan Dodd, and Aurora Dodd; siblings, Mary Beth (Rick) Edgerton, Terese (Danny) Collins, Susan (Billy) Baugh, Paul (Dianne) Peresich, and James Peresich.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Garden Park in the ICU, Select Care Hospital and Saads Home Health Care. A celebration of life will be held at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 7:00pm. Friends may visit from 5:30 to 7:00pm. Please do not wear black.[The Sun Herald, May 22, 2017]
Barbara "Bobbie" Peresich (1955-2001), age 45 years, died Friday, March 2, in Gulfport. Mrs. Peresich was born in Harris County, Texas, and had been a resident of Gulfport for 40 years. She was an artist and a poet and won a Golden Globe award for her works. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Aurora Byrd. Survivors include her husband, Ned Peresich Jr.; a daughter, Jacqueline Peresich; a stepson, Brooks M. Peresich, all of Gulfport; a sister, Mary Francis Davis of Hammond, La.; and a grandchild. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. today at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi, where friends may call one hour before service time. [The Sun Herald, March 5, 2001]
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Matthew D. Peresich
Matthew D. Peresich, (19-2001), age 42 years, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2001, in Gulfport. Mr. Peresich was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Parish and a ship captain. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward M. and Mary Lou LeBlanc Peresich. Survivors include three sisters, Mary Beth Edgerton of San Antonio, Texas, Terese Collins of Biloxi and Susan Maria Baugh of Pass Christian; three brothers, Edward M. "Ned" Peresich Jr. and James M. Peresich, both of Gulfport, and Paul D. Peresich of Saucier. Mass will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi where friends may call one hour before services, directed by Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi.[The Sun Herald, August 5, 2001]
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Gordon J. Peresich
Gordon Joseph Peresich, age 68 years, died Friday, March 22, 1996, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Peresich was a Biloxi native and retired offshore oil field worker. He also made toys and was shrimper. Gordon wrote two books: "Life in the Gulf Oil Fields" and "The Sod Man of Vicksburg". He won several awards from the VA Magazine for penning poetry and for children's short stories.
Gordon attended LSU where he was a member of the boxing team. He was the 1952 Champion of the Sugar Bowl boxing tournament at New Orleans and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Peresich was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Adam Peresich Sr., and his brother, Giles Harkness Persich. Gordon was survived by three brothers, Eugene A. Peresich Jr. of Ocean Springs; Ned Peresich and Pat Peresich; and four sisters, Mary Katherine Nourse; Ann Lund; Martha McDermott;. all of Biloxi. and Sister Mary Giles Peresich of Mobile, Alabama.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed Mr. Peresich's funeral following Mass at Nativity BVM Cathedral with internment in Southern Memorial Park
Terese Perisich
Terese Peresich-Sister Mary Giles Persich (1930-2014), RSM, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 15, 1930 and entered the Sisters of Mercy community on September 8, 1948. She received her MA at New York University. Her ministry included nineteen years of teaching in Sisters of Mercy schools, ten years in the Library at Salve Regina College in Rhode Island, and fourteen years at the University of Alabama. Sister retired to Catherine's Residence in 2006.
Sister Mary Giles is survived by Martha McDermott Nungisser, Eugene Peresich Jr. and Pat Peresich. She was preceded in death by her brothers Giles H. Peresich, Edward Peresich, Gordon Peresich and Mary Katherine Nourse.
Sister Mary Giles Peresich, a Sister of Mercy, died at Catherine's Residence on December 26, 2014 at St. Louis, Missouri. Sharing of Memories on Tuesday, December 30 at 4:00 pm in the Catherine's Residence Chapel, 2039 North Geyer Road. Eucharistic Liturgy will be at 6:00 pm. Sister will be buried at Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.(The Sun Herald, December 30, 2014, p. A-4)
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Ann M. Peresich
Ann Marie Peresich (1931-2012) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 27, 1931. She married James J. Lund in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 19, 1958. Ann remained a lifelong Biloxi resident. She was a devout Catholic, active in her parish and in Catholic Charities for whom she fostered numerous children prior to their adoptions.
Mrs. Lund died Monday, January 30, 2012 in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Lund; infant son, Tommy Lund; parents, Althea and Eugene A. Peresich Sr.; sister, Mary Katherine Nourse; and brothers, Giles H. Peresich, Ned Peresich and Gordon Peresich. She was survived by her darling daughter, Joan Elizabeth Lund; sisters, Martha P. McDermott Nungesser and Sr. Mary Giles, RSM; and brothers, Eugene A. Peresich Jr. and Pat Peresich. Aunt Ann is also survived by more than fifty nieces and nephews.
The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Following a funeral Mass at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral, interment was at Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald on January 31, 2012)
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John P. Peresich
Pat Peresich
[image made 1950]
John Patrick Peresich (b. 1933) called Pat, was born March 16, 1933 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Pat married Margaret Tremmel (1936-2001). She was born August 19, 1936 at Biloxi and passed at Biloxi on January 8, 2001. Mrs. Peresich was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a 1954 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi. She was a graduate of Mercy Hospital Street Memorial School of Nursing in Vicksburg, Miss. She served as the first nurse for Dr. Steve Sekul's pediatric clinic in Biloxi. For many years she worked side by side with her husband, Pat, at his Chevron Service Stations. Together they owned and operated the "Emporium Gift Shop and Train Store" in Biloxi. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis August Tremmel Sr. Survivors include her husband, John "Pat" Patrick Peresich Sr. of Biloxi; one daughter, Margaret Ann Peresich of Biloxi; two sons, John "Patrick" Peresich Jr. and his wife, Susie, of Gulfport, and Thomas "Tom" Kevin Peresich (1966-2015) of Biloxi; her mother, Margaret "Peg" Roberts Tremmel of Biloxi; one grandson, Michael Anthony Peresich of Gulfport; two sisters, Sarah Tremmel Pitalo of Ocean Springs and Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson of Saucier; and two brothers, Louis August Tremmel Jr. of Ocean Springs and Burt August Tremmel Sr. of Biloxi. A service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2001, at Nativity BVM Cathedral in Biloxi where friends may call one hour before service time. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, January 14, 2001]
Children
Thomas Kevin Peresich
Thomas Kevin "Tommy" Peresich (1966-2015) died at home after a long illness. Tommy was always up to something. He loved to tease people, had a quick wit and easy smile. He could put everyone at ease and liven things up at the same time. His capacity for play and mischief could be infuriating and totally forgivable in the same minute. All of which made him a hit with the ladies. Who can forget the family holiday gatherings when he brought not one, but two dates; each happy to be there and neither resenting the other. For all of his humor, there was something he took to with all seriousness… his music. With a drum kit to rival a rock star, he would practice for hours on end, and lord knows what else went on in that shed. Tommy tended bar for years at Mahoney's and the Isle, being one of the first hired when it opened its doors. He lovingly restored his home after Katrina, with the same meticulous attention to detail that governed other aspects of his life, right down to each perfectly spiraled curl on his head. He had a truly tender heart, with a special love for animals. Tommy never turned away a stray, caring for each pet selflessly. He is deeply missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the animal rescue or shelter of your choice. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Tremmel Peresich. Tommy is survived by his father, Pat Peresich, Sr.; brother, Pat (Susie) Peresich, Jr.; sister, Margaret Ann (Mark) Cowley; and nephew, Michael Anthony Peresich, all from Biloxi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral. Friends may visit one hour prior. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, May 3, 2015]
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[The Daily Herald, December 1, 1953]
Althea Martha Peresich
Althea Martha Peresich, known as Martha, was born at Biloxi in 1934. She married Lt. John P. McDermott Jr. (1928-1982) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 19, 1953.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 96, p. 261]
Mr. McDermott was a native of Mobile and a graduate of Spring Hill College, but he resided in Biloxi most of his life. He was Biloxi's Outstanding Citizen of 1969 and was named Biloxi's Outstanding Young Man of 1961 by the Biloxi Jaycees.
John owned and operated Pauper Gifts and Antiques. He was administrator of Howard Memorial Hospital from December 1966 until July 1978. Prior to this, Mr. McDermott was business manager for the Biloxi Municipal School District for 11 years. He was also co-owned of Magnolia Utilities Inc. and owner of McDermott Rentals.
Socially, Mr. McDermott was active in the Gulf Coast Carnival Association and served the organization as Carnival Captain from 1977 to 1979. He also held memberships in Mithras, Les Pierrots and the Neptune carnival organizations.
John was survived Martha Peresich McDermott, his wife; three sons, Matthew McDermott of St. Mary's Training School in Alexandria, Louisiana; and Michael McDermott and Mark McDermott, of Biloxi; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Cecelia Mortell of Chicago and Martha McDermott of the University of Southern Mississippi; and his mother, Marie Foster McDermott, of Biloxi.
Following a Requiem Mass at Nativity BVM Cathedral, Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi completed the McDermott funeral services with his internment at Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, 'John P. McDermott Jr., Biloxi businessman dead at 53', March 28?, 1982)
Bobby Nungesser
Martha Peresich McDermott married Robert L. 'Bobby' Nungesser (1934-2010) [Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 51, p. 164]
Bobby was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 21, 1934, but grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi where he graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1952. Robert served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1958. Mr. Nungesser worked in the retail seafood business, owning and operating Fish Net Seafood, with locations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bobby later returned to Biloxi and was employed by the Isle of Capri Casino.
Mr. Nungesser, age 76 years, passed away peacefully at his Biloxi home on Sunday, May 30, 2010. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Broderick Nungesser, his father, George Nungesser, and a niece, Gena Nungesser Collins. Bobby is survived by his wife, Martha McDermott Nungesser. Also surviving Mr. Nungesser are his brother, Ronald T. Nungesser and his wife Janel, and nephews George S. Nungesser and John B. Nungesser.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral where friends may visit from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of services.
ADELAIDE M. PERESICH [see Lyons Family]
[Courtesy of Matt Lyons Jr.-January 2014]
Adelaide Mable Peresich (1897-1943) was born March 11, 1897. She married John Christian Lyons (1890-1950), a native of Mississippi City, in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 1, 1914. They were the parents of: Joseph T. Lyons m. (1914-1945) m. Esther Amelia Ryan (19-19) who then m. Standish Bradford; John 'Speedy' Elbert Lyons (1916-1997) m. Lucy L. Martino (1917-1996); Matthew Peresich Lyons (1918-1999) m. Vara Brown (1924-1977) and Mary Ella Huth (1924-2007); Marie Louise Lyons (1924-1998) m. Clarence 'Zeke' Stewart (1919-1995); William 'Billy' R. Lyons; Kenneth Jerome Lyons (1927-2008) m. Roslyn Weksler and Margaret Germaine Sablich (1928-2007); Eugene 'Jimmy' James Lyons; m. Anna Lee Webber; Robert George Lyons m. Patricia Ann Magill; and Stephen Anthony Lyons m. Barbara Faith Cvitanovich.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 515, 1930 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 14A, ED 3 and and 1940 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T627_2024, p. 22B, ED 24-2)
After the death of his spouse in 1943, John C. Lyons married Hazel Althea Andrews on April 16, 1944. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 64, p. 533)
.jpg)
Antonio Amelia Peresich (1901-1959)
[courtesy of Joseph Lyons-2015]
ANTONIA A. PERESICH
Antonia Amelia ‘Peggy’Peresich (1901-1959) was born at Biloxi on December 12, 1901. She lived at 509 Seal Avenue and was secretary-treasurer of the Watson Insurance Agency and had joined her brother, Eugene A. Peresich, in the family insurance business in 1922. Miss Peresich graduated from Sacred Heart Academy . She was a member of the Pilot Club and a member of the Nativity BVM Cathedral and its Altar Society.
Antonia expired at the Biloxi Hospital on February 18, 1959 after an illness of 18 months. She was survived by five siblings, all Biloxi residents: Mrs. Gaspar Pisarich and Miss Josie Peresich, Matthew F. Peresich, Eugene A. Peresich and Rudolph Peresich. O’Keefe Funeral was in charge of Miss Peresich’s funeral which was held at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Her internment was in Biloxi Cemetery.
RUDOLPH L. PERESICH
Rudolph Louis Peresich was born at Biloxi on January 17, 1904. He married Inez Blanche Hepler (b. 1912) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 12, 1932 and Hazel A. Parkis Andrews Lyons (1890-1974), also in Harrison County on April 24, 1952.(Bk. 43, p. 604 and MRB 89, p. 316)
Hazel A. Parkis Andrews Lyons (1890-1974) was born at Mobile, Alabama to Henry A. Parkis and Pearl Hazel Camp. There is a high degree of certitude that Hazel married four times: Mr. Mayson; Wallace Henry Andrew (1886-1940) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 24, 1920; John Christian Lyons on April 16, 1944; and Rudolph Louis Peresich (1904-1985) on April 24, 1952.
Rudolph died at Gulfport, Mississippi on March 8, 1985. He was survived by a daughter, Betty Peresich m. Dr. John Todd Vignes (1932-2014) of Baton Rouge; two stepdaughters, Elizabeth Lechner of Biloxi and Hazel Andrews Ferrill (b. 1927) of Houston, Texas; stepson, Wallace H. Andrews (1924-2012) of Gautier; and five grandchildren.
REFERENCES:
The American Press(Lake Charles, LA),“Edna Campbell”, September 7, 2004.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Society and Personal Items”, June 1, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Peresich dies”, November 6, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “[Matthew Peresich]Here on furlough”, March 22, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi agency changes hands”, November 1, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Joseph Peresich died yesterday”, February 13, 1933.
The Daily Herald, "Miss Sacred Heart Academy captured by Mary Katherine Peresich", February 25, 1939.
The Daily Herald,"[Giles H. Peresich] To receive degree", July 29, 1939.
The Daily Herald,"The Charter of Incorporation of Eugene Peresich & Sons", April 23, 1940.
The Daily Herald,"[Giles] Peresich called to duty", March 9, 1942.
The Daily Herald,"Mrs. Lyons dies", March 27, 1943.
The Daily Herald, “Col. Peresich released from active duty”, October 11, 1945.
The Daily Herald, “Giles Peresich New Champion of Sunkist Golf Club”, May 18, 1954.
The Daily Herald, "John C. Lyons dies", November 7, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Install Giles Peresich head of Sunkist Club”, July 19, 1954.
The Daily Herald, "Miss [Antonia]Peresich dies at Biloxi, Funeral Friday", February 19, 1959.
The Daily Herald, "Josie C. Peresich", August 9, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “E.A. Peresich Dies; Funeral Rites Tuesday”, December 5, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Matthew F. Peresich”, April 29, 1963.
The Times Picayune, “Rites scheduled for Mrs. Peresich [Beatrice Bisso Peresich]”, July 24, 1964.
The Daily Herald, “Prominent Biloxi woman [Althea Harkness Peresich]dies”, December 5, 1975, p. A2.
The Daily Herald,'John P. McDermott Jr., Biloxi businessman dead at 53', March 28?, 1982.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Effie Peresich”, March 8, 1983, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Kenton R. Nourse Sr.”, May 27, 1991.
The Sun Herald, “Edward McColl Peresich Sr.”, February 4, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Josephine P. Malpass”, January 22, 2001.
The Sun Herald, "Matthew D. Peresich", August 5, 2001.
The Sun Herald, “Mary K. Nourse”, March 2, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Eunice Blanchard Pisarich”, May 10, 2005.
The Sun Herald, ““Joyce McDonnell Pisarich”, November 25, 2006, p. A5.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Doris May Wink Peresich (1920-2007)”, April 12, 2007, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, “Ron Peresich: A low-key, calm mediator who is leaving his mark”, June 11, 2007, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, "Margaret Germaine Sablich Lyons", May 18, 2007.
The Sun Herald, "Kenneth J. Lyons Sr.", October 3, 2008.
The Sun Herald, "He led Biloxi sports family-Kenneth Lyons Sr.", October 4, 2008, p. A8..
The Sun Herald, “Francis Matthew Pisarich”, November 21, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “Ann Peresich Lund”, January 31, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “Sister Mary Giles Peresich, RSM”, December 30, 2014.
The Times-Picayune, “Rites scheduled for Mrs. Peresich [Beatrice Bisso Peresich]”, July 24, 1964.
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Croatian arrivals from Molat [Melada-Italian]-Baricev, Barich, Baronich, Dujmov, Kovach, Magas, Mavar, Savin.
Croatian arrivals from Molat [Melada-Italian]-Baricev, Barich, Baronich, Dujmov, Kovach, Magas, Mavar, Savin.
BARICEV
Peter [Petar] M. Baricev (1880-1951), born on Molat, Croatia on June 27, 1880 the son of Robert Baricev and Lucille Uglesich, and Theresa [Tereza] Buyasich (1880-1957), also a native of Molat and the daughter of Frances Buyasich or Boyasich, were the progenitors of the Baricev family at Biloxi, Mississippi. Their children were: John Baricev (1901-1928); Joseph P. Baricev (1904-1999) m. Jessie Traina (1899-1996); Anthony M. Baricev (1908-1982) m. Maritza (Mary) Jurich (1911-1997); Peter J. Baricev (1921-1996) m. Jane Alla Brown (1922-1993); and Josephine Lucille Baricev (1923-1957+) m. Marion L. Lutes (1922-2001) and Harold S. Bourgouin.
In March 1921, Peter M. Baricev (1880-1951) a resident of 815 Reynoir Street, who had been in Biloxi for several years, returned from Molat, Croatia to make Biloxi his permanent home. While at Molat, he had advised is brothers and a nephew to secure documents and immigrate to America before the new immigration bill becomes effective.(The Daily Herald, March 2, 1921, p. 3)
At Biloxi, Peter M. Baricev was in the restaurant business and ran the French Restaurant. He died on November 16, 1951 while a resident of 212 Lee Street. Theresa B. Baricev expired on October 7, 1957. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune, November 17, 1951, p. 2 and October 18, 1957, p. 3)
JOHN BARICEV
JOSEPH P. BARICEV
Joseph P. Baricev (1904-1999) was born at Molat, Croatia . He married Jessie Traina (1899-1996), the daughter of Biaggio Traina (1851-1904) and Victoriana Mustacchia (1858-1928), both Italian immigrants, in St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Avenue at NOLA on October 14, 1925. Their children were: Joseph Francis Baricev (1927-2011) m. Jane Wilson Searles (1928-2014); Robert Louis Baricev (1928-2003) m. Theresa E. Jelusich (1929-2005); and Victor J. Baricev m. Geraldine Mary Doyle.(1900 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623, p. 22B, ED 27-3rd Ward and The Times-Picayune, October 11, 1925, p. 4 and November 13, 1958, p. 77)
After working briefly on shrimp boats at Biloxi, in 1923, Joseph P. Baricev was introduced to the restauratant business in New Orleans as a dishwasher. In 1926, Jessie and Joseph opened their Auditorium Restaurant in the French Quarter at Rampart and St. Peter Street. In 1930, the Baricev family was domiciled at 1808 Palmyra Street and Dominick Traina (b. 1883) and Frances Traina (1898), Jessie’s brother and sister-in-law, were living with them as well as John Marcev (b. 1903), a recent Croatian immigrant. By 1934, Joseph P. Baricev’s Auditorium Restaurant was situated at 700 North Rampart Street and it was doing well serving local seafoods i.e., crabs, shrimp, hard and soft shell crabs, as well as frog legs.(1930 Orleans Parish Federal Census R802, p. 15A, 3rd Ward and The Times-Picayune, May 27, 1934, p. 59)
In 1936, the Baricev family move their restaurant business to Gretna, Louisiana.
BILOXI
In the 1940s, Joseph P. Baricev relocated from the Crescent City to Biloxi, Mississippi. Here he opened a seafood restaurant. It was destroyed in the September 1947 Hurricane. Following the destructive tempest, Baricev built a new eatery on the site of the old Marietta Cafe on Biloxi's West Beach Boulevard opposite the Buena Vista Hotel. Peter J. Baricev designed the structure as he was working for the J.T. Collins Construction Company. The 3500 sq.-ft. structure was built with a dining room; lounge; lobby; kitchen; public sanitary facilities and a powder room for ladies; a toilet for employees and two supply rooms.(The Daily Herald, June 30, 1948, p. 1)
[from The Daily Herald, August 7, 1949, p. 6]
CHILDREN
Joseph F. Baricev and Janes Searles Baricev
Joseph Francis Baricev (1927-2011) was born at New Orleans on April 28, 1927. In Harrison County, Mississippi in September 1947, he married Jane Wilson Searles (1928-2014) and they were the parents of two sons: Joseph Baricev (b. 1948) and Gregory Scott Baricev (1954-2016).
Joseph F. Baricev, 84, of Biloxi, Mississippi was called to meet his Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Mr. Baricev was the owner of Baricev's Restaurant along with his wife, brother and sister-in-law for many, many years. He was an avid golfer and loved fishing and his dog "Rosie". Mr. Baricev graduated from St. Aloysius in New Orleans and attended Tulane University until he enlisted in the Navy in WW II. Mr. Baricev is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. and Jessie Traina Baricev and brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane; sons, Joseph and Greg and one granddaughter, Katie (Beau) Bogard.(The Sun Herald, August 25, 2011)
Children
Joseph Baricev
Joseph Baricev was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 19, 1948.
Gregory S. Baricev
Gregory 'Greg' Scott Baricev (1954-2016), age 61 years, of Biloxi, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016, in Biloxi. He was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 17, 1954 and was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and was employed in the family business, Baricev's Seafood Restaurant. Greg received his degree in Banking and Commerce from the University of Alabama, the alma mater of his mother. He was an avid cyclist and loved being outdoors.
Greg married Norsene Whitsett Moody [b. 1955] of Poplarville, Mississippi on April 17, 1982. She taught school at Biloxi after her education at MSCW and Mississippi State University. They were the parents of Katherine Elizabeth Baricev (b. 1987) m. Ronald Ray 'Beau' Bogard II (b. 1983). In 2012, Norsene M. Baricev married James Michael Mitchell.(The Times-Picayune, March 14, 1982, Section IV, p. 16)
Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jane Baricev, and his grandson, Whit Bogard. Survivors include his daughter Katie (Beau) Bogard, a grandson, Wyatt Bogard, and a brother, Joseph Baricev. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2016 from 2pm-3pm at the Pass Road Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. A private burial in Southern Memorial Park will be held at a later date.
Robert "Bobby" L. Baricev
[from The Advocate (Baton Rouge), September 22, 1985, p. 1-C]
Robert L. Baricev
Robert 'Bobby' Louis Baricev (1928-2003) was born 1928 at NOLA. He married Theresa E. Jelusich (1929-2005), the daughter of Anthony S. Jelusich and Albertha Conovich, on October 28, 1948 at the N.B.V.M. Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. They were the parents of two children: Bobbie Ann Baricev m. Rickie J. Chatagnier in August 1974 and Donald Gerald Baricev (1955-1955).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 78, p. 223, The Times-Picayune, September 5, 1948, p. 44)
Bobby Baricev was a partner in the family restaurant, Baricev’s Seafood harbor Restaurant and Lounge. He had served in the US Army and was a charter member of Sunkist Country Club and a lifetime member of Elks Lodge N0. 606. Bobby died at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 9, 2003. Theresa expired also at Biloxi on May 27, 2005. Their corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in West Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, September 11, 2003, p. A6 and May 29, 2005)
Victor J. Baricev
Victor Joseph Baricev was born circa 1932. He graduated from Notre Dame High School where he played quarterback on the football squad and saw action in the December 1950 Shrimp Bowl when he threw a touchdown pass in a losing effort to the Neville High Tigers of Monroe, Louisiana. Victor was commissioned a Lt. (jg) in the US Navy and stationed at Norfolk, Virginia when he married Geraldine Mary Doyle of NOLA in November 1954. They were the parents of at least three children: Janet Catherine Baricev m. Charles Dicks Harris in March 1983; Susan Ann Baricev m. Errol Alvin Donnell II in May 1987; and Victor John Baricev (b. 1961). No further information.(The Times-Picayune, December 2, 1950, p. 19; November 13, 1958, p. 77; March 20, 1983, p. 85; and May 17, 1987, p. 70)
Maritza Jurich Baricev (1911-1997)
ANTHONY M. BARICEV
Anthony 'Tony' M. Baricev (1908-1982) was born February 10, 1908. He married Maritza (Mary) Jurich (1911-1997), a native of Bobovisce, Brac, County Split-Dalmatia, the daughter of Dominick Jurich (1885-1959) and Katie Sekul (1884-1962) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 22, 1932. They were the parents of: Anthony Dominic Baricev; Catherine Ann Baricev (b. 1936) m. Walter E. Fiorentini; and Jomarie Baricev (1944-1976) m. Victor Suzanno Soares, the son of Armindo 'Herman' Soares (1908-1994) and Judith Suzzano (1917-2006) on August 23, 1964.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 43, p. 612 and Bk. 127, p. 376)
In July 1955, Catherine Ann Baricev was Queen of the Blessing of the Fleet at Biloxi.(The Times-Picayune, August 1, 1955, p. 30)
Tony Baricev died at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 19, 1982. Jomarie Baricev Soares had preceded him in death passing on December 23, 1976. Their corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park cemetery. Maritza Jurich Baricev died on August 4, 1997. Her remains were also interred at Southern Memorial Park.
PETER J. BARICEV
Peter J. Baricev (1921-1996) was born at NOLA. He married Jane Alla Brown (1922-1993) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 20, 1941.
JOSEPHINE L. BARICEV
Josephine Lucy Baricev (1923-) married Marvin L. Lutes (1922-2001) and Harold S. Bourgouin in Harrison County, Mississippi in February 1944 and March 1947 respectively. She had a daughter, Sharon M. Bourgoin (1947-1947) who died as an infant at Biloxi on October 9, 1947. Josephine and Harold lived at Vellejo, California, Atwater, California and
FRENCH RESTAURANT
In mid-August 1941, Dan 'Donko' Markotich (1892-1964) sold the French Restaurant to Joseph Baricev (1904-1999). Markotich had operated the restaurant for six years.(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1941, p. 6)
1948
Following the September 1947 Hurricane which destroyed the Baricev Restaurant, a new restaurant was built on the site of the old Marietta Cafe on Biloxi's West Beach Boulevard opposite the Buena Vista Hotel. Peter J. Baricev designed the structure as he was working for the J.F. Collins Construction Company. The 3500 sq.-ft. structure was built with a dining room; lounge; lobby; kitchen; public sanitary facilites and a powder room for ladies; a toilet for employees and two supply rooms.(The Daily Herald, June 30, 1948, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
The Advocate [Baton Rouge], “Restaurant now hurricane resistant”, September 22, 1985.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, March 2, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News”, August 13, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “New Baricev Restaurant”, June 30, 1948.
The Daily Herald,“Jomarie Baricev Soares”, December 1976.
The Sun Herald, “Services held today for [Jessie Traina] Baricev”, October 12, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Mary J. Baricev”, August 6, 1997, p. C-2.
The Sun Herald, “Baricev made seafood his life”, December 10, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Robert L. ‘Bobby’ Baricev”, September 11, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Theresa Jelusich Baricev”, May 29, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph F. Baricev”, August 25, 2011.
The Sun Herald, “Restauateur remembered for his seafood”, August 26, 2011.
The Sun Herald, “Jane Baricev”, November 23, 2014.
The Sun Herald, "Gregory Baricev', January 14, 2016.
The Times-Picayune, “Baricev-Traina”, October 14, 1925.
The Times-Picayune, “Frog legs, hard and soft shell crabs, shrimp are featured at Baricev's Auditorium Restaurant”, May 27, 1934.
The Times-Picayune, “Baricev-Jelusich”, September 5, 1948.
The Times-Picayune, “Neville rips Biloxi team by 41-13”, December 2, 1950.
The Times-Picayune, “Mrs. Victor John Baricev”, November 13, 1958.
The Times-Picayune, “Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baricev celebrate 50th wedding anniversary”, October 15, 1975.
The Times-Picayune, “[Gregory] Baricev-[Norsene] Moody”, March 14, 1982, Section IV, p. 16..
The Times-Picayune, “Harris-Baricev”, March 20, 1983.
The Times-Picayune, “Restaurant now hurricane resistant”, September 22, 1985.
The Times-Picayune, “Donnelly-Baricev”, May 17, 1987.
The Times-Picayune, “Joseph P. Baricev”, December 10, 1999.
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BARICH
Bozo Barich (1875-1960) came from Croatia in 1903. He had married Katie May Spernich (1879-1950), the daughter of Vincent Spernich and Mary Pavlov. Children: John Barich (1900-1946); Julius Barich (1907-1993) m. Mary Rodolfich (1908-1997); August Barich (1912-1994) m. Rita Davis (1920-1992); Louis Barich; and Joseph Peter Barich (1923-2011) m. Edna Steele (1929-2009);
CHILDREN
JOHN BARICH
John Barich (1900-1946) was born December 14, 1900. He died on January 12, 1946.
JULIUS BARICH
Julius Barich (1907-1993), a 1922 Croatian immigrant, was born at Molat on 1907. Circa 1927, he married Mary Rodolfich (1908-1997). In 1930, the Barich family lived at 212 Cedar Street and Julius made his livelihood as a fisherman. Children: Mary Joyce Barich (1928-1999); Barbara Catherine Barich m. James Mickey McCarthy; and Perina Juliet Barich m. Mr. Franc.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 46B, ED 2)
Julius Barich expired on January 23, 1993. Mary Rodolfich Barich passed on October 1997 and Mary Joyce Barich died on September 13, 1999. Their corporal remains were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
REFERENCES:
The Sun Herald, “August ‘Capt. Augie’ Barich”, November 3, 1994, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Mary R. Barich”, October 2, 1997, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Mary Joyce Barich”, September 15, 1999, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, “Sarah F. Barich”, May 17, 2003, p. A5.
The Sun Herald, “Edna S. Barich”, February 16, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph P. Barich”, April 20?, 2011.
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BARONICH
Martin Paul Baronich (1893-1964) was born at Molat, Zadar County, Croatia. He married Anna Rosetti (1901-1924), a native of Starigrad, Hvar, Zadar County Croatia on June 30, 1921 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of Martin P. Baronich Jr. (1922-1943); Leopold ‘Poley’ M. Baronich (1924-1974); and Harold J. Baronich Sr. (1924-2001) m. Cecelia R. Manno (1924 -2007).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 224)
Martin P. Baronich made his livelihood as a fisherman for the local seafood canneries. The family homestead was at 223 Sophie Street on Point Cadet.
CHILDREN
Martin P. Baronich Jr.
Martin P. Baronich (1922-1943) made his livelihood like his father fishing for the local seafood canneries while living at 223 Sophie Street in East Biloxi. He enlisted in the USCG and was on active duty as a 1stClass Fireman aboard the USS Serpens(AK-97), a cargo ship, when he was killed on October 15, 1943.(The Daily Herald, October 25, 1943, p. 2)
The USS Serpenswas lost with two hundred-fifty men in late January 1945 while loading ammunitions and depth charges at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.
Martin’s corporal remains were returned from the South Pacific via San Francisco to Biloxi, Mississippi in October 1947, after WW II for internment in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery. His funeral was held at the Bradford Funeral Home with full military honors on October 26, 1947.(The Daily Herald, October 27, 1947, p. 1)
From The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, by Dale Greenwell in 'Memories of Warriors', part X, May 23, 2013, p. 4.[some editing of this article by Ray L. Bellande]
This is the first part of the story of two Biloxians who served on the same ship during WW II. Martin Paul Baronich jr. was one of the eight sons of Martin Baronich and Antonia Jelusich. After WW II was underway, he and two of his seven brothers rushed inot the fray to save our country. Martin and Victor Baronich joined the US Coast Guard and Harold Baronich enlisted in the US Navy.After basic and advanced military training at San Diego, California, martin baronich was assigned to the USS Serpens [AK-77], which was commissioned May 28, 1943. The vessel was sent to the South Pacific theatre to engage the Japanese naval forces in that region. The USS Serpens had the most dangerous of assignements, as an ammunition and cargo supply carrier.If you know military history, you surely know that a stunning percentage of military deaths are caused by friendly fire and failure. Martin Baronich Jr. was a victim of the latter. He was topside near a cargo hold where the supplies were being transferred from the USS Serpens, when a swinging boom's rigging knocked him into the hold. In the 35-foot fall, the twenty-one year old sailor broke his neck and other bones. Martin died two hours after the accident.
Eight years later Martin's corporal remains were shipped to Biloxi, Mississsippi accompained by a US Coast Guard sailor. His body was reinterred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery on Biloxi's West Beach. Lyle Page played Taps at the graveside ceremony. Harold Baronich and Victor Baronich returned home safely after WW II.
Leopold M. Baronich
Leopold 'Poley' M. Baronich was born February 17, 1924 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Harold J. Baronich Sr.
Harold J. Baronich Sr. (1924-2001) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 28, 1924. He married Cecelia Manno (1924-2007) and they were the parents of five children: Harold J. Baronich Jr.; Carol A. Baronich (1945-2011) m. William George Kuhn Jr.; Cecilia R. Baronich (1943-2002) m. Mr. Drouant; Josephine Baronich (1947-2002) m. Edwin Earl Duncan Jr. and Alexander Petit; Tina Baronich m. Mr. Matherne.
Harold J. Baronich Sr. expired on June 4, 2001. Cecelia Manno Baronich passed on December 28, 2007. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, Jue 17, 2001, p. A 11 and January 3, 2008)
After the death of Anna Rosetti Baronich on October 5, 1924, Martin P. Baronich married Antonia L. Jelusich (1903-1988), the daughter of John Jelusich (1871-1945) and Josephine Mickletich (1878-1945+) in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 15, 1925. They were the parents of: Jessie Baronich (1926-1927); Victor ‘Mitt’ A. Baronich (1927-2003) m. Amy Ann Christian; Rudolph ‘Cotton’ Carl Baronich (b. 1930) m. Tommie Gentry; Burnett ‘Sookie’ J. Baronich (1934-1983) m. Sybil White; Robert 'Bobby' W. Baronich (b. 1939) m. Germaine Kay Duncan (1944-2010). (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 216)
CHILDREN
Jessie J. Baronich
Jessie James Baronich (1926-1927) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 24, 1926. He expired on March 12, 1927 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery under the auspices of the Bradford Funeral Parlors.(Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Book 16, p. 14)
Victor A. Baronich
Victor A. Baronich (1927-2003), called Mitt, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 28, 1927. He married Amy Ann Christian in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 18, 1950. They were the parents of three children: Victor J. Baronich m. Geraldine Walker; Martin C. Baronich; m. Nancy Jo Williams, Dionne M. Grieve, Cheryl R. Guilbeaux, and Michelle R. Caskey; and Amy Dianne Baronich m. Robby Louis Goggin and Martin Adamson. Victor died on November 19, 2003 at Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He and his wife had retired here in 1989 after Mitt had complted his life's work wuth Painters & Allied Trades. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 82, p. 207 and The Sun Herald, November 23, 2003, p. A8)
Rudolph C. Baronich
Rudolph 'Cotton' Carl Baronich (b. 1930) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Tommie R. Gentry in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 13, 1964. Cotton Baronich was living in Jackson, Mississippi in 2010.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 128, p. 292)
Burnett J. Baronich
Burnett 'Sookie' J. Baronich (1934-1983) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 26, 1934. He married Sybil White in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 10, 1954. Burnett J. Baronich died on July 6, 1983 and his corporal remians were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Robert W. Baronich
Robert W. Baronich (b. 1939) married Germaine Kay Duncan (1944-2010), the daughter of Parker Duncan and Velma Anglada Wilkerson m. Cyril Wilkerson. They were the parents of two sons: William 'Billy' Baronich and Michael Baronich.
Germaine K. Baronich died on March 5, 2010. her corporal remians were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, March 7, 2012)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "The good, bad and the ugly"- 'Memories of Warriors-Part X", May 23, 2013, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, 'Martin Baronich dies in South Pacific', October 25, 1943, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Baronich funeral will be held Sunday', October 25, 1947, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Biloxi Vet is buried with due ceremony', October 27, 1947, p. 1.
The Sun Herald, “Harold J. Baronich Sr.”, June 17, 2001, p. A11.
The Sun Herald, “Victor ‘Mitt’ A. Baronich”, November 23, 2003, p. A8.
The Sun Herald, “Cecelia Baronich.”, December 31, 2007, p. A11.
The Sun Herald, “Germaine Kay Baronich.”, March 7, 2010.
The Times-Picayune, 'Missing in action', October 29, 1943.
The Times-Picayune, 'List of dead', October 11, 1947.
The Times-Picayune, 'Another Orleans hero due home', October 23, 1947.
The Times-Picayune, "Josie Baronich Petit". May 12, 2002.
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DUJMOV
SAM DUJMOV
Sam Dujmov (1887-1951) was born at Melada [Italian] for Molat [Croatian], Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia on September 29, 1887 to Robert Dujmov and Mary Basich. He left Trieste aboard Julia and arrived at New York City on October 2, 1902.(Declaration of Intention No. 400-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-January 1918)
Sam settled at 770 Reynoir Street in Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Anica 'Annie' Marinovich (1899-1972), a native of Brac, Croatia, and the widow of John Skrmetta (d. 1923). They were the parents of: Sam Joseph Dujmov (1924-2013) m. Elsie Breeland and Steve Dujmov (1933-2016) m. Elizabeth A. Young Dailey (1941).
CHILDREN
Sam Joseph Dujmov (1924-2013) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1924. On January 15, 1953, he married Elsie Breland in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of Toni Lee Dujmov m. Billy Wayne Klein and Mr. Hutcherson and a son, Steven Dujmov. Sam died on September 24, 2013 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and son, and his brother, Steve M. Dujmov; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Internment was in the Biloxi Cemetery.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 92, p. 267 and The Sun Herald, September 27, 2013, p. A )
Steve M. Dujmov
Steve Michael Dujmov (1933-2016) was born February 23, 1933. He married Elizabeth A. Young (1941-1982), the daughter of John W. Young and Mattie L. Obborne in Jackson Co., Mississippi on August 21, 1971.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 116, p. 597)
Steve Michael Dujmov, age 83 years, of Biloxi passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Steve was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He served in the Merchant Marine and retired from Patterson's Plumbing. He was a well-known lifelong member of Pro Gym and Planet Fitness Gym. He was also a well-known musician where he was a member of Steve and the Outlaws and Kenny Webb and String Bandits. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Sam Dujmov and Anica Marinovich Dujmov; brothers, Sam Dujmov and Nick Skrmetta; and sisters, Margaret Skrmetta Greenwood and Antonia Skrmetta Werthner. Survivors include his daughter, Michelle (David) Baggett; sons, Steve Dujmov, Mike (Lee Ann) Dujmov and Derrick Dujmov; grandchildren, Meagan Baggett, Kristyn Dujmov, Justin Gunther and Kyla Dujmov; nieces, Mary Jane Parrish, Letha (Raymond) Cruthirds and Toni Dujmov; and nephew, Steve Dujmov. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, November 30, 2016]
JOHN DUJMOV
John [Ivan] Dujmov (1889-1959) was born at Molat on July 2, 1889 to Robert Dujmov and Mary Basich. He left Trieste and arrived at New York City on September 8, 1913 aboard the Martha Washington and settled at 315 Oak Street in Biloxi, Mississippi.(Declaration of Intention No. 764-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-. John married Mary Mandich (1891-1962) also a Molat native. The family left Biloxi in 1927 and settled in Hoquiam, Washington. John Dujmov passed at Hoquiam, Washington on April 26, 1959. Mary Mandich Dujmov lived until December 11, 1962.
Children
Evelyn M. Dujmov
Evelyn M. Dujmov (1921-2017) was born at Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County, Washington on September 7, 1921. She married Jerry Dale Walloch (1923-2000) in Washington.
Olga V. Dujmov
Olga Dujmov (1923-) was born at Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County, Washington on July 26, 1923. She married Donald Glen Jacobs in 1945 and Mr. Dennis.
Robert J. Dujmov
Robert John Dujmov (1924-2005), age 80 years, passed away September 25, 2005, at Puget Sound Healthcare Center in Olympia. He was born December 7, 1924, in Biloxi, Missississippi, to John Dujmov and Mary Mandich Dujmov. He moved to Hoquiam with his family when he was 3 years old. Robert attended Hoquiam schools until age 16. He then went to work to help his family due to the ill health of his father. One of his first jobs was working in the circulation department of the Washingtonian newspaper in Hoquiam. He worked at the veneer plant in Hoquiam and subsequently at various plywood mills in Aberdeen and Hoquiam including Aberdeen Plywood and Harbor Plywood. While living in Hoquiam, he attended Our Lady of Good Help Church. He moved to Olympia in the late 1960s. He went to work for Delson Lumber Co. in Olympia and retired from Tumwater Lumber Co. in June of 2001.Robert was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. He was extremely close to his brother, John. Together they built his home in the Olympia area. John passed away in 2003. He was an ardent sports fan and loved to have discussions with fellow fans. He was a passionate fan of the New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Football team. Robert was a loyal customer of Mega Foods in Tumwater and enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to the clerks. He is survived by his sisters, Rose McCauley of Olympia, Olga Dennis of Tacoma, and Evelyn Walloch of Aberdeen; his sister-in-law, Edna Dujmov of North Bend as well as several nieces and nephews.Visitation will be at Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A funeral service will be at 12 Noon on Thurs-day, Sept. 29, 2005, at Our Lady of Good Help Church, 200 L. Street in Hoquiam. Interment will follow at Hoquiam's Sunset Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials to Robert be sent to St. Vincent DePaul Society, P.O. Box 766, Olympia, WA 98507. Arrangements by: Coleman Mortuary of Hoquiam.[The Daily World (Aberdeen, Washington), September 28, 2005.
John J. Dujmov
John Joseph Dujmov (1926-2003) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 2, 1926. He married Edna Mae Holm (1929-2008) in Washington.
Rose Mary Dujmov was born in Washington. She married Gerald F. McCauley in 1952
ROBERT N. DUJMOV
Robert N. Dujmov (1892-1971) was born at Molat on March 8, 1892. He married Maria Pauline Bacich. Child: Milan Joseph Dujmov (1920-1977) m. Mary Ann Russell (1925-2012).
In 1930, Robert Dujmov lived at 1417 Third Street in Biloxi where he and brother, Tony, were employed as boatmen in the seafood industry. The family relocated to New Orleans where they lived at 2855 Law Street. Dujmov managed a restaurant in 1955.
Children
Milan J. Dujmov
Milan Joseph Dujmov (1920-1977) was born at Molat, Croatia. He came to America with his mother as they arrived 29 July 1927 at New York City as passengers on the SS Aquitania that embarked from Cherbourg, France. Milan married Mary Ann Russell (1925-2012).
Mary Ann Russell (1925-2012), wife of the late Milan J. Dujmov, passed away on July 25, 2012 at the age of 87 years. She was the beloved mother of Linda Dujmov Poirier (Jules), Robert F. Dujmov, and Joseph E. Dujmov (Yvonne). Daughter of the late Fred Washington Russell and Willie Gregory Russell. Sister of the late Bobbie McCown. Grandmother of Brett Carver (Kim), Melissa Adams (Keith), Shawn Carver (Melissa), Jennifer Jenkins (Cory) and Ashley Dujmov. She is survived by 8 great-grandchildren and also a niece and a nephew. Mary Ann was born 25 March 1925 at Broken Bow, Oklahoma, raised in DeQueen, Arkansas and lived most of her life in the New Orleans area. Her Funeral Mass was at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Chapel, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Her corporal interment was in St. Roch Cemetery #2.[The Times-Picayune, July 28, 2012]
Children
Linda Ann Dujmov married [in 1967] Edwin Norman Carver and later Mr. Jules Poirier.
Joseph Edward Dujmov married in 1977] Yvonne Marie Stewart
ANTHONY DUJMOV
Antonio 'Tony' Dujmov (1894-1970) was born at Molat. He married Stose Antonio Kolich Dujmov (1897-1990). Children: Velma Mary Dujmov (1922-1998) m. Joseph R. Misko (1916-1990) and Mary Lucia Dujmov (1930-2017) m. James P. Jordan and Howard E. Mathieu.
Stose [Stosija] Antonia Kolich Dujmov (1894-1970), age 93 years, died April 5, 1990, at Biloxi, Mississippi. She was the widow of Tony Dujmov (1894-1970) and a native of Soline, Otok Krk,Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia. Mrs. Dujmov was a former seafood worker and a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi. She was survived by two daughters: Velma Mary Dujmov (1922-1998) m. Joseph R. Misko Sr. (1916-1990) and Mary Dujmov m. Howard Mathieu; two sisters, Senta Desbota, at San Pedro, California and Manda Stipanov, in Croatia; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and 2 great, great-grandchildren. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the funeral of Mrs. Dujmov. Her corporal remains were interred in Southern Memorial Park at Biloxi, Mississippi, following a funeral Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church.(The Sun Herald, April 6, 1990, p. C2)
Children
Velma M. Dujmov
Velma Mary Dujmov (1922-1998) was born on April 1, 1922, probably at Molat, Croatia. She had been a longtime resident of Biloxi and was a retired seafood worker and was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Biloxi. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Stose Dujmov; and her husband, Joseph R. Misko Sr. Survivors include two daughters, Marie A. Johnson of Royal Oak, Mich., and Lorraine Joseph of Binghampton, N.Y.; four sons, Peter Misko, Joseph R. Misko Jr. and Jerry Wayne Misko, all of Biloxi, and Keith William Misko of Royal Oak; a sister, Mary Mathieu of N. Biloxi; 17 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Velma Dujmov Misko, age 76 years, died Sunday, August 30, 1998, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Her funeral service was held at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Burial was at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi was in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, September 1, 1998]
Mary L. Dujmov
Mary Lucia Dujmov (1930-2017), age 86 years, of Biloxi, passed away on January 23, 2017. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Pearl Jordan (1926-1962); second husband, Howard E. Mathieu (1923-2001); 4 sons, James Jordan, George Jordan, Martin Jordan, and Robert Jordan; and a sister, Velma Misko. Survivors include 2 sons, Michael (Janell) Jordan and John (Jessica) Jordan, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Mrs. Mathieu worked in the cafeteria for the Biloxi School System more than 20 years and she enjoyed painting and ceramics.
The Riemann Family Funeral Home at Ocean Springs served the Mathieu-Jordan families. Burial was in Southern Memorial Park at Biloxi.[The Sun Herald, January 25, 2017]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Sam Dujmov dies”, November 21, 1951.
The Daily Herald, 'Tony Dujmov', November 15, 1970.
The Sun Herald, “Stose Antonio Dujmov”, April 6, 1990.
The Sun Herald,“Velma Dujmov Misko”, September 1, 1998.
The Sun Herald, "Antonia Skrmetta Werthner", September 4, 2011.
The Sun Herald, “Sam Robert Dujmov”, September 27, 2013.
The Times-Picayune, "[Robert N.] Dujmov", June 6, 1971.
KOVACH FAMILY
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Biloxi Cemetery [5th Addition]
Samuel [Simeone] Kovach (1881-1928) was born at Molat on October 15, 1881 to Samuel Kovach and Lucia Barich. He married Mary Matulich (1882-1930), the daughter of Anthony Matulich and Antonia Donmoe? Two daughters both born at Molat: Lucy Marie Kovach (1893-19 ) married Jerko [Jerry] M. Covich (1894-1951), the son of Matre Covich and Jeanette Yancin, and Veronica Kovach (1911-1977+) married Sam Anthony Batinich (1901-1970), the son of John Batinich and Yvonne Maricnem all natives of Molat.
Children
Lucy M. Kovach
In 1930, Jerko Covich and family were residing with Mary Kovach, his mother-in-law, at 1412 East Howard Avenue. Jerko made his livelihood a the captain of a boat. Their children were: Jerry M. Covich II (1924-2004) m. Shannon R. Lestrade; Rita Covich m. William E. Forbes; Marie Genette Covich m. Joseph Stuart Frentz; Rosalie Covich (1929-2016) m. John R. Isola; Betty Covich m. Mr. Hughes; Joseph R. 'Rudy' Covich (1932-2000); and Rodney Covich.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 18B, ED 2)
Veronica Kovach
Veronica Kovach married Sam Anthony Batinich (1901-1970), a native of Molat.
Frank Kovach
Frank Kovach married Inez Frances Shields? (1936-1977), the daughter of Inez Shields of Sacremento, California. Their children were: Inez K. Class; Julie Ann Kovach (1959-1993); Lynn Marie Kovach; Sandra Beth Kovach, and Steve Travis Kovach. Inez F. Kovach expired at the USAF Medical Center at KAFB in December 1977.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Inez Frances Kovach", December 5, 1977, p. A2.
The States-Item, 'New Orleans' Underground Gourmet-Sam's Place run like freindly neighbor's kitchen', March 6, 1971.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph R. 'Rudy' Covich”, August 24, 2000, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, “Jerry M. Covich”, June 3, 2004, p. A6.
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George A. Magas and Mikela Bistirlich
[Biloxi Cemetery-September 2012]
MAGAS FAMILY
George A. Magas and (1873-1929) was born on Molat on March 27, 1873. He married Mikela Bistirlich (1879-1952), a native of Bozava, Dugi Otok, a Croatian island. She was the daughter of Anthony Bistirlich and Antonio Crvicich. Their known children were: Veronica Magas (1896-2005) m. Mark Matulich; Violet Anna Magas (1910-1986) m. George Omas; George Magas (1926-1926); and Antoney Magas. The Magas family lived at 327 Oak Street.
George A. Magas Jr. died on December 7, 1929. Mikela Bistirlich Magas expired on March 3, 1952. She was survived by two daughters and three brothers: Peter, Sam and Bob Bistirlich of Yugoslavia and Mrs. Mary Skifich, also a Yugoslavian resident. Both George and Mikela's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, March 3, 1952, p. 6)
VERONICA MAGAS
Veronica Magas (1896-2005) was born at Molat, Croatia, the daughter of George A. Magas Jr. (1873-1929) and Mikela Bistirlich (1879-1952), a native of the village of Bozava on the island of Dugi Otok, and the daughter of Anthony Bistirlich and Antonio Crvicich. Veronica Magas was reared at Biloxi and married Marko [Mike] Matulich on June 18, 1925. For many years she resided in Metairie, Louisiana and expired at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on July 17, 2005. Her corporal remains were interred at New Orleans in the St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 102 and The Ocean Springs Record, July 21, 2005, p. A5)
VIOLET MAGAS
Violet Anna Magas (1910-1986) was described as 'a dark-eyed, diminutive Miss" when she won Biloxi's First Oyster Festival on September 3, 1934. The event was sponsored by the Biloxi Lodge of Elks. Miss Magas represented the Anticich Packing Company. Miss Elizabeth Misko of DeJean packing Company placed 2nd, and Josephine Tremontana of the Sea Coast packing Company was third.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1934, p. 1 and September 3, 1934, p. 1)
Veronica A. Magas married Peter George Omas in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 14, 1936. Children: George Omas (b. ca 1942); (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 47, p. 63)
GEORGE MAGAS JR.
George Magas (1926-1926) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 14, 1926 and died on Septmber 9, 1926.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Magas child dies”, September 10, 1926.
The Daily Herald,“Eight girls in Oyster frolic”, August 28, 1934.
The Daily Herald,“Miss Magas crowned first Oyster Festival; $1,379 raised”, September 3 1934.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Magas dies”, March 3, 1952.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Veronica Magas Matulich", July 21, 2005.
The Sun Herald, "Veronica Magas Matulich", July 19, 2005.
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MAVAR FAMILY
JOHN SAM MAVAR (1880-1960)
New Orleans
The Mavar family that came to America from Molat, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, in the late 19th Century and settled at New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi were the children of Sam Mavar and Antonia Pesuvich: John Sam Mavar (1880-1960) m. Olivia Skrmetta (1888-1955); Mary Mavar (1896-1981) m. George Joseph Vodanovich (1888-1958); Herbert Mavar; Sam Mavar (1881-1974) m. Sara Stamac; Anna Mavar (18-1969) m. James Mario Biskopovich (1954); and Vladimir ‘Miro’ Mavar (1893-1975) m. Iva Grmoja (1933-1985).
Children of Sam and Antonia that did not leave Molat were: Stephania Mavar Pirc; Katica Mavar Matulich; Josephine Mavar Stamac.
Biloxi
The founder of the Mavar family at Biloxi, Mississippi was John Sam Mavar (1880-1960). He was born on April 14, 1880 at Molat, a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea off the Dalmatian Coast. John S. Mavar arrived at New York City in 1897. He was naturalized in the Civil District Court at New Orleans, Louisiana on December 1, 1905. Witness to this event were John Gentilich and Anthony M. Masich both domiciled in the Crescent City.(La. Naturalization Index P2087-Roll 10)
On January 6, 1907, John S. Mavar married Olivia Skrmetta (1888-1955), the daughter of Nicholas A. Skrmetta (1855-1918) and Margaret [Jacich, Jakoich and Jaksic] (1862-1947). Their children were: John S. Mavar Jr. (1907-1973) m. Antonia Gentilich (1909-1991); Antonia Mavar (1909-1991) m. Pascal F. Taliancich (1902-1976); Marguerite Rita Mavar (1910-2002) m. Joseph Lawrence (1902-1975); Samuel Joseph Mavar (1912-1993) m. Lucy Sekul (1916-2004); Nick Mavar (1914-2003) m. Irma Sumerlin (1919-2001); Victor Vadrian Mavar (1926-) m. Claire Gayle Donlon.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 18, p. 438 and 1910 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T 624_740, p. 18B, ED 33 and R 1146, p. 12B, ED 6)
Oyster Poaching
Captain John S. Mavar (1880-1960) aboard Electricity, a schooner owned by Lopez & Dukate, was caught poaching oysters in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana in mid-April. He pleaded guilty and his crew of Simon Mavar, Simon Mavar Jr. and John Matozich was released. Bond was set at $300 and the authorities in St. Bernard Parish wanted the schooner forfeited as part of the penalty for having six barrels of Louisiana oysters.(The New Orleans Item, April 14, 1907, p. 2, April 16, 1907, p. 12, and May 7, 1907, p. 1 and The Daily Picayune, April 14, 1907, p. 12)
Master John S. Mavar
John S. Mavar continued as the captain of a Biloxi fishing schooner until about 1919. Some of the vessels that a Mavar was named master were: Desoto (1913)-Joe Mavar; Wonder (1914)-John Mavar; Sailor’s Joy (1915)-John Mavar; Kanugo (1916)-John Mavar.(The Daily Herald, November 22, 1913, p 8; may 18, 1914; November 9, 1914, p. 8; September 23, 1915; and August 17, 1916)
Reynoir Street Grocery
John S. Mavar acquired a lot from Miguel Sagas on July 27, 1914 on the south east corner of Reynoir Street and Bradford Street for $880. Miguel Sagas had been legated this tract from Miguel Perez. The Mavar lot had 96 feet on Reynoir Street and ran east on Bradford Street for 120 feet(The Daily Herald, July 31, 1914, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 108, p. 456)
In May 1925, John S. Mavar acquired for $240 an eastern addition to his Reynoir Street property when he added a 48-foot wide parcel that ran south from Bradford Street for about 103 feet to the land of Judith Jackson.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 146, p. 90)
Other Croatian families settled acquired real estate along Reynoir Street were Marco Vuyovich; Lille Luxich; Peter Negovetich; Rerecich; James Bukupovich (1926); George Vodanovich (1925);
In July 1947, John S. Mavar sold the south half [48 feet] of his Reynoir Street property to Walker McDonnell for $3000. The north half [48 feet] was conveyed to John S. Breland and Yertie Breland for $3500 in September 1947 for $3500.( Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. , p. and Bk. , p. )
Biloxi Trading and Packing Company
John S. Mavar became a principal in the Biloxi Packing & Trading Company when it was incorporated on September 20, 1920 at New Orleans, Louisiana. The company was organized as follows: W.H. Anticich, president and Grego Anticich (1886-1954), secretary. Other principals were: Mary Skrmetta Anticich (1898-1947), Jake Rosetti, John Mavar, John Skrmetta, Vincent Rosetti, Mike Kulwan, Frank Bosarge, and Vlocho Milion.(Orleans Parish, Louisiana MOB, 1246, p. 286 and The Daily Herald, September 19, 1920, p. 4)
Mavar Packing Company-Point Cadet
John S. Mavar began acquiring land on the Biloxi Channel at Point Cadet in July 1922 when he paid Carl Matthes $3000 for Lot 6-Block 1 of the Summerville Addition. This tract, which was formerly owned by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), had 80 feet on the water and ran north for about 600 feet. Maple Street was to the east; 1st Street to the north; and the Lopez property to the west. Mr. Mavar immediately conveyed a ½ undivided interest in this tract to Olivia Mavar, his wife.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 135, p. 137 and Bk. 135, p. 138)
In September 1922, the Dunbar-Dukate Company quitclaimed to John S. Mavar Lot 7-Block 1 of the Summerville Addition. This parcel was inland and had a width of 80 feet and 200 feet deep.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 137, p. 22)
Veronica Anticich Cangemi v. Anticich Canning and Packing Company
In late October 1954, Judge Dan M. Russell accepted the petition of Ralph Harold, Nick Mavar and Glenn L. Swetman (1901-1994) to sell in a private sale the real estate and property of the Anticich Canning and Packing Company to John Mavar Jr., Sam Mavar and Victor Mavar. The selling price was $70,000 and included the copyright brands-American Beauty and Silver Spray and the following vessels: Adriatic, Europa, Lillian; Lillian B., Louise, Mary, Baltic, Pacific, On Time, and Veronia.( Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 387, p. 483)
The sale of the Anticich Canning and Packing Company to the Mavars was effected on November 5, 1954.( (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 387, p. 483)
‘Mock Wedding’
On the morning of May 2, 1941, the final day of the oyster packing season, Mavar’s employees celebrated by having a ‘mock wedding’ ceremony. The wedding party assembled and marched into the general work rooms where the ‘ceremony’ was performed. Theodore Strickland and Maggie Tisdale were the groom and bride and both appropriately dressed for their ‘nuptials’. Mary Provizda gave the groom away while Emile Freeman gave the bride away. Mrs. Kate Senseney served as the minister. Misses Anna Budnich, Elvera Hartman and Ethlyn Hamm acted as ring bearer, flower girl and shotgun bearer respectively. Bernard Senseney was best man and the maids of honor were Misses Catherine Thibodeaux and Nola Oliver. Bridesmaids were Misses Ertha Veillion; Yvonne Seymour; Celie Bosarge; Marie Allen; Inez Powell and Elvera Powell. Mrs. Vivian Coffee, sister of the bride, sang and Mary Provizda gave the groom away. The Mavar Shrimp and Oyster Company provided refreshments following the ‘wedding’.(The Daily Herald, May 2, 1941, p. 5)
Sam Mavar
Sam Mavar (1881-1974) was born at Molat, County on August 10, 1881. He left Trieste aboard Julia, a ship of the Austria-American Line, and arrived at NYC on October 2, 1904. Sam made his declaration of intent to become an American citizen at NOLA in April 1917. In April 1920, he made his petition for naturalization in the Federal Court at Biloxi, Mississippi. At this time Sam was married to Sara Stamac and they were domilced at 816 Reynoir Street with Maria Mavar, their daughter, who was born October 29, 1913.[Petition for Naturalization No. 213-Southern District Court-S. Mississippi-April 1920]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Marine News of past week”, November 22, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Maine News of past week”, May 18, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “List of deeds filed for record”, July 31, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Marine transfers more numerous”, November 9, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Two score boats go after shrimp for Biloxi plants”, September 23, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Fishing fleet is augmented”, August 16, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Knights to hold big initiation”, December 14, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Wants them [Mavar family] out of trouble Dalmatia”, February 20, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Europeans will join Biloxi relatives [John Mavar]”, May 13, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Vodanovich-Mavar”, May 19, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Slight [Mary Mavar] mistake ”, May 20, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Notice to stockholders”, June 17, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Telephone case is postponed-twenty aliens admitted”, June 23, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “[John Mavar] Aid cousin [Casimer Sigarich] to America”, November 24, 1922.
The Daily, "Mrs. Walker [Inez Simonich] Buried", May 24, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Shrimp canner, son thrown into water”, November 26, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Mavar workers close season with wedding”, May 2, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Fourth Term”, June 22, 1945.
The Daily Herald, “John S. Mavar, retired seafood canner, is dead”, August 15, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Port body [Biloxi Port Commission] headed by Sam Mavar”, December 9, 1964.
The Daily Herald, “Pierce-Mavar nuptials revealed today”, June 23, 1966.
The Daily Herald, “John Mavar Jr. taken by death in New Orleans”, January 15, 1973.
The Daily Picayune, “In St. Bernard”, April 14, 1907.
The New Orleans Item, “Fished waters without license”, April 14, 1907.
The New Orleans Item, “Special election in St. Bernard”, April 16, 1907.
The New Orleans Item, “After violators of oyster laws”, May 7, 1907.
The Sun Herald, “Irma Sumerlin Mavar”, September 5, 2001.
The Sun Herald, “Nick A. Mavar Sr.”, February 5, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Lucy Sekul Mavar”, June 24, 2004.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Lucy Sekul Mavar”, June 24, 2004.
The Times-Picayune, “Stiff sentences loom for [Miro Mavar] faking paupers oath”, April 25, 1926.
The Times-Picayune, “Court continues suit over shrimp inspection rules”, June 6, 1933.
The Times-Picayune, “Personals [Taliancich-Mavar]”, May 2, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, “Biloxi crowds entertained by races for power boats”, July 5, 1938.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths [James Mario Biskupovich]”, February 23, 1954.
The Times-Picayune, “Restaurateur [George Vodanovich] dies suddenly”, January 0, 1958.
The Times-Picayune, “Miss Claire Gayle Donlon”, March 2, 1958.
The Times-Picayune, “Ills of shrimp industry told”, March 8, 1960.
The Times-Picayune, “Shrimp trawls still are held”, August 24, 1960.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths [Anna Mavar Biskupovich]”, August 28, 1969.
The Times-Picayune, “Seafood loss $75,000,000”, September 12, 1969.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths [Sam Mavar]”, February 5, 1974.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths [Marie Mavar Vodanovich]”, March 4, 1981.
SAVIN FAMILY
Another family of southern European origin to settle in the St. Martin community of Jackson County, Mississippi before 1920, was the Savin brothers, Antonio Savin, (1881-1920+), John M. Savin (1885-1940), and Marion Savin (1889-1920+). They were from the island of Molat off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
John M. Savin arrived at Ellis Island with his uncle and brother in September 1906 and disembarked from the SS Pennsylvania. He had difficulty with his immigrations papers as he applied for his citizenship declaration in February 1914 in another region. At Biloxi, Mississippi in 1921, he had to re-apply and anticipated a wait of two years before acquiring American citizenship.(The Daily Herald, March 2, 1921, p. 2)
In the St. Martin community north of Back Bay, Tony Savin had a truck farm, John toiled as a garage mechanic, probably for James Ferguson (1897-1920+), and Marion Savin fished. The Savin place was north of St. Martin Bayou between the lands of Van Eaton Seymour and Charles Dundolph and also south of the Ocean Springs-Biloxi Road, now LeMoyne Boulevard.
John M. Savin
In April 1922, John M. Savin married Mary Jane Elizabeth Latimer (1895-1949). She was the daughter of Judge James A. Latimer (1859-1922) and Jane Seymour. Judge Latimer may have been the first person to own an automobile in the eastern St. Martin community. They may have had a son, John L. Savin (1922-1983).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “[John Savin] Having a hard time getting his naturalization”, March 2, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Ruling of interest made in naturalization [John Savin] case”, April 20, 1921.
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Croatian arrivals from Privlaka, Zadar County-Glavan, Mazara or Mozaro, and Zorich.
Croatian arrivals from Privlaka, Zadar County-Glavan, Mazara or Mozaro, and Zorich.
GLAVAN
Marko G. Glavan and Ella Mazaro
[Biloxi Cemetery-September 2012]
Marko George Glavin (1885-1957) was born March 25, 1885, in Privlaka, a fishing village on the Dalmatian Coast about twelve miles northwest of Zadar, Croatia. It was from Zadar that Marco G. Glavan immigrated to America landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. On January 20, 1915 he applied for naturalization papers at the U.S. District Court in Biloxi. Mr. Glavan resided at 118 Jackson Street.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1915, p. 2)
Marco was naturalized [ No. 502522] on February 18, 1918 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Marco G. Glavan married Ella Mazaro (1895-1954), the daughter of Luka Mazaro and Anna Zec or Setz (1864-1945). Marco and Ella M. Glavan settled at 199 Oak Street in Biloxi. Here they reared their five children: Eurilda Frances Glavin aka Sister Joseph Frances Glavan (1915-2002); Sylvia Rita Glavan (1918-2004); Mary Ann Glavan Konish (1921-1997) m. Frederick Rosetti and John Konish; Herbert Anthony Glavan (1930-2015) m. Toni Darlene Ellis (1944-1970) and Mary Nell Witt; and Marco G. Glavan II (1923-1986) m. Fern McCaleb (1930-1994).(The Daily Herald, March 12, 1954, p. 12)
Children
Eurilda F. Glavin
Sister Joseph Francis Glavan (1915-2002), C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, died Wednesday at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. She was 87 years old.
Sister Joseph was born Eurilda Frances Glavan in Biloxi, Missssissippi, and lived in New Orleans for the past 24 years. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi and received a bachelor's degree in education from Loyola University of New Orleans. She entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph in New Orleans in 1936 and professed her final vows in 1942. She was a teacher at St. Joseph Academy in New Orleans, St. Joseph Parochial in Baton Rouge, Guardian Angels School in Cincinnati, Ohio, St. Ignatius School in Grand Coteau, Holy Rosary School in New Orleans, Sacred Heart School in Baton Rouge, St. Frances Cabrini School in New Orleans and the Sisters of St. Joseph School on the St. Frances Cabrini School campus.
After she retired from teaching in 1994, she attended classes at the People Program and worked in community service at the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent.
Survivors include a brother, Herbert Glavan, and a sister, Sylvia Glavan. A Mass will be said today at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1200 Mirabeau Ave. Visitation will begin at 8 a.m. Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Times-Picayune, September 21, 2002]
Sylvia Rita Glavan
Sylvia Rita Glavan (1918-2004), age 85 years, of Biloxi died Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Ms. Glavan was a native and lifelong resident of the coast. She was an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church where she taught religious classes. She was retired from the family's business, Glavan Trawl Company, and also retired from the City of Biloxi.
Ms. Glavan was preceded in death by her parents, Marco and Ellen Mazaro Glavan, two sisters, Sister Joseph Francis C.S.J. and Mary Ann Konish and one brother, Marco "Mike" Glavan, Jr. Survivors include a brother, Mr. Herbert "Herby" Glavan of Biloxi; ten nieces and nephews, Sandra Hill, Russell Glavan, Charmaine Glavan, Anthony Glavan, Kenny Glavan, Sheri Glavan, Donna Krohn, Melanie Dubois, Lynn Brown and Ella Glavan and numerous great nieces and nephews. There will be an 11 a.m. funeral mass Monday, April 19, 2004, at St. Michael Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, April 17, 2004]
Mary Ann Glavan
Mary Ann Glavan (1921-1997)
Herbert Anthony "Herb" Glavan
Herbert Anthony "Herb" Glavan (1930-2015) was born March 25, 1930 and passed away peacefully at his home in Biloxi on Friday, October 30, 2015 at the age of 85 years. First generation Croatian-American, trawl maker, father, pawpaw, great-grandfather and friend. He wore many hats mostly his beloved Notre Dame hat.
The Point Cadet was Herb's stomping grounds. Born and raised on Oak St., where his father established Glavan Trawl Company in 1937 next to the family home and later Herb took over the family business until Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Herb had a good Catholic Education starting with some discipline lessons from Sister Adrian at Holy Angels, Dukate, St. Stanislaus and graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1948. Known for his dapper dressing, love of dancing, baseball, sunglasses and gift of gab, Herb worked hard, played hard, dressed hard...his opening line might sound something like: "Where ya at, cat", "Who hit ya darlin", "You workin hard or hardly workin?", "You never know how you look until you get your picture took." He learned that first hand when he landed a role as an extra in the George Clooney movie "O'Brother Where Art Thou", along with his other credits, King Fish, Glory Road and selected as Gene Hackman's double in "The Chamber".
Herb loved Biloxi and supported many community events, especially the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, where he provided net –making demonstrations and cast nets for the cast-net throwing contests.
Herb was honored with being selected 2006 Biloxi Shrimp King, inducted into the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum Hall of Fame and received the keys to the city in 2015. He loved the social events at the Slavonian Lodge and the French Club and had the reputation as a good dancer and sweet talker. His uncanny ability to recall Biloxi history and his storytelling talents can be enjoyed by visitors of the Museum.
Herb is preceded in death by his parents, Marco "Golden Mike" Glavan and Ella Mazara Glavan; his siblings, Eurylda "Sister Joseph Frances" Glavan, Mikey Glavan, Sylvia Glavan and Mary Ann Konish; and his wife, Toni Ellis Glavan.
Herb's survivors include his 5 children, Russell Glavan (Jane), Charmaine Rodgers (Charlie), Anthony Glavan (Jenny), Kenny Glavan (Lisa Compton) and Sheri Glavan; his best friend and companion of 16 years, Belinda Vince; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, 115 E. 1st Street, Biloxi, MS 39530. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 11:00 am.
Friends may visit from 9:30 am until mass time. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Slavonian Lodge. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, Sunday, November 1, 2015]
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Herb Glavan: Last of the seafood ambassadors, Glavan dies at 85
BILOXI -- A leader in the seafood industry that shaped Biloxi, a staunch competitor, an avid story-teller, a skilled net-maker and an athlete, Herb Glavan enjoyed people, young and old, and loved giving demonstrations at Biloxi's Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum.
Glavan died Friday at his home, dressed and ready to go to a doctor's appointment. He was 85.
Robin Krohn David, executive director, called him one of the seafood museum's pioneers, "a great volunteer in the early years."
"He's on a video that we show at the museum every day, talking about the seafood industry and his business (Glavan Trawl that was on Oak Street before Katrina)," she said. "He's one of a group of characters interviewed on 'The Biloxi that Seafood Built.'"
Also on the video are Eley Ross and Jimmy Ellis, others who knew the skill of putting together shrimp and cast nets, she said, "and all of them are gone."
She said the museum would call Glavan if they had a school group coming that needed a demonstration.
"He had such colorful stories," she said. "He would show you how to knit a net. For the children, they would get on their knees, and he would throw it over their heads, like they were the fish and he was catching them. Kids loved that."
His son, Kenny Glavan, a Biloxi councilman, said when they had the business of net-making, he was a serious competitor.
He reminded shrimpers to be successful, Kenny Glavan said. When he designed a net for a shrimper, he interviewed them.
"He wanted to know what depth they were fishing, the power of the boat, the length and width," Kenny Glavan said.
He kept detailed records and was constantly fine-tuning his nets, his son said.
"He would tailor the net to the boat the fisherman had. That's what set him apart."
He had the gift of gab, a charmer who liked to dance. In the 1950s and 60s he was also known on the Coast as an athlete, playing center field on 17 state champion men's fast-pitch softball teams. He was working on three scrapbooks from that era when he died.
He spoke with a casting director once and found himself as an extra in movies that were shot in the Delta and New Orleans. He had bit parts in "King Fish" and "Glory Road." He doubled for Gene Hackman, even though he wasn't happy about cutting his hair for the part. He was a bank teller in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou," his favorite project.
"He made nets for everybody in the world," said Biloxi Councilman George Lawrence. "He always believed in the seafood industry. If you asked him a question, he'd talk for 15 minutes about it. It was his way of life, seafood and shrimping. He had a happy way of life, always enjoying himself. He was an ambassador."
Glavan was the 2006 Biloxi Shrimp King and was inducted in the seafood museum Hall of Fame in 2014.
He lived at home in Biloxi until the end. He could walk and still had his balance, Kenny Glavan said. Friends and family checked on him. He was still cooking.
"He just had agreed to get a walker. The doctor had written a prescription, and I picked it up the day he died," Kenny Glavan said. "He wasn't suffering or bed ridden .... He was quite a man, we'll miss him."
His services will be Wednesday at St. Michael Catholic Church.[ from The Sun Herald, November 2, 2015]
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Herb Glavan: Notable South Mississippi deaths of 2015
Herb Glavan: A pioneer of Biloxi's Maritime & Seafood Museum, Glavan died Oct. 30 at age 85. The avid storyteller and skilled net-maker owned Glavan Trawl before 2005's Hurricane Katrina and was the father of Biloxi Councilman Kenny Glavan.[ from The Sun Herald, Tuesday, December 29, 2015]
REFERENCES:
The Baton Rouge Advocate "GLAVAN, C.S.J., SISTER JOSEPH", September 19, 2002.
The Daily Herald, "Naturalization Papers", January 21, 1915, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Biloxi girl in convent", March 24, 1937.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Glavan [Ella Mazaro] expires", March 12, 1954, p. 12.
The Daily Herald, "Marco Glavan death", December 26, 1957, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, 'Fern Marie Glavan', August 31, 1994.
The Sun Herald, 'Mary Ann Glavan Konish', October 5, 1997.
The Sun Herald, "The Glavan family legacy", September 29, 2013, p. F1.
The Times-Picayune, 'Sister Joseph Francis Glavan', September 21, 2002.
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MOZARO-MAZARA
LUCAS MOZARO
Lucas Mazaro (1861-1910) married Annie Zelz (1864-1945).
Children: Mary A. Mozaro (1889-1956); Anthony M. Mozaro (1892-1971); Helena Margarite Mozara (1895-1954) m. Marco G. Glavan (188-1957); Romana Frances Mozaro (1897-1921); Annie L. Mozara (1901-1979) m. Anthony M. Kuluz (1892-1956); Herbert Mozaro (1903-1995); Walter J. Mozaro (1904-1957) m. Eva M. Talianicich (1912-1990); and Volta Mozara (b. 1905).
Children
[from Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi (1991)-p. 216, p. 233, and p. 234]
Mary Antonia Mozarra born October 12, 1889 f. Luck m. Anna
Samuel Lukas Mozara born May 28, 1892 f. Lukas m. Annie Zitz
?sa Marguerite Mozara born February 5, 1895 f. Lukas m. Annie Zetz
Samuel Lukas Mozara born May 28, 1892 f. Lukas m. Annie Zitz
Helena Margarite Mazerat born April 16, 1896 f. Luke m. Annie Zelz
Romana Gabrielle Mozara born March 24, 1899 f. Lucas m. Annie Zitz
Children
[from 1900 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census]
Mary Mozarra born October 1889
Tony Mozarra born May 1892
Elina Mozarra born April 1896
Romana born March 1899
Mozaro Children Biographies
Mary A. Mozaro
Mary Antonia Mozaro (1889-1956) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 12, 1889. On April 4, 1907 at Biloxi, Mississippi, she married Charles D. Medanich (1881-1934), the son of John Medanich and a native of Pula, Istria County, Croatia. Pula is a large winemaking and shipbuilding center in the Istrian region of northern Croatia. Charles was employed in New Orleans at the time of their nuptials.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 4, 1907, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 19, p. 51)
Charles D. Medanich was born on November 4, 1880. He left Glascow, Scotland aboard the SS Aina and arrived at New York City on June 16, 1899. When Charles submitted his application to become an American citizen in April 1911, he related that he lived at 3222 Oak Street in Biloxi, Mississippi and made his livelihood as a ship carpenter. His height was given as 5 feet 2 inches.(Declaration of Intention No. 93-Southern District Court of Mississippi-April 1911)
Charles D. and Annie M. Medanich were the parents of: Nicholas A. Medanich (1908-1987) m. Dessa Leona Medanich (1904-1962); Margaret Medanich (b. 1912); Elizabeth Medanich (b. 1914); Charles Paul Medanich (1917-1984); Frank J. Medanich (1921-2009) m. Jean King; and John Medanich (1928-1983).
and in January 1945 was domiciled at Pecos, Texas.
Anthony Michael Mozara
Ella M. Mozara
Marko George Glavin (1885-1957) was born March 25, 1885, in Privlaka, a fishing village on the Dalmatian Coast about twelve miles northwest of Zadar, Croatia. It was from Zadar that Marco G. Glavan immigrated to America landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. On January 20, 1915 he applied for naturalization papers at the U.S. District Court in Biloxi. Mr. Glavan resided at 118 Jackson Street.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1915, p. 2)
Marco G. Glavan married Ella Mazaro (1895-1954), the daughter of Luka Mazaro and Anna Zec or Setz (1864-1945). Marco and Ella M. Glavan settled at 199 Oak Street in Biloxi. Here they reared their five children: Eurylda Glavin aka Sister Joseph Frances Glavan (1915-2002); Sylvia Rita Glavan (1918-2004); Mary Ann Glavan Konish (1921-1997) m. John Konish; Herbert Anthony Glavan m. Toni Darlene Ellis (1944-1970); and Marco G. Glavan II (1923-1986) m. Fern McCaleb (1930-1994).(The Daily Herald, March 12, 1954, p. 12)
Annie L. Mozaro
Annie Lukrecia Mozaro (1901-1979) was born at Biloxi on . Annie married Anthony ‘Tony’ Kuluz (1892-1956) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 30, 1922.[Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 545]
Walter J. Mazara
Walter J. Mazara (1904-1957) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi December 12, 1904. He married Eva Marie Talianicich (1912-1990) in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 19, 1939. Children: Brenda Joyce Mazara (1941-1941); Sherry Mazara (b. 1942) m. James A. Vollmuth; and Anthony Michael Mazara (1944-1989) m. Carol Rene Porterfield m. Paul Edward Vaughn.
STEPHEN MOZARO
Stephen Mozaro (1862-1900) was born in 1862. He died in on September 19, 1895.
JOHN MOZARRO
John Mozarro (1883-1951) married Viola ‘Katie’ Kasovich (1893-1929) on May 13, 1912 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Children: Mary A. Mozaro m. Delbert J. Franklin and Stephen A. Mozara (1915-1998) m. Clarice Elizabeth Fountain (1918-2005).
CHILDREN
Stephen A. Mozaro
Stephen A. Mozaro married Clarice Elizabeth Fountain (1918-2005), the daughter of Walter Fountain and Winnie Diaz Fountain, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 26, 1937. In 1938, Stephen and Clarice F. Mozaro relocated from Biloxi to Galveston, Texas where he was the captain of a yacht. Here he and Clarice reared their four children: John Stephen Mozaro (1938-1938); Carol Ann Mozaro (b. 1941) m. Mr. Case; Professor Stephen A. Mozaro Jr. (b. 1942) m. Karen M. Kovacevich (b. 1951); and Captain Ronald Gregory Mozaro (b. 1952) m. Mildred R. Simon (b. 1961).
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Medanich-Mazzara [sic]”, April 4, 1907.
The Daily Herald, “Lucas Mozarra Commits Suicide”, May 10, 1910.
The Daily Herald, "Naturalization Papers", January 21, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Died [Romana Mozaro] Friday morning”, March 21, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Son to Mazaros”, December 30, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mozzara [sic] dies”, January 22, 1945.
The Daily Herald, “Mozara death”, February 19, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Glavan [Ella Mazaro] expires", March 12, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony M. Kuluz”, January 25, 1956.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Mozaro”, September 10, 1957.
The Daily Herald, "Marco Glavan death", December 26, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “Anthony Mazara”, October 27, 1971.
The Daily Herald, “Annie L. Kuluz”, February 13, 1979.
The Dallas Morning News, “Frank J. Medanich”, April 7, 2009.
The Dallas Morning News, “Frank J. Medaich, TCU halfback used bond career to aid students”, April 8, 2009.
The Texas City Sun, “Clarice E. Fountain Mozara”, September 17, 2005.
Obituaries
Clarice Elizabeth Fountain Mozara
Clarice Elizabeth Fountain Mozara, 87, of Galveston, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2005, at Turner Geriatric Center.
The family will receive visitors after 2:00 pm, Sunday, September 18th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday at the funeral home with Father Gerald Lewis, SVD, officiating.
Clarice was born May 13, 1918, in Biloxi, Mississippi. In her early years, she was chosen as Miss Mississippi. She was a resident of Galveston for over 60 years and a member of Sacred Heart Church, where she was also active in the Altar Society. Clarice was one of the original members of the Lindale Garden Club.
Clarice?s passions in life were gardening, cooking, and caring for her husband and family. She spent many a happy moment playing bingo or going crabbing as well. She will be fondly remembered for her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Clarice is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Winnie Fountain; her devoted husband of 60 years, Captain Stephen Anthony Mozara, Sr.; son, John Mozara; and brothers, Elwood and Walter Fountain.
She is survived by her daughter, Carol Ann Mozara Case and Richard Specia, of San Antonio; sons, Captain RonMozara and wife, Millie, of Galveston; and Professor Stephen Mozara, Jr. of Galveston; sisters, May Cochran and husband, Ed, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and Beetsy Randazzo of D I-Berville, Mississippi; brothers, Gerald Fountain and wife, Janice, of D I-Berville, Mississippi; and Robert and Ronnie Fountain, of Biloxi, Mississippi; three grandchildren: Andrinna Kane and husband, Paul; Greg Mozara; and Ellen Claire Mozara; two great grandchildren: Olivia Kane and Carlie Kane; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to Amelia Veazie and Barbara Glover, as well as the staff of UTMB Geriatrics and Turner, 3rd floor Geriatric Center, for the kindness and care shown to Clarice during her illness.
Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross for the Hurricane Katrina Victims of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Deceased Name: Medanich, Frank J. L
Medanich, Frank J. Loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away April 5, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean, his children, Midge Hoerl (Tom), Melanie Medanich, David Medanich (Cindy), grandsons Matt and Michael Medanich and numerous nieces and nephews. Frank worked for First Southwest Company for 50 years, 30 of which he was on the Board of Director's and retired as Executive Vice President. The legacy of his long and faithful years of service was memorialized as he was honored as an employee, an officer, a director and a shareholder. Frank was graduated from TCU in 1944. He lettered as running back, played in the 1942 Orange Bowl, and was inducted into the TCU Football Hall of Fame. He served as a member of the TCU Board of Trustees since 1972 and retained the position of Emeritus Trustee until his death. Additionally, he served on the Brite Divinity Board from 1972-1985. Frank was TCU's representative to the Cotton Bowl from 1974 to 1980, and served on the Board of Juliette Fowler Homes from 1972-1985. Above all, Frank was faithful to the Lord he loved. All that knew him said he cared more about family, friends and business associates than for his own accomplishments. Visitation is from 6-8 Tuesday, April 7th, at Restland Funeral Home on Greenville Avenue. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Wednesday, April 8th at Scofield Memorial Church, 7730 Abrams Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Scofield Memorial Church, Missions Department, 7730 Abrams Road, Dallas, 75231 or to The Frank & Jean Medanich Scholarship at TCU, 2800 S. University Drive, Ft. Worth, TX, 76129. Malloy & Son Funeral Home. [from The Dallas Morning News, (Texas) - Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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ZORICH
JOHN ZORICH
John Steve Zorich (1883-1960) was born on December 26, 1883 at Privlaka, Zadar County, Croatia. He left Trieste in 1907 aboard Eugenia and arrived at New Orleans, Louisiana on September 24, 1907. John married Alena Kuluz (1895-1970), the widow Taliancich, on August 28, 1920 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of children: Mary Zorich (1922-2010) m. Stephen Thian; Eva Talianicich (1912-1990) m. Walter Mazara (1904-1957); Sam Zorich (1924-1925); Francis Zorich (1926-1929); and Steve John Zorich Sr. (1927-2015) m. Beverly Joyce McAllister.
JOSEPH ZORICH
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Walter Mozaro”, September 10, 1957.
The Sun Herald,“Mary Zorich Thian”, July 13, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Steve Zorich Sr.”, March 8, 2015.
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Croatian arrivals from Sinj, Croatia-Gillich and Gilich.
Croatian arrivals from Sinj, Croatia-Gillich and Gilich. osarep Mon, 12/31/2012 - 13:50
Gilich-Gillich Family Plot-Biloxi Cemetery
[image made December 2012 by Ray L. Bellande]
GILICH-GILLICH
Rosa G. Gilich (1902-1980), nee Guich, was born at Milna on the island of Brac, County Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. She married Michael Joseph "Chicago Mike" Gilich (1887-1972), a native of Sinj, County Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. Four daughters: Lucille Gilich (b. 1925) m. Alton Sydney Wescovich (1927-2007) and Edward Charles Barq Jr. (1921-1971); Anna Mae Gilich; Frances Gilich m. Mr. Duke; Joseph Gilich (1922-1943); Andrew M. Gillich (b. 1924) m. Jacobina Sekul Wetzel (1913-2003); Mary Agnes Gilich (1928-2012); Michael ‘Mike’ Joseph Gilich Jr. (1930-2012) m. Marlene Redding and Frances Ann Salisbury (b. 1953); and Rudolph Gilich (1933-1933).(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1980, p. A-2)
LUCILLE GILICH
Lucille Gillich married Albert Sydney Wescovich (1927-2007) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 21, 1944.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 65, p. 305)
JOSEPH GILICH
Joseph Gilich (1922-1943) joined the US Navy in October 1942. He drowned at Monterrey, California on December 10, 1943. Joseph's corporal remains were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, December 10, 1943, p. 10 and The Daily Herald, January 1, 1944, p. 3)
Andrew M. Gilich
Andrew M. Gilich, Sr., age 91 of Biloxi, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2014. He was preceded in death by wife of 58 years Jacobina Sekul Wetzel Gilich; his parents Mike Sr. and Rosa Guich Gillich; his brothers, Joseph Gillich, Rudolph Gillich and Mike Gillich, Jr.; his sisters, Anna Mae Gilich and Mary Agnes Gilich; son, Stephen K. Wetzel; and a grandson, Gregory Marco Gilich.
He is survived by sons, Jim Wetzel and Andrew “FoFo” Gilich (Serena); daughters, Andrea “Tot” Gilich, Sr. and Jaye Gilich Brice (C.A. “Buddy”); daughter-in-law, Brenda C. Wetzel; sister, Lucille Gilich Barq, all from Biloxi; and sister, Frances Gillich Duke of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Surviving grandchildren, all from Biloxi, include James K. Wetzel (Garnette), Jamie Wetzel Morgan (Peter), Leigh Wetzel Adamson, Carol Wetzel Roybal (Mario), Stephen Kenneth Wetzel, Jr. (Dawn), Kathlene Wetzel Atkinson (Robert), Christopher Wetzel, Rachel Gilich Wade (Keith), Gretchen Marie Gilich, Andrew “Andy” Gilich (Michelle), Andrew “Red” Gilich, Jr., Johneen Gilich Buchignani (John) and Jaqueline Gilich Wilson (Aaron). His great-grandchildren are Garner Wetzel, Jarrod Bigott, Anne Roybal Migues (Jeffrey), Brennan Roybal, Stephen Roybal, Elissa Roybal, Elizabeth Wetzel, Paul Wetzel, Stephen Wetzel, Wesley Atkinson, Ashley Atkinson, Landon Atkinson, John Wetzel, Michael Wetzel, David Wetzel, William Maxwell Wade, Zachary Gilich Wade, Caroline Jaye Wilson, Ansley Madeline Gilich, and soon to arrive Joseph Andrew Buchignani.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Noon at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, Biloxi, with a visitation for family and friends from 10:00 AM until the Mass. Burial will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. RiemannFamily Funeral Home is serving the family.
Andrew Gilich Sr. was proud Croatian and Biloxian
[from The Sun Herald, June 28, 2014, p. A-4)
The family of Andrew M. Gilich Sr. had a couple of months to say goodbye before the Biloxi businessman died Friday at age 91. A funeral service will be Wednesday at Nativity BVM Cathedral in Biloxi.
Despite recently declining health, he fought to make it to his birthday Tuesday and celebrate with his children, grandchildren and extended family. He also wanted to watch baseball and see Tiger Woods make a comeback this week. Gilich was an avid golfer, one of a group from the Coast who formed Sunkist Country Club. Since he worked all week, he golfed only on Sunday*, said his son, Andrew "FoFo" Gilich. "For a man who could only play on Sundays, he did very well," he said.
*Andrew played golf on Sunday with Alton L. Bellande, Johnny Baker, Yetta Lawrence, and Morris Knox.[Ray L. Bellande-June 2014]
These last weeks of his life gave Gilich Sr. a chance to talk about his four holes-in-one on four different courses. Gilich told his family he hit one at the old Edgewater course, one at St. Andrews, one at Gulf Hills and one at Sunkist.
He also recalled leaving Biloxi in 11th grade to fight in World War II. With his maritime roots in Biloxi, he captained a 50-foot LCM transport boat in the Philippines.
"Truly the greatest generation that he came from," his son said.
His 11th grade education took him far, but Gilich saw that education was key for his children. "There was no question I was going to college," his son said.
Together with his wife of more than 50 years, Jacobina Sekul Gilich, they ran the first grocery stores in East Biloxi -- City Hall Grocery at Main and Howard and later the Foodland Supermarket on Judge Sekul and Porter Avenue, the first in the area to have aisles and carts.
Like many Biloxi businesses leaders, both of Gilich Sr.'s parents came to South Mississippi with little money or education.
"He was very proud to be Croatian," his son said. "Innovation and intuitiveness would make you succeed."
Gilich Sr. started building apartments across Biloxi and had a very successful career, his son said. He also enjoyed a large extended family and except during the war, Gilich lived all his life in Biloxi.
FoFo said he wanted to be just like his dad. "Everything he did as a kid in high school I wanted to do," he said. His dad was on the boxing team. "I boxed," his son said.
They also played partners in the Slavic Invitational Golf Tournament for more than 30 years.
"I've got great, great memories of him," his son said. "He was a true Biloxi gentle man."
?MARY A. GILICH
Mary Agnes Gilich (1928-2012) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 6, 1928.
MICHAEL J. GILICH JR.
Michael Joseph Gilich Jr., (1930-2012) was known on the Coast as "Mike and Mr. Mike". On December 23, 1951 in Harrison County, Mississippi, he married Marlene Redding, the daughter of Oliver Osborn Redding (1904-1982) and Artemise Catchot (1911-1998), the daughter of Robert F. Catchot (1889-1941) and Jennie Fryou. They were the parents of Marlene Cecile Gillich m. Robert Keith Pisarich; Tina Rose Gillich m. Britt R. Singletary; and Michael Joseph Gillich III (b. 1954) m. Sandra Leigh Suarez.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 88, 1941, 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 8, p. 37 and 2nd JD Circuit Court 38, p. 529)
Oliver Osborn Redding, 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.
Mike Gillich Jr., who made his livelihood as a striptease lounge owner and was known for his role in the murders of a a politically prominent Biloxi couple, died of cancer at age 82 years on Saturday, April 28, 2012, in his Biloxi home. Mr. Gillich and his lounges, The Golden Nugget and Dream Room, were fixtures on Biloxi's tourist strip for decades. He used to stand in front of his beachfront building in the afternoons and watch traffic pass, or sip coffee with friends across the street at Krispy Kreme doughnuts. He also maintained an extensive network of criminal contacts in the Dixie Mafia, a loosely organized band of criminals drawn to the Coast by nightclubs and illegal gambling.
Gillich and an imprisoned criminal associate from the Dixie Mafia planned the murders of former Circuit Court Judge Vincent Jerome Sherry Jr. (1929-1987) and his wife, former Biloxi councilwoman Margaret Joyce Smith Sherry (1929-1987). A professional hitman gunned them down in their home Sept. 14, 1987. The case brought unwanted national publicity to Biloxi, resulting two books and talk of a feature-length film.
Gillich for years denied any involvement in the murders. But he eventually identified the hitman, and implicated former Biloxi Mayor Pete Halat, Vincent Sherry's best friend, in the conspiracy. Gillich's imprisoned crony, Dixie Mafia kingpin Kirksey McCord Nix Jr., wrongly believed that money he sent to the Halat & Sherry law office had been stolen by Vincent Sherry. Gillich, Nix and two others were convicted for their roles in the murder conspiracy in 1991. Other conspirators remained free.
Keith Bell, then a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, started working on the case in 1989. The FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office kept the pressure on Gillich, hauling him back to court on marijuana trafficking and witness tampering charges. By 1993, Bell said, Gillich was ready to talk. "Having been an FBI agent for 25 years, including being assigned to the San Francisco and Los Angeles offices for about 10 years," Bell said, "I know firsthand how very difficult it is for someone involved in criminal activities for a lengthy period of time to suddenly switch positions and cooperate with law enforcement authorities. "They know, as Mr. Gillich knew, it meant a total break from his previous life, friends and associates. There was no turning back. "For Mr. Gillich's full cooperation with the federal government, I, as well as all law enforcement authorities involved with the investigation, fully appreciate what he did. I, as well as members of the Sherry family, am convinced Mr. Gillich fully realized and understood how very wrong he was for his involvement in the murders and that he did, and will forever, regret his actions."
Bell said Gillich's attorneys, Chet and Gail Nicholson of Gulfport, advised Gillich during the legal travails that led him to become a federal witness. Gillich had been sentenced to 20 years in prison for helping plan the murders when he testified at a 1997 trial against the hitman and Halat, both of whom were convicted for their roles in the conspiracy. The hitman later died in prison. Halat, who served as mayor from 1989-1993, is scheduled to be released in April 2013 from federal prison in Oakdale, La., according to the Bureau of Prisons web site.
U.S. District Judge Charles Pickering Sr. released Gillich from prison after nine years, in 2000, based on his cooperation. Gillich spent his final years living quietly in the hometown he loved. Chet Nicholson eventually recorded a lengthy series of interviews with Gillich and his wife, Frances Arguelles. Partly based on those interviews, Nicholson wrote a fictional account of criminal exploits on the Coast, "Dream Room: Tales of the Dixie Mafia," published in 2009. Nicholson said Gillich lived a long and very eventful life. "Although he did some things in his lifetime that I know he later came to regret, he experienced a religious conversion later in life," Nicholson said. "While nobody can know what is in the heart of another person, I hope that he was sincere and that he is in a better place."
On November 9, 2000, Mike Gillich Jr. married Francis Ann Salisbury in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court 56, p. 118)
RUDOLPH GILICH
Rudolph Gilich (1933-1933) was born and died on May 9, 1933.
REFERENCES:
Edward Humes, Mississippi Mud, (Gallery Books: New York-1994), 434 pages.
The Daily Herald,“Gilich funeral”, December 17, 1943.
The Daily Herald,“With Coast men, women of Armed Service”, January 1, 1944.
The Sun Herald, 'Judge Vincent Sherry-Mrs. Margaret Sherry', September 18, 1987, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, 'Sherry files combed for clues to killers', September 18, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Mrs. Sherry told of fears of murder', September 19, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Sherrys remembered with humor, affection', September 20, 1987, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, "FBI vet won 10-year fight", September 9, 2007, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "The Sherry Murders: 20 years later-Not the best sort of witness", September 10, 2007, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "House where Sherry's were murdered will be torn down", September 26, 2010, p. A 1.
The Sun Herald, "Alton S. Wescovich Sr.", April 13, 2007.
The Sun Herald, “Mary Agnes Gilich”, January 17, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “Mike Gillich dies at 82-lounge owner was central to Sherry murder conspiracy”, May 1, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “Andrew Gilich Sr. was proud Croatian and Biloxian", June 28, 2014.
The Sun Herald, '[Andrew 'FoFo'] Gilich files for Biloxi's Mayor race', March 21, 2015, p. A-4.
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Croatian arrivals from Solta-Cecich and Garbin.
Croatian arrivals from Solta-Cecich and Garbin.
CECICH
Joseph [Jozo] Cecich (1888-1965) was born September 4, 1888 at Grohote, a town on the island of Solta, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. Solta is west of Brac in the Dalmatian Archipelago. Joseph Cecich arrived at New Orleans on January 28, 1905 aboard Irene, a vessel that had left the port of Trieste. In April 1912, he filed his declaration of intention to become an American citizen while domiciled at 1921 Decatur Street in the Crescent City.(Declaration of Intention, Certificate No. 953-Southern District Court-South Mississippi)
Circa 1912, Joseph Cecich married Bertha Marinovich (1891-1937), the daughter of Peter Marinovich, herself also a 1909 Croatian immigrant from Brac. Joseph and Bertha were the parents of at least seven children: Marguerite Cecich (1913-1927); Felix Cecich (1916-1918); infant male (1919-1919); Steve Cecich (1923-1929); Joseph Cecich (1923-1929); Peter Frank Cecich (1927-1995); an infant male (1930-1930), and Helen Cecich m. Mr. Roberson. Joseph Cecich made his livelihood as a fisherman.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 24A, ED 2)
In April 1912, Joseph Cecich acquired a lot on Deer Island from Eugene Ahern. The consideration was $150.(The Daily Herald, April 20, 1912)
Bertha Cecich-Biloxi Cemetery
Joseph Cecich expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 5, 1965. Bertha Marinovich Cecich preceded him in death as she died on September 4, 1937. Peter Frank Cecich (1927-1995), their only son to survive to adulthood died in Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi on June 8, 1995.(The Daily Herald, September 4, 1937, p. 16 and The Sun Herald, June 10, 1995, p. C2)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,“Weekly List of Deeds Filed, April 20”, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs, Cecich dies”, September 4, 1937.
The Sun Herald, “Peter Frank Cecich”, June 10, 1995.
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Grgur Garbin
[Biloxi Cemetery-September 2012]
GARBIN
Grgur [Grego] Garbin (1893-1969) was the progenitor of the Garbin family of Biloxi, Mississippi. He was born on Solta, County Spilt-Dalmatia, Croatia and made his livelihood at Biloxi, Mississippi as a fisherman. On June 6, 1928 in Harrison County, Mississippi, Grgur Garbin married Danich Victoria Pavlov (1908-1996), the daughter of Peter Pavlov (1882-1951) and Anna Hire Pavlov (1881-1962), both Croatian immigrants. The newly weds made their home at 1620 Third Street on 'The Point'. Danica was a seafood worker and labored for sixty years with the Sea Coast Packing Company and Kuluz Brothers.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 40, p. 296 and The Sun Herald, January 3, 1996, p. C2)
Grgur Garbin and Danica Pavlov Garbin were the parents of five children: Peter M. Garbin (1930-1963); Dr. Frank George Garbin (b. 1931) m. Nitza Maria Betancourt (1934-2010); George Garbin (1936) m. Lora Lee Poulos (b. 1942); Joseph Garbin m. Lonna Dale Brady (1940-2009); and Marilyn Ann Garbin m. Earl Ray Carlpenter Jr.
PETER M. GARBIN
Peter M. Garbin (1930-1963) was born at Biloxi on September 8, 1930. He died at the United States Public Service Hospital in New Orleans Friday on September 27, 1963. Peter had made his livelihood as a commercial fisherman fishing out of Tacoma, Washington, for the past ten years. He attended Notre Dame High School in Biloxi and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Garbin; three brothers, Dr. Frank G. Garbin, Puerto Rico; Joseph Garbin, Reserve, Louisiana; and George G. Garbin, Biloxi; and one sister, Mrs. Earl Carpenter, Bainbridge, Maryland. His funeral was directed by Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi. Internment in the Biloxi Cemetery followed his Requiem Mass at St. Michael's Catholic Church.(The Daily Herald, Seeptember 27, 1963, p. 2)
FRANK G. GARBIN Sr.
Frank George Garbin Sr. [1931-2018], MD married Nitza Maria Betancourt (1934-2010), a native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Betancourt of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on January 5, 1957 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Dr. Garbin attended Notre dame High School and was awarded his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Medical College in 1955 and interned at the St. Joseph Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Nitza Maria Betancourt received her education in Medical Technology at Sienna College also in Memphis. Dr. Garbin and his wife were employed at Memphis with the Oakville Clinic and St. Joseph Hospital respectively. They lived at 661 Alabama Street.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1957, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 107 p. 472)
They were the parents of: Frank G. Garbin Jr; Nilda Garbin m. Kevin Webb; Donna Garbin m. James Corder; Sharon Garbin m. Lee Klein; and Paulette Garbin m. Craig Dawkins.(The Sun Herald, April 26, 2010)
Obituary
Dr. Frank G. Garbin Sr. [1929-2018] of Ocean Springs, passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Dr. Garbin was a longtime resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was born and raised in Biloxi and graduated Notre Dame High School in 1947.
After graduation, Dr. Garbin attended Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1951. In 1955, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine with his Doctorate in Medicine. He completed a rotating internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee; it was during this time that he met his wife of fifty-three years, Nitza (Betancourt).
Following his time in Tennessee, Dr. Garbin served in the United States Air Force as a General Medical Officer from 1957-1959. While serving, Dr. Garbin and his wife Nitza had their first two children, Nilda and Donna. From 1960-1964, he completed his General Surgery Residency at the San Juan City Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
While in Puerto Rico, Dr. and Mrs. Garbin had their next two children, Sharon and Frank Jr. Dr. Garbin and his family moved back to Mississippi in 1964, where he lived for the remainder of his life. It was in Mississippi that the last two Garbin children, Paul and Paulette, were born. During his free time, Dr. Garbin loved to spend his time outside, preferably on the water fishing. Frank was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he will be missed by all that knew him.
Dr. Garbin is preceded in death by his wife, Nitza Garbin, his parents, Grugur and Danica (Pavlov) Garbin, and his brother Peter (DeeDee) Garbin.
Survivors include his brothers, George Garbin and Joseph Garbin, and his sister, Madelyn (Garbin) Carpenter. He is also survived by his children Nilda Webb (Kevin), Donna Corder (James), Sharon Klein (Lee), Frank Garbin Jr. (Faith), Paul Garbin (Marie), and Paulette Dawkins (Craig), his sixteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The family of Dr. Garbin wants to extend a special thanks to Katrina Campbell (also known as "Skinny" by Dr. Garbin), as well as Mary Lee, Janice Powell, Janay Campbell, and Lisa Rials. This army of angels loved Dr. Garbin, and he loved them like his own children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Pass Christian where friends may visit one hour before the mass. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, November 23 to November 25, 2018]
JOSEPH GARBIN
GEORGE GARBIN
MARILYN A. GARBIN
Marilyn Ann Garbin married Earl Ray Carpenter in Harrison County, Mississippi on 2 Decembe 1961.[Bk. 120, p. 45]
REFERENCES:
The Sun Herald, “Danica V. Garbin”, January 13, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Lonna Dale Brady Garbin”, April 11, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Nitza Maria Betancourt Garbin”, April 28, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Dr. Frank G. Garbin”, November 23, 2018-Novemebr 25, 2018.
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Croatian arrivals from Ston-Bilancich
Croatian arrivals from Ston-Bilancich ray Mon, 04/07/2014 - 13:05BILANCICH [BJELANCICH]
Baldo Nikolas Bilancich (1896-1967) was born December 4, 1896 at Ston, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia. He left Bremen Germany in February 1910 and arrived at Galveston, Texas in March 1910 and proceeded to Biloxi, Mississippi. Here he met and married Leona Gabrich (1904-1969). Their nuptials occurred on Harrison County, Mississippi on October 6, 1920. Baldo was naturalized at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 23, 1928 with Certificate No. 2439014. The family settled at 422 Delauney Street.(Petition for Naturalization No. 399-Southern District Court-South Mississippi-September 1927 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 32, p. 381)
Baldo N. Bilancich and Leona Gabrich divorced and circa 1940, he relocated to Harris County, Texas. Baldo married Patricia Ann Seliner and had three more children born in Texas: Donnie Brent Bilancich (1942-1992) m. Shirley Margaret Bailey; Elva Deana Bilancich (b. 1945) and Joseph Anthony Bilancich (b. 1950) m. Peggy Jane Ross.
Children
Robert J. Bilancich
Robert John Bilancich (1921-1973) was born April 24, 1921 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Theresa Dora Saujon (1921-2008), the daughter of Leo Saujon and Bernadette Sandoz, in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 7, 1943. They were the parents of three children: Claudia Bilancich m. Ernest ‘Butch’ Henley; Broderick Bilancich m. ; and infant daughter Bilancich (1947-1947).
Robert J. Bilancich and Theresa Saujon Bilancich divorced. She married Ramon D. Tauscher (1929-2007).
Julius A. Bilancich
Julius Anthony Bilancich (1922-1994) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 23, 1922. He married Shirley Ann Richard.
Dorothy M. Bilancich
Dorothy Bilancich Eleuterius(1924-2000) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 29, 1924. She married Shannon Eleuterius in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 28, 1944. They were the parents of five children: Frederick Eleuterius, Rocky Eleuterius, Scott Eleuterius.
Obituary
Dorothy Bilancich Eleuterius(1924-2000), age 76 years, of Biloxi, died Wednesday, July 19, 2000, in Biloxi. Mrs. Eleuterius was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and was retired from Kroger in the deli department. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shannon Eleuterius; a son, Frederick Eleuterius; and two brothers, Robert Bilancich and Julius Bilancich.
Dorothy was survived by two daughters, Dr. Lorraine Magrath of Troy, Alabama, and Rhanda Hertling of Biloxi; two sons, Rocky Eleuterius and Scott Eleuterius, both of Biloxi; and five grandchildren, Michelle Magrath and Christi Magrath, both of Troy, Alabama, and Kimberly Myers, Mia Eleuterius and Angela Hancock, all of Biloxi.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi where friends may call from 1 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in Biloxi Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
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Croatian arrivals from Trapanj-Butirich and Markotich
Croatian arrivals from Trapanj-Butirich and Markotich
BUTIRICH FAMILY TOMB-BILOXI CEMETERY-2011
BUTIRICH
Martin Marko Butirich (1886-1960) and Darinka Butirich Butirich (1904-2004), both natives of Trpanj, a small seaport in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia, were married in Trpanj in 1924. The Martin M. Butirich family resided in Gretna, Louisiana at 219 Newton Street. In Gretna, they were in the restaurant and bar business as Butirich Restaurant & Bar at 131 Huey Long Avenue. It appears that Martin M. Butirich rented a building here for his eatery and bar until October 1945 when he bid $60,000 for the property which was owned by the Jefferson Parish School Board. At Gretna, two sons were born and reared: Marko M. Butirich (1927-2005) and Nikola W. Buterich (1928-1971).(The Times-Picayune, October 4, 1945, p. 29, March 28, 1960, p. 16, March 29, 1960, p. 2, and September 7, 2004 and The Daily Herald, March 28, 1960, p. 2)
Obituary of Darinka B. Butirich
Mrs. Darinka B. Butirich, 100 of Gretna, Louisiana died at, West Jefferson Medical Center on Sunday, September 5, 2004. Darinka was preceded in death by her husband, Martin M. Butirich, Sr. and son Nikola S. Butirich and her grandson, Nikola W. Butirich and daughter-in-law, Joan Mavar Butirich. Also her parents Nikola and Kate Butirich. Also, brothers, Ivan and Stjepan Butirich: sisters Luce Biazevich, Milka Ivicevich and Marica Guina and their husbands. She is survived by her son, Marko M. Butirich, Sr., daughter-in-law Catherine Wood Butirich and grandchildren, Kalin M. Butirich, Stephanie Winkler (Rick), John N. Butirich (Donna), Marko M. Butirich, Jr. (Tracy), Christopher S. Butirich, Catherine A. Spahr (David), Martin M. Burtirich (Lisa) and ten great-grandchildren, Alissa, Elizabeth and Hope Winkler; Sarah, Marko III and Jake Butirich; Blaise Butirich, Christopher J. Butirich and David and Baron Spahr. She leaves behind one sister, Zorka Miljak and many nieces and nephews in Croatia and Italy.
Darinka was born in Trpanj, Dalmatia, Croatia on August 10, 1904 the daughter of Nikola and Kate (Bakula) Butirich. She married Martin Butirich in 1924 and returned to Gretna, Louisiana where he already had an established restaurant business. They worked together in that business for many years, putting in long hours in order to provide a future for their sons and themselves. They loved America and often told of the blessings and opportunities it gave them. Darinka loved Gretna and her many friends and neighbors and the thousands she came into contact with in their business. She took pride in her home and her garden and could be found tending to them all the time. She loved to cook and bake and there was always room "for one more" at the table.
Darinka was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in Gretna. She was fond of and grateful to her pastor, Fr. Frank Carabello who brought her the Eucharist when she could no longer attend Mass and the ladies in the Parish rectory who were always so nice and attentive to her needs. We will miss her dearly but comfort in knowing that she goes to meet her savior and all of her family in Paradise. God bless and recieve you, dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday, September 8, 2004, at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 610 6th Street, Gretna, La. Interment will follow services in Biloxi City Cemetery, Biloxi, Mississippi. Visitation, on Wednesday, 10:30-12:30 at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, La. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wynhoven Health Care Center, Marrero, La. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff and personnel at West Jefferson Medical Center and Wynhoven Health Care Center.(The Times-Picayune, September 7, 2004, p. 6)
CHILDREN
Marco M. Butirich
Marco Martin Butirich (1927-2005) was born at Gretna, Louisiana. He was educated at the Gulf Coast Militray Academy, Notre Dame University,Tulane and the University Mississippi School of Pharmacy. He married Joan Marie Mavar (1932-2003) on June 26, 1954 at the Church of N.B.V.M. in Biloxi, Mississippi. They were the parents of Christophe [Christopher] Stephen Butirich (1963-2005) m. Patti Bodin; Marco Martin Butirich Jr. m. Tracy Lynn Galloway; John Nikola Butirich m. Donna Faye Cunningham; Kalin Marie Butirich m. Brian Patrick Lloyd; and Stephanie Anne Butirich m. Richard George Winkler. Marko made his livelihood as a pharmacist and was the proprietor of the West End Pharmacy in Biloxi. He was served with the US Army in Koreal during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Butirich at the West End Pharmacy in 1961
West End Pharmacy
The West End Pharmacy opened in the new brick building of Nick Eliopolos on the NW.C of Porter and Cemetery Street [Irish Hill Drive]. Owned by Raymond Bass, the pharmacy is managed by Ned Fremin, who was pharmacist at the Avenue Pharmacy for 13 years. The new building is 26 feet wide by 58 feet deep and made from yellow tile and brick.(The Daily Herald, January 23, 1951)
Marco was named to the board of directors of the Biloxi Regional Hospital in May 1971.(The Sun Herald, May 16, 1971, p. A-10)
Mr. Butirich expired on October 2, 2005, at Daphne, Alabama. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery with those of his parents. Those of Joan Mavar Butirich and Christophe Butirich were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(The Times-Picayune, May 9, 1954, p. 58, June 30, 1954, p. 42 and The Sun Herald, October 4, 2005, p. A6)
Nikola S. Butirich
Nikola Stepo Butirich (1928-1971) served in the US Marine Corps in World War II. He attended the University of Mississippi and received his B.S. degree from the University of Southwest Louisiana. Nikola married Catherine Goodwin Wood, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Spencer Wood on September 27, 1952 in Louisiana. They were the parents of three children: Catherine Ann Butirich m. Mr. Spahr; Martin Marco Butirich; and Nikola Wood Butirich (1960-1986).(The Times-Picayune, August 31, 1952, p. 41 and August 16, 1971, p. 20)
Nikola made his livelihood in the petroleum industry. He joined Oilwell, a division of US Steel, at Harvey, Louisiana in 1955. At the time of his demise, Nikola was the manager of the NOLA office for Tubular Sales Company of Houston, Texas. He was a member of the Petroluem Club [NOLA] and Timberlane Country Club. Nikola died on June 19, 1971. His corporal remains were interred at Westlawn Memorial Park and Mauseleum at Gretna, Louisiana.(The Times-Picayune, December 23, 1956, p. 26)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Martin M. Butirich", March 28, 1960, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, "Christopher Stephen Butirich", January 14, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Mr. Marko M. Butirich”, October 4, 2005, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Kimberly Moreton Butirich", May 14, 2006.
The Times-Picayune, "Algiers, Gretna news and notes", September 22, 1933, p. 19.
The Times-Picayune, "Butirich-Wood", August 31, 1952, p. 41.
The Times-Picayune, "Miss Joan Marie Mavar [photo]", May 9, 1954. p. 58.
The Times-Picayune, "Society", June 30, 1954, p. 42.
The Times-Picayune, "Oilwell names new area manager", December 23, 1956, p. 26.
The Times-Picayune, "Ex-restaurant operator dies", March 28, 1960, p. 16.
The Times-Picayune, "[Baldo] Butirich", June 21, 1961, p. 2.
The Times-Picayune, "NO executive [Nikola Butirich] taken by death", August 16, 1971, p. 20.
The Times-Picayune, "[Nikola Wood] Butirich", December 23, 1986, p. 19.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
MARKOTICH
Dan [Donke] Markotich (1892-1964) was born at Trapanj, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia on August 20, 1892. He arrived at New Orleans in August 1907 aboard the SS Sofia Hohenburg. At New Orleans, Dan lived at 1006 North Rampart and made his livelihood as a fisherman. He became an American citizen in 1912.
Dan married Alice Loper (1889-1962), a native of Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi circa 1928. They resided at Biloxi, Mississippi until 1943 when they relocated to Ocean Springs, Mississippi and were domiciled at 506 Jackson Avenue.
Avelez Hotel
In October 1928, Dan Markotich took a lease from the Avalez Hotel on West Howard Avenue at Biloxi, Mississippi for a dining room and kitchen.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Bk. 181, p. 186)
French Restaurant
In mid-August 1941, Dan Markotich sold the French Restaurant to Joseph Baricev (1904-1999). Markotich had operated the restaurant for six years. It appears that he contined in the restaurant business at Ocean Springs becoming proprietor of the Big Pine Inn.(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1941, p. 6 and December 9, 1964, p. 2)
In early December 1964 in failing health and a widower, Dan Markotich made plans to sell his home and relocate to the Biloxi VA. On December 9, 1964, Mrs. Eddie Brou, a neighbor, found Markotich's body in his Jackson Avenue residence. He had killed himself with a .38 caliber revolver. Mr. Markotich was a World War I veteran and a member of the Benevolent Association. He was surviived by Hugh Lulich, a nephew, at Fall Church, Virginia and two sisters in Yugoslavia [Croatia].(The Daily Herald, December 9, 1964, p. 2)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald,"Mrs. Dan Markotich", October 2, 1962.
The Daily Herald, "Dan Markotich", December 9, 1964.
- 1013 views
Croatian arrivals from Trestino, Croatia-Trojanovich
Croatian arrivals from Trestino, Croatia-Trojanovich osarep Mon, 12/31/2012 - 13:50Mary Elizabeth Trojanovich (1894-1987) came to Biloxi from Trestino, Croatia in 1922. She married Antony Cvitanovich (1888-1964) at Biloxi, Mississippi in June 1923. He came to America in 1906 from Ingrene, Croatia.
Georgo [George] Trojanovich
In January 1978, Georgo Trojanovich, a native of Tresteno, Croatia, became engaged to Esther L. Cantrell of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Niko J. Trojanovich (1915-1991) died at Biloxi on April 21, 1991.
In October 1992, Georgo who became a chef for Mary Mahoney's Restaurant at Biloxi went to Croatia to meet Maria Trojanovich (b. 1920) , his mother, and have her return to the USA with him because of the strife with Serbia and Bosnia.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 2, 1978, p. 13 and The Sun Herald, October 17, 1992, p. A-2)
REFERENCES:
The Sun Herald, 'Biloxi chef goes to Croatia to get mother', October 17, 1992, p. A-2.
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Croatian arrivals from Trogir [Trau-Italian], Split-Dalmatia County-Gruich
Croatian arrivals from Trogir [Trau-Italian], Split-Dalmatia County-Gruich
 and Vicentia Barhonovich.jpg)
Biloxi Cemetery-June 2012.
GRUICH [GRUIC]
Mitchell V. Gruich married Vincentia Mary Barhonovich (1894-1968), a native of Supetar, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 20, 1914. They were the parents of: August Gruich (1915-1993) m. Mable Stratton (1912-1996); Mary Sophia Gruich (1916-1998); Antonio "Tony" and 'Captain Breezy' Gruich (1918-1996) m. Joyce Miller (1925-1990); Frank Gruich (1920-2007) m. Grace Bodie; and Mitchell J. Gruich (1928-1998) m. Leoneade M. Lestrade (1929-2005).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 24)
Children
Antonio Gruich
Antonio [Tony] "Captain Breezy" Gruich (1918-1996) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 1918. He married Joyce Miller (1925-1990) and made his livelihood as a commercial fisherman. Tony was a member of the Slavonian Benevolent Society and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. he died on May 18, 1996 at Biloxi and his corporal remains interred in the Biloxi Cemetery next to his wife. Mr. Gruich was survivied by Marie Gruich, a sister; and two brothers, Dr. Frank Gruich and Mitchell Gruich Jr, all of Biloxi. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and August Gruich Sr., a brother. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral HOme of Biloxi directed the funeral services.(The Sun Herald, May 18, 1996, p. C-2)
Marie S. Gruich
Marie Sophie Gruich, age 82 years, died Saturday, December 26, 1998, in Biloxi. Marie Gruich was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and retired after many years as a waitress at the Buena Vista Hotel, the Broadwater Hotel and the Friendship House. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell V. and Vincentia Mary Gruich; and three brothers, August ''Gig'' Gruich Sr., his wife, Mable, and their son, Mitchell P. Gruich, Tony ''Breezy'' Gruich and his wife, Joyce, and Mitchell J. Gruich Sr.
Survivors include a brother, Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr. and his wife, Grace Gruich, of Biloxi; six nieces; nine nephews; 12 grandnieces; 17 grandnephews; and a sister-in-law, Leonade Lastrade [sic] Gruich of Biloxi. Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, where friends may call two hours before service time. Burial will be in Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, December 27, 1998, p. A-17)
Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr.
Dr. Frank G. Gruich, Sr. was born into this life on March 12, 1920, on Point Cadet, Biloxi. He was born through death into everlasting life on September 1, 2007 at Biloxi Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Gruich surmounted huge challenges from working in his grass roots in the shrimp factories to launching his life’s love and passion for knowledge and education in medicine. He always credited his Perkinston Junior College days as the catalyst for his career. He graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1945. He served his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. He then served two years as a Medical Officer in the Army.
Upon his discharge as a Captain, he became associated with Dr. Joseph Kuljis in Biloxi and practiced general medicine from 1948 -1952. Dr. Gruich underwent his specialized training in Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1952-1955 at the Confederate Memorial Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he served as Chief Resident his senior year. Dr. Gruich went on to enjoy a distinguished career in medicine that spanned six decades.
Among his many recognitions a highlight in his life was his induction into the 1979 Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College Hall of Fame at Perkinston Campus, receiving the Sam Owen Award also from Perkinston, and serving on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Board of Trustees for over twenty years. He also served for over twenty years on the advisory board of BankCorp South. In 2006 the new surgical suite at Biloxi Regional Hospital was dedicated to him where he served as Chief of Staff many years.
Dr. Gruich championed the efforts to keep Catholic education a viable option for all. He served for 39 years on the Catholic School Board always offering his reflective advice and counsel. He remained a stalwart ambassador for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, his beloved Ole Miss, his faith, and Catholic education.
All who know Dr. G. knew of his passion for sports second to none was football. Home life and Sunday dinners were scheduled around “kick-off” as he rooted for his Ole Miss Rebels and New Orleans Saints. In baseball, the Atlanta Braves were his team. He also took on the professional teams, the Indiannapolis Colts and the New York Giants, as he continued to support the Manning boys.
Dr. Gruich is survived by his beloved wife and life partner Gracie “Bo” Bodie Gruich [1926-2018]; his children: son, Frank G. Gruich, Jr. of Biloxi; daughters: Maureen Gruich of Madison; Suzanne and her husband Dave Prokopchuk of Cypress, Texas; and Mary Grace and her husband Joe Marquardt of Houston, Texas.
Dr. Gruich was blessed with seven grandchildren: Frank Jr.’s children: son, Frankie, III; daughter, Bonnie; and son, Nick & his wife April all of Biloxi; Maureen’s daughters: Erin Propst of Madison and Ryan Claire Propst of Tupelo; Mary Grace’s sons: Maxim and Cooper Marquardt of Houston, Texas.
Dr. Gruich was preceeded in death by his parents: Mitchell Gruich Sr. and Mary (Bohonovich) Gruich; brothers: August “Geagle”, Tony “Breezy”, Mithcell, Jr., and sister Marie. The family expresses deep gratitude for your love and prayers in this enormous loss.
Memorials can be made to the Dr. Frank G. Gruich, Sr. Scholarship Fund at St. Patrick’s Catholic High School or to his beloved charity, The Little Sisters of the Poor, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36604.1299.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2007, at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi where friends may visit from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, September 3, 2007)
Dr. Frank Gruich: Dr. G just loved being a doctor
[from The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Mississippi) - Sunday, September 2, 2007, p. A-12]
Dr. Frank Gruich, who rose from poverty on Point Cadet to success and esteem as a local obstetrician and gynecologist, died Saturday. Gruich, 87, was the son of Yugoslavian immigrants who labored hard in the seafood industry. His character was forged as a young man during the Great Depression. He studied hard and made his way to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at Perkinston, where he gained attention for his skill at chemistry, despite never having taken a chemistry course in high school.
At Perkinston, Gruich was given a medal as the best chemistry student in the state. From MGCCC he went on to the University of Mississippi, where he earned a scholarship from the Kellogg Foundation. He joined the Army, which also helped pay for his education.
Gruich later made his way to Tulane's medical school, and after going to work the young doctor cherished his new job title. He carried that pride with him the rest of his life. "He was absolutely identified with his practice of medicine," his daughter, Maureen Gruich, said. "That is who he was."
He was also a fierce advocate of Dr. Gilbert Mason, a black colleague who became a local civil rights activist and staged a much-publicized assembly on the beach in 1960. When Mason was under fire at Biloxi Regional Medical Center over his activism, Gruich stood up for him and reminded the hospital's administration of the law. A poor boy from the Point, Gruich could identify with being disadvantaged.
After retiring in 1997 and delivering well over 5,000 babies, Dr. G, as Gruich was known, continued to pay a daily visit to Biloxi Regional to visit old friends and co-workers. He gave weather reports to personnel in the medical-records office, which earned him the nickname "The Weatherman." He also had a free lunch each day at the cafeteria, which was never begrudged him, considering his contributions to the place.
During his visits to the hospital, Gruich would also buy lunches for a couple of hospital workers he knew were having a hard time making ends meet. "He remembered being hungry in med school," his daughter said.
Gruich is survived by his wife, Gracie, and his four children. Many of his relatives entered the medical profession because they were inspired by Dr. G's success.
The doctor was a big supporter of local schools, particularly Mercy Cross, but he also looked forward to the opening of the new St. Patrick Catholic High School. Gruich served on the MGCCC Board of Trustees and was loyal to Ole Miss. His own academic triumphs over adverse circumstances led Dr. G to believe that in this country a degree was within anyone's reach. "Education meant everything in the world to him," Maureen Gruich said.
Gracie Mae Bodie "Bo" Gruich [1926-2018]
Gracie, 92, was the youngest daughter and sole remaining child of ten siblings of the late Alonzo D. Bodie (Mississippi) and Althaia Smith (Alabama). She was born and raised in Wiggins, MS. She called herself a country girl of very humble origins. Her late husband referred to her as his Pickle Queen. Wiggins was once regarded as the pickle capital of the world.
Gracie received her RN license from a diploma nursing school at the "New "Biloxi Hospital on the front beach. She entered school on a scholarship of WWII The Cadet Nurse Program. After practicing at the New Biloxi Hospital she left her nursing career to be a full time wife and mother.
She entered the Roman Catholic faith prior to her marriage. In years to come, Gracie claimed that marrying Dr. G. and living in the Catholic faith were two of the most wonderful gifts she received from her husband. She was very appreciative of her faith practice. She loved the prayers and meditations of the rosary and the rosary was a daily prayer for her.
Her husband was the late Dr. Frank George Gruich, Sr of Biloxi, MS. They had four children: Frank G. Gruich, Jr., Dr. Maureen A. Gruich, Suzanne B. (Dave) Prokopchuk, Mary Grace (Joe) Marquardt. Seven grandchildren: Frank G. Gruich, III, Bonnie Elizabeth (Brent) Fountain, Nicholas Paul Gruich, Sr.; Erin Althaia Propst (Brian) Burke, Ryan Claire-Marie Propst (Cole)Wiygul; Maxim George Marquardt and Cooper Joseph Marquardt. Nine great-grandchildren: Nicholas Paul Gruich, Jr., Aleigh Rachelle Gruich; Carter Andrew Fountain, and Chase Joseph Fountain; Tyler Ernie Burke, Lance Corporal Montana Blake Burke, Caroline Grace; Mae Marie Wiygul, and James Coleman Wiygul, Jr.
Past times and hobbies for Gracie included: Keeping up with and visiting her hometown Wiggins and Stone County, the daily paper crossword and word search. She was an avid football fan for the University of Mississippi-Ole Miss and the New Orleans Saints!! Her 90th birthday celebration had an Ole Miss theme. In the spirit of celebration and Mardi Gras, Gracie was a member of the Young Matrons with their annual carnival ball! She loved to enjoy the reruns of The Andy Griffith show and current and syndicated game shows. Other past times included tending to the yard gardens and keeping the birds fed. And most importantly having her family visit and enjoying the grands, great-grands and eating great food. Gracie had a knack for bringing light and laughter to gatherings. Many remember her as precious, fun, and loving to laugh.
Visitation will be at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church on Pass Road from 10:30 to 11:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am all on Thursday, December 6, 2018. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please choose a charity of your choice
The family offers special thanks to Kathy Foster, Carolyn Cauthen, Audrey Boudreaux, and Rose Alexander for their loving care for Gracie. We will forever miss and love her and offer to you her chants: Hotty Toddy!! & Who Dat!!! The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, December 5, 2018]
Mitchell J. Gruich
Mitchell Joseph Gruich Sr. (1928-1998), age 70 years, died Saturday, Aug. 29, 1998, in Biloxi. Mr. Gruich was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral. He was a member of the Bricklayers Trowel Trades International Local No. 10, BPOE No. 606 and past president of Biloxi Southern Little League Baseball. Mr. Gruich was an Army National Guard veteran.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell V. Gruich and Mary B. Gruich; and two brothers, August ''Geagle'' Gruich and Tony ''Breezy'' Gruich. Survivors include his wife, Leoneade Lestrade Gruich; a daughter, Michelle Logan, both of Biloxi; six sons, Dr. Charles Gruich, Dr. Mitchell Gruich Jr., Joseph Gruich, Thomas Gruich, Anthony Gruich, all of Biloxi, and James Gruich of Ocean Springs; a sister, Marie Gruich; a brother, Dr. Frank Gruich of Biloxi; and 19 grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi, with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday for a 10 a.m. Mass at Nativity B.V.M., with burial in Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, August 31, 1998)
Leoneade M. Gruich
Ms. Leoneade M. Gruich, 75, of Biloxi, MS passed away Tuesday March 8, 2005.
Ms. Gruich was a lifelong resident of Biloxi. She was a devoted wife, beloved mother and cherished grandmother who most enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren, especially during holidays. She was a woman of faith and a devout Catholic.
Ms. Gruich was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell Gruich and parents, Charles P. Lestrade and Henrietta Dellenger Lestrade.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Logan of Biloxi and six sons, Dr. Charles Gruich and his wife Madelon, Dr. Mitchell Gruich, Jr. and his wife Janice, Joseph Gruich and his wife Wendy, Thomas Gruich and his wife Lola, Anthony Gruich and his wife Jan, Dr. James Gruich and his wife Stephanie, and also her sister, Ms. Shannon Covich, all of Biloxi. She is also survived by her 21 grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Friday March 11, 2005 from 6pm until 9pm at the Howard Ave. Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home with Recitation of the Rosary at 7pm. Services will be on Saturday March 12, 2005. A procession will leave the funeral home at 9:45 for a 10 am Mass at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral. Burial will be held at Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, March 11, 2005)
First Gruich trip back to Croatia in over 100 years
By Mitchell Gruich III
The real adventure in discovering my family history started when my wife booked us a trip to Croatia. While we were engaged, we had talked about all the places we would like to visit after we were married and before we had any kids. Her number-one place to visit was Italy. My number-one place was Egypt, but with all the turmoil there at that time, there was no way she was going to Egypt. My number-two pick was Croatia because I’d always wondered what it would be like to see my great-grandparents’ home country. As far as the Gruich family in Biloxi knew, we had lost touch with any relatives in Croatia sometime in the 1970s, and no one knew if there were still any relatives living there currently. We only knew that my great-grandfather came from Trogir, but we were not sure if his family had lived in Trogir all their lives or if they had migrated from another part of the country.
My wife found a reasonably priced travel package that would allow us to see the whole country from top to bottom in the span of two weeks. The next thing I knew, my sister and her husband were on board to take the trip – we would be sight-seeing the entire country together. We would arrive in Croatia in November 2014, a week before Thanksgiving. This would be a historic moment for the Gruich family of Biloxi because no one from the Biloxi family had been to Croatia since 1906, when my great-grandfather left Trogir to immigrate to America. It had been more than a century since a descendant of Mitchell Gruich of Trogir had returned to the homeland. I was beyond excited to see all the different regions of Croatia. Our trip included visiting major coastal cities like Zadar and Split. Since we would be in Split for a day, I decided we should skip that day’s activities and go to Trogir instead. Trogir was only a 20-minute drive from Split, so I figured we could see Trogir, take some photos, and be back in Split in time to catch the bus to Dubrovnik. I had no expectations of uncovering any long-lost relatives or finding any information on my great-grandfather’s family – I hadn’t really found anything online, and all of the Trogir offices only spoke or wrote in Hrvatski. The idea was just that we might as well see the whole country since we probably wouldn’t have much luck finding anything in Trogir. I think this was the Biloxi family sentiment for a long time about finding relatives in Trogir. If I did happen to find anything, it would be pure dumb luck at best.
I told Uncle Jamie about my plans to sight-see in Croatia, and he asked if I was going to try to visit Trogir. I said of course, I planned to at least just walk around and take photos of the little island that was about the size of Hiller Park. Uncle Jamie had one request for me if I made it to Trogir: He wanted me to go to the main church and try to find the birth record of Mitchell Gruich, who came from Trogir in 1906. He hoped that his birth record might tell us the names of his parents and grandparents, so we could finally learn more about our family in Croatia. Accomplishing this strategy was easier said than done. To begin with, my Uncle Charlie said his grandfather (Mitchell Gruich from Trogir) never liked to talk about his family in Trogir or what life was like in the old country. Actually attaining the missing information was going to be quite the task since no one in Croatia understood English except waiters and concierge. We were also putting our money on one church having the birth records from late 19th century. There were five churches on the small island, and we were just guessing that the biggest, oldest one would have the records.
I didn’t really have much to go on as far as family information regarding our past in Trogir. What I had to go on before leaving was this:
1. Dad couldn’t really tell me any details about Trogir because no one had been back to this town since Nona had left it in 1906. This was 2014, so more than 100 years had passed since Nona left and someone came back to visit.
2. I knew Uncle Charlie was interested in the family tree, so I asked him what he knew. He had sent some correspondence to relatives in Croatia and received a letter, but it was lost in Hurricane Katrina. He said that Nona was reluctant to discuss Croatia with him when he was younger, so no one really knew anything about Mitchell Gruich’s life before coming to America.
3. Before leaving on the trip, Uncle Jamie stressed to me the importance of trying to find the records of Nona’s family in the church if possible.
I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was at the time to find any old records on great-grandparents because no one in the family had ever expressed much interest in knowing more about where we came from, other than my two uncles and father. The more I thought about it, the more interested I became in this family mystery. Discovering or solving old historical mysteries with clues was something that intrigued me. A year earlier my wife and I had been investigating an old plantation site to locate the remnants of a Civil War soldier’s tomb that had been lost to time. We eventually found what was left of that tomb and presented the evidence to the historical department at USM. I’ve always been intrigued by history, but when it comes to something I can make a contribution to personally, I get even more excited. Even if I couldn’t get the records, the least I could do was take pictures of the town to share with my family. Having an appetite for adventure and the means to explore a small foreign island was definitely something I couldn’t wait for.
I had heard of a “walk into a church and ask for records” strategy from other families who had visited Croatia looking for documentation of their heritage. It is actually common for tourists and visitors to contact parish priests looking for records of their ancestry. This is a pretty good plan if you have some basic pertinent information to go by, but it can be an absolute nightmare if you don’t know exact names or dates. Having dates, whether they be birth, death, or marriage dates, is absolutely necessary for the church to help you. Without any dates for reference, there is no way they can know where to start looking because they don’t have a global database. Having a translator or speaking the language is also very necessary since most Croatians don’t speak or understand English. The only Croatians we found that could speak English fluently were those in the service industry, and you had to go to a tourist cafe to find someone who could speak English well. This meant that translating was going to be a problem for me. Croatians prefer their native language – even under the oppression of Italy and France they ignored mandates to learn Italian and French.
November 21, 2014
The first day of the trip put us in Opatija, which is in the northern part of Croatia, near the city Trieste. I mention Trieste here because it is important as it relates to the passenger manifest of the S.S. Carolina. The S.S. Carolina is the steam ship that Mitchell Gruich from Trogir arrived on when leaving Austria in 1906. The S.S. Carolina disembarked from Trieste on May 18, 1906. Jamie Gruich, my youngest uncle, did a little bit of research on the S.S. Carolina. He found the departure log that lists the passengers when the S.S. Carolina docked in New Orleans. Jamie is also responsible for finding Mitchell Gruich from Trogir’s registration card with the state as an alien.
My wife was very sick with a sinus infection at the beginning of our trip. The first day in Croatia, she slept on the bus and went back to sleep as soon as we ate dinner at the hotel. The next day she only had enough energy to get up and walk to get some lunch and back to the hotel. It would take another three days before she started feeling good enough to be able to actually enjoy our little adventure in Croatia. We spent two nights and one day in Opatijia and then left the next morning to head down to Zadar.
Below is a copy of the passenger manifest on the S.S. Carolina that lists Michele Gruich, age 21, from Austria arriving at the port of New Orleans on June 18, 1906:
Below is the 1918 registration card that marks Mitchell Gruich as an alien. You will notice that his name is spelled Mitchel Gruich, yet he signs it as Mickel Gruich. He writes Mickel because he was trying to write what he thought was Michael. He also lists his birthday as December 16, 1885, which is incorrect. We are not sure if he was under the impression that was his birthdate, if he was confused with another date, or if he just picked that date out of thin air. It was not custom to celebrate birthdays in Trogir in the early 20th century, so it may have just been a formality for him to pick a date close to what he remembered his birthdate to be. Later on I discovered his actual birthdate was November 27, 1885, and that he was baptized on January 3, 1886.
November 23, 2014
The third day of the trip put us further south in Zadar, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Zadar is where they have the famous sea organ. The sea organ has several holes or pipes in the seawall, and each pipe is a different length. As the waves crash into the pipes, it sounds as if the sea is playing an organ. Zadar was just a midday pit-stop for us to take a break on our way down to the city of Split. Split is about 30 miles from Trogir. Trogir is the name of the birth place written on the tombstone of Mitchell V. Gruich in the Biloxi cemetery.
While we were in Zadar, I wanted to test the “walk into a church and ask for records” idea to see if it worked.
There was a huge church not far from the promenade in Zadar. I walked in, found a priest, and asked him if he spoke English. He said yes. I asked him where the church baptism records were. He pointed me to the baptismal font. I said, “Ne [no]. Baptism books?” He was confused and didn’t understand, so he directed me across the street to the monastery to ask one of the monks. I went and found the monks and asked one of them about baptism records, and it turned out none of them could speak English. Then one of them said, “Baptism?” I said, “Da [yes]! Da!” and they told me to go back across the street to the church. Disappointingly, the test was unsuccessful and only heightened my skepticism that I would find church records in Trogir.
We arrived in Split around 7 pm that night. I made arrangements at the front desk of our hotel for a taxi with an English- speaking driver to pick us up at 5:30 the next morning to take us to Trogir. My wife and I were exhausted because it had taken the whole day to travel in a bus from Zadar to Split. We set the alarm for 4:30 am so we could have time to put our bags out and get ready for the long day, which meant we were going to be functioning on about four hours of sleep. It was about midnight when we finally got settled. I hardly slept at all that night because I was so excited to finally visit
this mythical town that my great-grandfather came from so long ago. My sister and her husband decided not to go on the offbeat trip to Trogir with us the next day, and instead they went to see the sights of Split with our tour group. It would just be me and my wife on this little adventure.
November 24, 2014
The taxi was waiting for us the next morning when we got downstairs. It was a Monday and still early, so no one was on the road, and it only took us twenty minutes to get to Trogir. The sun was still not up when we drove onto the little island, so I got to see what it was like at night for a little while with the warm glow of the street lamps illuminating the ancient stone walls.
We parked on the south side of Trogir, on the island of Ciovo. To give you an idea of the contrast in size of the two islands, if Ciovo was a dollar bill, then Trogir would be about the size of a grain of rice. The taxi driver volunteered to come along and help translate for us. He didn’t really speak much English, but he seemed to understand what we were saying. We started our entrance to Trogir by walking across the south bridge. The island is so small that it only takes around 10 minutes to walk from the promenade on the south shore to the north gate. Trogir is comparable in length and width to the size of Hiller Park in Biloxi. The only place that was open this early on a Monday morning in the historical city was a café. We stopped and had some coffee to wait for some things to open. I asked the taxi driver if he could ask the barista if he knew where the Trogir cemetery was. The barista gave him directions, and we left after finishing our cappuccinos. We exited the north gate and walked across the north bridge onto the mainland. The cemetery was a brisk 15-minute walk up a steady hill behind some neighborhoods. Here is what the cemetery looked like as we approached it early in the morning sun:
The groundskeepers were already working on cleaning up leaves and debris before it got too hot. We learned from our tour guide that while it is extremely expensive to have a burial plot in a cemetery in Croatia, the grounds are incredibly beautiful and well kept. The weather that morning was cold enough for me to wear my thermal jacket, but by noontime with the sun out, it was comfortable enough to walk around in a T-shirt. The taxi driver asked one of the groundskeepers if they knew where any Gruich tombstones were located. The groundskeeper then went into the cemetery office as we followed. She opened up a book and as she started flipping the pages, I noticed that there were dozens and dozens of Gruich last names entered into the book. I couldn’t believe it – I had never seen so many Gruich last names before! I brought my camera to try to document everything. My first reaction was to ask if I could take a photo of the book. The groundskeeper looked at me like I was crazy. I told the taxi driver to explain I was from America and I was there to find long-lost relatives. The groundskeeper refused to let me photograph the book due to privacy laws. She did at least say where we could find some Gruich graves in the cemetery. So, she pointed us in the right direction, and we found two Gruic gravesites in the west section of the cemetery.
Trogir cemetery office. The cemetery was our first stop in documenting any Gruic families buried in Trogir. November 2014
We spent over an hour in the cemetery taking photos. I knew there was no way to be sure which ones we were related to, so I figured it was best to photograph everything and we could try and figure out any family history later. As for the little cemetery book with all the names in it, I was eventually able to obtain some copies of Trogir birth registries from the Zagreb archives. In the Trogir baptism book for 1880 to 1890, there is also a small miniature notebook that contains about 16 Gruic names, 24 Ivacic names and no Plazibacic names in it. The miniature notebook is a reference book with just names and rubric numbers for each name. A rubric number is the number of the row where that the individual can be found in that baptism book. The mini notebook acts as a cross-reference index with the names from the baptism book in alphabetical order. This was the kind of book I saw in the cemetery, but probably with grave plot locations. A few years after this first trip, I found on a map from 1830 that the little cemetery existed back in the early 19th century.
The below photo is of the baptism registry from Zagreb archives. This particular book covers the 1880 – 1890 birth records. While looking through this book, there appears to have been a small reference notebook that contained all the names of the book listed in alphabetical order correlating with their rubric number.
The below photo is of the tombstone of Anton and Ana Mise Gruic in Trogir cemetery. Anton Gruic was the brother of Mihovil Gruic. I took this photo on my first visit to Trogir. Also buried in this grave is Mihovil and Anton’s sister, Ivanica Antonia Gruic. Ivanica Gruic died on October 7, 1958.
The below photo is of the tombstone of Ivan and Niko Bakica Gruic in Trogir cemetery. Ivan married Niko Bakica on November 19, 1925. Niko died in 1949. After Niko passed away, Ivan married her sister Palma Bakica, who helped him raise the two children he had with Niko. This was all information that I found the year after we had visited the cemetery for the first time.
Surprisingly, some of the Gruic graves had photos on them. One of the tombstones had a photo of Anton Gruic, who slightly resembled my Uncle Tom. I thought for sure this had to be a blood relative, but amazingly he was no relation. After an hour of combing the cemetery for Gruic graves, we were only able to find a handful. This was disappointing because I was expecting to find so many more after seeing all the names in the cemetery book. There was no way to know if any of them were actually related to Nona. What I found was that there are also variations of the last name. Some tombs had the Gruic name ending with the letter A or had a J in it. Later on I found out that this was done to establish differentiation between families a long time ago. Over the course of time, their last names changed either intentionally or accidentally.
After visiting the cemetery we walked back to Trogir, where the businesses had begun to open. We only had 6 hours in Trogir before we had to be back in Split to meet with the rest of the group and catch the bus to Dubrovnik. My main objective for this time in Trogir was to get the names of Nona’s parents. That was the plan no matter what. If I could get the names from the church, then we could know a little more about Nona’s life before coming to America. There was one small problem. Even though Trogir is very small, there are at least eight churches on the island. Most of them are still active, and there was no way to tell which church would have the records. My best guess was to start with the oldest, largest church, the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. The cathedral is situated on the east end of the island in front of the town square. In this square, which is called a trg, there was of course a café. (There are cafes everywhere in Croatia - Croatians love coffee.) The cathedral didn’t open until 9 am, so the taxi driver suggested we wait and have coffee in the square until the church opened.
Here are some photos of me waiting in the town square at a little café early in the morning.
At that point we’d been in Trogir for more than three hours. We’d already walked the island and the alleys, been to the cemetery, and had coffee twice by this time. Seeing the tombstones in the cemetery had made me even more excited. I don’t think anyone could really understand the bewilderment I felt being there. It was a very surreal feeling. I don’t know how else to explain other than that it was a feeling that made you feel complete – that you were at home, or at your grandparents’ house. It was all brand new but couldn’t feel more familiar. I was on a mission. I felt there had to be something there on the island that I was missing. Destiny was teasing me. I had been to the cemetery, so I knew we had history there. I had seen all the names in the cemetery book! There had to be more. As we sat there drinking our cappuccinos, I just got more impatient with not doing anything.
I couldn’t stand sitting still feeling like time was wasting. I told Ashleigh, my wife, that we were on the clock and sitting there was not getting me anywhere. I started looking at the map to see exactly where I could go to investigate and maybe take more photos to have something to show my dad and uncles when I got back if I couldn’t find the names in the church. After what happened in Zadar, I honestly did not have high hopes that St. Lawrence would have someone on hand who knew where the old baptism books were. While sitting and being jolted by my second cappuccino, I noticed on the tourist map that we were sitting right across from City Hall. Trogir’s City Hall is in an old palace that once belonged to the Duke of Austria. I looked at Ashleigh and said, “Don’t move – I’m going to go see if City Hall is open.” Ashleigh gave me this crazy look and asked why. I explained that they might have a census of all the people who lived here that I could look at and find Nona’s name. I ran over to City Hall and could hear people at the top of the stairs having a meeting. I ran back to the cafe and told Ashleigh that City Hall was open and I was going to see if I could find someone who could help me.
I went up an old marble staircase to the second floor and walked down the hallway to the other side of the building, where I found a woman standing in the doorway of an office with two other women. The woman in the doorway noticed me wandering around and I asked her if she spoke English. She said yes and told me her name – Marianna. I explained to Marianna that I was looking for census records of Trogir. She understood I was looking for relatives but did not understand what a census is. She took me to another office and asked the other women if they knew about a census,
and after much deliberation, they finally understood what I was looking for and looked up the address of where I needed to go. The woman seated at the desk wrote down the address and said I needed to go to the Split archives to find the census. Then another woman came into the office asking about me. Marianna asked me what part of America I was from and translated back to the woman inquiring. They then told me we needed to go back to the first office.
Marianna took me back to the first office and began translating for the other woman a series of questions. Marianna explained that the woman has relatives who are Gruic in Trogir. She then explained that this woman also knows that there are some Gruich relatives in America. They began to ask me questions: Do I know a doctor named Frank? How about a Maria or a Charlie? I said yes to all of these questions, and the woman got up and left the office. Marianna continued to inquire about what I was doing in Croatia, and I explained that I was traveling the country on vacation with my wife, sister, and brother-in-law. When Ashleigh showed up and asked me what was happening, I explained to her that I met someone who thinks she knows about my family in Biloxi. Soon, another man from down the hall appeared to see what was going on, and then the taxi driver showed up and asked what was happening. At this point there were a lot of loud Croatian conversations taking place and questions as to how the taxi driver was involved in all of this with the American tourists looking for family in Trogir. It was quite chaotic!
The woman returned with an armful of photographs, and I immediately recognized my grandparents in several of them. I said their names, which corresponded with the names written in Croatian on the photographs. It was explained to me that the woman I was speaking with, Toncica Emer, has a mother named Dinka Gruich. Dinka is the daughter of Anton Gruich. Anton had a brother named Miho, who immigrated to America and lived in Biloxi. Toncica kept pointing at Miho, her great-uncle, in the photographs. I didn’t understand why she kept saying Miho when my great-grandfather’s name was Mitchell. After a lot of confusion and translating between Marianna, the taxi driver, and the man from down the hall, we finally understood that Miho and Mitchell were the same person. Mitchell is actually Michael in Croatian – there is a phonetic mistranslation from the pronunciation of Michael in Croatian to the English pronunciation, which sounds like the name Mitchell.
Below are photos that Toncica brought from her mother’s house of my grandparents’ wedding day, Uncle Frank and Grace getting married, and my great-grandfather’s funeral casket.
A photo of my grandparents’ wedding day that was sent to Toncica’s grandfather, Anton Gruic:
The collection of photos that Toncica brought from her mother’s house to show me who Miho was:
This slowly began to make a lot of sense. To clarify, my great-grandfather was born in Trogir with the birth name of Mihovil Ivan Gruich. When he came to America in 1906, he did not speak English very well. When he was asked his name at the port in New Orleans, he was trying to say Michael, which is what Mihovil translates to in English. Because of his accent, Michael sounded like Mitchell. When I was in Toncica’s office that day, anytime someone said my name, it sounded like they were saying “Mee Chel.” This is how they say Michael in Croatian. My great-grandfather probably didn’t care how they wrote his name down at the port or on his registration card. When he signed his name, he signed it as Michel. He probably didn’t think twice that they were respelling his first name in English. Coming to America was almost a matter of life and death, and he wasn’t going to make too big of a deal of how they spelled his name as long as they were going to let him live and work in America. So in Croatia, his name was Mihovil, or Miho for short, as he was referred to by his family. In America, because of the phonetic mistranslation at the port, his name became Mitchell because that is what it sounded like he was saying. His last name stayed the same as it was easy enough to translate. Other Gruich families who immigrated to the different ports in America were not so lucky and had their last names retranslated to various spellings.
A letter that my Great-Aunt Marie Gruich wrote to Dinka’s father Anton in 1966:
Once we established that Miho and Mitchell were the same name and the same person using the photographs, Toncica ran out of the office again. She returned with her daughter, Marina, who could speak and understand English. Toncica introduced me to Marina and explained who I was. Marina asked me what I was doing in Croatia, and I explained we were there on vacation seeing all of Croatia. Marina was in the middle of a catering job and had to return to it, so I only met her for a short minute. After several hours of much translating and finally rejoicing over the long-lost connection, I was finally able to ask Toncica who the parents of Anton (her grandfather) and Miho (my great-grandfather) were.
Toncica called her mom and spoke with her for about five minutes. She wrote the names Augustin Gruic and Maria Stipcic on a piece of paper. Marianna explained that these were the names I was looking for. To make sure I was clear about what I had just learned, I drew a family tree, placing Augustin and Maria at the top and their sons Mihovil and Anton below. I filled out Mihovil’s half of the tree, following it down to my own branch. Toncica then filled in Anton’s half, completing it to show where she and Marina were located in the tree.
Below are the names of Miho Gruic’s parents, which Toncica wrote down while on the phone with her mother:
Below is the tree I drew for Toncica in her office, which helped us to see how our families connected:
It was close to noon by the time all the excitement had passed, and we only had about an hour left before we had to return to Split. I asked Toncica where Augustin and Maria were buried since I hadn’t seen their grave in the cemetery. Toncica asked Marianna to explain to me where they lived. Marianna said they lived by the church of Saint Michael. It was getting lost in translation that I was asking about the graves, so the taxi driver tried to explain what I was asking. Toncica made another phone call to her mother, and with the taxi driver translating, I learned that the graves were destroyed during World War II. I asked if we could see where they used to be, and Toncica gave directions to their location on the island. While Toncica had her mom on the phone, they asked if we could return tomorrow to have dinner with them. I explained that we would be in Dubrovnik the next day and then onto Zagreb with our group. I thanked them for all of their patience and explained how grateful I was to have met them. I asked Toncica to tell her mom thank you for the invitation and that I would love to return to see them. Before leaving, I asked Toncica if I could take a picture with her and Marina. She ran downstairs and came back with Marina for one last photo. During this whole craziness, my wife sat quietly in the corner of Toncica’s office taking photos and videos of everything as it unfolded. She took some great photos and video of the whole experience as it happened. This was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, and luckily, we got some photos and video of it.
After reluctantly leaving Trogir, I kept in contact with Toncica and Marina for the rest of our trip, fielding a barrage of questions from my father and uncles: Who were the siblings of Nona? What year were they born? Did the siblings have kids? Which siblings were still alive? Who were Nona’s grandparents? What did Nona do in Trogir before he came to America? Where were the rest of the Gruich families in the cemetery? The information came in sporadically whenever Marina had a chance to email me back. This was a very slow process since none of us in America could speak Hrvatski, we couldn’t just call Dinka and ask her about her father’s family history. During the following several months, we were able to get many questions answered.
Once I had the names of Nona’s parents, I was able to return to the states and have a starting point that put us one more generation back in the tree. From the little information that was uncovered in just the few hours I spent in Toncica’s office, combined with the fragments of information I received in emails from Marina after leaving Trogir, we
were able to put together a small skeleton of the family tree that extended to Nona’s brothers and sisters. After conveying everything I learned to my father and uncles, we began discussing making a pilgrimage to Trogir for the following spring to meet with Dinka and spend time in Trogir. The idea of formally meeting Croatian cousins who descended from the same family that we had was something of a dream come true.
My wife and I on the northern bridge into Trogir.
When I was in Toncica’s office that day, we had luckily brought along our camera. My wife took a short video of when we were in the middle of trying to figure out the top of our family tree connecting us. If you are interested in watching it you can click on the photo below to see what it was like to be in the Croatian City Hall with three different people translating for me and Toncica to communicate.
This is part 1 of the reconnection story for my family going back to where they came from. I will be following it with a part 2 that describes what the second visit was like when me and my father and two uncles visited Croatia and formally met our Croatian cousins.
If you are researching Gruich genealogy and your family goes back to Croatia please get in touch with me at my email address: Mitchell.gruich at gmail.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Dr. Frank Gruich, September 3, 1945, p. 5.
The Sun Herald, "Tony 'Captain Breezy' Gruich, May 18, 1996, p. C-2.
The Sun Herald, "Mitchell J. Gruich Sr., August 31, 1998.
The Sun Herald, "Marie Sophie Gruich, December 27, 1998, p. A-17.
The Sun Herald, "Ms. Leoneade M. Gruich", March 10, 2005, p. A-6.
The Sun Herald, "Dr. Frank G. Gruich; Dr. G just loved being a doctor", September 2, 2007, p. A-12.
The Sun Herald, "Dr. Frank G. Gruich Sr., September 3, 2007.
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Croatian arrivals from Viganj, Croatia-Dubaz.
Croatian arrivals from Viganj, Croatia-Dubaz.
DUBAZ FAMILY*
by John B. Dubaz (1929-2006)
April 19, 1980
John Dubaz (1853-1931), the progenitor of the Dubaz family of the Mississippi Coast, was born ‘Giovanni Dubaz’ in 1853, the son of George Dubaz in the village of Viganj on the Pelijisac Peninsula of Croatia. In April 1868, at the age of fifteen he applied for his ‘permesso di vaggio’, which was a permit to travel as a merchant seaman in lieu of military service or conscription. The permit was issued on the 20th day of September 1870, at the port of St. Marks at Curzola, the capital city of the island of Curzola which is known today as Korcula.
AT SEA
On the 16th day of November 1870 in Trieste, Italy, John Dubaz signed aboard his first ship as a common seaman. It was the Austro-Hungarian bark, Ciano. He served aboard the Ciano one year and nine months, leaving her on 11th September 1872 at Caspoli, which was Constantinople, which is known today as Istanbul. While still in Istanbul on the 24th of September 1872, he signed aboard the bark, Geisppal, serving aboard her for a period of sixteen months, during which time he was elevated to the rank of able bodied seaman.
John Dubaz left the Geisppal on January 14, 1874 at Trieste, Italy. On May 12, 1874, back at his home port of Korcula, he signed aboard the bark, Ida L and sailed to Istanbul where he left her September 23, 1876. On January 18, 1877, John boarded the bark, Presidente, bound for Marseille, France. He left the Presidente in Marseille and on 18th May, 1877, he boarded the bark, Elano, which was bound for Lovanno. He left the Elano at Venice, Italy on May 25, 1878 and signed on the bark, Ivy Kate, which was bound for his home port of Korcula. On November 22, 1879, John Dubaz signed aboard the bark, Viganj, which was named for the Croatian village of his birth.
HELMSMAN DUBAZ
After being prompted to tomoniere, which is helmsman or head steersman, John Dubaz left the Viganj at Cardiff, Wales on January 31, 1881 and boarded the bark Fabrrlon bound for New York. He arrived in New York on June 10, 1881 and eighteen days later signed aboard the bark S.S. Strossmayen bound for Tralee, Ireland. Here Helmsman Dubaz left his ship and boarded the Delmazia, a bark, bound for Glasgow, Scotland and Istanbul.
PENSACOLA
On April 17, 1884. John Dubaz debarked the Labioncello at Pensacola, Florida never again to sail the world’s seas on a tall ship. Shortly after arriving in America he met and married Mary Magdlen Lee, the daughter of James and Sarah Lee. Mary or Maggie, as she was called, was seventeen years of age at the time of their nuptials. She was born November 29, 1870 and John Dubaz was eighteen years her senior. From this sacred union five sons were born in Escambia County, Florida: George Dubaz, born November 23, 1887; John Dubaz Jr., born January 26, 1890; Rudolf ‘Doffie’ Dubaz, born March 7, 1892; Lawrence Dubaz, born March 4, 1892; and Luke Dubaz, born February 11, 1897. Lawrence Dubaz, the fourth son, was called Larenzo, died only seven days following his birth.
* This information was compiled by John B. Dubaz, the son of John Dubaz Sr. from the permesso which he obtained in November 1979 from Mary Rose Dubaz Leahey, his cousin, the granddaughter of John Dubaz Sr.
BILOXI**
Between 1886 and 1903, John Dubaz owned two stores in Pensacola, Florida. The first was located at Romano and Alfonse, and the second was located at 10th and Gregory. In 1903, the Irving family, which was very dear friends of the Dubaz family, convinced John Dubaz that he could be very successful at Biloxi, Mississippi. He could have his store and his boys could also work in the oyster business. So he and Maggie and the boys moved to Biloxi by boat. The name of the vessel was the ‘Maggie-K’. She was owned by Tom Powell and his wife who brought the family to Biloxi.
When they arrive in Biloxi in early 1903, George Dubaz was sixteen years old; John Dubaz was thirteen; Doffie was eleven; and Luke Dubaz was six. The first house that they lived in was the Wesley house at the corner of Cedar Street and East Beach. It is known today as the Holy Angels Nursery. They stayed there about one and one-half years and then moved across the street to a four-room house with a dormer. It was located where St. Michael’s Catholic Church is presently located. John Dubaz then acquired a lot at 1417 East 1st Street and started building the Dubaz family residence, which was completed in 1905, at a cost of $200. The home today is owned by Aunt Lillie, the spouse of George Dubaz.
MUSICIANS
In the year 1907, the old St. Michael’s Church was built across the street from the family home. The contractor was Delmas Seymour. After the church was completed, Mrs. Seymour played the piano for the church and Doffie Dubaz started taking piano lessons from her. George Dubaz then decided to take fiddle lessons so Professor Hammersbach from St. Stanislaus College came every Monday from Bay St. Louis to teach him and others music. John Dubaz took coronet and trumpet lessons. As thing turned out, all four boys became very accomplished and very popular musicians. They had their own orchestra as George played violin, Johnny played trumpet and cornet, Rudolf played trombone, piano, bass violin and alto horn while Luke was the band’s drummer. Circa 1910, the Dubaz brothers joined the Biloxi Herald Band and played for many years.
SEAFOOD PACKERS
In 1914, Doffie Dubaz and Luke Dubaz decided to try the retail side of the seafood business. They opened a shop at 1417 East Beach on land owned by Charles McCaleb. George and John Dubaz joined the business in 1915 to form the first Dubaz Brothers shop. On May 17, 1915 Rudolf Dubaz, the third son, wed Ella Scanlon, the niece of Mr. and Mrs. William Martens. In 1916, the Dubaz boys relocated their business to Back Beach [Back Bay] on property owned by the Ott family.
About this time, John Dubaz Sr. closed his store next to the family home on 1st Street and it became the headquarters for the Point Cadet Social Club [PCSC]. In the latter part of 1917, the Dubaz Brothers closed their seafood shop because of WW I. George and John Dubaz enlisted in the US Army. Rudolf stayed in Biloxi and worked for the Cruso Canning Company. Luke Dubaz found work at New Orleans and Pascagoula, Mississippi at shipyards building ships for the war effort.
WW I ended in November 1918 and in 1919 the Dubaz brothers began to get reorganized in earnest as they reopened their seafood business on Back Bay and also purchased the Valpino crab shop. There were also two marriages in 1919. The second first generation marriage occurred when Luke Dubaz wedded Inez Gable, the daughter of William E. and Willomenia Gable on February 20th. A short while later the third first generation marriage took place when John Dubaz Jr,, the second son, wed Cecile Andre, the daughter of George and Laura Andre on March 3, 1919.
Shortly after these marriages, Doffie Dubaz decided to get out of the business and work for himself. In 1927, the Dubaz boys sold the two businesses on Back Beach and built a new factory on East Beach on property owned by Ernest Mladinich. They grew a fleet of eight fishing boats. John Dubaz Sr. died on February 1, 1931. Mary Magdeline Dubaz followed him in death passing on June 30, 1932. Both were interred at the Biloxi Cemetery. The fourth first generation marriage took place when George Dubaz, the oldest son, wed Lillie Wescovich, the daughter of Peter Wescovich and Mary Ellen Ross Wescovich (1881-1956) on February 24, 1937.
For the next seven years the Dubaz family prospered and the second generation was growing fast. By this time, there were five second generation marriages. In early 1944, John Dubaz Jr., my father, succumbed to an illness and never recovered. He died on July 7, 1944 and is interred at the Biloxi Cemetery. In 1969, only two of the Dubaz brothers, George and Luke, remained in the seafood business. Although Doffie Dubaz wasn’t in the business, he worked right along with them. In August 1969, Hurricane Camille destroyed the their business on Biloxi’s East Beach so they relocated their enterprise to Back Bay, almost exactly where it had been in 1919. In 1976 sadness again visited the Dubaz family when on January 28th, George Dubaz, the oldest son expired. He was interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery. As of the last day of this writing, April 19, 1980, first generation members of the John Dubaz Sr. family living are: Cecile, Rudolf, Ella, Luke, Inez and Lillie Dubaz.
**From information furnished by Rudolf ‘Doffie’ Dubaz, the third son of John Dubaz Sr.
John Dubaz married Mary Magdalene Lee (1870-1932), the daughter of James and Sarah Lee, and a native of Santa Rosa County, Florida. They had five sons all born in Escambia County, Florida: George Dubaz (1887-1976) m. Lillie Wescovich (1909-1999); John Dubaz II (1887-1944) m. Cecile Andre (1899-1986); Rudolf Dubaz (1892-1981) m. Ella Scanlon (1896-1988); Lawrence Dubaz (1895-1895); and Luke Dubaz (1897-1985) m. Inez Gable (1902-1994).
GEORGE DUBAZ
George Dubaz (1887-1986) married Lillian Wescovich (1909-1999), the daughter of Peter and Mary Ellen Wescovich on February 24, 1937.
JOHN DUBAZ JR.
John Dubaz Jr. (1890-1944) was born January 27, 1890 in Escambia County, Florida. He was a veteran of WWI having enlisted in the US Army on June 26, 1918 and was discharged honorably on December 24, 1918 having served as a bugler. John made his livelihood in the seafood industry and held memberships in the Fishermen’s Union and Seafood Worker’s Association. As most Biloxian of Croatian heritage, he was a member of the Slavonian Association.(The Daily Herald, July 7, 1944, p. 5)
Alice Bellande Dubaz (1931-2013) and John B. Dubaz (1929-2006)
[Courtesy of Fern Davidson Dubaz O'Neal-December 2011]
In March 1919, John Dubaz Jr. (1887-1944) married Cecile Andre (1899-1986) and they were the parents of: Alma Lucille Dubaz m. Gilbert Woodman Griffey ; Eunice Dubaz m. Conger ; Lillian Katherine Dubaz m. Jones R. Pierce Jr.; John B. Dubaz (1929-2006) m. Alice Julia Bellande (1931-2013); Beverly Dubaz; and Martha Ann Dubaz m. H.M. Weaver.
RUDOLPH DUBAZ
Rudolph Dubaz (1892-1981) married Ella Scanlon (1896-1988)
LAWRENCE DUBAZ
Lawrence Dubaz was born March 4, 1895. He expired on March 11, 1895 in Florida.
Children
LUKE J. DUBAZ
Luke Joseph Dubaz (1897-1985) married Inez Gable (1902-1994), a native of Fairhope, Baldwin County, Alabama in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 20, 1919. Their children were: Annette Dubaz (1919-1992) m. Salvador A. Taranto Jr. (1918-1989); Luke J. Dubaz Jr. (1922-2001) m. Irene Theriot (1924-1984) and Dorothy Neal Martino (1922-2003); Elaine Dubaz (b. 1925) m. Salvador Sam Montiforte (1919-2000); Lawence Glenn Dubaz (1927-201) m. Ramona Rose Trebotich (1928-1979) and Helen Rose Wentzell, the widow of Alexander Gombos (1918-1971); Iris Dubaz (1930-2014) m. Guy B. Roberts (1926-2009); and George Burnette Dubaz (1931-1992) m. Fern Cecelia Davidson and Christine Amanda Britt (1936-2002).(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 28A, ED 2)
Children
Annette Dubaz
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Luke J. Dubaz Jr. and Irene Theriot Dubaz
Children
Donald W. Dubaz
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Elaine Dubaz
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Lawrence G. Dubaz Sr.
Lawrence (Larry) Glenn Dubaz Sr. (1927-2013) entered into life eternal with his Heavenly Father on August 24, 2013. He was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi and a graduate of Biloxi High School. As a young man, he enjoyed spending time with his father, mother and uncles working at the family business, the Dubaz Brothers Seafood Factory. Larry joined the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday in 1945. He served until July of 1946 on the USS Bairoko. He then began a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a Letter Carrier until he retired 40 years later. Larry loved to work and especially loved being a postal carrier. He retired only to begin yet another career as a sheriff's deputy and court bailiff for 20 years. Finally, at the age of 81 years, he permanently retired. Larry loved life and people, especially his family. Larry was blessed to have not one, but two loving, adoring wives in his lifetime. He married Ramona Trebotich in June of 1947. They had three sons. In 1979, he lost his beloved wife Ramona to cancer. Later, he married Helen Gombos. He gained one more son and four daughters. They were married for 31 years. He enjoyed fishing, throwing the cast net, coaching little league baseball, chaperoning school events, league bowling, carnival balls and dancing. He was a member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge #606, The Slovenian Benevolent Society and the National Association of Letter Carriers and a past member of the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Larry was known for his quick wit and his kind and gentle spirit. But most important of all, Larry was guided by his strong faith in God. Larry was a charter member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. He worked in discipleship alongside Father Paul Heshin, other priests and parishioners in building the parish. Over the years, Larry served his Lord in many ways including bazaars, Christmas tree sales, Bingos, school functions, committees and much more. Our Lady of Fatima Parish always held a special place in his heart. Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Ramona Rose Marie Trebotich Dubaz, his second wife, Helen Rose Wentzell Gombos Dubaz, his son, Larry G. Dubaz, Jr., parents, Inez Gable and Luke Dubaz, brothers, George B. Dubaz and L.J. Dubaz, sister, Annette Dubaz Taranto and other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Larry is survived by sons, Michael (Cheryl) Dubaz, Daniel (Susan) Dubaz and Al (Marie) Gombos, Jr., daughters, Mary Alice Gombos (Jesse) Kanode, Linda Gombos (Fred) Hornsby, Julie Gombos (Richard) Schmidt and Kathleen Gombos (Mark) Gamis, daughter-in-law, Theresa Fox Dubaz, sisters, Iris Dubaz Roberts, Elaine Dubaz Montiforte, sisters-in-law Fern Dubaz O'Neal and Margaret (Dan) Scott, nineteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, August 30, 2013, from 9:30am until 11:30am with an 11:30am Mass of Christian Burial, all at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Biloxi City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 196 Charmant Dr., Suite 4, Ridgeland, MS 39157, 601-987-0020. Many special thanks to all of his loving care givers over the last few years. There were so many that not only gave him wonderful care, but the love and respect that only come from those who truly love their patients as family. To all those at Settler's Cove and Saad's Hospice, we are especially grateful for your special and loving end of life care. God Bless. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, August 28, 2013]
Children
Lawrence G. Dubaz Jr.
Lawrence G. "Larry" Dubaz Jr., age 62 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi, died Saturday, May 1, 2010, in Gulfport. Larry was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. He was a Biloxi High School graduate and attended Phillips Business College. He was a member and past president of the Slavic Benevolent Association, BPOE #606, and served two terms as State Representative of District 115. Larry was Food and Beverage Manager for the Sheraton Hotel, General Manager of F&F Distributing Company, and he retired from Rex Beverage as national chain accounts sales manager. He attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Ramona Dubaz. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Fox Dubaz; two daughters, Julie Dubaz and Laurie Dubaz; his father, Larry Dubaz, Sr. and his wife, Helen; two brothers, Michael R. Dubaz and Danny Dubaz; one grandson, Jarred Arde, and a granddaughter, Mardi Gollott. Visitation is Tuesday, May 4, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Avenue, in Biloxi. A Mass of Christian Burial is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.[The Sun Herald May 3, 2010]
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Iris Dubaz
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REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Dance and Reception for Columbus Day”, October 13, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Deer Island” [advertisement], August 6, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Brilliant reception last night in honor of Bishop Gunn”, February 2, 1912.
The Daily Herald,“John Dubaz, Sr. Dies”, February 16, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Austrians Buy Canning Plant”, July 30, 1932.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Dubaz Dies”, July 30, 1932.
The Daily Herald,“John Dubaz Dies”, July 7, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “Ernest Mladinich Dies”, January 20, 1953.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Catherine Mladinich”, October 22, 1962.
The Daily Herald, “Dubaz seafood company sold to Biloxian”, January 8, 1973.
The Sun Herald, "Inez Gable Dubaz", January 16, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Edward R. Hanson, Sr.”, April 6, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Don Dubaz”, November 16, 1996.
The Sun Herald,“Lawrence G. Dubaz Jr.”, May 3, 2010.
The Sun Herald,“Alice Bellande Dubaz”, January 22, 2013.
The Sun Herald,“Lawrence G. Dubaz Sr.”, August 28, 2013.
The Sun Herald,“Iris Dubaz Roberts”, March 12, 2014.
The Sun Herald,“Michael R. Dubaz”, April 2, 2018.
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Croatian arrivals from Vis-Gospodinovich and Moulyet.
Croatian arrivals from Vis-Gospodinovich and Moulyet.
VIS
Vis [town] Harbor Komiza
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Biloxi Cemetery
[L-R: Dominic Gospodinovich; Jacobina Gospodinovich Tabb; Vincent Gospodinovich; Jacobina Trebotich Gospodinovich; Margaret Gospodinovich Leperi; Katie Gospodinovich Davis; and Charles Davis, grandson]
GOSPODINOVICH
Vincent Gospodinovich and Jacobina Trebotich with children
[L-R: Jacobena Gospodinovich (1914-2006) m. John Henry Tabb (1914-1972); 'Katie' Gospodinovich (1910-1986) m. Charles M. Davis (1914-2000); Matre Gospodinovich (1912-2003) m. Doris Borries (1913-1951) and Rose Mary Fayard)
Vincent Gospodinovich (1882-1964) was born December 14, 1882 at Vis, County Split-Dalmatia, Croatia. He made his livelihood at Biloxi as a fisherman. His wife, Jacobina Trebotich, was the daughter of Mateo Trebotich (1853-1935) and Kate Sekul (1859-1948). Mateo was born September 30, 1853 at Bobovisce, Brac, Dalmatia. Mateo expired on September 6, 1935. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Jackie Tabb, the granddaughter of Vincent Gospodinivich and Jacobina Trebotich, went to Croatia in 1985 and visited the Trebotich family home on the island of Brac.(Jackie Tabb, January 18, 2007)
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Jacobina Trebotich (1883-1980), spouse of Vincent Gospodinovich (1882-1964)
[Courtesy of Jacobina 'Jackie' Tabb-February 2014]
Vincent Gospodinovich (1882-1964) was born December 14, 1882 on Vis, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia. He married Jacobina Trebotich (1883-1980), a native of Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 28, 1906. She was the daughter of Mateo Trebotich (1853-1935) and Katie Sekul (1859-1948).
Gospodinovich Children [circa 1921]
[L-R top: Jacobina Gospodinovich; Katie Gospodinovich; Domena Gospodinovich and bottom child is Domenic Gospodinovich-Courtesy of Jackie Tabb-April 2014]
Children
Catherine 'Katie' Gospodinovich (1910-1986) m. Charles M. Davis (1914-2000); Matre Gospodinovich (1912-2003) m. Doris Borries (1913-1951) and Rose Mary Fayard; Jacobena Gospodinovich (1914-2006) m. John H. Tabb (1914-1972); Dumena Gospodinovich (1919-2001) m. John A. DeSilvey (1918-1996); Domenic Gospodinovich (1921-1996) m. Marie Landry Milian (1922-2012); and Margaret Gospodinich (1923-2008) m. Dominic T. Leperi (1920-2004).
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Catherine Gospodinovich [courtesy of Jacobina Tabb]
Catherine ‘Katie’ Gospodinovich (1910-1986) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 5, 1910. She married Charles M. Davis (1914-2000) in Harrison County, Mississippi on April 13, 1940. Katie Gospodinovich Davis died on February 26, 1986. Burial Southern Memorial Park.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 51, p. 3)
Charles M. Davis, age 86 years, died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000, in Biloxi. Mr. Davis was a lifelong resident of Biloxi and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 606 where he served as house committee chairman for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Davis. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Kay Hinton of Marietta, Georgia; a son, Charles Davis of the Latimer community, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A service will be at 10 a.m. today at St. Michael's Catholic Church where friends may call one hour before service time. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, October 3, 2000, p. A-5)
Matre Gospodinovich
Matre Gospodinovich (1912-2003), age 90 years, died Wednesday, March 12, 2003 in Biloxi. Mr. Gospodinovich was a native and a lifelong resident of Biloxi. He attended Spring Hill College in Alabama and was a retired fisherman. He was a member of the Slavonian Benevolent Association and St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Jacobina Trebotich Gospodinovich; two sisters, Katie Davis and Mena DeSilvey; and one brother, Dominic Gospodinovich. Survivors include his wife, Rose Mary Hurlburt Gospodinovich; a daughter, Ann Thibodeaux and husband, Darryl Sr.; a son, Matthew Gospodinovich and wife, Elizabeth; two sisters, Jacobina Tabb and Margaret Leperi, all of Biloxi; seven grandchildren, Angela Pickich, Darryl Thibodeaux Jr., Sherree Cline, Matthew Bryce Gospodinovich, Brooke Lyndsey Gospodinovich, Corey Joseph Gospodinovich and John Michael Petitfils; and six great-grandchildren. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, March 14, 2003, p. A-9)
Jacobena Gospodinich
Jacobena Gospodinovich (1914-2006) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 21, 1914. On December 23, 1941, she married John H. Tabb (1914-1972) in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 28, 1906. Children: Jacobena ‘Jackie’ Tabb (b. 1943) m. Steve Williams.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 53, p. 582)
Jacobina Gospodinovich Tabb (1914-2006), age 91 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi died in Ocean Springs on January 3, 2006. Mrs. Tabb was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 21, 1914 to Vincent Gospodinovich and Jacobina Trebotich Gospodinovich. She was a lifelong resident of Biloxi having lived in the home she was born in on the Point until Katrina swept it away. She worked in the seafood industry until she was 80 years old. Mrs. Tabb was known as Aunt Jack to her many nieces and nephews and Granny to the vendors at the farmers market. She loved gardening and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Mrs. Tabb was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, John Henry Tabb; her brothers, Anthony, Matre, and Dominic; her sisters, Frances Gospodinovich, Katie Davis, Hendrieta Gospodinovich and Domena DeSilvey.
Mrs. Tabb is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline Tabb; son-in-law, Steve Williams; grandchildren, Shawn, Steve Jr. and Sherie Williams; one great-granddaughter; her sister, Margaret Leperi; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at The Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, January 6, 2006)
Matthew Gospodinovich [1963-2019] of D'Iberville died Saturday, August 24, 2019. He was a former marine, highway patrolman and employed by Boomtown Casino. He loved and cherished his children and grandchildren and was a dedicated NO Saints fan. Matthew was preceded in death by his father Matre Gospodinovich. Survivors include his mother Rose Gospodinovich, sons Matthew (Anna) Gospodinovich, Corey (tabitha) Gospodinovich, Grandchildren Kaydence Anderson, Corey and Grace Gospodinovich, sister Ann Thibodeaux and his fiance Valerie Hickman and her three grandchildren. Visitation Thursday, August 29th from 5:30 pm to 7 pm with a memorial service at 7 pm at Southern Ms Funeral Service, 6631 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs.
Dumena Gospodinich
Dumena "Mena" Gospodinovich DeSilvey (1919-2001), age 82 years, died Tuesday, June 19, 2001, in Biloxi. Mrs. DeSilvey was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Arnell Knowles; and her parents, Vincent Gospodinovich and Jacobina Trebotich Gospodinovich. Survivors include a daughter, Gayle Allen of Ouieda, Florida.; two sons, John DeSilvey of Eastabutchie and Jim DeSilvey of Biloxi; two sisters, Jacobina Tabb and Margaret LePeri; a brother, Matre Gospodinovich, all of Biloxi; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Burial at the Biloxi City Cemetery directed by the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, June 21, 2001, p. A7)
John A. DeSilvey (1918-1996), age 78 years, Willa Lake Circle, Oviedo, Florida, died Saturday, June 29, 1996. Mr. DeSilvey was a postal clerk. Born in Biloxi, Mississippi, he moved to Central Florida in 1995. A member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, he also belonged to Knights of Columbus, VFW, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, National Association of Retired Federal Employees and Mississippi Coast Jazz Society. He was a Navy veteran. Survivors: daughter, Gayle G. Allen, Oviedo, Florida; sons, Jim A. DeSilvey, John V. DeSilvey, both of Biloxi; sister, Joyce Turner, Biloxi; brothers, Archibald DeSilvey, Roger DeSilvey, both of Biloxi, Neil DeSilvey, Johnson City, Tennessee, Patrick DeSilvey, Houma, Louisiana.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo, Florida.(The Orlando Sentinel, July 2, 1996, p. D-4)
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Biloxi Cemetery
Dominic Gospodinich
Domenic Gospodinovich (1921-1996) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 17, 1921. He passed on September 4, 1996. Dominic married Marie Landry Taranto Adams Milian (1922-2012).
Margaret Gospodinich
Margaret Rita Gospodinovich (1923-2008) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 13, 1923. She married Dominic Thomas Leperi (1920-2004), a native of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, the son of Nicholas Leperi and Mary Popovec, in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 14, 1943.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 59, p. 107)
Margaret Gospodinovich Leperi (1923-2008), age 85 years, died on Saturday, November 8, 2008 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mrs. Leperi was a lifelong resident of Biloxi's Point Cadet until Hurricane Katrina. Margaret was born July 13, 1923. She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. She worked for several years in the seafood industry. Mrs. Leperi enjoyed gardening and cooking homemade chicken and dumplings for her grandchildren. She was a member of the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary, NARFE and VFW Auxiliary. She is preceded in death by her husband of sixty years Dominic T. Leperi, Sr.; parents, Vincent Gospodinovich and Jacobina Trebotich Gospodinovich; sisters, Frances Gospodinovich, Katie Davis, Jacobina Tabb, Henderita Gospodinovich and Domena DeSilvey; brothers, Anthony Gospodinovich, Matre Gospodinovich and Dominic Gospodinovich. She is survived by her son, Dominic T. Leperi, Jr., of Ocean Springs, MS; grandchildren, Kimberly Leperi (Brian) Vincent of Houston, TX, Christie Leperi (Bobby) Smith of Dallas, TX, Amy Leperi (Steve) Este of Abita Springs, LA, Carrie Leperi (Lenny) Russell of Covington, LA, Karson and Kosette Leperi of Rockville, MD; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Jack Vincent, Logan and Lindsey Smith and Christian Russell; in-laws, Rose Gospodinovich, Marie Gospodinovich, Joseph (Eleanor) Leperi, Nicholas (Eleanor) Leperi and Steve Leperi. Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, November 17, 2008 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Biloxi. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes, Howard Ave., Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, November 12, 2008)
Dominic Thomas Leperi Sr.
Mr. Leperi retired from Keesler Field Finance Office. He was in the Army in WW II where he received a Bronze Star among other awards. He received numerous awards as a member of NARFE, the MS State Bowling League, the Military Order of the Cootie, National Community Development Association and the Biloxi VFW. Mr. Leperi was very active in planning the Blessing of the Fleet in Biloxi and attended St. Michaels Catholic Church in Biloxi. Mr. Leperi is survived by his wife, Margaret Gospodinovich Leperi, of Biloxi; son, Dominic T. Leperi, Jr. and his wife, Karin, of Greenbelt, Maryland; grandchildren, Kim Vincent and husband, Brian, of Lafayette, Louisian, Christie Smith and husband, Bobby, of Gulfport, Amy Este and husband, Steve, and Carrie Russell and husband, Lenny, of Metairie, Louisiana and Karson and Kosette Leperi of Greenbelt, Maryland: three brothers, Joe Leperi of Pennsylvania, Steve Leperi of Ocean Springs and Nick Leperi of New Jersey; and two great grandchildren. Mr. Dominic T. Leperi, Sr, 84, of Biloxi, MS died Saturday, August 21, 2004 at home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Michaels Catholic Church Wednesday at 10 a.m. where friends may visit one hour before service time. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery under the direction of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi.(the Sun Herald, August 25, 2004, p. A-10)
NOTE
[e-mail from Jacobina ‘Jackie’ Tabb, April 24, 2011]
[Ray] It looks like the "h" was added to the Yugoslavian names when they got here. I took pictures of the cemetery in Brac when I was there in 1985 and the "vic" was without an "h". Also, if you look in the cemetery in Biloxi some graves say "Austro Hungary", some "Dalmatia", some "Yugoslavia", but they were all born in the same town. It's just whoever ruled the country at a particular time. Grandpa was from the island of Vis. Grandma was from Bobovise, Island of Brac. I went to Bobovise in 1985 but could not visit Vis as it was a military installation. Grandpa worked on the boats with my great grandpa Trebotich (great grandma Sekul) and rented a room from them on Cedar St. He sent for his brothers and mama. She didn't like Biloxi so they went to Washington State. I have a picture of grandpa's daddy in the Austrian? Navy taken in the 1890s?, but I think he died before grandpa came here. This is about my grandpa's sister. The text is from The Daily Herald of April 29, 1921. I left the spellings as they were. The spelling on the tombstone is Andrijila Gospodinovich born May 24, 1897 and died April 25, 1921. Mama said she died of a broken heart because her brother in Washington caught pneumonia and died. She was in New Orleans to see Brother Isaih [sic] who was supposed to be a healer. Mama said the casket was on a horse drawn carriage.
"UNUSUAL FUNERAL HELD YESTERDAY"
“The funeral of Miss Audrejea Guspodinovich, who died in New Orleans and was buried yesterday afternoon, was one of the most unusual held in Biloxi in some years. The body of the deceased woman was brought to Biloxi where it lay in state for the usual time. The funeral services began yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock when the body was taken to the St. Michael church where special services were conducted with Rev. Father Nelius Downing officiating. Following the impressive services, the funeral cortege proceeded to the cemetery headed by a brass band which played a number of funeral marches. There were in attendance at the funeral a large number of people, mostly residents of the eastern section of the city. A number of young women also acted as honorary pallbearers, carrying large wreaths and beautiful flowers which were placed upon the grave. Other services were held at the cemetery, the funeral consuming several hours to carry out."
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, May 29, 1906.
The Daily Herald,“Change of masters at Customs House”, September 20, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Gospodinovich dies”, March 17, 1937.
The Daily Herald,“[Doris Borries] Gospodinovich death”, February 27, 1951.
The Daily Herald,“Two injured as speeding auto hits another”, December 18, 1950.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Jacobina T. Gospodinovich”, June 24, 1980.
The Orlando Sentinel [Florida], "John A. DeSilvey", July 2, 1996.
The Sun Herald,“Dominic Gospodinovich Sr.”, September 5, 1996.
The Sun Herald,“Charles M. Davis”, October 3, 2000.
The Sun Herald,“Domena DeSilvey”, June 21, 2001.
The Sun Herald,“Matre Gospodinovich”, March 14, 2003.
The Sun Herald,“Dominic T. Leperi Sr.”, August 25, 2004.
The Sun Herald,“Jacobina Gospodinovich Tabb”, January 6, 2006.
The Sun Herald,“”,
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MOULYET
Moulet Tomb-6th Addition Biloxi Cemetery [image September 2013]
- 563 views
Crofton Family
Crofton Family ray Sun, 08/14/2011 - 11:23
CROFTON FAMILY
Ireland
The Robert Oliver Crofton family of Biloxi, Mississippi had its origins in Eire and England. R.O. Crofton (1835-1914) was born in April 1835 in Dublin, Ireland. Circa 1857, he married Maria Willis Sterling (1841-1921), the daughter of two Scots, Robert Sterling and Jane McAlister. Marie was born in Liverpool, England and came to America in 1855. She was a female physician at Biloxi in 1900. Robert O. Crofton was an 1857 émigré. William Sterling (1831-1900+), native of Ireland, a widower and brother of Maria S. Crofton, was living with the Crofton family at Biloxi in 1900. He made his livelihood as a ship caulker.(1860 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census M653_419, p. 28, 7th Ward and 1900 Federal Census Harrison County, Mississippi R808, p. 4B, ED 30)
New Orleans
The Crofton family lived in New Orleans until their move to Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1891. Robert O. Crofton and Maria Sterling Crofton had thirteen children born in New Orleans. Seven children were alive in 1900: Emilie Crofton (b. 1858); Daisy M. Crofton (1876-1906) m. Charles H. Hill; Elizabeth Crofton Criswell (b. 1859); Dr. Henrietta Crofton (1860-1947); Florence Crofton (1871-1952) m. Cassius M. Duncan (1846-1917+); Julia Crofton (1873-1944 ) m. Frank H. Richter and Royal F. Johnson (1887-1954); Robert O. Crofton II (1881-1937) m. Rita Gilbert; and Charles Edwin Crofton (1884-1936) m. Birdie May Breithaupt (1885-1961)
Notes on Crofton children:
Robert Oliver Crofton (7/8/1881-9/7/1937) m. Loretta Gilbert who later married Henry Y. Tourner (1888-1945).
Elizabeth Crofton m. Benjamin P. Criswell-lived at St. Joseph, Missouri
Florence Crofton m. Cassius M. Duncan on June 28, 1917 at NOLA.
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Lake View Cemetery-Seattle, Washington
Julia Crofton married F.H. Richter on January 14, 1898. She later married Royal F. Johnson who became the Washington State bee inspector. Julia died at Seattle, Washington in mid-March 1944. Survived by Royal F. Johnson and three sisters: Henrietta Crofton-Seattle; Betty Criswell-St. Joseph, Missouri; and Florence Duncan-Biloxi. Internment in Lake View Cemetery at Seattle, Washington. Royal F. Johnson (1887-1954) married Birdie M. Breithaupt Crofton (1885-1961), the widow of Charles E. Crofton (1884-1936), after the death of Julia C. Johnson in 1944.(Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 11, p. 294 and The Daily Herald, March 16, 1944, p. 6)
Daisy M. Crofton married Charles H. Hill on November 11, 1905.(Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 17, p. 240)
Daisy Crofton Hill died at Lake Providence, Louisiana on August 26, 1906.
Louise Crofton m. Charles Sheehan on April 3, 1942.(Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 54, p. 605)
Dr. Henrietta Crofton expired at Seattle, Washington on August 8, 1944.
Scherer House?
November 5, 1895, Mrs. R.O. Crofton, Harrison Co., Mississippi Deed Bk. 33, p. 232.
May 14, 1906, Florence Crofton, Harrison Co., Mississippi Deed Bk. 72, p. 492 (49 ½’ x 128’ on Water Street)
July 14, 1920-sold to Florence Crofton Duncan, Harrison Co., Mississippi Deed Bk.128, p. 492.
Maria S. Crofton
In addition to her professional duties, Maria Sterling Crofton
Lake View Cemetery-Seattle, Washington
Dr. Henrietta M. Crofton
Henrietta M. Crofton (1860-1947) spent her early years in the family home on Water Street. She became a nurse and worked with both local and out-of-town patience. While nursing an out-of-town patience, Henrietta became interested in osteopathy and graduated from the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri. Circa 1914, Miss Crofton established her practice as a nose and throat specialist at Seattle, Washington. Dr. Crofton retired at Seattle and when her health failed, she was cared for by Mrs. Birdie Crofton Johnson, spouse of her late brother, Charles Edwin Crofton. Henrietta was an Epsicopal and Eastern Star member. She died at 2024 Broadway North, her residence in Seattle on August 8, 1947 and her corporal remains were interred in the Lake View Cemetery at Seattle. She was survivied by Robert O. Crofton, a nephew, at Biloxi; her sister (sic), Louise Crofton Sheehan [niece] (1914-1978) of Biloxi; and Lenox Criswell, a nephew, and his son, both of Newark, New Jersey.(The Daily Herald, August 9, 1947, p. 2 and The Seattle Daily Times, August 9, 1947, p. 4)
Florence Crofton
Florence Crofton (1871-1952) was born at New Orleans in September 1871. In July 1899 she boarded the Aransas, a steamship, embarking from New Orleans for Havana, Cuba. Miss Crofton, a nurse, who had worked with her mother, a physician at Biloxi, Mississippi, was employed by the Federal government to bring her nursing skills to American hospitals in a post-Spanish American War atmosphere on the conquered Caribbean island. Accompanying Florence Crofton were Mrs. R.H. Burton and her two daughters, Carrie Burton and Pattie Burton. The Burtons were domiciled at Long Beach, Mississippi.(The Biloxi Herald, July 15, 1899, p. 8)
Mrs. Florence Crofton Duncan
In late June 1917, Florence Crofton (1871-1952) married Cassius M. Duncan (1846-pre-1930) at the home of Mrs. William Davenport 3648 Camp Street in the Crescent City. The Reverend Charles B. Crawford (1848-1929) of Biloxi’s Episcopal Church of the Redeemer performed their nuptials. The couple honeymooned in New Orleans and returned to Biloxi to reside with Mrs. Maria Crofton at 206 West Water Street.(The Daily Herald, June 29, 1917, p. 5)
C.M. Duncan was born in Missouri and was the widower of Martha Duncan (1840-pre 1910). They married circa 1874 and were the parents of Mamie Duncan (1876-1900+) and Caroline Duncan (1879-1900+). The Duncans lived at Altona, Knox County, Illinois where C.M. Duncan was a horse trader and may have been Mayor. After the demise of his spouse, Mr. Duncan became a ‘snowbird’ and wintered at Biloxi for several years.(1900 Knox Co., Illinois Federal Census T623_314, p. 2A, ED 66 and The Daily Herald, June 29, 1917, p. 5)
In November 1915, C.M. Duncan came to Biloxi from Illinois with Mrs. Milly Davis, his sister, of Roseville, Illinois. They were booked with Mrs. Moore at 241 Cuevas Street. In 1916, Mr. Duncan spent the winter 912 West Howard Avenue and had Christmas dinner with fourteen Illinois friends at the Benny House.(The Daily Herald, November 20, 1915, p. 2 and December 30, 1916, p. 3)
Demise
It appears that Cassius M. Duncan expired at Biloxi before 1930, as Florence Crofton Duncan is a widow in the 1930 Federal Census.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 12B, ED 3)
Florence Crofton Duncan died at the Biloxi Veterans Administration Center on June 20, 1952. Her corporal remains were passed through the Church of the Redeemer with the Reverend E.A. DeMiller officiating and her burial was at the Biloxi City Cemetery with military and Eastern Star rituals.(The Daily Herald, June 21, 1952, p. 3)
Daisy M. Crofton
Daisy M. Crofton (1876-1906) was born at NOLA in December 1876. In 1900, she was domiciled in the Crescent City where she was employed as a nurse. Miss Crofton boarded with the Sidney Davis family on Prytania Street.(1900 Orleans Parish, Federal Census, T623_570, p. 10A, ED 5)
Daisy M. Crofton married Charles Henry Hill (1874-1930+) at her parent’s home in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 11, 1905. Charles H. Hill was born on August 7, 1874 in Georgia and met Miss Crofton during a yellow fever epidemic, probably in 1898. Mr. Hill was domiciled at Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, Louisiana and was dying from the mosquito-borne virus, when Daisy Crofton, a nurse, miraculously saved his life. Mr. Hill was the proprietor of the large business house of A.S. Hill & C.H. Hill at Lake Providence.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 16, 1905, p. 4 and November 24, 1905, p. 4 and Harrison Co., Ms. MRB 17, p. 240)
Daisy Crofton Hill died at Lake Providence, Louisiana on August 26, 1906. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. As late as 1930, Charles H. Hill had never remarried and remained at Lake Providence except during WW I, when he worked as a grading foreman for the American Shipbuilding Corporation at Hog Island, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Lake Providence, Mr. Hill made his livelihood during the years as a farmer, time keeper for a logging camp, and in later life was an automobile salesman.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 27, 1906, p. 4 and 1930 East Carroll Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R 792, p. 5B, ED 4)
Charles E. Crofton
| Charles Edwin Crofton, age 52 years, died at his residence, 2024 Broadway N. in Seattle, Washington on November 12, 1936. Mr. Crofton was born at New Orleans on September 27, 1884 to Robert O. Crofton (1835-1914), a native of Dublin, Ireland, and Maria Willis Sterling (1841-1921).Charles E. Crofton and and made his livelihood as a machinist. He married Birdia May Breithaupt a native of Jena, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana.Charles and Birdia May Crofton came to Seattle from New Orleans in 1933. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at McGee, Arkansas and the Royal Arch Masons at Helena, Arkansas.Charles had been in poor health since his retirement in 1926. He was survived by his spouse; four sisters: Henrietta Crofton and Julia Crofton Johnson of Seattle; Florence Crofton Duncan of Biloxi, Mississippi; and Elizabeth Crofton Criswell of St. Joseph, Missouri; and Robert O. Crofton, a brother at Biloxi, Mississippi. The Crofton funeral was under the auspices of Butterworth Funeral Parlors of Seattle with internment in the Lake View Cemetery at Seattle.[The Seattle Daily Times, November 14, 1936, p. 11] |
Robert O. Crofton III
Robert Oliver Crofton III was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 18, 1908 to Robert O. Crofton II (1881-1937) and Loretta Gilbert Crofton who later married Henry Y. Tourner (1888-1945). R.O. Crofton III expired February 5, 1956.
"Robert O. Crofton, 47, 206 W. Water St. Biloxi, commercial artist, designer and interior decorator, died at 8:50 pm Sunday, at Memorial Hospital, Gulfport, after a 17 month illness. Mr. Crofton had been in the hospital five weeks. He was a native Biloxian and had lived in Biloxi and Gulfport all of his life. He was a World War Two veteran. Mr. Crofton attended Biloxi High School and was graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Gulfport. He had done considerable art work along the Coast. At one time he was with the Saenger Theatres at Biloxi, Gulfport and other points on the circuit. He was engaged in display work and remodeling and redecorating fronts of theatres and lobbies. He also formerly was with Northrop's, Gulfport.
He has been engaged in work for Biloxi carnival clubs. He did designing and decorating for the Hotel Biloxi MacArthur Creole Room; Broadwater Driftwood Lodge, White House pool and other projects, including work for Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation at Pascagoula. He was an active member of the Gulf Coast Art Assn.
He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Henry Tourner, Biloxi; sister, Mrs. C. L. Sheehan, Orlando, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Tuesday from Bradford Funeral Home with services at the Church of the Nativity and burial in Biloxi Cemetery." (The Daily Herald, February 6, 1956, p.2)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Gone to Cuba”, July 15, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 16, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 24, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mrs. Charles H. Hill”, August 27, 1906.
The Daily Herald, “Fell ninety feet and may recover”, December 8, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Crofton-Gilbert”, July 17, 1907.
The Daily Herald, “Old resident [Robert Oliver Crofton]died Sunday”, July 6, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Illinois people back”, November 20, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Enjoy Christmas dinner”, December 30, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Duncan-Crofton”, June 29, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Sailors and Soldiers”, July 22, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Woman’s Auxiliary establishes free clinic”, April 26, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Maria Willis Crofton dead”, February 24, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Here for visit [Charles Crofton]”, June 20, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Oliver Crofton dies”, September 8, 1937.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Johnson [Julia Crofton] dies", March 16, 1944.
The Daily Herald, "Dr. Crofton dies", August 9, 1947.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Duncan, Spanish American War nurse is taken by death”, June 20, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Funeral this afternoon”, June 21, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Duncan buried”, June 22?, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Robert O. Crofton”, February 6, 1956.
The Seattle Daily Times, 'Charles E. Crofton funeral', November 14, 1936, p.11.
The Seattle Daily Times, 'Henrietta M. Crofton', August 9, 1947, p. 4.
The Seattle Daily Times, 'Mrs. Royal Johnson [nee Birdie May Breithaupt]', June 18, 1961, p. 56.
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Dalgo Family
Dalgo Family
DALGO [HIDALGO] FAMILY
The progenitor of the Dalgo Family, formerly Hidalgo, of the Mississippi Gulf Coast was Antoine Hidalgo (b. 1866), called Anthony, the son of Felix Hidalgo (1837-1922) and Emelie Marie Domingue (1846-1910+), the daughter of Manuel Domingue (b. 1808) and Armaline ? Domingue (b. 1820). Felix and Emelie married March 10, 1864 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Felix and Emelsie were the parents of seven children: Anthony Hidalgo (1866-1903+) ; Luc Hidalgo (1868-1930+); Neome Hidalgo; W. Saul Hidalgo (1877-1900+); Emanuel Hidalgo (1879-1880+); Mozard Hidalgo (1884-1910+). By 1900 six Hidalgo children were living and by 1910 only four of them were alive.
It appears that when the Anthony Hidalgo family migrated from Southwest Louisiana to the Mississippi Gulf Coast circa 1910. In Mississippi, the family changed their name to ‘Dalgo’ from Hidalgo.
ANTHONY HIDALGO [DALGO]
Anthony Dalgo (1866-1903+) was born about September 17, 1866, probably near Youngsville, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. He was baptized in the Lafayette, Louisiana Roman Catholic Church on February 2, 1867. (Hebert, 1977, p. 251)
Anthony Hidalgo married Editha Comeaux on October 20, 1890 in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. A few days later their marriage was solemnized in the Roman Catholic Church at Youngsville, Lafayette, Parish, Louisiana. (Hebert, Vol. 21, 1980, p. 208)
A son, Laurent Hidalgo (1893-1937), later called Lawrence Dalgo, was born at Youngsville, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana on June 5, 1893.(Hebert, Vol. 24, 1980, p. )
LAWRENCE DALGO
Circa 1915, in Jackson County, Mississippi, Lawrence Dalgo married Ethel Tillman (1896-1978), the daughter of Gideon N. Tillman (1872-1925) and Laura Toche (1882-1940). Initially at Ocean Springs, Lawrence Dalgo made his livelihood in the employ of Anna Louise Benjamin (1848-1938), a wealthy widow from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mrs. Benjamin owned Shore Acres, a large estate situated on the Fort Point Peninsula at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(WWI Draft Registration Card-Jackson Co., Mississippi)
By 1920, Lawrence Dalgo had found employment as a laborer in a shipyard, probably at Pascagoula, Mississippi. At this time they had two children: Merlin Beverly Dalgo (1916- 2003) married Sarah Fuller (1917-1990) and Beryl Dalgo Woodruff (1919-2010) married Hubert C. Woodruff (1921-1995).(1920 Jackson Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_879, p. 14B, ED 66)
MERLIN BEVERLY DALGO
Merlin Beverly Dalgo (1916-2003), called Beverly, was born on December 29, 1916 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He married Sarah Fuller (1917-1990), who was born October 31, 1917 at Gautier, Mississippi, the daughter of Fuller and . They were the parents of Linda Dalgo Bradford and Lawrence Fuller Dalgo. Sarah F. Dalgo expired at Mobile, Alabama in October 1990. M. Beverly Dalgo died at Gulfport, Mississippi on December 3, 2003. There corporal remains are interred in the Gautier Cemetery at Gautier, Jackson County, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, December 5, 2003)
After the demise of Lawrence Dalgo, Ethel T. Dalgo married Theodore D. Manuel (1878-1960), a building contractor. Mr. Manuel had lived at New Orleans for many years. They resided at 710 West Porter in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Manuel was the organist at St. Paul's Methodist Church for twenty-five years. T. D. Manuel died in October 1960. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Ethel passed on March 12, 1978. Her remains were buried in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.(The Daily Herald, October 4, 1960, p. 2 and March 14, 1978, p. A-2)
BERYL DALGO WOODRUFF
Beryl Dalgo was born December 18, 1919 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She married Hubert C. Woodruff (1921-1995) who was born January 10, 1921. H.C. Woodruff expired on September 25, 1995, while Beverly D. Woodruff died on May 28, 2010 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Their corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi. They had no children.
CLARICE MARIE LEBLANC
There is a high degree of certitude that Editha Comeaux Dalgo expired in childbirth of shortly thereafter as Anthony Hidalgo married Clarice Marie Leblanc (1873-1942) on September 2, 1895 at the Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Courthouse. Their marriage was designated Cause No. 5445.(Hebert, Vol. , p. )
The children of Anthony Hidalgo and Clarice Marie Leblanc were: Leon Dalgo (1896-1953), Felix J. Dalgo (1898-1953); Isaac Dalgo (1900-1967); and Angelo Dalgo (1903-1975). Clarice Marie Leblanc Dalgo expired at Biloxi, Mississippi expired on March 22, 1942.[The Daily Herald, March 23, 1942, p. 3]
Celestine Abel (1898-1988) and Leon Dalgo (1896-1953) Leon Dalgo [1951]
[courtesy of Debra Dalgo Fowler-Raley-August 2011]
LEON DALGO
Leon Dalgo (1896-1953) was born June 23, 1896 in New Iberia, Louisiana. He married Celestine Abel (1898-1988), the daughter of Joseph C. Abel (1868-1932) and Ella Mae Ladnier (1873-1938) on May 6, 1916 in Harrison County, Mississippi. In the 1940s, they lived at 224 Thomas Street in Biloxi. Their known children were: Harold Leon Dalgo (1918-1990) m. Ila Mae Manuel; Lula Forehand; and Patricia ?; Ella Mae Dalgo (1920-2014) m. Kelly George Weems (1915-1989); Charles W. Dalgo (1921-2000) m. Lurlyn Maxine Bilbo (1922-1995); Gloria A. Dalgo (b. 1924) m. Mr. Osborne; Rodney C. Dalgo (1926-1995) and Herbert Dalgo.(The Daily Herald, February 17, 1921, p. 3)
In 1920, Leon Dalgo was a corker [caulker] in a shipyard, probably M.M. Flechas, at Pascagoula, Mississippi. The family lived on Foote Street.(1920 Jackson Co., Mississippi Federal Census, T625_879, p. 16A, ED 65)
Leon Dalgo married Ila Mae Manuel (1919-2010) on January 20, 1937. Leon Dalgo expired on March 6, 1953. In September 1952, Ila Mae married Anthony J. Bertucci (1919-1999). She expired on October 25, 2010 at Little Elm, Texas. Mrs. Bertucci's corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, January 29, 1937, p. 5 and The Sun Herald, October 31, 2010, p. A12)
Children
Harold L. Dalgo
Captain Harold Leon Dalgo [1918-1990] was born January 27, 1918 at Biloxi. He married Ila Mae Manuel in January 1937 at Gulfport and Lula Forehand Hamm Bond [1918-2007] in 1952 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Harold made his livelihood on the sea. He passed on July 7, 1990 at Melbourne, Australia and was survived by a wife, Patricia ? Dalgo, and a daughter, Patricia Dalgo Mackbee, of New Orleans. Harold was cremated and his corporal remains are assumed to be in Australia.[The Daily Herald, January 29, 1937, p. 5 and Sun Herald, July 11, 1990, p. C-2]
Ila Mae Dalgo gave birth to Patricia Dalgo in August 1939. Patricia married
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Ella Mae Dalgo
Ella Mae Dalgo Weems (1920-2014), age 94 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014, in Biloxi. Mrs. Weems was a native of Biloxi, formerly a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and was currently a member of Heritage UMC. Along with her husband, they owned and operated Kelly's Upholstery and Surplus Store. She volunteered at Noahs Ark Kindergarten at Heritage UMC and at the Biloxi VA Hospital. Mrs. Weems was a member of many clubs and organizations including the North Bay Senior Citizens Club and the Biloxi Red Hat Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kelly George Weems Sr, parents, Leon and Celestine Abel Dalgo, sister, Gloria and four brothers, Harold, Charles, Herbert and Rodney. Survivors include two sons, Kelly G. (Brenda) Weems Jr and Dan (Mary) Weems, three grandchildren, Desiree, Mark and Scott, two great-grandchildren, Sean and Declan, three nieces, Diane, Tracey and Toy, and three neighbors, Bubba, Teresa and Mattie. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, July 20, 2014, p. A-15)
Charles W. Dalgo
Charles William Dalgo (1921-2000) was born February 13, 1921 at Biloxi. He married Lurlyn Maxine Bilbo (1922-1995), a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the daughter of John Wesley Bilbo and Verna Flurry Bilbo. They were the parents of two daughters, Lyn Dalgo Jay of Marble Falls, Texas and Cindy Dalgo Causey of Austin, Texas.
Charles W. Dalgo and Lurlyn Bilbo Dalgo both expired in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Their corporal remains were interred in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Texas.
FELIX DALGO
Felix J. Dalgo (1898-1939) was born April 26, 1898 in Louisiana. He married Anna G. Lusk (1898-1992), the daughter of Richard Lusk (1875-1954) and Anna E. McCaleb (1875-1954) in the Catholic Church in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 19, 1918. Their Children were: Joseph A. Dalgo (1920-1974) m. Ella Mae Saujon m. Kelly G. Weems and Anna Mae Sandoz (1922-1993) m. Tiblier; Roland Andrew Dalgo (1921-1922); Anthony R. Dalgo (1923-1979) m. Iris Eleuterius; and Felix 'Junior' J. Dalgo Jr. (1925-1989) m. Lilly C. Dalgo (1930-1977).).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 30, p. 463)
Roland Andrew Dalgo expired at Biloxi on March 27, 1922.(The Daily Herald, March 29, 1922, p. 3)
In 1920, Felix J. Dalgo made his livelihood as a tow boat engineer. His family lived on East Beach Street at Biloxi, Mississippi with Richard Lusk, a ship carpenter.(1920 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census, T625_876, p. 25B, ED 39)
Felix J. Dalgo expired on Christmas Day 1939.
Felix J. Dalgo Jr.
Felix Joseph Dalgo Jr. (1925-1989), called Junior, was educated at St. Michael's parochial school and married . He became an amateur boxer training St. Michael's CYO in the late 1930s. By early 1949, he had fought in over 100 amateur bouts. While in the US Navy serving in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII, Junior won the Southwest Pacific bantam weight crown in 1944 and 1945 at Honolulu, Hawaii. By the winter of 1949, Junior had turned professional and was awaiting his fifth bought at the Colisuem Arena in New Orleans. At this time, he weighed 118 pounds as compared to his military pugilistic career where his fighting weight was about 126 pounds. Dalgo attributed his weight loss to his intense training and strenous labor while employed on a shrimp boat.(The Daily Herald, February 15, 1949, p. 4)
[from The Times-Picayune, November 6, 1967, p. 2]
ISAAC DALGO
Isaac Dalgo (1900-1967) was born March 18, 1900 in Louisiana. In 1917, when Isaac Dalgo registered for the WW I draft, he was living with his mother at 1026 Pearl Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was employed as a ship caulker at the Diersks-Blodgett shipyard in Pascagoula.
In September 1920, he married Irma Anna Hebber or Heffler (1906-1930+), a native of Louisiana. They were the parents of: a baby boy (1921-1921); George Almer Dalgo (1922-1922); Donald Earl Dalgo (1923-1923); Rita Dalgo was born May 29, 1925; and Shirley Florence Dalgo (1931-1931).(The Daily Herald, September 16, 1920, p. 4 and June 30, 1925, p. 3 and Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Bk. 11, p. 149, Bk. 12, p. 29, Bk. 12, p. 232, and Bk. 19, p. 255)
By 1930, Isaac Dalgo was working as a boatman in the Biloxi seafood industry and domiciled on Maple Street with his wife and daughter, Rita Dalgo.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1146, p. 31B, ED 2)
Isaac Dalgo moved to Louisiana and expired there on November 5, 1967. He married Marie Richard (1918-2013) in February 1949 in Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
ANGELO J. DALGO
Angelo Dalgo (1903-1975) was born October 10, 1903 in Louisiana. In January 1924, he married Grace Canaan (1907-1929), the daughter of Israel Henry Canaan (1876-1958), a native of Michigan, and Catherine Caldwell (1873-1943), the daughter of Madison ‘Matt’ Caldwell (1843-1900) and Olina ‘Ollie’ Ramsay Caldwell (1847-1903), the daughter of Daniel Huey Ramsay (1814-1867) and Mahala Holder Ramsay (1814-1885). The nuptials of Angelo Dalgo and Grace Canaan were held in Biloxi at the home of Judge Z.T. Champlin.(The Daily Herald, January 18, 1924, p. 2)
Angelo and Grace C. Dalgo were the parents of: George Dalgo (b. 1925), who was born January 10, 1925 and Jerry A. Dalgo (1927-2008) who was born January 18, 1927.(The Daily Herald, January 10, 1925, p. 3)
George and Jerry Dalgo
[courtesy of Debra Dalgo Fowler-Raley-August 2011]
GEORGE A. DALGO
George Angelo Dalgo (b. Jan 1, 1925) married Doris Jones (b. 1929), the daughter of Benjamin Jones and D. Thelma Rogers, at Baltimore, Maryland on April 19, 1953. George and Doris were the parents of three children: Timothy Albert Dalgo [b. June 1, 1954] m. Shirley Kachinski on May 3, 1975; Darlene May Dalgo [b. Oct 2, 1957 m. Edward Spause on April 19, 1982; and Debra Ann Dalgo [b. Nov 4, 1963] m. Robert Fowler in September 1989 and James Kenneth Raley on July 23 2004.(Dalrlene Dalgo Fowler Raley, August 24, 2011)
JERRY A. DALGO
Jerry A. Dalgo (1927-2008) married Mattie Louise Sumrall of Perkinston, Mississippi in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 13, 1953.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 96, p. 146)
Jerry A. Dalgo and Mattie L. Sumrall were the parents of three sons: Angelo Lance Dalgo married Loree Lee Noble on November 1, 1975. Jerry A. Dalgo II married Judy Detoney; and Robert Dalgo married ?.
Grace C. Dalgo expired at her home on Heidenheim Avenue on January 12, 1929, from blood poisoning. Her corporal remains were passed through the Lutheran Church with the Reverend Stock officiating. Burial followed in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Bk. 15, p. 242 and The Daily Herald, January 14, 1929, p. 2)
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Gladys V. Stanley Dalgo Garza (1913-2011)
After the death of Grace Canaan Dalgo, Angelo J. Dalgo married Gladys Viola Stanley (1913-2011), a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi and the daughter of Frank Stanley (1875-1931) and Mary 'Mattie' Stanley (b. 1893). Gladys was born October 7, 1913 at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Angelo and Gladys S. Dalgo had two daughters, Betty Louise Dalgo (1931-1932) and Helen Grace Dalgo Foretich (1934-2017), the spouse of Alvah E. Foretich Jr. (1932-2010), the son of Alvah E. Foretich (1908-1989) and Bessie M. Griffin (1908-1990).
Children
Betty Louise Dalgo
Helen G. Dalgo
Helen Grace Dalgo (1934-2017) was born . She married Alva E. Foretich Jr. in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 12, 1953.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 94, p. 375]
Helen Grace Foretich, age 83 years, of Biloxi, passed away on July 20, 2017, at the Ocean Springs Nursing Center. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Alvah E. Foretich Jr., daughter, Sharon Sue Foretich Nixon (1954-2005) m. Walter Louis Nixon III (1954-2007), grandson, Walter Louis Nixon IV (d. 1995), and parents, Angelo and Gladys Dalgo. Survivors include her daughter, Angela Soren, grandchildren, Alyssa, Hannah and Kayla Soren, and sister-in-law, Mattie Dalgo. On bequest of the deceased there will be burial only at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Children
Sharon S. Foretich
Sharon Sue Foretich (1954-2005), age 50 years, a resident of Portland, Oregon, died April 7, 2005, of cancer. Sharon was born April 21, 1954, in Biloxi. She was a 1973 graduate of Meadow-Draugan Business College in New Orleans and was employed in real estate as a commercial property manager. Sharon was preceded in death by her son, Walter L. Nixon IV, in 1995. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Walter L. Nixon III; parents Al and Helen Foretich, Biloxi; sister Angela (Roger) Soren, Louisville, Kentucky; three nieces she loved very much, Alyssa, Hanna and Kayla, Louisville; grandmother Gladys Dalgo, Biloxi; special Aunt Mattie and Uncle Jerry Dalgo, Ocean Springs, Aunt Dorris and Uncle George Dalgo, Baltimore, MD, Aunt Neiani Bennet, Gulfport; Ruby Foretich, Ocean Springs; father-in-law, Walter L. (Barbara) Nixon Jr., Ocean Springs; friend, Jack Forbes; and many cousins and friends. Sharon was loved by all who knew her. A memorial service will be held in Portland.(The Sun Herald, April 12, 2005)
Angela Foretich
In 1930, Angelo Dalgo was working as an oyster fisherman. He and his two sons were living with the Henry Canaan family on Heidenheim Avenue at Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1918, Henry Canaan was a boatmen for the Foster-Fountain Packing Company.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census, R1146, p. 9A, ED 1 and Jerry Dalgo, November 19, 2006)
Angelo J. Dalgo expired on June 28, 1975.
In March 2006, Gladys Stanley Dalgo married Fidel Angel Garza (b. 1941), a native of Laredo, Texas and retired USAF veteran. She expired on August 13, 2011.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD MRB 67, p. 27 and The Sun Herald, August 17, 2011, p. A4)
LUC [Luke] HIDALGO
Luc Hidalgo (1868-1930+) was born November 20, 1868. He was baptized in the Church Point Roman Catholic in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Luc married Idea Prejean (1870-1910+) on November 11, 1887.(Hebert, Vol. 8, 1977, p. 251)
In 1900, Luke and Idea Hidalgo were farming in the 4th Ward, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. Their children were: Nila Hidalgo (1891-1900+); Felix Hidalgo (1891-1900+); Alcide Hidalgo (1894-1900+); Willie Hidalgo (1896-1900+); Ulysse Hidalgo (1898-1900+); and Pierre Dalgo (1899-1900+).(1900 Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623 567, p. 9A, ED 44)
In 1910, Luke and Idea Prejean Hidalgo were farming in the Youngsville, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana section. They had had twelve children by this time, but only eight were alive in 1910. Six sons were living at home: Felix Hidalgo (1891-1910+); Willie Hidalgo (1896-1910+); Ulysse Hidalgo (1897-1981); Cyrus Hidalgo (1900-1910+); Saul (1903-1930+); Ellis Hidalgo (1906-1977), and Lucien Hidalgo (1908-1930+).(1910 Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T624_516, p. 7B, ED 71)
In 1930, Luke Hidalgo was widowed and retired and a resident of Beaumont, Texas. In his household were five children: Saul, Lucien, Essy (1912-1930+), Rene (1913-1930+), and Annie Mae Hidalgo Carre (1915-2005). It appears that Idea Prejean Hidalgo expired before 1920.(1930 Jefferson County, Texas R 2362, p. 6B, ED 32)
NEOME HIDALGO
Neome Hidalgo (1871-pre-1910) married Beauregard David (1862-1932) on February 14, 1890 in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. They had two daughters: Lydia David (1891-1910+) and Odeide David (1898-1910+). The daughter were living with their grandparents, Felix and Emelie Hidalgo and widowed Uncle Mozard Hidalgo at Youngsville in 1910.(1910 Lafayette Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T624_516, p. 1A, Ed 71)
Beauregard David expired on September 21, 1932.
W. SAUL HIDALGO
W. Saul Hidalgo (1876-1900+) was born October 1876. Circa 1898, he married Hallie A. ? (1877-1900+). A daughter, Virgil M. Hidalgo was born in December 1898. In 1900, the family were residents of Ward 6 in Acadia Parish, Louisiana where W. Saul Hidalgo made his livelihood as a farm laborer.(1900 Acadia Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623 556, p. 9B, ED 8)
EMANUEL HIDALGO
Emanuel Hidalgo was born circa
MOZARD HIDALGO
Mozard Hidalgo was born circa
REFERENCES:
Reverend Donald J. Hebert, Southwest LouisianaRecords, Volume 8, (1866-1868)-(Hebert Publications: Cecelia, Louisiana-1977).
Reverend Donald J. Hebert, Southwest LouisianaRecords, Volume 21, (1890)-(Hebert Publications: Cecelia, Louisiana-1980).
Reverend Donald J. Hebert, Southwest LouisianaRecords, Volume 24, (1893)-(Hebert Publications: Eunice, Louisiana-1980).
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, September 16, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “[birth-son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Dalgo], February 17, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Infant Buried Yesterday [Roland Andrew Dalgo]”, March 29, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Child Dead [Herbert Dalgo]”, September 23, 1923, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Dalgo-Canaan”, January 18, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Items”, June 30, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Grace Dalgo Dies”, January 14, 1929.
The Daily Herald, "Dalgo-Manuel', January 29, 1937.
The Daily Herald, "Lawrence Dalgo Dies", December 13, 1937.
The Daily Herald, "[Joseph Dalgo and Ella Mae Saujon marriage], September 24, 1938, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “[Anna Constance Dalgo death]”, April 20, 1940, p. 7.
The Daily Herald, “Dalgo [Charles W. Dalgo] Promoted", April 20, 1941, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Dalgo dies", March 23, 1942, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Dalgo seeks fifth straight win in Professional Ranks", February 15, 1949, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Theodore D. Manuel", October 4, 1960, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Joseph (Jo-Jo) Dalgo", December 27, 1974, p. A2.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Ethel Dalgo Manuel”, March 14, 1978.
The Jackson County Times, "Lawrence Dalgo", December 18, 1937.
The Ocean Springs News, “Bradford-Dalgo wedding in Mobile is interest to many in Ocean Springs”, June 26, 1958.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Dalgo-Noble”, November 20?, 1975, p.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Jerry A. Dalgo”, March, 2008, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Rodney C. Dalgo”, February 9, 1995, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Lurlyn Maxine Bilbo C. Dalgo”, June 3, 1995, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, 'Joetta D. Abel', February 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Charles William Dalgo”, January 18, 2000, p. A5.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph A. Dalgo”, March 11, 2000, p. A7.
The Sun Herald, “Mr. Merlin Beverly Dalgo”, December 5, 2003.
The Sun Herald, “Harold L. Dalgo”, July 7, 2007.
The Sun Herald, “Jerry A. Dalgo Sr.”, March 23, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “Alvah E. Foretich Jr.", March 16, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Beryl D. Woodruff”, June 1, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Ila Mae Bertucci”, October 31, 2010.
The Sun Herald, "Ms. Gladys Dalgo Garza", August 17, 2011.
The Sun Herald, "Ella Mae Dalgo Weems", July 20, 2014.
The Times-Picayune, "Man [Phil Dalgo (1943-1993)] sentenced in Coast case", July 29, 1964, Sec. I, p. 6.
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Davidson Family
Davidson Family
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Biloxi Cemetery
CALVIN M. DAVIDSON FAMILY
The progenitor of the Davidson family of Biloxi, Mississippi was Calvin M. Davidson (1825-pre-1870), a native of Maine, and Elodie Ryan (1831-1900),the daughter of Jacques Ryan (1783-1849) and Elizabeth LaForce (1793-1850+).
JACQUES RYAN-EARLY BILOXI SETTLER
Jacques Ryan acquired 2 ¼ arpents of land on East Beach at Biloxi, Mississippi in June 1812 from Jean-Baptiste Carco (1771-1823). Although several law suits were filed disputing ownership and sales by the Carco family of their 10 arpent tract, which ran eastward from present day Lameuse Street to a point 90 feet east of present day Bellman Street and north to the Back Bay of Biloxi, the Jacques Ryan settlement was never challenged in the courtroom. (Cassibry, Vol. II, p. 124 and p. 1)
Jean-Baptiste Carco (1771-1823) was 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 Biloxia, preceded those of the Ladners, Fayards, and Dorsette Richard.(The American State Papers, 1994, p. 38)
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)
Here on East Beach on the site that would become the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Jacques Ryan and Elizabeth LaForce reared their children: Basile Ryan, Pierre Ryan (1812-1853+); Anastase Ryan (1814-1853+) m. Francois Meaut; Pauline Ryan (1815-1899) m. Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868); Jerome Ryan (1823-1853+); Victor Ryan (1828-1853+); Corastie Ryan m. Benito Mon; and Elodie Ryan (1831-1900) m. Calvin M. Davidson (1825-pre-1870).
Jacques Ryan’s Land Partition
In June 1855, the living heirs of Jacques Ryan divided his remaining 250 feet of land fronting on the Biloxi Channel at East Beach, Biloxi, Mississippi into six lots-each about forty-one feet in width. From West-East, the owners were: Jerome Ryan with the Heirs of John Nixon to the West; Victor Ryan; Anastase Ryan Meaut; Corastie Ryan Mon; Pierre Ryan; and Elodie Ryan Davidson with Charles F.N. Bellman, her brother-in-law, to the East.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 7, p. 521)
Bellman Street and Charles F.N. Bellman
Bellman Street was originally called Ryan’s Road, after Jacques Ryan, who acquired land in the Jean-Baptiste Carco land claim in 1812. It was a six-foot wide footpath on the western perimeter of the Dorsette Richard land claim. Ryan’s Road was cut in 1843 and went north to the Pass Christian and Point Cadet Road, now East Howard Avenue.(Cassibry, Vol. II, p. 131, p. 142, and p. 143)
Charles F.N. Bellman (1806-1868) 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-Holstein”. 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) (17 -1850+). 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).
CALVIN M. DAVIDSON
Calvin M. Davidson and Elodie Ryan married on September 29, 1851, at Nativity BVM in Biloxi, Mississippi. They were the parents of seven children: Mary Elizabeth Davidson (1852-1942) m. John Connelly (1854-1914); William M. Davidson (1855-1905) m. Margaret Ledden (1863-1925); Emma Davidson (1856-1936) m. George W. Redding (1854-1878); Calvin Davidson; Amelia Davidson; Alice Davidson (1860-1947); Estelle Davidson (1864-1938); and Henry J. Davidson (1865-1948) m. Cora Mathieu (1877-1948+).
When Elodie Ryan Davidson expired in July 1900, she was eulogized as follows: “The late Mrs. Elodie Davidson was really one of the land marks of Biloxi, having resided here since her birth 67 years ago. She was here when Biloxi was a mere hamlet; and in her death, our city loses one of the few remaining links with the past. Kind and gentle, a true, devout Christian, she beautifully molded the characters of her four daughters and three sons, in whom are reflected the many noble virtues of this sweet old lady.” (The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 22, 1900, p. 8)
CHILDREN
ELIZABETH DAVIDSON
Mary Elizabeth Davidson (1852-1942), called Elizabeth, was born married John Connelly (1853-1914) at N.B.V.M. in Biloxi on December 12, 1880. John Connelly was born on October 25, 1853 at New Orleans, the son of Michael Connelly and Ann Colwell or Dillon. Their children were: Mary Lillian Connelly (1882-1954) and Alice Catherine Connelly (1885-1948).(Lepre, 1991, p. 79)
John Connelly made his livelihood with the US Revenue Cutter Service. His career brought him to Mobile, New Orleans and his final posting at Arundel, Maryland where he retired after thirty years service as a boatswain in 1908. Post retirement, Connelly returned to Biloxi in poor health. In the winter-spring of 1914, the John Connelly family built a new, six-room home at 616 East Howard Avenue on the corner of Keller. The Collins Brothers of Biloxi were their building contractor. Unfortunately John Connelly did not live long to enjoy the comforts of his new domicile. He expired on May 28, 1914 after being an invalid since his retirement.(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1914, p. 2 and May 29, 1914, p. 1)
Elizabeth Davidson Connelly lived at 616 East Howard Avenue for over thirty years after her husband’s demise.
WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON FAMILY
[L-R: Olga Davidson (1899-1920); W. Sydney Davidson (1893-1941); Margaret Ledden Davidson (1863-1925); Calvin Arnold Davidson (1901-1971); and Harold James Davidson (1894-1982)] and Margaret Ledden Davidson. [Courtesy of Sue Davidson Dame-October 2011]
WILLIAM M. DAVIDSON
William M. Davidson (1855-1905) was born August 15, 1855 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Margaret Ledden (1863-1925) at N.B.V.M. on April 29, 1888. Margaret Ledden 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 James Davidson (1894-1982) married Louise Faye Bellande (1898-1974); and Calvin Arnold “Skinny” Davidson (1901-1971) married Audrey Virginia Harrison (1912-2003). Margaret L. Davidson's corporal remains where interred in the Biloxi Cemetery. A daughter, Olga Davidson Smith (1899-1920), preceded Mrs. Davidson in death having expired on January 20, 1920.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1925, p. 3)
CHILDREN
[L-R: Arnold 'Skinny' Davidson (1901-1971) and Alethia Davidson Brunet (1890-1965).[Courtesy of Sue Davidson Dame-October 2011] and Alethia Ellen Davidson.[Courtesy of Sandra Hufstetler-Istre, Hammond, Louisiana-December 2011]
ALETHIA ELLEN DAVIDSON
Alethia Ellen Davidson (1890-1965) was born September 29, 1890 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Alfred George Brunet (1889-1948) of New Orleans on December 7, 1915 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Brunet was employed with the Armour meat packing company at Mobile, Alabama. Alethea had worked at Wachenfeld's Department Store prior to her nuptials.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80, The Daily Herald, December 8, 1915, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 470)
ALETHIA E. DAVIDSON ALFRED G. BRUNET MITZI B. PEPPERMAN ROBERT J. BRUNET
[Courtesy of Sandra Hufstetler-Istre, Hammond, Louisiana-December 2011]
CAROL NUNMAKER BRUNET, BRUCE BRUNET, ROBERT J. BRUNET II, and ROBERT J. BRUNET.
[Courtesy of Sandra Hufstetler-Istre, Hammond, Louisiana-December 2011]
Alfred G. Brunet was the son of Alfred Louis Brunet (b. 1866) and Georgiana Marie Duncan (b. 1864). He grew up on Decatur Street in the Crescent City where he father made his livelihood as a carpenter. At Mobile, Alabama, Alethia and Alfred G. Brunet reared their three children on South Hallette Street: Mary M. 'Mitzi' Brunet (1916-1984) m. John D. Pepperman (1915-1989); William J. Brunet (1922-1923); and Robert J. 'Stompy' Brunet (1926-1974) m. Carol Nunmaker (1931-1985). At this time, Alfred G. Brunet was the manager of the smoke house in a meat packing plant.(1900 Orleans Parish Federal Census T623_573, p. 11A, ED 82 and Mobile Co., Alabama R 41, p. 22A, ED 51)
Alfred G. Brunet expired at 2913 Lepage Street in the Crescent City on November 19, 1948. Alethia Ellen Davidson died on May 9, 1965, also at NOLA. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery with those of their infant, William J. Brunet, who passed on August 28, 1923.(The Times-Picayune, November 20, 1948, p. 2)
Viola Comfort Davidson and William Sydney Davidson
[Courtesy of Joycelyn Davidson Barlow-October 2011]
WILLIAM SYDNEY DAVIDSON
William Sydney Davidson (1893-1941), called Sydney, was born March 29, 1893 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Viola Genevieve Comfort (1908-1999), the daughter of Edward Comfort (1883-1969), a carpenter and native of Louisiana, and Louise Milles (1888-1989), a native of Mississippi, and the daughter of Joseph Milles (1855-1900), an 1870 Austrian immigrant, and Louise Knoch (1866-1920+), native of NOLA and the daughter of John Knoch (1830-1913) and Christine Weiss (1825-1923). John Knoch was born at Hamburg, Germany and lived at NOLA for 57 years. Christina Weiss was a native of Hesse-Darmstad, Germany. They were living at 4914 Constance Street in the Crescent City when they expired on January 19, 1913 and June 26, 1923 respectively.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80 and The Daily Picayune, January 26, 1913, p. 22 and The Times Picayune June 28, 1923, p. 22)
Louise Knoch had married Joseph Millis (1855-1900) or Milles at NOLA in September 1883. He was known as 'Mexican Joe' and was killed in an accident at Ship Island in July 1900, while loading lumber on the Teodora de Larriniga, a British steamship out of Liverpool, England. The Joseph Milles family lived on Magnolia Street. He was a member of the Gulf Coast Timberman's Association and the Spanish Benevolent Association. Louise Knoch Milles remarried in January 1902 to Julius Ferlan (1871-1931), an Austrian immigrant oysterboat captain.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 21, 1900, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 13, p. 344)
William Sydney Davidson and Viola Comfort made their home at 209 Keller Place in Biloxi, Mississippi. Here he made his livelihood as a lineman for the Mississippi Power Company. Mr. Davidson was a WWI veteran having served in the 119th Field Artillery, 32nd Division in the Aisne-Meuse and Meuse-Argonne Campaigns in France.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1941, p. 5)
Louise Knoch Milles and Edward Comfort
[Courtesy of Joycelyn Davidson Barlow-October 2011]
COMFORT-BARLOW HOMES
[L-R: 133 Comfort Place A & B, pre-1928 Comfort; 131 Comfort Place, built in the 1930s; 133 Comfort Place, built 1950 by George Barlow and Edward Comfort. George Barlow and Joycelyn Davidson Barlow-October 2011. Images by Ray L. Bellande, October 2011]
KELLER PLACE-COMFORT PLACE
In August 1939, Viola Comfort Davidson acquired for $500 Lot 24 of Square No. 1 of the John H. Keller Estate Subdivision from J. Stump Jr. and Aldora Forrest Oren of Coles County, Illinois. Viola conveyed this property to Joycelyn Davidson Barlow, her daughter, in August 1951. Keller Place became Comfort Place in 1987 when the City of Biloxi installed the 911 Emergency System to avoild confusion with Keller Avenue.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 288, p. 437 and Bk. 350, p. 196)
Viola Comfort Davidson and William Sydney Davidson were the parents of two children: Joycelyn Louise Davidson (1928-2022) m. George Earl Barlow (1928-2012) and Kenneth Comfort Davidson (1930-2023) m. Mary Elizabeth Fabacher (b. 1932) and Mary Ott Tremmel.
Joycelyn Louise Davidson
Joycelyn Louise Davidson married George Earl Barlow (1928-2012) at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 20, 1948. They were the parents of Craig Sydney Barlow m. Pamela Jame Pisarich and George E. Barlow Jr.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 77, p. 317 and Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 23, p. 232)
Joycelyn Davidson Barlow
Joycelyn Davidson Barlow, age 94, passed away on Saturday, February 19th in D'Iberville.
Joycelyn lived her life on the Comfort Place family compound, an East-Biloxi Street named after her grandparents. Joycelyn was a graduate of Biloxi High School before meeting her husband, George, when he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base.
Joycelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Viola Davidson; and her husband, George. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth (Mary Ott) Davidson; two sons, George "Butch" Barlow Jr. (Kathy) and Craig (Pam) Barlow; grandchildren, Bradley (Samantha) Barlow, Brennan Barlow, Mike Barlow, and Amber (Aaron) Morris; and great-grandchildren, Conner Barlow, Caroline Barlow, and Adalynn Morris.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 22,2022, at the Biloxi Church of the Redeemer located on 1904 Popp's Ferry Rd. A funeral service will follow. Interment will be at Biloxi City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Biloxi Church of the Redeemer.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to ser
Kenneth Comfort Davidson
Kenneth Comfort Davidson attended Biloxi schools and matriculated to Loyola University at NOLA where he studied dentistry. He married Mary Elizabeth Fabacher (b. 1932), the daughter of John Birchman Fabacher (18-1982) and Edna Wade (1899-1988) on September 3, 1955 in the Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church at NOLA. Dr. Davidson served two years in the US Army in the dental corps at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He and Mary Beth and their two children returned to the Mississippi coast in July 1959. The Davidson family settled in Gulf Hills and Kenneth built a dental office at Ocean Springs. By December 1970, the family relocated to 1364 West Beach to the William Wilson Sutcliffe (1850-1934), 1898 home at 1364 West Beach in Biloxi. Known children: Stephan Fabacher Davidson m. Charlotte Leone Kirkpatrick.(The Times Picayune, August 25, 1955, p. 63 and The Daily Herald, July 21, 1959, p. 14)
IBERVILLE UNVEILED
Dr. Kenneth Davidson
October 9, 1930 — August 23, 2023
Saucier
Dr. Kenneth Comfort Davidson, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
Kenneth was born in Biloxi, MS on October 9, 1930. He was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Biloxi High School. In 1957, he graduated from Loyola University Dental School in New Orleans with a degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. Following graduation, he served in a US Army dental unit in Fort Chaffee, AR.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and Viola Davidson and his sister, Joycelyn Davidson Barlow.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ott Davidson, who had the privilege of being his wife for 47 years; his daughter, Cynthia; sons, John (Joseph), Harry (Patti), Steve, Christopher (Abigal) and eleven grandchildren.
Dr. Davidson was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he and his wife were commissioned to design the interior furnishings following the post Katrina renovation. He was an active member of the Biloxi Kiwanis Club and served as president from 1972-74. After 25 years in private practice in Ocean Springs and Biloxi, Ken joined forces with his wife to establish a craft shop and dental practice under the same roof.
Always eager to share his newfound interest in his latest sport of snow skiing, he expanded the small downtown shop to include snow ski equipment and clothing and offered tours nationally and internationally. In an effort to help southerners learn the art of skiing before they were at the mountain slopes, he purchased a British made Mogelslope and lessons were offered in the shop.
His medical background was captured by Catholic Social Services and he directed a program for the homebound elderly. After Katrina, he and his wife conducted bronze casting workshops in various states. For a total of 20 years, they conducted bronze casting workshops in the summertime at various art schools in Door County, Wisconsin.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a service at 12:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS.
Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Davidson family.
Harold James Davidson (1894-1982) was born at Biloxi, on December 28, 1894, the son of William Davidson (1855-1905) and Margaret Ledden (1863-1925). As a young man Harold J. Davidson was an outstanding long distance runner. He never had a trainer or coach, but would accept suggestions from them when given. Davidson’s training regime consisted of running from the Davidson home on Nixon Street near Howard Avenue to the beach and then to Beauvoir and back, a distance of slightly more than six miles. His speed for 4.3 miles on the Biloxi streets, was once measured in twenty-three minutes.(The Daily Herald, January 1, 1990, p. 20)
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.
Harold J. 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)
During WW I, while serving in the Quartermaster Corps, US Army at Rahway, New Jersey, Harold won a 2.5 mile race. He was the chief electrician for the U.S. General Hospital No. 3 at the time.(The Daily Herald, January 1, 1960, p. 20)
Harold Davidson Family
Harold J. Davidson married Louise Faye Bellande (1898-1974) 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).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 39, p. 391)
Louise Faye Bellande was born in her family home on Lameuse Street at Biloxi, Mississippi, on February 15, 1898, the daughter of Peter Bellande (1871-1933) and Alice Cailavet (1872-1955). She worked for the telephone company, where she met Harold Davidson. Faye and Harold built their family home at 714 Church Street in the spring and summer of 1927. They remained here until their deaths in 1974 and 1982 respectively.(The Daily Herald, May 5, 1927, p. 2)
Mildred Louise Davidson
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 late childhood 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
Fern Davisdon Dubaz O’Neal (1933-2018) 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 is 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. Bunny expired at Biloxi on May 5, 1992, and his corporal remains interred in the 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. Dubazand 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 Davidson
Trilla Davidson Guthrie Ramirez Hansen (b. 1935) lives in Larkspur, California with her third husband, Phil Hansen (b. 1945). She was born at Biloxi on April 18, 1935, and was named for Trilla, Illinois, the birthplace of Al Morgan (1881-1979) who married Louise Caillavet (1881-1965), the sister of Trilla’s grandmother, Alice Caillavet Bellande (1872-1955). Like her sister, Fern, she is widowed from her second husband, Rafael “Ray” Ramirez (1922-1995), a native of Puerto Rico, and former San Francisco, municipal, civil engineer. Their twenty-year marriage ended in 1995, with Ray’s death. Trilla is divorced from Richard S. Guthrie (b. 1934) of San Francisco. He is the father of their children: Teresa Gaye Guthrie Bowen (b. 1957), Sharon Guthrie (1959-1974), Geraldine Guthrie Parker Fanfler (b. 1960), 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. Harold retired from the Mississippi Power Company on December 31, 1959, after a twenty-three year career primarily as a “trouble shooter”.(The Daily Herald, 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.
OLGA DAVIDSON
Olga Davidson (1899-1920) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1899. She married Herbert C. Smith from New York circa 1919. Mr. Smith was in the US Navy and stationed at the Gulfport Naval Training Station at Gulfport when they became acquainted. After his discharge, they relocated to San Antonio, Texas. Olga Davidson died here on January 29, 1920 after a brief illness. Her corporal remians were sent to Biloxi for internment in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, May 5, 1919, p. 3 and January 29, 1929, p. 4)
-portrait.jpg)
CALVIN A. DAVIDSON and AUDREY V. HARRISON
Calvin Arnold Davidson (1901-1971), carried the moniker ‘Skinny’. He was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 6, 1901. On February 22, 1941*, Skinny Davidson married Audrey Virginia Harrison (1912-2003), the daughter of Charles Thomas Harrison (1863-1948) and Lula Reeder (1870-1954). Audrey was born March 9, 1912. She graduated from Mississippi Southern College in 1933 and taught in the elementary public school of Biloxi, Mississipi for thirty-one years. Audrey Harrison Davidon expired at St. Charles, Missouri on December 13, 2003.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 52, p. 71, and The Sun Herald, December 18, 2003, p. A9)
*The Daily Herald reported that Calvin Arnold Davidson and Audrey V. Harrison were married May 29, 1941 By Judge Campbell with Mrs. Curtis Harrison and Mendum H. Dees as witnesses. After a Florida honeymoon, the newly weds settled at 626 Bohn Street in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, May 29, 1941, p. 5)
Calvin A. Davidson and Audrey Harrison were the parents of Audrey Sue Davidson (b. 1943), called Sue. She married Frank Harlan Davis at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 24, 1963. Sue Davidson had graduated from Biloxi High School in May 1961. They were the parents of two daughters: Angela Davis Gunnell and Cheryl Davis Tanferno. Sue later married James Dame, a school teacher, in St. Louis, Missouri.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 125, p. 165 and The Sun Herald, December 18, 2003, p. A9)
Arnold 'Skinny' Davidson
[Courtesy of Sue Davidson Dame-October 2011]
Calvin A. Davidson made his livelihood as an electrician. At one time, he had been a Biloxi fireman and later served the City of Biloxi as its electrician, electrical inspector, and for seventeen years was a building official with the city. Mayor Daniel Dicks Guice eulogized Mr. Davidson as follows: "We have lost a very loveable, devote friend and dedicated public servant in the late C.A. Davidson. Mr. Skinny's life has been colorful. During his lifetime, he has displayed a remarkable loyalty and love for both family and community. I truly belive that his community service was highlighted by his unexcelled stamina in assisting his fellow citizens during Hurricane Camille and its aftermath, including our rebuilding program. Actually I feel that because of this unusual effort during Hurricane Camille that he might be regarded as one of Camille's delayed casualities. In memory of Mr. Skinny his office, the building department and the entire City Hall will be closed Friday."(The Daily Herald, July 22, 1971, p. 2)
CALVIN A. DAVIDSON FOUNTAIN
EAST BEACH BOULEVARD-Image made October 2011.
"Mayor Danny Guice and the City of Biloxi dedicated a fountain on the beach to my dad but it was seriously dammaged from Katrina. I am talking with city staff about it's restoration. It was dedicated to him a little while after his death and before Guice was out of office. At home I have the article and pictures from the Herald of the dedication."-Sue Davidson Dame-October 2011.
Arnold Davidson and first night football in Mississippi
Biloxi High School played Mississippi's first night football game [including college] on September 26, 1930 defeating the Lamar County Aggies 58-0 before a crowd of about 2000 spectattors who came from all Coast points to seee this inaugral sporting event. Captain Chester Juanico led the Indians. Walter H. Hunt, Eddie Janin and Arnold Davidson headed the committte to erect the lighting scheme. The 26 lights were placed on seven forty-foot poles were placed five feet from the field on each side of the playing surface. The 1500-watt globes produced about 56,000 candles of light.(The Daily Herald, September 22, 1930, p. 3 and September 27, 1930, p. 3)
EMMA DAVIDSON
Emma Davidson (1856-1936) was born in February 1856. She married George W. Redding (1854-1878), the son of Walter Redding and Elodie Necaise, at N.B.V.M. in Biloxi on September 16, 1878. Unfortunately, George W. Redding expired on September 29, 1878, less than two weeks after their nuptials. One child, Georgina Redding, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 14, 1879. She married Stephen H. Ross at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 24, 1903.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80 and p. 265)
ALICE DAVIDSON
Alice Davidson (1860-1947) was born May 3, 1860. Alice never married. She expired on May 8, 1947.(Lepre, 1991, p. 79)
ESTELLE DAVIDSON
Mary Estelle Davidson (1864-1938), called Estelle, was born April 15, 1863 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She never married. Estelle expired on April 2, 1938 at the Mississippi City home of Georgina Redding Ross, her niece. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80 and The Daily Herald, April 2, 1938, p. 5)
HENRY J. DAVIDSON
Henry Joseph Davidson was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 18, 1865. He married Cora Mathieu at N.B.V.M. on November 19, 1894.(Lepre, 1991, p. 80)
Children: Henry Joseph Davidson Jr. (1894-1914) m. ; Albert J. Davidson (1895-1986) m. Zola Mathilda Cousins Riviere (1963); Cora Maude Davidson (1898-1973) m. Edward J. Appel (1893-1945); Genevieve Davidson (1904-1954) m. Schley DeRoche and William Simon; and Steven Davidson (1908-1910+).
CHILDREN
HENRY J. DAVIDSON JR.
ALBERT J. DAVIDSON
CORA M. DAVIDSON
Cora Maude Davidson (1898-1973) was born at Morgan City, Louisiana in February 1898. She married Edward J. Appel (1893-1945), the son of John P. Appel and Anna M. Sale (1872-1960) at New Orleans on June 2, 1917. He joined the New Orleans Police Department on September 8, 1920 and served twenty-four years retiring from the 4th Precinct on September 1, 1941. The Appel family was domiciled at 2615 Bienville where they reared their five children: Edward J. Appel Jr. (1918-2006) m. Naomi Leehans; Floyd Appel (1920-1979); Marion Appel Long (1922-1983); Audrey Appel Evans (1923-2006+); and Shirley Appel Counts (1927-1977).
Edward J. Appel died at his residence on May 24, 1945, after a lengthy illness. His corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, May 25, 1945, p. 3)
Cora D. Appel expired at New Orleans on October 23, 1973. Her corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Times-Picayune, October 25, 1973, p. 16)
GENEVIEVE DAVIDSON
Genevieve Davidson (1904-1954) was born circa 1904. She married Schley DeRoche circa 1922 and they were the parents of three children: Dorothy DeRoche (1924-1984) m. G.M. Canman; Phyllis Deroche m. Clifford J. Loisel (1924-1997); and Richard James DeRoche (1929-1942). Richard J. DeRoche was killed on June 6, 1942 in an automobile accident while attending the Lakeview School. His corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune, June 8, 1942, p. 2)
It appears that Genevieve D. DeRoche and Schley DeRoche divorced and she married William Simon. They had apparently no children. Genevieve Davidson Simon expired at New Orleans on January 30, 1954. She was domiciled at 6133 Bancroft Drive. Her corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, February 2, 1954)
STEVEN DAVIDSON
REFERENCES:
Nap L. Cassibry II, Early Settlers and Land Grants At Biloxi, Volume 1 and Volume II, Special Issue No. 5, (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1986).
Nap L. Cassibry II, Ladner Odyssey,
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Paragraphs”, July 22, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Paragraphs”, May 29, 1905.
The Daily Herald, “New home for East Howard Avenue”, February 21, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “John Connelly died yesterday”, May 29, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Brunett [sic]-Davidson", December 8, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Runner To Compete In Race”, September 28, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Davidson Wins Loving Cup”, November 20, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Mr. Smith recovering”, May 5, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Olga Davidson Smith dead”, January 29, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Death of Mrs. Davidson”, April 6, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Davidson-Comport (sic)”, October 8, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi April building permits”, May 5, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Mildred Davidson Funeral”, February 21, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Wm. Davidson dies”, July 28, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Davidson-Harrison”, May 29, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. John Connelly said to be the oldest native Biloxian dies”, June 29, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “H.J. Davidson dies”, August 21, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Retired chief operator[Alice C. Connelly]dies”, October 14, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Connelly [Mary Lillian Connelly] dies”, February 3, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. [Kenneth Comfort] Davidson returns [from Army]”, July 21, 1959.
The Daily Herald, “One Time Marathon Runner ends career as Electric Serviceman”, January 1, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Rites set for builder”, July 22, 1971.
The New Orleans Item, “Fail to find body of boy washing into Lake”, November 27, 1914.
The New Orleans Item, “Recover son’s body”, December 8, 1914.
The Sun Herald, “Felder B. O’Neal”, February 25, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “George B. ‘Bunny’ Dubaz”, May 6, 1992.
The Sun Herald, “Christine Dubaz”, January 24, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Audrey H. Davidson”, December 2003.
The Daily Picayune, "Deaths of the Week", January 26, 1913.
The Times Picayune, “Youth [Henry J. Davidson Jr.] is drowned in Pontchartrain”, November 27, 1914.
The Times Picayune, “Vital Statistics", June 28, 1923.
The Times Picayune, “E.J. Appel retired policeman, expires”, May 25, 1945.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, November 20, 1948.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, February 2, 1954.
The Times Picayune, “Society”, August 25, 1955.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Cora Maude Appel]”, October 25, 1973.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, May 15, 1974.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, June 14, 1982.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, April 23, 1984.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths”, October 15, 1985.
DuKate Family
DuKate Family
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W.K.M. DuKate
DUKATE FAMILY
William K.M. DuKate (1852-1916) was the son of John DuKate and Elizabeth Hankins and a native of Fredericksburg, Washington County, Indiana. He married Linda Rose Lienhard (1859-1939), the daughter of Peter J. Lienhard (1812-1873), a Swiss immigrant, and Malinda B. Seaman (1826-1890), in her mother’s residence at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 27, 1878. Their children were: William Wallace DuKate (1879-1897); Elbert L. DuKate (1881-1943) m. Corrine Desporte (1882-1973); Eula T. DuKate (1882-1894); Vera L. DuKate (1886-1977) m. Brantley A. Bond (1880-1966) and R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972); Leola May DuKate (1888-1967) m. William L. Ewing (1888-1967) and Harry Warren; Irma DuKate (1890-1974) m. Daniel J. Gorenflo (1888-1965); and Beulah L. DuKate (1900-1983) m. Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972).(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 3, 1878, p. 3 and Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
Seafood pioneer
In the 1870s, W.K.M. DuKate came to coastal Mississippi as a telegraph operator for the L&N Railroad. In 1881, he joined with Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. William Elmer (1847-1926), William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892) to form the Lopez, Elmer and Company. Their incipient cannery was situated on the Back Bay of Biloxi at the head of Reynoir Street. The initial efforts of The Lopez, Elmer and Company were crude, but ready markets were available and the organization was profitable.(1880 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T9_648, p. 8, ED 139)
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star reported on December 30, 1881, that the company was installing its canning machines in the factory. The proprietors had over one hundred, local, white men and boys on the payroll. They were employed as follows: forty-four openers, forty-five men manning fifteen boats, twenty or more canners and wharf men.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 30, 1881, p. 3)
The Lopez, Elmer and Company was dissolved in 1884, and the Biloxi Canning Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi was chartered on March 23, 1883. In rapid succession, after the dissolution of The Lopez, Elmer and Company, the Barataria Canning Company, William Gorenflo & Company, E.C. Joullian & Company, J.T. Maybury, Lopez & DuKate, and Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Company were competing in the seafood packing business at Biloxi. By 1902, the factories of Biloxi ranked second to those of Baltimore, Maryland in canning American oysters.(Twentieth Century Coast Edition of The Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 20)
Lopez & Dukate Company
Lopez & Dukate cannery
In November 1899, Lopez & Dukate advertised for fifty boats to fish on the oyster banks and pay oystermen 40 cents per barrel of oyster. They would pay for fifty boats to transport oysters from the reef to the factory wharf for 40 to 50 cents per barrel. The factory also sought one hundred oyster shuckers.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 10, 1899, p. 8)
In May 1901, a special train consisting of three coaches and a baggage car and transporting about eighty, Bohemians laborers, who were employed by Lopez & DuKate, left Biloxi for their Maryland homes to work in the seafood industry there in the summer months. Biloxi’s oyster industry was closed until cooler weather in the fall.(The Biloxi Herald, May 5, 1901, p. 8)
In July 1902, L. Lopez & DuKate contracted with Ola (sic) Thompson (1874-1944) to build a large oyster cannery, house, store, warehouse, and Bohemian camp at the Rigolets in southeast Louisiana. T.J. Rosell (1861-1923), Biloxi builder and mill owner, had crews busy at the Rigolets erecting a Catholic Church, which cost $1500, for the workers of the Lopez & Dukate cannery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 16, 1902, p.8 and November 20, 1905, p. 1)
Houma Plant
1900-Neptune Plant
In early 1900, the Lopez & DuKate Company began erecting a cannery at Neptune, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The cannery and auxiliary structures appear to have been situated on the south shore of Quarantine Bay just below the old Quarantine Station and about ¾ of a mile east of the Mississippi River. The village of Ostrica, Louisiana lies near this site today. The plant was in the vicinity of many commercial oyster reefs and was open to Breton Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. The Quarantine Station was here as early as 1855 and was described at this time as being located on the east bank of the river [Mississippi] and about seventy miles below New Orleans.(The New Orleans Item, January 25, 1907, p. 6 and The Daily Picayune, June 27, 1855, p. 1)
Commencing In February 1900, the Lopez & DuKate Company contracted with Oloff Admon 'Ole' Thompson (1874-1944), a native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and domiciled at Biloxi, to erect their factory at Neptune, Louisiana. Mr. Thompson and his labor force erected a 10,000 square-ft., seafood canning factory and a two-story, twelve-room dwelling for the Lopez-Dukate Company.(The Biloxi Daily Herlad, February 25, 1900, p. 8)
1902-Rigolets Plant
In July 1902, L. Lopez & Dukate again contracted with O. A. Thompson (1874-1944) to build a large oyster cannery, house, store, warehouse, and Bohemian camp at the Rigolets in southeast Louisiana. T.J. Rosell (1861-1923), Biloxi builder and mill owner, had crews busy at the Rigolets erecting a Catholic Church, which cost $1500, for the workers of the Lopez & DuKate cannery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 16, 1902, p.8 and November 20, 1905, p. 1)
1902-Bay St. Louis Plant
In September 1902, Messrs. Lopez and DuKate took an option for a cannery site at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The tract was situated on Front Street, and known as ‘the Marsh’. The land was owned by Messrs. Dupre and Rochon.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 22, 1902, p. 1)
Laz, Arnaud, and Julius, my sons, to share and share alike: (1) my interest in the canning factory, business, property and assts of every kind in the firm of Lopez & DuKate. (2) my stock in the Neptune Canning Company of Neptune in the State of Louisiana. (3) my stock in the Louisiana Oyster Company of Rigolets in the State of Louisiana. (4) all boats and floating property and undivided interest in any boats or floating property of which I may died possessed and herein specifically bequeathed.
1907-Morgan City Plant
In late June 1907, the Lopez & DuKate Company sent Captain Fred Eaton aboard Tom, a large powerboat to Morgan City, Louisiana to open a canning factory.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 29, 1907, p. 5)
Dunbars, Lopez, & Dukate Company
In September 1908, the Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Co. name was amended and chartered as Dunbars, Lopez, & DuKate Company. It was a co-partnership of the following individuals: George H. Dunbar, James V. Dunbar, F. Foucher Dunbar, T. Frank Dunbar, Emerson A. Dunbar, Alice Dunbar, Anna Tourne, William F. Gorenflo, Arnaud Lopez, Julius M. Lopez, Lazaro Lopez, W.K.M. DuKate, Elbert L. DuKate, Sol Brown, Emanuel Samuels, and S.H. Lowenberg. The new company had a capital stock of $1.5 million and was the largest canning company in America. Dunbars, Lopez, & DuKate operated fifteen canneries in coastal Louisiana and Mississippi and owned over 200 boats. The McIlhenny family was excluded.(The New Orleans Item, September 8, 1908, p. 1)
Plants
Dunbar, Louisiana; Morgan City, Louisiana; New Orleans; Rigolets, Louisiana; Myrtle Grove, Louisiana; Neptune, Louisiana; Bayou La Batre, Alabama; Biloxi, Mississippi; Pass Christian, Mississippi;
Dunbar Molasses & Syrup Company
The Dunbar Molasses & Syrup Company was chartered at New Orleans in July 1912. George H. Dunbar was president, Emmanuel Samuels, 1st vice-president, William K.M. DuKate, 2nd vice president, Solomon Brown, secretary, George W. Dunbar, treasurer. Board of Directors consisted of the following: Solomon Brown, Elbert L. DuKate, W.K.M. DuKate, George H. Dunbar, James V. Dunbar, Emmerson A. Dunbar, George W. Dunbar, William Gorenflo, Sim? H. Lowenburg, and Emmanuel Samuels.( The Daily Picayune, May 19, 1912 and July 25, 1912)
Dunbar-Dukate Company
In late September 1915, at a meeting of stockholders at 1011 Maison Blanche Building in New Orleans, Louisiana, the name change of Dunbars, Lopez & DuKate Company to Dunbar-Dukate Company was approved. Newly elected company officers were: George H. Dunbar, president; W.K.M. DuKate, vice-president; Elbert L. DuKate, secretary; and James V. Dunbar, treasurer. At this time, Dunbar-DuKate was actively refurbishing their plant and watercraft damaged by the recent hurricane. Its Mississippi plant was anticipated commencing operations for the oyster season to commence about November 1st.(The Daily Herald, October 14, 1915, p. 2)
Pre-1894 Dukate home
On October 12, 1894 Biloxi's Commercial District was inflicted with losses of about $75,000 when a large fire commenced in the two-story, J.W. Swetman Building on Pass Christian Street. Big losers were: S. Picard-$25,000; J.W. Swetman-$8000; G.E. Ohr Sr.-$5000; W.K.M. DuKate residence-$4500; and the pottery of G.E. Ohr Jr.-$3000.(The Biloxi Herald, October 13, 1894, p. 8)
1895 DuKate home
Shortly after the October 1894, the fire-ravaged, Dukate lot on Pass Christian Street [Howard Avenue] and Magnolia Street was cleared to erect another $4500 residence for W.K.M. DuKate and family. J.H. Barnes, the NOLA based architect and contractor, was to start work immediately. By mid-November, carpenters and bricklayers were toiling at the DuKate home. In mid-December, Mr. Barnes came from NOLA to inspect the DuKate house as it was nearing completion. Henry Lienhard painted the DuKate fence in March 1895 framing the handsome structure for all to admire.(The Biloxi Herald, October 20, 1894, p. 8, November 10, 1894, p. 8, December 15, 1894, p. 7 and March 9, 1895, p. 8)
The 1894 DuKate residence on Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street survived what was unarguably the most destructive conflagration to occur in Biloxi’s long history. On November 9, 1900, this fire commenced on the Kennedy property on the east side of Reynoir Street near the L&N Depot and swept primarily south and west towards the beach. When it was brought under control and damages and destruction inspected, it was estimated that the inferno had inflicted $600,000 in damages to the Commercial District of Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 9, 1900, p. 1)
In late 1922, Edward L. Brady (1874-1939), Erena Lopez Brady (1885-1940) and Teresa Lopez Folkes (1873-1951) acquired the W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) residence property situated on the south side of West Howard Avenue bounded by Croesus Street on the west and Magnolia Street on the east. The magnificent Dukate home, which cost $4500 to erect, had been built here in the fall of 1894 with J.F. Barnes, architect and contractor from New Orleans, in charge. The Dukate lot on West Howard Avenue was leveled and prepared for construction in mid-October 1894. By mid-December 1894, the Dukate home was nearing completion. In March 1895, local decorators White & Suter were lauded for the quality of their paper hanging, painting and interior decorating of the Dukate edifice. Henry Lienhard, a relative of Mrs. Linda Dukate, painted the fence surrounding the perimeter of the Dukate place.(The Biloxi Herald,
Avelez Hotel
In December 1922, it was announded that the 1895 DuKate mansion was sold by Beale & Yerger to a sydicate [Brady-Folkes, descendants of Laz Lopez] that had it demolished in June-July 1923 to erect a modern hotel which would be called the Avelez Hotel. In late February 1923, they with Carl Matthes, a well-respected Biloxi architect, had left Biloxi to tour and inspect some of the finer resorts and hotels in Florida with the purpose of generating ideas for their new Biloxi enterprise. A ground breaking was scheduled for mid-July 1923 and Tallavest & Rigar, builders from Jacksonville, Florida, were contracted by the syndicate to erect a five-story, one-hundred room edifice at the cost of $60,000. The hotel was to be the equipped with modern furniture and each hotel room to have a bathroom.(The Daily Herald, December 6, 1922, p. 3, December 28, 1923, p. 1, February 27, 1923, p. 3, and July 10, 1923, p. 3)
E.L. Brady Hotel Company
The Erena L. Brady Hotel Company was chartered in the State of Mississippi in September 1923 by Edward L. Brady, Erena Lopez Brady, and William Lee Guice.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 28, p. 545 and Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Hotel lot
The Avelez Hotel lot facing north of West Howard Avenue was situated between Croesus Street and Magnolia Street and described as follows: From the point of beginning which is the intersection of the south side of West Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street; thence south 202 ½ feet to a point which is the southeast corner of the hotel lot; then go west for 80 feet; thence south 13 2/12 feet to a point and then go west 70 feet to the southwest corner of the hotel lot; go north along the east side of Croesus for 239 feet to the northwest corner of West Howard Avenue and Croesus Street; thence 163 feet along West Howard Avenue to the point of beginning.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 235, p. 267)
The name Avelez was chosen for the Brady hotel. Lazarus Lopez (1850-1903), the father of Erena Lopez Brady, had been born at Aviles, Asturias Province, north western Spain in October 1850. He left Spain for Cuba in 1863 and arrived in Texas before becoming a denizen of Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1870. Lazaro Lopez expired in Rome, Italy on September 25, 1903 as the result of an acute inflammation of his kidneys and dysentery. Earlier he and Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918), his loving spouse, with four of their youngest children, Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958), Erena Lopez, Rowena Lopez (1895-1986), and Noreta Lopez (1896-1960), had departed Biloxi, Mississippi via the L&N Railroad for NYC where they boarded an ocean liner for Europe. Mr. Lopez had been ill at Biloxi before they left for Europe. A telegram from Rome reached Biloxi on September 19, 1903 notifying his family here that he was seriously sick.(The Biloxi Herald, September 19, 1903, p. 8)
Opening-New Year’s Eve-1923
When the Avelez Hotel opened on December 31, 1923, Philip Columbus Caldwell (1892-1951) was its manager. Manager Caldwell had married Rowena Lopez (1895-1986), the sister of Erena Lopez Brady, on January 12, 1917 in a small wedding ceremony at Nativity B.V.M. in Biloxi. Father Alphonse Ketels officiated for their nuptial vows. Mr. Caldwell was manager of was the manager of the Great Southern Hotel at Gulfport, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, January 13, 1917, p. 3)
1905 Dukate home
In November 1905, Mr. DuKate announced that he was erecting a $3000 residence on the corner of Howard Avenue and Benachi Avenue. This structure appears to have been one of several that DuKate built on Benachi to accommodate company personnel and family. This is corroborated somewhat by an announcement in the local journal of April 1906, that Steve Voorhies and family of NOLA will arrive here to reside permanently. They will occupy one of the DuKate cottages on Benachi Avenue. Steve Voorhies (1875-1933) was the husband of Marie Zulma Dunbar (1868-1945), the widow of Ulysse J.P. Laplace (1868-1906), and the daughter of George H. Dunbar (1844-1917), president of Dunbars, Lopez & DuKate, and Marie Emma Pepin (1847-1870).(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 18, 1905, p. 1 and April 6, 1906, p. 4)
In March 1915, possibly with the thought of growing older and in not the best of health, W.K.M. DuKate bought a lot on East Beach adjacent to his son’s residence. He paid Julia K. Hagg $2000 for the tract.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1915, p. 2)
Dukate Theatre
In early November 1898, W.K.M. DuKate signed the building contract for his $40,000 Dukate Theatre with C.H. Owen and E.L. Suter. Building completed on June 15, 1899.
Lopez & DuKate Building
Located on West Howard Avenue and Delauney Street. Plans drawn by Thompson & Eistetter in April 1900.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 6, 1900, p. 8)
Winton touring motor car
In July 1905, Julius Lopez and W.K.M. Dukate received their new Winton touring cars from Winton's Cleveland, Ohio plant. This motor car had a 30 HP engine and could reach a speed between 50 and 60 mph. Mr. Lopez was in Cuba at this time.[The Sea Coast Echo [BSL], July 22, 1905, p. 2]
Philanthropist
San Francisco Earthquake of April 1906.
Public Schools
The Back Bay Ward School was donated to the City of Biloxi on September 6, 1898. The land for the Back Bay school was donated by William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932). The building was erected with funds provided by William K.M. DuKate (1852-1916). A school in this section of Biloxi was desperately needed and sincerely appreciated by the Back Bay residents. The facility was located on Bayview Avenue and Main Street.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 7, 1898, p. 4)
Death
DuKate Tomb-Biloxi Cemetery
[image made October 2013]
W.K.M. DuKate’s Will
W.K.M. DuKate wrote his last will and testament at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 26, 1912. It follows: “This is my will. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Linda R. DuKate, all the property, real and personal and mixed, of which I may die possessed to be used and disposed of by her for the benefit of herself and our children in the manner which is understood by herself and me, being sure that she will carry our my wishes in reference to the property hereby bequeathed.”(The Daily Herald, July 15, 1918, p. 6)
In 1918, Vera DuKate Bond unsuccessfully contested her father’s legacy, which had been appraised at $700,000. She asked for 1/6th of the W.K.M. Dukate Estate.(The Daily Herald, February 25, 1918, p. 1)
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).
The Buildings of Biloxi: An Architectural Survey, (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-2000)
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 Causes
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. , “”, June, 1918.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald
The Biloxi Herald, “Mrs. Lienhard dies”, January 3, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “The Flames”, October 13, 1894 .
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, October 20, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”,
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, March 9, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “A sad death [Eula DuKate]”, November 24, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “”, .
The Biloxi Daily Herald
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local Brevities”, August 20, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Our Oyster Industry [W.K.M. Dukate]”, February 25, 1900.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, February 25, 1900.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, May 6, 1900.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, September 13, 1900.
The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, , 1900.
The Biloxi Herald, “Swept by flames”, November 9, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”, .
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Bond-DuKate wedding”, October 18, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, June 19, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Oyster Matters”, September 22, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 3, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, November 18, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”, .
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Paragraphs”, March 5, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Personal”, April 6, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi will aid sufferers”, April 21, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”, .
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Strike situation at Dunbar [Louisiana]”, November 23, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mr. DuKate discredits report”, December 5, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Merger of canneries”, September 12, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Factory owners face Commission”, December 8, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Big gasoline boat burns at sea”, September 10, 1910.
Children of W.K.M. DuKate and Linda Rose Lienhardt
WILLIAM W. DUKATE
William Wallace DuKate (1879-1879) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 20, 1879. he expired on September 17, 1897. Burial Biloxi Cemetery.
ELBERT L. DUKATE
Elbert Lester DuKate (1881-1943) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 17, 1881. He married Corinne J. Desporte (1882-1973), the daughter of Captain Ernest Desporte (1853-1931) and Minnie Schoolcraft (1858-1939). Children: William Kennedy DuKate (1909-1993) m. Marjorie Cousans (1914-2002); Marjorie J. DuKate (1914-2002) m. Norman Holmes (1910-2008); Eula M. DuKate m. Howard Bragg (1913-1983) and Notley Harris; and Elbert L. DuKate II (1919-1986) m. Gwynneth Reader (1920-1990).(Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
In June 1900, E.L. DuKate graduated from Mississippi A.& M. College at Starkville, Mississippi. His parents attended the commencement exercises. He had also studied at Soule College in New Orleans.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 22, 1900, p. 8 and October 11, 1943, p. 8)
In August 1900, Elbert L. Dukate and E.H. McKeon, intelligent, young Biloxians, left NYC aboard the New York, a steamer of the Red Star Line, for Europe and the Paris Exposition. Elbert returned to Biloxi with Arnaud Lopez in early October 1900.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 12, 1900, p. 8 and October 2, 1900, p. 8)
Biloxi
Elbert L. DuKate was an integral part of the public and civic life of his native BIloxi. During his lifetime he had served as president of the Biloxi School Board; president of the Kiwanis Club; very active in the Chamber of Commerce; headed the Watson Insurance Agency and the Biloxi Building and Loan Association; and was president of the Biloxi Library Board at the time of his demise.(The Daily Herald, October 11, 1943, p. 1 and p. 8)
New Orleans
Circa 1938, Elbert L. DuKate and family relocated to New Orleans. They made their home at 313 Madison Street where he was the general manager of the Dunbar-Dukate Company, a seafood canning concern. Like his father, E.L. DuKate was an entrepreneur. In addition to` managing Dunbar-Dukate, he was chairman of the board of the First National Bank of Biloxi; president of the Polar Ice Company; president of the Gulf Coast Warehouse Corporation; vice president of the New Iberia Canning Company and Alabama Canning Company at Bayou La Batre, Alabama, as well as the Pelican Lake Packing Company at Houma, Louisiana.(The Daily Herald, October 11, 1943, p. 1 and p. 8)
Elbert L. DuKate died at New Orleans on October 9, 1943. The news that Lt. Elbert L. DuKate Jr., his son and a USAAF bomber pilot, was missing in action after the infamous Ploesti [Romania] Raid of August 1, 1943, had left him in a state of shock and the resulting illness and depression probably shortened his life. Mr. DuKate's corporal remains were brought to Biloxi for internment in Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, October 10, 1943, p. 8)
Circa 1963, Corrine J. DuKate relocated to Panama City, Florida where she spent the remainder of her long life with Lester J. DuKate Jr. and his spouse and garndchildren. She expired in Florida on June 22, 1973. Her corporal remains came to Biloxi for burial in Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, June 23, 1973, p. 2)
Children
William K. DuKate
William 'Bill' Kennedy DuKate (1909-1993) was born at Biloxi on July 14, 1909. Circa 1935, he married Marjorie Cousans (1914-2002), the daughter of Thomas A. Cousans (1875-1969) and Louise Agnes Venus (1879-1918). Children: Marjorie Corrine DuKate (b. 1936) m. [1960] Philip Harvey Lamb and William K. DuKate Jr. (b. 1940) m. [1966] Judy Ann Webb.(The Daily Herald, March 7, 1960, p. 8)
By 1935, Mr. DuKate and family were residents of Memphis, Tennessee where he made his livelihood as a salesman for the Continental Can Company. The two DuKate children were born in Tennessee. The family returned to Biloxi in 1943(1940 Shelby Co., Tennessee Federal Census T627-3963, p. 2B, ED 98-97B and The Sun Herald, March 14, 1993, p. A2)
Bill DuKate was an opinionated man who loved Biloxi and worked diligently even as his health was failing to make it a better place for all to live and work. Marjorie DuKate Lamb, his daughter, related that: "He was pretty well-known statewide, as a man who had the courage of his convictions and he always felt that he should give as much as could to make things better. I know he will be missed."
Mr. DuKate graduated from Springhill College at Mobile, Alabama and earned a master's degree in business administration from Havard University. At Biloxi, he worked with the Desporte Insurance Agency and maintained his equity and other personal investment accounts.
Bill DuKate was a lifelong memebr of Nativity BVM Catholic Church and in recent times attended Our Lady of Fatima Church in west Biloxi. He was past president of the Notre Dame Father's Club.
Mr. DuKate was survived by Marjorie Cousans DuKate, his spouse of 58 years; Marjorie DuKate Lamb, daughter, at long Island, New York; and son, William J. DuKate Jr. of Billoxi; two sisters, Marjorie DuKate Holmes of Corpus Christi, Texas and Eula Dukate Harris of Panaman City, Florida; six grandchildren; and one great grandson.
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William Kennedy DuKate expired at Biloxi on March 12, 1993. Marjorie Cousans DuKate followed him in death dying on December 16, 2002. Their corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, March 14, 1993, p. A2 and December 20, 2002)
Marjorie C. DuKate was named Biloxi's Shrimp Queen in July 1956. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and a junior at Mississippi Southern College majoring in speech therapy and elementary education. Marjorie and Mary Jane McAllister, Shrimp Queen finalist from Gulfport, went to Chicago to promote Biloxi and its seafood. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. John Mavar Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baricev.(The Times-Picayune, July 29, 1956, p. 8 and September 25, 1956, p.7)
W.K. DuKate Jr. served the City of Biloxi as its finance Commissioner and announced to run for Mayor of Biloxi in 1969 but withdrew his name before the election.(The Daily Herald, April 17, 1969, p. 23)
Marjorie J. DuKate
On January 1, 1933, Marjorie J. DuKate (1914-2002) of Biloxi married Norman C. Holmes (1910-2008), the son of Robert Hays Holmes (1869-1949), a native of New Orleans, and Marybelle Colquahoun (1887-1969) of Canton, Mississippi, under the aupices of the Methodist Church at the Hersey House in Gulf Hills. Marjorie was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert DuKate.
After high school graduation, Marjorie had attended Miss Mason’s School for Girls’ and Young Women, “The Castle”, at Tarrytown, New York. In October 1930, she was a guest with several other young ladies at the United States Military Academy at West Point and attended the military drill and dress parade. They returned to Tarrytown that eveningwhere they took part in the 150th anniversary of the capture of Major Andre-and other stirring events of the American Revolution.(The Daily Herald, October 15, 1930, p. 2)
Marjoire was the Queen of the 1933 Biloxi Mardi Gras and C. Bidwell Adams was her King. Mr. Holmes was in the automobile business, Holmes Motor Company, at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, March 24, 1933, p. 2)
Norman C. Holmes had married Miss Dinkelspiel at New Orleans on March 17, 1928. They resided at New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Holmes, also of New Orleans, were at Biloxi at the time of the nuptials and had been frequent guests of the Buena Vista Hotel.(The Daily Herald, March 26, 1928, p. 2)
Ford Agency
In 1932, Robert H. Holmes 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 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)
In 1935, 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 (1897-1969).(Harrison Co., Ms. Charter Bk. 52, p. 123 and The Daily Herald, June 2, 1935, p. 2)
With the Ford Agency sold to the Pringle-Reagan group, Norman and Marjorie Dukate Holmes relocated from their residence at Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Corpus Christi, Texas between 1935 and 1940. Here Norman made his livelihood as secretary-treasurer and superintendent of the Barq’s Root Beer bottling plant. The family lived at 310 Katherine Drive at Corpus Christi.(1940 Nueces Co., Texas Federal Census T627-4116, p. 4A, ED 178-35A)
Norman C. Holmes and Marjorie D. Holmes had two daughters, Robin Holmes and Jennie Holmes. Robin Holmes m. Sam Lightner and they reside in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jennie Holmes m. William Clement Walker in 1968. They reside in Des Moines, Iowa and are the parents of Wendy Sue Walker who is engaged to Mr. Batcheleder and will wed in May 2008.
Norman C. Holmes died on November 3, 2008. Marjorie expired on . No further information.
Note: Norman Holmes was residing at Sylvialand, near Vickburg, Mississippi at the time of his mother’s death in August 1969. According to his niece, Mary Hays Holmes Hopkins of Vicksburg, Norman is in his nineties and lives in Texas.
Eula M. DuKate
Eula May DuKate (19-) was born at . She attended Sophie Newcomb College at NOLA where she studied art. Here Eula met Howard Bragg (1913-1983), formerly of Little Rock, Arkansas, and in business in the Crescent City. Mr. Bragg was also an artist and his work was displayed in the Rockefeller Center at NYC. The couple married at Biloxi on June 26, 1937.(The Times-Picayune, Junr 27, 1937, p. 18)
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[from The Times-Picayune, August 18, 1943, p. 7]
Elbert L. DuKate II
Elbert L. DuKate II (1919-1986) was born at Biloxi June 15, 1919. He graduated from BHS in 1936. He completed his education at Riverside Military Academy and the University of Texas where he studied architecture.(The Daily Herald, October 20, 1942, p. 7)
Elbert L. Dukate Jr. Enlisted in the US Army at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas on December 3, 1941 as a private. In June 1942, he graduated from the US Signal Corps program at Camp Roberts, California and transferred to the US Army Air Force and began cadet flight training in July 1942 and completed fifty hours of solo flying and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant at Ontario, California. Lt. DuKate was awarded his wings on March 10, 1943 at La Junta, Colorado.(The Times-Picayune, August 15, 1943, p. 18 and August 18, 1943, p. 7 with photo)
European Theatre
Lt. DuKate served in Europe and North Africa with the 67th Squadron-44th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. He was sent to England in flew missions over Frankfort and Hamburg, Germany before being transferred to Libya in July 1943. (The Times-Picayune, August 15, 1943, p. 18 and August 18, 1943, p. 7 with photo)
Ploesti, Romania
On August 1, 1943, Lt. Dukate, co-pilot of the ‘Available Jones’, a B-24 Liberator bomber, left Libya to attack German held oil refineries in and near Ploesti, Romania. Called Operation Tidal Wave, it became known in American military annals as ‘Black Sunday’. This low-level attack proved very destructive to the USAAF losing 53 aircraft and 660 airmen. (The Times-Picayune, August 15, 1943, p. 18 and August 18, 1943, p. 7 with photo)
Dukate’s plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and attempted to reach Sicily but crash landed in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Albania. A German submarine observed the survivors but neglected to rescue them. An Italian Red Cross plane later rescued the American airmen and flew them to a hospital at Brindisi, Italy. They were interrogated at Bari, Italy and then incarcerated at an Italian POW camp Chieti, Italy. Lt. DuKate escaped from his captors before the Germans began sending POWs to Germany. He was kept safely by Italian partisans, but was recaptured in Rome on April 18, 1944. On June 3, 1944, DuKate again eluded his captors shortly before Allied Forces liberated Rome. He was sent to England to recover from his ordeal behind enemy lines.(The Times-Picayune, August 15, 1943, p. 18 and August 18, 1943, p. 7 with photo)
67th SQUADRON
67th Sq., #42-40780 H, Jones AVAILABLE JONES MACR #2411 67th Squadron Crew:
JONES, FRED H. Pilot 1st Lt. Century, ASN 0-389988 POW Florida
DUKATE, ELBERT L. Jr. Co-pilot 2nd Lt. New Orleans, ASN 0-739924 POW, escapee, returned to base 31 July 44 Louisiana
SWEET, ADOLPHUS J. Navigator 2nd Lt. East Northport, ASN 0-796622 POW New York
BERNARD, ALBERT F. Bombardier 2nd Lt. Brooklyn, ASN 0-734871 POW New York
SPANN, LEO G. Engineer T/Sgt. Chapman, ASN 34330466 POW Alabama
PAOLILLO, MICHAEL A. Radio Oper. T/Sgt. Corona, L.I., ASN 32403362 POW New York
BECKER, ROBERT H. Asst. Eng. S/Sgt. Lincoln, ASN 17077406 POW, wounded Nebraska
SAVETTIERRE, ANTHONY J. Waist gun S/Sgt. Brooklyn, ASN 32495641 POW, wounded New York
1st Lt. Fred H. Jones’ crew was the second 67th Squadron loss on 1 August 1943.
Ploesti Mission
T/Sgt. Leo Spann, engineer from Chapman, Alabama, described the mission: “We approached the target down the railroad track at a very low altitude of approximately 100 feet. Our target was already on fire as some other Group [the 93rd] had already bombed it. We went through the smoke and fire, dropping our bombs on our designated spot. We then went down on the deck as low as we could, as those picturesque hay stacks opened up and then revealed their guns – and these guns started giving us hell. They shot out the #4 engine and a shell exploded between the two waist gun positions, wounding both gunners in the legs. I was the engineer and operated the top turret and I had a complete view of what was going on. I saw one plane that had gone in with the wheels up in a field and all of that crew was outside of the plane.
“We broke one balloon cable and I was looking directly at it when we collided with it. I saw another B-24 climb straight up until it stalled, and just as it “fell out” I saw one parachute come out and open just before it hit the ground. I talked later to this boy (Bernard Traudt) as he came into the prison camp where I was.
“We lost speed and dropped out of formation, and the fighters jumped us. With the two waist gunners out, they came in so close to us it seemed we could almost touch them. We figured that we had shot down four of them, and they finally left us, but the #4 engine had frozen up and with a flat propeller, it caused a hellava drag. The propeller would not feather!
“We started trying to gain altitude to clear the mountains ahead. Threw out everything that wasn’t tied down – all of the guns, ammunition, equipment, etc. When we finally arrived at the coast, our #3 engine was failing. The oil pressure was almost gone and the temperature was much too high. Lt. Jones asked me how long I thought it would last and I estimated about 30 minutes at the most. We decided to feather #3 engine and see if we could fly with the other two, but they were on the same side! If we couldn’t fly, we were going to ditch it on the beach.
“I feathered the prop, Jones and Dukate got the plane leveled out, but we could not maintain our altitude. So we began making plans to ditch. We flew onward for approximately forty-five minutes before we were forced to ditch – the time was about 1840 – at least that is the time that my watch stopped. We all managed to get out of the plane and into our life rafts, even though the tail gunner and the navigator were slightly injured in the ditching.
“The next morning a German submarine came by, started to help us, changed their minds and took off, leaving us. Then, at approximately 1500 hours, a three-engined Italian seaplane sighted us, landed and picked us up and took us to Brindisi, Italy and to the hospital there. “Later that same night, Jones, Dukate, Bernard, Paolillo and myself were put on a train and sent into the mountains – to an old monastery. Much later, both Sigle and DuKate managed to escape, with Sigle getting back to the States in about two months.” [www.greenharbor.com/ROHPDF/ROHAU43.pdf]
post-War
Elbert L. DuKate Jr. returned to New Orleans after World War II and became a radio broadcaster for WYLD, a Times-Picayune owned station. His program was called "Told by DuKate", and he told stories over the airwaves. He also married Gwynneth Reader (1920-1970).(The Times-Picayune, October 25, 1948, p. 30)
Panama City
After 1949, Mr. Dukate and family left New Orleans and settled at Panama City, Florida.
EULA T. DUKATE
Eula Tison DuKate (1882-1894) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 21, 1882. Prior to Thanksgiving 1894, she was brought to New Orleans to have an abscess removed by a physician. Miss Dukate survived the operation, but died shortly thereafter on November 22, 1894. Her corporal remains were taken to Biloxi for burial.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99 and The Biloxi Herald, November 22, 1894, p. 8)
VERA L. DUKATE
Vera Linda DuKate (1886-1977) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 7, 1886. On October 18, 1904 at the W.K.M. Dukate home in Biloxi, she married Brantley A. Bond. He was the assistance cashier at the Bank of Biloxi at the time of their nuptials. W.H. Buck was his best man. Mr. DuKate gave Vera a new home on Howard Avenue, which was under construction. Her mother and Elbert L. Dukate, her brother, bestowed on her a sizeable sum of money. Articles of silver, cut glass and art were among the wedding gifts.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 3, 1904 and October 18, 1904, p. 5)
Brantley A. Bond
Brantley Alexander Bond (1880-1966) was born in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 4, 1880, the tenth child of Thomas Bond (1835-1880+) and Minnie E. Engmann (1848-1925), a native of New Orleans and the daughter of Peter L. Engmann (1816-1887), a Dane and U.S. Mint employee, and Wilhelmina Carolina Barkhausen (1816-ca 1853), a German immigrant. Thomas Bond and Minnie E. Engmann had married in Harrison County, Mississippi in April 1868.
When Brantley Bond was born the family was domiciled in Beat 2, Harrison County, Mississippi where Thomas Bond was the Justice of the Peace. After the demise of Thomas Bond, Minnie E. Bond married in October 1887, John Arthur (1843-1900+), a mechanical engineer and native of Ireland. They had three children. The Arthur family resided on Commerce Street in Handsboro, Harrison County, Mississippi. She expired at San Antonio, Texas on July 27, 1925.
Bond Home
Mrs. W.K.M. Dukate sold Vera L. Bond a lot on West Howard Avenue in early February 1910. The Bond lot had a front on West Howard Avenue of eighty-two feet and ran south three hundred thirty feet.(Harrison Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 91, p. 566)
Bond family
Vera L. Dukate had two daughters with Brantley A. Bond: Vera Leola Bond (1909-1989) m. Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986) and Whillamene Linda Bond (1911-1998) m. Hawthorne Eddy.
Separation and divorce
When deposed on June 8, 1918, Brantley A. Bond stated that he did not want to dissolve his marriage. Vera L. Bond had initiated the separation in late December 1915, when she abandoned him. Mr. Bond averred that her reason for leaving him was that “she did not care for me anymore and did not care to live with me.” By the spring of 1918, he realized that their union would not reunite and he took a position with the Central Trust Company in San Antonio, Texas. Their divorce became final on June 18, 1918.(Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 5617-June, 1918 and WWI Draft Registration Card)
Brantley A. Bond lived the remainder of his life in San Antonio, Texas where he made his livelihood in banking. He expired there on February 6, 1966.
R. Hart Chinn
Lt. Robert Hart Chinn, called Hart, married Mrs. Vera L. Dukate Bond (1886-1977) on November 11, 1918 at Camp Sherman, Ohio. She had two daughters with Brantley A. Bond: Vera 'Bede' Leola Bond (1909-1989) m. Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986) and Whillamene Linda Bond Eddy (1911-1998).(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1918)
Vera L. Bond
Vera 'Bede' Leola Bond (1909-1989) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 13, 1909. On March 1, 1934, she married Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986), the son of William Jesse Grant (1875-1932) married Julia Elizabeth Baltar (1880-1968) Their children were: Vera Elizabeth Grant m. [1952] James Guy Martin; Marguerite Bond Grant m. [1957] Ernest Lee Cox; and Linda Bond Grant m. [1963] James Madison Wells.(Harrison Vo., Mississippi Chancery Court MRB 45, p. 48, Bk. 91, p. 556, Bk. 109, p. 187, and Bk. 125, p. 144)
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Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986)
Before their marriage, Leslie B. Grant and Vera L. Bond ruled the Les Masque carnival ball at Biloxi in February 1933.(The Daily Herald, February 15, 1933, p. 2)
City Attorney
Leslie Baltar Grant was appointed Biloxi city attorney in September 1941. He was re-appointed to the same position in January 1943. In 1942 and 1943 Mr. Grant was also the city attorney for Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1943, p. 5)
Judge Leslie B. Grant passed on October 5, 1986. His spouse expired on March 21, 1989. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Whillamene L. Bond
Whillamene Linda Bond (1911-1998) was born at Biloxi on August 1, 1911. Whillamene L. Bond garduated from Biloxi High School in May 1931 and matriculated to the University of Alabama in September 1931. She married Hawthorne Eddy of New Orleans on October 19, 1931. Hawthorne was a student at Georgia Tech at the time of their nuptials. The couple set up house at Atlanta where he continued is studies.(The Daily Herald, October 30, 1931, p. 2)
Whillamene Bond Eddy expired at Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 28, 1998.(The South Florida Sun-Sentinel [Broward Metro], November 10, 1998, p. 7B)
LEOLA M. DUKATE
Leola May Dukate (1890-), called Ola, was born at Biloxi on January 19, 1890. On October 9, 1907 in Biloxi, she married William L. Ewing, a Missouri native, and the son of Mr. Ewing and Mary Fleming Ewing (1864-1910+), a native of Maryland. After the wedding, Ola and William moved to his mother's farm at Vincennes, Indiana. Their first child, William L. Ewing Jr., was born here in 1909.
Divorce
Harry Warren
Ola DuKate Ewing married Harry Warren (1892-1920+) of Hibbing, Minnesota in December 1919. Harry was a Michigan native and sold auto supplies at Hibbing.(The Daily Herald, December 30, 1919, p. 3 and St. Louis Co., Minnesota Federal Census T625_860, p. 20B, ED 170)
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[Biloxi Cemetery-October 2013]
[Courtesy of Kate Cieutat Penrose]
MAUD IRMA DUKATE
Maud Irma Dukate (1891-1974), called Irma, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 26, 1891, the daughter of W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) and Linda Rose Lienhard (1859-1939), married Daniel J Gorenflo on December 27, 1917. W.K.M. Dukate was a pioneer in the Biloxi seafood industry with Daniel J. Gorenflo’s grandfather, William Gorenflo (1842-1932), who founded Biloxi’s first cannery, the Lopez, Elmer and Company. The Lopez, Elmer and Company was organized in 1881, with a capital stock of $8,000 by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. William Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate (1853-1916), William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892).(Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
Daniel and Irma had Linda Dukate Gorenflo (1927-2009) who was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 22, 1927. She expired on October 5, 2009 at Nashville, Tennessee.
Daniel J. Gorenflo
[Courtesy of Kate Cieutat Penrose]
Daniel Joseph ‘Dan’ Gorenflo (1887-1965) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 15, 1887. Daniel J. Gorenflo was reared as a gentleman and sportsman. As a young man he excelled in the social and political arena of Biloxi. Dan competed in roller rink racing, sailed, fished extensively, and hunted small game with passion. Dan Gorenflo’s advanced education had been at Mississippi A. & M. College, now Mississippi State University. At Mississippi A & M College, he had at least two years of college with some military training.
1911- Chandeleur Island gale and a memorable year
Dan Gorenflo had a very eventful year in 1911. His most exciting adventure occurred in late April, when he went on a fishing and pleasure trip to the Chandeleur Islands aboard the Arapahoe,a Biloxi schooner, owned by Dunbars, Lopez and Dukate. With Captain George Duggan (1868-1916) at the helm and five crewmen aboard they were towing the Choctaw, a launch valued at $1200 and owned by Dunbars, Lopez and Dukate. Bad weather sat in and the winds became so violent that the Arapahoe’s masts were cut out by the crew. The Choctaw was blown away. For three days Gorenflo and his shipwrecked mates waited for rescue while subsisting on boiled shrimp and rain water.(The Daily Herald, April 29, 1911, p. 1)
Captain George Duggan would lose his life in early July 1916, when the Emma Harvey, a schooner, owned by Ulysses (Lel) Desporte (1861-1927), a Biloxi oyster dealer, was capsized in a hurricane while on a shrimp trip to the Chandeleur Islands. The destiny of the vanished Emma Harvey was discovered on August 12, 1916 when the lost schooner was located by two fishing boats from Pensacola. She was found floating bottom side up about twenty five miles from Pensacola (other reports point to a location of seventy five miles). No sign of captain Duggan or any members of his crew were ever found.(The Daily Herald, August 1 , 1916, p. 1, August 11, 1916, p. 1 and August 15, 1916, p. 1)
Early June 1911 saw Daniel F. Gorenflo elected vice-commodore of the Biloxi Yacht Club. He served with Commodore Edward L. Brady (1869-1939); Henry Janin Jr., rear commodore; W.E. Kennedy, fleet captain; Dr. Frank Carroll, fleet surgeon; G.J. Wiltz, sec.-treas.; and Ernest Desporte Sr., official measurer.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1911, p. 1)
When Biloxi Grove No. 2 of the United Ancient Order of Druids was organized at Biloxi in September 1911, Dan was elected Noble Arch. His fellow officers were: W. Lee Guice, Vice Arch; C.M. Elfer, recording secretary; Dr. W.R. Card, financial secretary; Albert Austin, treasurer; Vester Wentzell, conductor. The Biloxi Druids were kindly loaned the use of the Knights of Pythias hall for their meetings. Dan was elected treasurer of the Beavers of Biloxi in December 1911. He resigned as the local Druids’ Noble Arch in January 1912.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1911, p.1, December 22, 1911, p. 12 and January 27, 1912, p. 1)
Biloxi Fish & Oyster Company
Politician
Daniel J. Gorenflo was elected with no opposition as Biloxi’s Alderman Ward 4 on December 21, 1915. He replaced J.C. Batton who had resigned the seat to accept a position on the Harrison County Board of Supervisors. Young Gorenflo was described as well-qualified for the office, born and reared at Biloxi and with a large social network. At the time, he was manger of the Biloxi Fish & Oyster Company.(The Daily Herald, December 21, 1915 ,p. 1 and January 4, 1916, p. 2)
Also in December 1915, Daniel F. Gorenflo was invited by Mississippi’s 39th Governor elect, Theodore G. Bilbo (1877-1947), of Pearl River County, Mississippi to be on his staff. Mr. Bilbo, an attorney, after being elected to the State Senate in 1908, had been elected Mississippi’s 11th Lieutenant Governor serving with Governor Earl L. Brewer (1869-1942) from 1912 to 1916. Gorenflo attended the gubernatorial inauguration ceremonies for Governor Bilbo at Jackson, Mississippi in January 1916, with Dr. G.F. Caroll, who had also been appointed to Bilbo’s staff.(The Daily Herald, December 2, 1915, p. 1 and January 21, 1916, p. 2)
R. Hart Chinn
Before he got settled into his alderman’s seat, Daniel F. Gorenflo had an unfriendly encounter with R. Hart Chinn at a store on the corner of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street in early January 1916. In 1913, he and Chinn with Chester Arthur had been employed in New Orleans. Alderman Gorenflo pleaded guilty to fighting with Chinn and was fined $2.50 by the Biloxi Police Court. It would not be the last altercation for Hart Chinn as he would become a future Mayor of Biloxi make a reputation for himself as a combative politician and fiery competitor.(The Daily Herald, February 17, 1913, p. 8 and January 10, 1916, p. 1)
Marriage and family
Daniel J. Gorenflo married Maud Irma Dukate (1890-1974), the daughter of W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) and Linda Rose Lienhard (1859-1939), on December 27, 1917. W.K.M. Dukate was a pioneer in the Biloxi seafood industry with Daniel J. Gorenflo’s grandfather, William Gorenflo (1842-1932), who founded Biloxi’s first cannery, the Lopez, Elmer and Company. The Lopez, Elmer and Company was organized in 1881, with a capital stock of $8,000 by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. William Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate (1853-1916), William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892).
Daniel and Irma D. Gorenflo had Linda Dukate Gorenflo Cieutat (1927-2009) who was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 22, 1927. Linda was an intelligent young lady who finished her high school education at St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi. She matriculated to the University of Alabama and acquired her PhD degree from LSU. Linda retired to Zachary, Louisiana in 1988 leaving the East Louisiana State Hospital at Jackson, Louisiana, as its Chief of Psychology. At Zachary, she acted as a consultant in the field of psychology.(The Zachary Plainsman-News, October 2009)
Linda Gorenflo Dukate married Victor J. Cieutat (b. 1932). They were the parents of four girls: Anne C. Williford; Susan C. Shannon; Kate C. Penrose; and Lee-Ann Cieutat. Linda expired on October 5, 2009 at Nashville, Tennessee. Her ashes were distributed at the gravesite of her parents in the Biloxi City Cemetery in July 2010.(The Sun Herald, October 14, 2009 and July 9, 2009, p. A4)
Brunswick, Georgia
In 1914, Daniel J. Gorenflo’s older brother, William F. Gorenflo, had commenced the Brunswick Canning Company at Brunswick, Georgia.
Beulah L. Dukate [child with her sister, Maud Irma Dukate]
circa 1908
[Courtesy of Kate Cieutat Penrose]
BEULAH L. DUKATE
Beulah L. Dukate (1900-1983) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 27, 1900. She was educated with Josephine and Anna Folkes, the granddaughter of Laz Lopez and the daughter of Theresa Lopez Folkes and Dr. H.M. Folkes. The girls attended St. Mary's Academy at Chatawa, Pike County, Mississippi. When Mrs. Dukate and Mrs. Folkes would visit their daughters at Chatawa, they were driven by Henry Treloar via Picayune and Bogalusa, Louisiana.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 29, 1900, p. 8 ,The Daily Herald, October 12, 1910, p. 3 andJanuary 2, 1917, p. 3)
During World War I, Beula L. Dukate was introduced to Carl Emil Matthes (1896-1972), a native of Chicago, who was born in the Windy City on July 28, 1896. Carl enlisted in the Navy in June 1917 and served until May 1919, with his last duty post at the Gulfport Naval Station. Beula and Carl E. Matthes were married in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 15, 1919. Their nuptial ceremony was held in Gulfport, Mississippi at the residence of the Reverend Spengler.(The Daily Herald, August 16, 1919, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 238)
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Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972)
Carl and Beula Dukate Matthes were the parents of three children: Jane Dukate Matthes (1920-2010) m. Joseph Edward Owen (1915-2001) in November 1946; Carl E. Matthes Jr. (1927-1964) m. Bernice Wadlington (1927-2006) in December 1949; and Lienhard ‘Lynn’ Matthes (1929-2006) m. Samuel M. Browder in August 1950.
Following his marriage to Miss Dukate, Carl E. Matthes relocated to Chicago and returned to Biloxi in 1920 where he worked with various associates until 1937, when he joined with Juan G. Landry (1892-1966) and they opened an office at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 1960, Carl Matthes Jr. joined the firm and Carl Matthes Sr. retired in December 1966.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2)
Matthes buildings
In October 1922, Carl E. Matthes was situated in the office of Beale & Yerger, but planned a move to the Gay Building, as J. Dulaney of Jackson had joined him as an associate. Among the contracts that Matthes was working at this time was that of his appointment as landscape gardener of the Methodist Seashore Campground. His duties here were to design and maintain the floral pulchritude of the grounds. In addition, Matthes was charged with the location and design of a $50,000 brick school and $50,000 brick dormitory for the site. The remodeling of the façade and entrance to the Biloxi City Hall when it was on Main Street was also on the books. (The Daily Herald, October 6, 1922, p. 1 and November 23, 1922, p. 3)
During his lifetime, Carl E. Matthes was an active Coast architect. Among his many structures were: Avelez Hotel, Hotel Buena Vista, Tivoli Hotel [Trade Winds], Biloxi City Hospital, Biloxi Public Library, First Methodist Church of Biloxi, Mary L. Michel School, and the Biloxi High School. In addition, Carl worked on many smaller projects such as the Isle of Caprice, the 1922 front entrance remodeling of the City Hall when it was on Main Street, and many others.( The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2)
Carl Emil Matthes, age 76 years, died at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 1972 at Howard Memorial Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi. He had designed the hospital in which he expired. Carl had been admitted following a stroke at his home and he passed on shortly thereafter.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2)
CHILDREN
Jane D. Matthes
In 1930, Jane Dukate Matthes was a Junior in the School of Interior Decoration at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University. In March 1930, she was initiated into the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, one of the leading sororities on the campus and ranked with the high national sororities.(The Daily Herald, March 4, 1930, p. 10)
Jane Dukate Matthes (1920-2010) m. Joseph Edward Owen (1915-2001) in November 1946.
Obituary
Jane DuKate Matthes Owen, 90, of Biloxi, Mississippi died on Monday, August 16, 2010.
Mrs. Owen was a native of Biloxi, born on July 6, 1920 in the house of her maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. W. K. M. DuKate on Howard Ave. where the B.R.M.C. stands today.
Mrs. Owen was a graduate of Biloxi High School and Auburn University where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and Décor.
She was honored to be selected Queen Ixolib in 1946, the first Mardi Gras in ten years, after WWII. She became a member of the facility of Dukate Elementary School, named for her grandfather, and taught there until retiring in 1984.
She was a member of the Miramar Garden Club, past president of the Biloxi Council of Garden Clubs. Mrs. Owen was a member of the Church of the Redeemer, Saint Mary's Guild, and directress of the Altar Guild.
Mrs. Owen's parents were the late Beula DuKate and Carl E. Matthes, architect for many of Biloxi's buildings. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Lienhard "Lynn" Browder; brother, Carl E. Matthes.
She is survived by her daughter, Malinda Lienhard Dumal of Biloxi and her son-in-law, Stephen; four nephews and two nieces.
Funeral services will be on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
Interment will follow in Southern Memorial Park.[The Sun Herald on August 19, 2010]
Carl E. Matthes Jr.
Carl Emil Matthes Jr. (1927-1964) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 31, 1927 to Carl E. Matthes Sr. (1896-1972), a native of Chicago, and Beula Dukate (1900-1983). Carl Sr. was born in the Windy City on July 28, 1896. He enlisted in the US Navy in June 1917 and served until May 1919, with his last duty post at the Gulfport Naval Station. Carl E. Matthes Sr. married Beula Dukate (1900-1983), the daughter of William K.M. Dukate (1853-1916) and Linda Rose Lienhard (1859-1939) in Harrison County, Mississippi on August 15, 1919. Their nuptial ceremony was held in Gulfport, Mississippi at the residence of the Reverend Spengler, a Catholic priest.(The Daily Herald, August 16, 1919, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 31, p. 238)
Carl E. Matthes Jr. was a graduate of the Gulf Coast Military Academy and matriculated to Mississippi State University where he studied Civil Engineering. Like his father, Carl Jr. became an architect. In 1949, was in the architectural program at Illinois Institute of Technology. From Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, Carl Jr. was conferred two degrees in architecture.(The Daily Herald, December 22, 1949, p. 8 and August 29, 1964, p. 2)
Carl E. Matthes Jr. married Bernice Wadlington (1927-2006), the daughter of Walter J. Wadlington (1898-1989), a Biloxi attorney, and Bernice Taylor Wadlington (1898-1996), in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 21, 1949. Their nuptial ceremony was held in the Wadlington residence at 1626 Oaklawn in Biloxi with the Reverend Thomas A. Carruth, pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating. Miss Wadlington was a June 1949 graduate of Duke University. Out of town guests attending their wedding were: Mr. and Mrs. Juan G. Landry of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Mrs. Joseph Owen of Chicago; Mrs. E.S. Taylor of Gulfport; and Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Shourds and Misses Mary Alice and Dalton Shourds of Gulfport.(The Daily Herald, December 22, 1949, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 81, p. 19)
After completing his architectural studies and training, Carl Jr. went to work for Matthes & Landry, an architectural firm, at Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Carl E. Matthes Sr. had retired from Matthes & Landry in December 1966.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1972, p. 2)
Carl E. Matthes Jr. died from leukemia in the Forrest General Hospital at Hattiesburg, Mississippi on August 21, 1964. He was a member of AIA, Mississippi Society of Civil Engineers, Kiwanis Club, and the Presbyterian Church. Carl Jr. had also been a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Chi fraternities.
After Carl’s demise on August Bernice W. Matthes married George King, probably in Forrest County, Mississippi. She expired at Hattiesburg, Mississippi on September 20, 2006. Her corporal remains were interred in the Roseland Park Cemetery at Hattiesburg besides those of Carl E. Matthes Jr.(Roseland Park Cemetery registrar-August 2, 2013)
LIENHARD [LYNN] MATTHES
Samuel Melvin Browder
Knoxville - Samuel Melvin Browder passed away peacefully at his beloved home by the creek on September 23, 2020, at the age of 93. The only child of Joe H. Browder and Lona McCall (McGarr), Sam was born on August 15, 1927 in the Wheat Community of Roane County.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Leinhard ("Lynn") Matthes Browder; son, Carl M. Browder; and parents, Joe H. Browder and Lona McCall (McGarr). He was also preceded by his beloved step mother Ruth S. Browder, and special aunt Ruth Plyman.
Survivors include sons, Samuel M. Browder, Jr. and wife, Nancy of Stuart, Florida; Joe H. Browder II and wife, Mary Beth of Knoxville, Tennessee; and John F. Browder and wife, Janene of Knoxville, Tennessee. Grandchildren, Jacqueline Chaffee of Falls Church, Virginia; David Browder of Knoxville, Tennessee; Michael Browder of Denver, Colorado; Laura Browder Krantz of Greensboro, North Carolina; Matthew Browder of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Alex Browder of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Cayman and Carly Browder of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Great grandchildren, Caroline and Alexandra Chaffee of Falls Church, Virginia.
Born just before the Great Depression and coming of age during World War II, Sam grew up quickly and to enlisted in the Navy at the age of only 17. He bravely served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Following the war, Sam found himself stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was lucky enough to meet the absolute love of his life, Lynn Matthes. Knowing that he had found the woman with whom he would spend his life, Sam returned to Tennessee, where he was shortly joined by Lynn, so they could both complete their undergraduate education at UT and begin their lives together.
Sam had an active and colorful career at UT, where he and his best friend (and soon-to-be best man), Howard Baker were both brothers of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Majoring in business, Sam spent his college years honing his skills and making lifelong friends. Sam and Lynn were married in 1950 and they soon began their family. At that time Sam also joined the family business, Harriman Oil Company. Under Sam's industrious leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest Shell Oil distributors in the country. Sam was also engaged in an array of other industries, including banking, automotive dealerships, real estate, and commercial development. He was a staunch believer in the value of education and enthusiastically supported UT. He was also instrumental in the founding of Roane State Community College. Always one for adventure, Sam held his pilot's license for over fifty years and was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman.
Sam and Lynn were inseparable during their almost fifty-six years of marriage. They travelled extensively. They enjoyed weekly rounds of golf together, along with an active social and family life. Sam remained a member of St John's Episcopal Cathedral.
Sam was forever proud of raising four Eagle Scouts and watching his sons grow up and have families of their own. He was a wonderful, devoted husband and a beloved father and grandfather. He loved a perfectly prepared, rare steak, attending Tennessee football games, and taking his grandchildren to breakfast on Saturday mornings. His last years were quiet ones spent at home, where he adored frequent visits from family and friends.
The Browder family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers who were such a part of his life in later years: Carolyn, Irvin, Peggy, Lisa, Alan, Mary and others who made his life more enjoyable.
Due to the complicated current times, the immediate family will will gather for a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Sam to St John's Episcopal Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902.
Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. www.rosemortuary.com
REFERENCES:
Books
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).
The Buildings of Biloxi: An Architectural Survey, (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-2000).
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 Causes
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 5617, “B.A. Bond v. Vera L. Bond”, June, 1918.
Journals
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “Bond-Grant House restored”, May 8, 2008, p. A1.
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “New visitors center”, July 3, 2008, p. A3.
The Biloxi Herald
The Biloxi Herald, “Mrs. Lienhard dies”, January 3, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “A sad death [Eula Dukate]”, November 24, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “A sad death [Eula Dukate]”, November 24, 1894.
The Biloxi Daily Herald
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, August 12, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, October 3, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Bond-Dukate wedding”, October 18, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Local Brevities”, August 20, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, June 19, 1900.
The Daily Herald
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Society and Personal”, October 12, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Death confronted men who weathered a blow at Chandeleur”, April 29, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Brady is e-elected Commodore of Biloxi Yacht Club”, June 3, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Grove of Druids is organized at Biloxi”, September 9, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Local News Paragraph of Interest”, December 22, 1911.
The Daily Herald,“Thomas head Biloxi Druids”, January 27, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs of Interest”, February 17, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Find valuable broach (sic) after considerable anxiety”, November 8, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Dan Gorenflo on Governor’s staff”, December 2, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “D.J. Gorenflo takes his seat”, January 4, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Citizens fined in Police Court”, January 10, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs of Interest”, January 21, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Death claims W.K.M. Dukate, one of the Coast’s most prominent citizens”, March 29, 1916.
The Daily Herald, "Business house asked to close during funeral [of W.K.M. Dukate]", March 30, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Emma Harvey reported found”, August 10, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Emma Harvey lies wreck off Santa Rosa; crew gone”, August 11, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “No sign of men of Emma Harvey found in wreck”, August 15, 1916.
The Daily Herald, "Biloxi Society and Personals", October 12, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Queen City Barbershop purchased”, December 4, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News paragraphs”, January 2, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Gorenflo-Dukate”, December 28, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Suit involves Dukate Estate”, January 16, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Chinn-Bond”, November 14, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Matthes-Dukate”, August 16, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Society and Personals”, October 12, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs”, December 30, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “To break ground this week [for Avelez Hotel]”, July 10, , 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Committee holds important meet”, October 6, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Has removed office”, November 23, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Miss [Marjorie] Dukate visits West Point", October 15, 1930.The Daily Herald, “Eddy-Bond Marriage", October 30, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Grant Now Member Biloxi Law Firm”, January 2, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Wm. Grant dies in New Orleans”, October 3, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Reign as King and Queen of Les Masques”, February 15, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “[Leslie J. Grant] Re-appointed”, January 4, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Initiate Jane Matthes”, March 4, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Dukate a Lieutenant”, October 20, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Elbert DuKate dies in New Orleans, burial at Biloxi”, October 11, 1943.
The Daily Herald, "Matthes-Wadlington", December 22,1949.
The Daily Herald, “Dukate-Lamb”, March 7, 1960.
The Daily Herald, "Carl Matthes Jr.", August 22, 1964.
The Daily Herald, 'Carl Matthes, Biloxi architect, taken by death', August 29, 1972.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Corrine D. DuKate", June 23, 1973.
The Daily Herald, “Widow [Vera Dukate Bond Chinn] of former Biloxi Mayor dies”, June 8, 1977.
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Evansville Courier [Indiana], "Ewing divorce case startles Vincennes", February 26, 1918.
The Evansville Courier [Indiana], "", .
The Macon Telegraph, “Plan another canning plant for Brunswick”, June 3, 1914.
The Macon Telegraph, “Prawn canning plant at Brunswick planned”, June 24, 1914.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Dukate-Lienhard”, May 3, 1878.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local Paragraphs”, December 30, 1881.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel [Broward Metro], "Whillamine L. Eddy", November 10, 1998.
The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Marguerite Curtis”, February 5, 1988.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Vera ‘Bede’ Grant”, March 22, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “[William K.] Dukate remembered for wanting to make Biloxi best it could be”, March 14, 1993.
The Sun Herald, “Moving house may mean loss of Oaks”, February 6, 2001, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, “Marjorie Dukate”, December 20, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “Biloxi Main Street honors couple for preservation”, December 5, 2006, p. B3.
The Sun Herald, “Bond-Grant House will host reception”, April 27, 2008.
The Sun Herald, “Linda Dukate Gorenflo Cieutat”, October 14, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Linda Dukate Gorenflo Cieutat”, July 9, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Jane Dukate Matthes”, August 19, 2010.
The Sun Herald,
The Sun Herald,
The Times Picayune
The Times-Picayune, "Howard Bragg marries weds Miss Eula Dukate", June 27, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, “[Linda Rose] Dukate”, October 9, 1939.
The Times Picayune, “Airmen missing in War sector”, August 18, 1943.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths [Elbert L. Dukate]”, October 10, 1943.
The Times Picayune, “Orleanian flees two Nazi prisons”, August 15, 1944.
The Times Picayune, “Officer escapes from enemy twice in Italy”, August 18, 1943.
The Times Picayune, “Shrimp Royalty reigns at Biloxi”, July 29, 1956.
- 2000 views
Duckett Family
Duckett Family ray Mon, 01/13/2014 - 11:24
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Albert Duckett
Albert Duckett (1907-1978) was born October 28, 1907 at Springfield, Illinois, the son of Reginald Vernon Duckett (1868-1953) and Lottie Louise Biggs Duckett (1879-1933). He was the fifth of their seven children: Harold Vernon Duckett (1898-1968); Marcia Louise Duckett (1901-1994) married Ray Counihan (1886-1963); Florence Elizabeth Duckett (1902-1989) married Wallace Sale; Henry Oliver Duckett (1904-1990); Albert Duckett (1907-1978); Warren Biggs Duckett (1913-1996); and Doris Arline Duckett (1915-2004) married John Molek (1901-1994). Reginald V. Duckett was born near Chapin, Morgan County, Illinois. He made his livelihood working for the railroad division of the U.S. Postal Service.(1900 Sangamon Co., Illinois T623 343, p. 2A, ED 98 and 1910, 1920, and 1930 Cook Co., Illinois Federal Census T624_237, p. 7A, ED 5; T625_357, p. 2B, ED 3; and R413, p. 5A, ED 1980)
Artist
Before 1910, the Reginald V. Duckett family had relocated to Berwyn, Illinois where Albert Duckett was educated. In 1926, he found employment with The Chicago American, a major Chicago journal, as an artist. He later became a syndicated cartoonist with The Chicago Herald Examiner. In 1936, the Ducketts relocated to Detroit where he was the editorial art director forThe Detroit Times, a William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) publication. Some of Mr. Duckett’s historic assignments were covering the Alphonse Capone (1899-1947) trial in the fall of 1931 and spending a day with the Dionne quintuplets who were born in Ontario Province, Canada in 1934.(The Daily Herald, April 21, 1978, p. A2 and The Ocean Springs Record, December 2, 2004, p. B4)
Family
This image was made at Fort Hood, Texas in 1944.[ L-R: Helen Uhalt Duckett (1908-1987), Helen Merrill Duckett (1935-1997), Albert Bruce Duckett (b. 1940) and Albert Duckett (1907-1978).(Courtesy of Bruce Duckett and Alice P. Duckett)
In September 1931, Albert Duckett married Helen Pauline Uhalt (1908-1987), a native of New Orleans. Helen was the daughter of Richard Alfred Uhalt (1878-1924), an insurance salesman, and Nona Onion (1880-1958), a Hoosier, whose father, John Onion (1836-1911), owned a steamboat in the Crescent City. After Helen’s father had expired at New Orleans in September 1924, Helen and Nona relocated to Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois. Here they resided on Oak Park Avenue. Helen worked for Bedell’s as an advertising manager while her mother who had remarried and was widowed from a Mr. Westermeier made her livelihood as a surgical nurse?(1930 Cook Co., Illinois R 413, p. 8B, ED 2912)
Helen and Albert Duckett had two children, Helen Merrill Duckett (1935-1997) born in Oak Park, Illinois and Albert Bruce Duckett (b. 1940) born in Detroit, Michigan. During WW II, Mr. Duckett while a resident of Detroit enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army in July 1944 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He served his country illustrating weapons training procedures such as assembling and disassembling the M-1 Garrand rifle and hand grenades.(Albert B. Duckett, April 28, 2007, The Sun Herald, November 16, 2003, p. I-1)
Helen M. Duckett
Helen Merrill Duckett (1935-1997), called Merrill, was born September 12, 1935 at Oak Park, Illinois. She married Carey L. Frazier Jr. (1933-1973) in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 2, 1957. The marriage ended and Merrill married Michael Thomas Burke also in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 30, 1968. Her final wedding was with Samuel Hurd Spivey Jr. (1923-1979). Their nuptials occurred in the 2nd Judicial District of Harrison County, Mississippi on January 18, 1975.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 108, p. 209; MRB 137, p. 548; and 2nd JD MRB 10, p. 401)
Merrill Duckett Spivey expired on November 3, 1997. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Albert Bruce Duckett
Albert B. Duckett, called Bruce, was born at Detroit, Michigan in 1940 and reared in Biloxi where in the mid-1950s, as a teenager founded The Chariots, an automobile club, which specialized in customizing cars, which at the time was a California phenomenon. Bruce graduated from Biloxi High School in 1957 and matriculated to Mississippi State University were he studied mechanical engineering.
At Mississippi State University, Bruce met Alice Pulliam, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, while she was a student at MSCW, now Mississippi University for Women, at Columbus. They married in 1963 and as newly weds made their home in the Hellmers’ Cottage at 918 Calhoun Avenue. Bruce’s engineering career brought him to California, Louisiana, and South Carolina, as well as a twenty-eight year stint locally at Ferson Optical Company and a later 5 year stint at Morton International. While a resident of Ocean Springs in January 1969, he founded the OSYC along with Bache Whitlock (1915-2002), Dr. Richard T. Furr (1929-2006), A. Russell Moran (1930-1981), William R. Allen (1911-1985), and Janet Ferson Green. Bruce is remembered as an avidly, competitive and successful Sunfish and Hobie Cat sailor. Bruce was also a longtime member of the Planning Commission and assisted the Aldermen adopt a comprehensive zoning ordinance for the City of Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 27, 1972, p. 1)
Alice P. Duckett is the icon of local historic preservation. She began her crusade to protect our historic homes and buildings in the 1970. Her work culminated with the September 1989 enactment of the local Historic Preservation Ordinance. Alice has chaired the Ocean Springs Historic Preservation Commission since 1996.
Bruce and Alice P. Duckett have reared three children: Nancy Alice Baker of Ocean Springs; Merrill Anne Stahura of Hickory, NC; and Albert Bruce Jr. of Biloxi.
Biloxi
While Albert was in the military, Helen U. Duckett brought the children to Biloxi where she had spent many summers. After his discharge, Albert joined his young family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in 1946, the Ducketts commenced a business, the Biloxi Pottery-Giftland, on Central Beach Boulevard. They sold among other ceramics and notions, the fine Shearwater Pottery of the Anderson Brothers of Ocean Springs. Albert also was an employee of The Daily Herald from 1946-1949 in their advertising department. He also continued to practice his fine art skills while at Biloxi primarily doing portraits of such notable men as, .Fred B. Ferson (1898-1969), the founder of Ferson Optics Company of Ocean Springs, and Glenn Lyle Swetman (1901-1994), long time president of People’s Bank of Biloxi, as well as his grandchildren and other clan members. Albert Duckett expired at Biloxi in April 1978. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Helen U. Duckett lived until December 6, 1987.(Albert B. Duckett, April 28, 2007, The Sun Herald, November 16, 2003, p. I-1, The Daily Herald, April 21, 1978, p. A2 and The Sun Herald, December 8, 1987, p. A4)
Albert Duckett Gallery
When a sponsor for an art gallery in the Mary Cahill O’Keefe Arts and Cultural Center was needed, Bruce and Alice P. Duckett came forward to donate money, time, and intensive labor. They desired to have Albert Duckett’s syndicated editorial cartoons and personal art work memorialized in a permanent venue. The Albert Duckett Memorial Art Museum opened on October 24, 2004. This was the second room in the structure to be completed with some private funding. Joey Milsted Rice was named gallery curator.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 28, 2004, p. B4 and December 2. 2004, p. B4)
REFERENCES:
- 284 views
Dulion Family
Dulion Family
ARNAUD M. DULION FAMILY
Biloxi, Mississippi
Passport of Arnaud Michel Dulion (1819-1870)
Arnaud M. Dulion
Arnaud Michel Dulion (1819-1870) was born July 5, 1819 at Auzas, Haute-Garonne, France, to Joseph Dulion, a game warden, and his wife, Jeanne Marie Gauzence. On August 26, 1856, he married Mary Ann Keegan or Briscoe (1832-1890), an Irish immigrant, in Harrison County, Mississippi. Their children were: Julia Dulion (1857-1918) m. Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903); Arnaud Michel Dulion, Jr. (1859-1909) m. Effie Louise Elmer (1868-1947); and Theodore P. Dulion (1861-1907) m. Amy Park (1862-1916). In May 1866, Arnaud M. Dulion was a retail dealer and sold liquor at this time.
Birth certificate of Arnaud M. Dulion
Arnaud M. Dulion died at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 3, 1870. Mary Ann K. Dulion, his spouse, passed on also at Biloxi on November 6, 1890.
CHILDREN
Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903) and Julia Dulion (1857-1918)
JULIA DULION
Julia Dulion (1857-1918) was born at Biloxi on May 25, 1857. On September 30, 1871, she married Lazaro ‘Laz’ Lopez (1850-1903), a native of Spain, in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Biloxi. Mr. Lopez had immigrated Texas from Cuba via Spain between 1864 and 1866. At Biloxi, he became one of its most wealthy and industrious citizens. Laz Lopez acquired his fortune as a merchant, banker, seafood pioneer, and as an investor in new technology which brought electricity and modern transportation to the Queen City.
Julia Dulion was the mother of ten children: Josephine Mary Angeline Lopez (1872-1892); Teresa Lopez (1873-1951) married Dr. Hyman M. Folkes (1871-1926); Clara Lopez (1875-1895); Lazaro Joseph Lopez(1877-1918) married Eurilda ‘Lilly’ Seal (1879-1966); Arnaud Lopez (1880-1948) married Nellie May Gorman (1895-1952); Erena Lopez (1883-1940) married Edward L. Brady (1874-1939); Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958) married Belle Markey (1887-1946); Juanita Olivia Lopez (1890-1891); Rowena Marie Lopez(1894-1986) married Philip Columbus Caldwell (1892-1920+); and Noreta Julia Lopez (1896-1960) married Rucks Yerger Jr. (1892-1931).
Lazaro Lopez died at Rome, Italy in September 1903 from a kidney ailment. He was on an extended European vacation with Julia and three of their children. Mr. Lopez’s body was shipped from France via New York City to Biloxi for burial on October 1903. Julia Dulion Lopez expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 30, 1918. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 25, 1903, September 26, 1903, October 17, 1903, October 19, 1903, and The Daily Herald, July 1, 1918)
Arnaud Michel Dulion, Jr. (1859-1909)
ARNAUD M. DULION, JR
Arnaud Michel Dulion Jr. (1859-1909) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 8, 1859. He married Effie Louise Elmer (1868-1947), the daughter of Jacob Elmer (1812-1894) and Louisa B. Wetzel (1844-1894) on June 20, 1892 in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Biloxi. Effie Elmer was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 24, 1868.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
A.M. Dulion Jr. and Effie L. Elmer were the parents of seven children: Esther Mary Dulion (1893-1960) m. John Alexander McNamee (1885-1947); Ione Eloise Dulion (1894-1969) m. George W. Henry; Arnaud Michel Elmer Dulion (1895-1896); Eugenia May Dulion (1896-1896); Myrtle Helen Dulion (1897-1973) m. Dilworth Q. Easterling (1908-1978); Aimee Dulion (1903-1953); and Effie Dulion (1907-1981) m. Edward J. Kraft Sr. (1904-1974).
Biloxi
A.M. Dulion Jr. made his livelihood in the livery and undertaking business at Biloxi. His business was situated on the corner of Lameuse Street and Water Street.
CHILDREN
Esther M. Dulion
Esther Mary Dulion (1893-1960) was born on April 2, 1893 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married John Lafayette McNamee (1885-1947), an employee of the St. Charles Hotel, on April 12, 1915 at New Orleans. At this time, they were domiciled in a bungalow at 1911 Lafayette Avenue in the Crescent City.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99 andThe Daily Herald, April 15, 1915, p. 2 and April 26, 1915, p. 2)
By 1920, little had changed in the McNamee’s life as John continued to be employed by the St. Charles Hotel as the superintendent of hotel services. Aimee Dulion (1903-1953), Esther’s sister, was living with them on Lafayette Avenue.(1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625_622, p. 20B, ED 159)
In April 1930, John L. McNamee and family were domiciled on Post Street at Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida. He was superintendent of transportation of a hotel at this time and their rent was $50 per month. Myrtle H. Dulion (1897-1973), Esther’s sister, was in the household. John and Esther D. McNamee were the parents of two daughters: Mary Ellen McNamee (b. 1921) m. T. Walter Crosby and Patricia Ann McNamee (1929-1995) m. Mr. Perry. It appears that Patricia Ann McNamee graduated from the Eleanor McMain Girls High School in January 1948.(1930 Duval Co., Florida Federal Census R 313, p. 2B, ED 30 and The Times-Picayune, January 21, 1948, p. 26)
Ione E. Dulion
Ione Eloise Dulion (1894-1969) was born on February 25, 1894 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married George W. Henry. No children?? Ione E. Henry died on July 1, 1969 at Metairie, Louisiana. Her corporal remains were buried at the Garden of Memories. No firther information.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99 and The Times-Picayune, July 2, 1969, p. 21)
Arnaud M.E. Dulion
Arnaud Michel Elmer Dulion (1895-1896) was born March 31, 1895 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was baptized at the Nativity of the B.V.M. Catholic Church on May 19, 1895. Arnaud M. Elmer Dulion expired on June 28, 1896 from pneumonia.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99 and Biloxi Cemetery Bk. A, p. 36)
Eugenia M. Dulion
Eugenia May Dulion (1896-1896) was born on May 30, 1896 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She lived only ten days and died on June 8, 1896.(Lepre, 1991, p. 99 and The Biloxi Herald, June 13, 1896, p. 8)
Myrtle H. Dulion
Myrtle Helen Dulion (1897-1973) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1903 on August 26, 1897. When Esther D. McNamee, her sister was domiciled at Jacksonville, Florida with her family in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Myrtle relocated to Florida and lived with them on Post Street. Here she met and married Dilworth ‘Doc’ Q. Easterling (1908-1978) in 1936 in Baker County, Florida, which is just west of Jacksonville.
Dilworth Q. Easterling was born at Savannah, Georgia on December 31, 1908 to Algrine Easterling (1884-1920+) and Mildred Easterling (1882-1935+), also Georgians. His father made his livelihood as a machinist in a local shipyard to support his wife and their six children. Dilworth matriculated to college and became a pharmacist. By 1935, Dilworth was employed as a pharmacist at Jacksonville and residing with his mother in Jacksonville next to Albert G. McRae (1908-1983), his brother-in-law, and Lille Mae Easterling McRae (1908-1935+), his sister.(1920 Chatham Co., Georgia Federal Census T625_241, p. 9B, ED 66 and 1935 Florida State Census, S5, R9, p. 65)
Myrtle H. Dulion and Dilworth Q. Easterling were the parents of a son who died before adulthood. Myrtle expired in Duval County, Florida on August 6, 1973. Doc Easterling followed her in death passing on March 21, 1978.(Marcia D’Amico, December 29, 2010)
Aimee M. Dulion
Aimee Mercedes Dulion (1903-1953) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1903. She died at New Orleans on April 8, 1953 from cancer. Her corporal remains were interred in the Garden of Memories in Metairie, Louisiana. No further information.(The Times-Picayune April 9, 1953, p. 2 and Marcia D’Amico, December 29, 2010)
Effie Dulion
Effie Dulion (1907-1981) was born May 2, 1907 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Edward J. Kraft (1904-1974), the son of Frank J. Kraft (1876-1929) and Elizabeth Adolph (1876-1957). Mr. Kraft made his livelihood at Metairie, Louisiana as a realtor. The Krafts lived at 3205 Metairie Road and their children were: Marcia Kraft (b. 1935) m. Frank D’ Amico; Edward J. Kraft II; and Arnaud J. Kraft (1936-1953).
Edward J. Kraft died on March 28, 1974. Effie D. Kraft expired at Metairie, Louisiana on June 20, 1981. Their brother, Arnaud J. Kraft, a student at Fortier High School, was killed in a motorcycle accident on December 9, 1953. Members of this family are interred in the Garden of Memories at Metairie, Louisiana. (Lepre, 1991, p. 99 and The Times-Picayune, Decemebr 20, 1953, p. 5, March 30, 1974, p. 20 and June 21, 1981, p. 22)
Theodore Paul Dulion (1861-1907)
THEODORE P. DULION
Theodore Paul Dulion (1861-1907) was born October 18, 1861. On March 20, 1886, he married Amy H. Park (1862-1916), the daughter of Barton Park (1822-1903) and Harriet Harkness, in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Biloxi. Children: Ura Clare Dulion (1887-1956); Theodore Roy Dulion (1889-1949+); Harriet Fay Dulion (1891-) m. Herbert J. Herrmann; Barton Park Dulion (1893-1936); Theodore Paul Dulion (1895-1949) m. Virginia Osborn (1902-1951); and Julia Abbey Dulion (1907-1984).
Baseball team
The T.P. Dulion baseball squad was organized in early April 1892 with Jack King, president; William Straub, secretary; and E. DeLamarre, treasurer. Louis Hahn (1868-1937) was elected team captain and Ed Henley served as the team water boy. By position, the T.P. Dulion baseball team was composed of the following players: S. Fayard, pitcher; J. Clark, catcher; Peter Bellande, 1st baseman; Jack King, 2nd baseman; Louis Hahn (1868-1937), 3rd baseman; W. Henley (1869-1924), shortstop; A. Bourdon, left fielder; J. Hildebrand, center fielder; and R. Holleman, right fielder.(The Biloxi Herald, April 9, 1892, p. 4)
L. Lopez & Company
The new L. Lopez & Company building on Reynoir and Howard Avenue opened in late April. Two-story structure built by Owens & from a design by Theodore Brune (1854-1932), New Orleans architect. T.P. Dulion (1861-1907) was the store manager.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 27, 1901, p. 8)
New T.P. Dulion Mercantile Company building
In August 1898, the T.P. Dulion Mercantile Company opened in its new three-story edifice on the northeast corner of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street. The structure was owned by Lazaro Lopez and built by
Buy out
In William V. Joyce (1887-1954)
BYC Officers for 1901-02
John Carraway, pres.; John J. Kennedy, v. pres.; H.F. Sawford, sec.; Byrd Enochs, treas.; Theodore P. Dulion, commodore; George H. Dunbar, vice commodore; Dr. Daniel A. Nash, rear commodore; Dr. H.R. Bohn, fleet surgeon. Other known members: Albert B. Austin; Ernest Desporte (1853-1931); Martin Haas; Isidore Heidenheim; Harry T. Howard; W.M. Levy; H.F. Sawford; and W.F. Swan.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 4, 1901, p. 1)
Children
Theodore Paul Dulion
Theodore Paul Dulion (1895-1949) was born November 24, 1895 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He attended Biloxi Public schools and graduated from the Gulf Coast Military Academy in 1915. Mr. Dulion went to Houston, Texas and worked in shoe sales for Krupp & Tuffly and the Scoggins Shoe Company. He later went to NYC where he was employed with the Hanan Company and by Lord, Taylor & Altman and other 5th Avenue merchants. At the time of his demise at Harrington Park, New Jersey on 15 February 1949, Theo was working for Saks Fifth Avenue. He had married in 1925 to Miss Virginia Osborn (1902-1951). Mr. Dulion's body was sent to Biloxi for commitment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 17, 1949, p. 6)
Julia A. Dulion
Julia Abbe Dulion was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 1907.
by Debra Downs
___________________________________________
Antoine B. Dulion
by
Carol Mills-Nichol at Madisonville, Lousiana
Antoine B. Dulion (1817-1884) was born Antoine Blaize Dulion on 14 November 1817 at Auzas, Haute-Garonne, France, to Joseph Dulion, a game warden, and his wife, Jeanne Marie Gauzence. (1)
Antoine received a passport at Bordeaux, Gironde, France, on 20 November 1847 to travel to New Orleans to work as a merchant. He arrived in the city on 21 January 1848 from Bordeaux on board the ship Victoria. After a short time in New Orleans he moved across Lake Ponchartrain to Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish, LA, where he bought town lot #8, square 11, measuring 60 ft x 120 ft. on Pine street where he established a home and store. He married Irish immigrant Catherine Carroll on 21 November 1857. They were the parents of six children: Paul Joseph Dulion (1855-1932) m. Sophie L. Dulion (1863-1942); Antoine Dulion (b. 1857); Mary Dulion (b. 1858); John Dulion (b. 1860); Vincent Dulion (b. 1865); and Leon Edward Dulion (b. 1873).
Throughout the Civil War, Madisonville, with its strategic place at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River on Lake Ponchartrain, was a central location for illicit trade between occupied New Orleans and the North Shore, still in the hands of the Confederacy. By January 1864, Union General Nathaniel Banks had determined to put a stop to it, so he sent 1000 men to Madisonville, where on 3 January the town was taken without resistance. Federal troops occupied the town for just over a month. They confiscated everything of worth, loading their boats with lumber, turpentine, tar, bricks, and produce, for shipment back to New Orleans. Madisonville was left in virtual ruin, its people destitute, by the Union expedition which consisted of portions of the following regiments: the 12th Maine, 9th Connecticut, two battalions of the convalescents of the XIIIth Corps, the 15th Massachusetts artillery, and the 2nd Louisiana Cavalry, all under the general command of Colonel William K. Kimball of the 12th Maine volunteers.
During that month Antoine Dulion’s store was emptied and his farm animals taken. Dulion and his family recovered from their losses and remained in the town, where Antoine continued his merchandising business. In 1866 he paid Federal taxes as a retail liquor dealer. That same year he bought a lot 60 ft. x 120 ft. south of the Catholic Church formerly belonging to Luca Delpt. A year later he purchased lot #5, in square 11, on St. Mary Street. Ten years later he extended his holdings bying adjacent lots #9 & 10, in square 11 on Pine and St. Tammany streets. Catherine Carroll Dulion died on 30 November 1880 and was interred in the Madisonville Town Cemetery. Antoine followed on 18 July 1884 and was buried with her.
In Antoine and Catherine’s succession sale which took place in late 1884, all of his town property was put up for auction, as well as, ten head of cattle, 187 head of sheep, one carriage, one cart, two mares, one dray, all the merchandise in his store, his claim before the French and American Claims Commission, 760 pounds of wool, and old debts due his store amounting to $1213.17. His estate was eventually paid only a small portion of what he had claimed as losses incurred in the Civil War. His younger brother, Arnaud Michel Dulion, preceded him to America, and settled in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi.
(1)Auzas, Haute-Garonne, France, registres de l'état civil (Civil registrations) Naissances, Mariages, Décès [Births, Marriages, deaths],1813-1822, Act #30 in 1822, Antoine Blaize Dulion, digital image, Archives départementales de la Haute-Garonne, «Etat Civil en ligne» (http://archives.haute-garonne.fr/: accessed 5 July 2016) Cote 1 E 5, Image 92/248.
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).
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian, Mississippi-1971, originally published 1895).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical (George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Will Book 3, “Last Will and Testament of Arnaud M. Dulion”, March 5, 1909.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 7586, “Teresa L. Folkes v. Roy Dulion, et al”-February 1924.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Livery stable and undertaker”, November 29, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, April 9, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, June 13, 1896.
The Biloxi Daily Herald
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Lopez’s new building”, August 16, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News [Barton Park obituary]”, February 13, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “A beautiful block”, April 27, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The Yacht Club”, May 4, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The death of Mr. Lopez”, September 26, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“L. Lopez Sr. ill”, September 19, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mr. Lopez’s condition”, September 22, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“News from Lopez Sr.”, September 25, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Prepare for worst”, September 25, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “L. Lopez, Sr., Dead”, September 26, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The death of Mr. Lopez”, September 26, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Items”, October 1, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Personal”, October 5, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mass Meeting”, October 6, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 7, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 8, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 9, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 15, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“In the shadow”, October 17, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Laid to rest”, October 19, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Noted citizen passes away”, February 20, 1907.
The Daily Herald
The Daily Herald, “Claims RR caused schooner wreck”, September 20, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “T.J. Roberts fined”, February 22, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Gulfportan will run Biloxi store”, July 23, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “McNamee-Dulion”, April 15, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “McNamee-Dulion”, April 26, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Loveable woman passes away”, October 2, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Funeral of Mrs. Dulion held today”, October 4, 1916.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Julia Lopez passes away”, July 1, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Gulfportan will run Biloxi store”, July 23, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Barton Dulion dies”, 10, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Mississippi Mud pie", December 28, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Ura Dulion”, April 12, 1956.
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune, “Dulion”, April 9, 1953.
The Times Picayune, “Scooter accident victim [Arnaud J. Kraft]expires”, December 10, 1953.
The Times Picayune, “Kraft”, March 30, 1974.
The Times Picayune, “Henry”, July 2, 1969.
The Times Picayune, “Kraft”, June 21, 1981.
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Eistetter
Eistetter ray Sat, 05/28/2011 - 18:22ANTON EISTETEER FAMILY
The Anton Eisteteer (1819-1872) family had its origin in Germany and at New Orleans, Louisiana in America.
Catherine [Heist?] Eistetter (1816-1904) who died at Biloxi in late November 1904. She had lived here for 26 years and was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. She lived at NOLA for 36 years, therefore she came to America circa 1842, She was buried at NOLA in the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery from the residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Bordes, who lived at No. 1633 Elysian Fields Avenue. Those from Biloxi attending her funeral were Mrs. Willamene Schumacher Eistetter(1851-1929), John Eistetter (1881-1953) and Henry Eistetter (1858-1922). Her surviving children were: Rebecca [may have been Fredericka] Opperman (1846-1925) and Henry Eistetter of Biloxi; Kate Hauck and Mrs. Paul Stier of NOLA; and Tony Eistetter of Texas.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1904, p. 5)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Picayune
The Daily Picayune
The Daily Picayune
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mrs. Catherine Eistetter”, November 28, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, , 190.
The Daily Picayune, “Died-Catherine Heist Eistetter”, December 4, 1904.
The Daily Picayune
The Daily Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
KNOWN EISTETTER CHILDREN
FREDERICA EISTETTER
Frederica Eistetter Opperman(1846-1925)was born in Germany in October 1846. Circa 1860, Frederica married Otto Opperman (1839-1903), a native of Mecklenberg, Germany and an 1860 immigrant. Otto Opperman landed at New York City and almost immediately was enlisted and served as a private with Company G of the 70th New York Infantry Regiment during the Civil War and following a short tenure at Cairo, Illinois after the conflict joined at NOLA Guido Korndorfer (1836-1905), the man that he had left Mecklenberg with in 1860 to come to America. Herr Korndorfer had founded the firm of Apps & Korndorfer in the Crescent City and Otto became his bookkeeper. Otto Opperman left Apps & Korndorfer to work as the supervisor of the Orleans Cotton Press and later the Pelican Cotton Press. He and Frederica came to Biloxi to retire circa 1893 and they had a home at 2862 West Beach Boulevard near present day Rodenburg Avenue. In 1901, Otto became ill and died at Biloxi on June 5, 1903. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623-808, p. 4A, ED 29, The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 6, 1903, p. 8 and The Daily Picayune, June 15, 1903, p. 5)
Frederica Eistetter Opperman died at her West Beach residence at Biloxi, Mississippi on May 14, 1925. She and Otto were childless. Frederica was survived by Mrs. Joseph Bordes, her sister, of Abita Springs, Louisiana and three nieces: Misses Marie and Frederica Hauck of NOLA and Miss Mayme Eistetter of Biloxi. She also left the following nephews: John F. Esitetter of Biloxi and Guy Hauck, Emile Stier, Henry Stier, George Stier, and Anthony Stier of NOLA. Mrs. Opperman also had other relatives in Texas. Her funeral services were held in the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church in Biloxi with burial in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, May 15, 1925, p. 3 and May 16, 1925, p. 3)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, June 6, 1903.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Oppermann died yesterday”, May 15, 1925.
The Daily Herald,“Opermann funeral held”, May 16, 1915.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Picayune, “Otto Opperman”, June 14, 1903.
PAULINE EISTETTER
Pauline Eistetter Stier (1849-1924) was born at NOLA in March 1849. She married John Jacob Stier (1847-1880) at NOLA on October 9, 1873. They were the parents of four sons: Anthony John Stier (1873-19) m. Harriet ‘Hattie’ Sharp Daunis; Henry Clay Stier (1877-1960) m. Louisa Annena “Leila” Moulin (1952); George Otto Daniel Stier (1875-1942) m. Pauline Daisy Weber; and Emile Valentine Stier (1880-1941) m. Merlen McKee.
REFERENCES:
Soard’s 1895 New Orleans City Directory
The Daily Picayune
The Daily Picayune, “Died-Harry Clay Stier”, May 31, 1908.
The Daily Picayune
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune, “Emile V. Steir’s last rites held”, August 31, 1941.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths-George O. Steir”, January 18, 1942.
The Times Picayune, “Veteran news reporter [Henry Clay Stier] dies”, January 14, 1960.
The Times Picayune, “Deaths-Greta Bertha Eistetter Stier”, April 29, 1986.
CATHERINE EISTETTER
Catherine EistetterHauck (1853-1922) was born at NOLA on November 2, 1853. She married Daniel J. Hauck (1854-1922) in the Crescent City on June 8, 1872. Daniel Hauck made his livelihood as a harness maker and later as a fireman with Jackson Fire Company No. 18. In 1900, the family home was on at 1306 Ursulines Street and later at 1272 North Villere. Daniel and Catherina Eistetter were the parents of four children: Marie Elizabeth Hauck (1878-1953); Frederica C. Hauck (1881-1967); Daniel J. Hauck (1883-1904); and Guy Livingston Hauck (1886-1950). None of the Hauck children married.(NOLA MRB
REFERENCES:
The Daily Picayune
The Daily Picayune, “Young men victims of murderous attack”, August 3, 1907.
The Daily Picayune
The Times Picayune, “Veteran fireman dies”, October 12, 1922.
The Times Picayune, “Died-Catherine Eistetter Hauck”,
The Times Picayune,“Deaths-Guy Livingston Hauck”, February 14, 1950.
The Times Picayune,“Deaths-Marie Elizabeth Hauck”, April 18, 1953.
The Times Picayune,“Deaths-Frederick C. Hauck”, October 7, 1967.
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ANTHONY F. EISTETTER
Biloxi and Ocean Springs
Anthony F. Eistetter was living with Ferdinand W. Illing (1838-1884) at Ocean Springs with John Eistetter (1856-1904), his brother, in 1880. They are brick masons and there is a high degree of certitude that they were here to rebuild the Illing House, a local inn, that had been destroyed in a conflagration on June 2, 1879. Construction of a new hotel commenced in early May 1880. The two-story structure was planned to be 68 feet long and 40 feet wide. By June 1880, the new Illing Hotel was rising rapidly from the ash stained ground of the former hostelry. A reporter for The Pascagoula Democrat-Star related that “it will be a fine building when finished; quite an ornament to that part of town”.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 14, 1880, p. 3)
It appears that Anthony F. Eistetter may have Left Biloxi in 1881 to go to Laredo, Texas. A.F. Eistetter expired at Laredo, Texas in late March 1916.
REFERENCES:
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 227, “Anthony Eistetter v. Annie Eistetter”, March 1881.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No.
Journals
The Daily Picayune,“A.J. Eistetter, Laredo, Tx.”, March 31, 1916.
The Daily Picayune,“”,
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Items”, May 14, 1880.
The Times Picayune,“”,
The Times Picayune,“”,
The Times Picayune,“”,
The Times Picayune
The Times Picayune
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JOHN EISTETTER
John Eistetter(1856-1904), a native of New Orleans, was born March 5, 1856. He married at New Orleans to Wilhemina Schumaker (1851-1929), the widow of Mr. Henken and the aughter of William Schumaker and Christina Breslow, on September 27, 1880. They were the parents of three children: John F. Eistetter (1881-1953); Mayme W. Eistetter (1882-1942); and Rose Juanita Eistetter (1890-1890).
John Eistetter made his livelihood as a brick mason and building contractor. He built the foundations for many Howard Avenue buildings and Biloxi homes from 1880 until his demise in mid- March 1904. John was a member of Magnolia Lodge No. 120 A.F. & A.M., Knights of Honor, and Knights of Pythias. His funeral was held from the Eistetter home on Howard Avenue with Reverend J.S. Moore in attendance. Burial was in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 14, 1904, p. 1)
Children
John Frank Eistetter(1881-1953) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 6, 1881. In late October 1920, he married Mary Chinn (1891-1958), the daughter of James B. ‘Buck’ Chinn (1857-1912) and Martha Ella Hart (1857-1938). In 1917 Biloxi Mardi Gras, Mary Chinn was Queen Ixolib with King Iberville George Quint (1886-1967). R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972), her brother, was elected Biloxi’s Mayor in August 1933 after the resignation of Mayor Kennedy in July 1933.(The Daily Herald, July 31, 1933, p. 1 and August 17, 1933, p. 1)
John F. Eistetter and Mary Chinn were the parents of two children: Martha Wilhelmina Eistetter (1921-2004) m. W.T. Edwards and John Chinn Eistetter (1929-1996) m. Mary Brown (1929-1988). Martha W. Eistetter expired at Laramie, Wyoming on April 30, 2004. John Chinn Esitetter died at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 26, 1996. John C. and Mary Brown Eistetter had a son, John David Eistetter (c. 1952) m. Melann Marie Cox and Elizabeth Cobb Cuthell.
Mayme Wilhelmina Eistetter(1882-1942) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 28, 1882. Expired at Biloxi on July 31, 1942.
Juanita Eistetter (1890-1890) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 1, 1890. She died at Biloxi on May 24, 1890. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Biloxi Herald, May 31, 1890, p. 4)
REFERENCES:
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian, Mississippi-1971, originally published 1895).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical (George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, May 31, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Necrological-John Eistetter”, April 14, 1904.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“Eistetter-Chinn”, October 23. 1920.
The Daily Herald,“”, September 30, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Staehling is out of race”, July 31, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Chinn wins Mayors office as Carroll and Hunt withdraw”, August 17, 1933.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“Miss Eistetter dies”, July 3, 1942.
The Daily Herald,“Eistetter death”,
The Daily Herald,“John F. Eistetter”, November 28, 1953.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Mary Eistetter”, May 5, 1958.
The Sun Herald,“John C. Eistetter”, February 1996.
HENRY LOUIS EISTETTER
Henry L. Eistetter (1858-1922) was born at NOLA on April 12, 1858. He married Clara Delatore (1861-19), a native of NOLA and the daughter of Ignatius or Augustine Delatore and Elizabeth Crimmins (1845-1870+), at the Nativity of the B.V.M. Catholic Church on June 29, 1887.(Lepre, 1991, p. 84 and p. 102)
Henry L. Eistetter and Clara Delatore were the parents of five children:Hazel G. Eistetter (1888-19 )m. Roland G. Tebault in April 1908; Jewel Estetter (1890-1968)m. Agnes Estetter (1904-1980);Olive Cecelia Eistetter (1891);Warren Henry Eistetter (1894-1896);
Divorce
Children
Hazle G. Eistetter (1888-1908+) eloped with and married Roland C. Tebault (1885-1920+) of NOLA at Gulfport on April 20, 1908. Mr. Tebault may have been the son of William G. Tebault (1853-1924), a successful NOLA, philanthropist, civic worker and furniture dealer. W.G. Tebault was known as ‘The King of Royal Street’.(The Daily Herald, April 22, 1908, p. 1, The Times Picayune, December 1, 1924, p. 6
Jewel Eistetter(1890-1968) was born April 15, 1890 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He changed his name to ESTETTER when he lived in Texas. Jewel left Biloxi and settled at Goose Creek, Harris County, Texas where he married Agnes ? (1904-1980). They were the parents of three children: Clara Estetter (1925-1940); Jewell Estetter (b. 1928); and John D. Estetter (b. 1929). Jewel Estetter made his livelihood working for Humble Oil. Probably at their oil refinery.(1930 Harris Co., Texas Federal Census, R2352 p. 17A, ED 169)
Demise
Henry L. Eistetter expired at 1222 North Villere Street in the Crescent City on November 22, 1922. His corporal remains were sent to Biloxi for internment in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Henry Eistetter was survived by two children: Hazel Thibaut of NOLA and Jewel Eisteter of Texas .(The Times Picayune, November 15, 1922, p. 2 and The Daily Herald, November 15, 1922, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical (George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“City News [death of Warren Henry Eistetter]”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“Chancery Summons No. 1156 [Eistetter v. Stow]”, February 6, 1900.
The Daily Herald,“City News [marriage of Hazel Eistetter]”, April 22, 1908.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“Recent decisions in Chancery Court”, July 19, 1916.
The Daily Herald,“Chancery Court under headway”, June 19, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“Biloxian meets sudden death”, November 15, 1922.
The Daily Picayune,“”,
The Times Picayune,“Died-Henry Eistetter”, November 15, 1922.
The Times Picayune,“King of Royal Street is dead”, December 1, 1924.
MARY EISTETTER BORDES
Mary Eistetter Bordes (1860-1930+) was born at NOLA in April 1860. She married Joseph L. Bordes (1853-1930+), an 1865 French immigrant, at NOLA on December 2, 1882. In 1900, the Bordes were domiciled outside of Covington, Louisiana in Ward 3 of St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. Here Joseph L. Bordes made his livelihood as a livestock dealer. By 1904, they had relocated to 1633 Elysian Fields Avenue at New Orleans. (NOLA MRB 9, p. 643, 1900 St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623_583, p. 1B, ED 81 and The Biloxi Herald, November 28, 1904, p.5 )
In 1910, Joseph and Mary E. Bordes were living at Abita Springs, Louisiana where he continued to trade livestock. By 1920, Joseph was city manager at Abita Springs and Mary was running a boarding house. In 1930, Mary Eistetter Bordes and Joseph L. Bordes were retired in Abita Springs, Louisiana.(1910, 1920 and 1930 St. Tammany Parish Louisiana Federal Census T624_531, p. 2A, ED 94 and T625_632, p. 1B, ED 101 and R 820, p. 4B, ED 19)
No further information.
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mrs. Catherine Eistetter”, November 28, 1904.
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
The Daily Herald,“”,
NOTES
I have the obit of John Eistetter (1856-1904), her son, married Wilhelmina Schumacher (1851-1929, daughter of William Schumacher and Christina Breslow, and had two children: John F. Eistetter (1881-1953) m. Mary Chinn (1891-1958) had John Chinn Eistetter (1929-1996); and Mayme W. Eistetter (1882-1942).
I have data that suggests Catherine Eistetter was born Heist and her spouse was Anton Eistetter. Frederica or Rebecca Eistetter Opperman died at Biloxi May 14, 1925.
Catherine [Heist?] Eistetter (1816-1904) who died at Biloxi in late November 1904. She had lived here for 26 years and was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. She lived at NOLA for 36 years, therefore she came to America circa 1842,
if my math is close! She was buried at NOLA in the St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery from the residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Bordes, who lived at No. 1633 Elysian Fields Avenue. Those from Biloxi attending her funeral were Mrs. Willamene Schumacher Eistetter(1851-1929), John Eistetter (1881-1953) and Henry Eistetter (1858-1922). Her surviving children were: Rebecca [may have been Fredericka] Opperman (1846-1925)and Henry Eistetter of Biloxi; Kate Hauck and Mrs. Paul Stier of NOLA; and Tony Eistetter of Texas.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1904, p. 5)
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Elmer Family
Elmer Family
ELMER FAMILY
Jacob Elmer Barbara G. Elmer
Jacob Elmer (1813-1894) and Barbara Gettendorf (1823-1858) were the progenitors of the Elmer family of Biloxi, Mississippi. Jacob Elmer was born at Canton Glarus in Switzerland, the same area of the Biloxi Hosli [Husley] and Abbley family origination. Mr. Elmer came to Biloxi in 1836 and circa 1837, he married Barbara Gettendorf, a native of Winweiler, Rhein Kreis, Bavaria and the daughter of Henry Gettendorf (1784-1837), a native of Keil, Holstein, Germany, and Anne M. Otto (1787-1846), native of Bavaria.
In 1850, Jacob Elmer was a merchant at Biloxi worth $15,000. His children with Barbara Gettendorf were: Helena Elmer Northrop (1838-1917), Anna Elmer (b. 1839), Jacob Elmer Jr. (1843-1885), John P. Elmer (b. 1843), Henry M. Elmer (1844-1868), Frederick William Elmer (1847-1926), Augustus Elmer (1849-1906), Otto Elmer (1851-1926+), and Charles Elmer (1852-1926+). (HARCO Census, p. 27).
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After the demise of his wife in 1858, Jacob Elmer married Louisa B. Wetzel (1844-1894) in January 1863. She was the daughter of German immigrant, Jacob Wetzel (1802-1860+) and ? . Her mother was dead before 1860. Their children were: Coresta Elmer m. Thomas Bachino (1866-1891), Effie Elmer Dulion (1868-1947), Clarence Elmer (1868-1901), Percy L. Elmer (1873-1949), Edwin Ross Elmer (1878-1934), and the twins, Albert Elmer (1881-1950) and Arthur Elmer (b. 1881). Jacob Wetzel's siblings raised by Louisa B. Elmer were: Julia Wetzel (b. 1853), and Catherine Wetzel (b. 1855).(Guice, 1968?, p. 12).
Legatees
Jacob Elmer expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 1894. To his children with Barbara Gettendorf, he legated all of his property in Jackson County, Mississippi. These legatees were: Helena Elmer Northrop; the Heirs of Anna Elmer Farror, deceased; F. William Elmer; Augustus Elmer, Otto Elmer, and Charles Elmer. Augustus Elmer was executor for his siblings.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 20, 1894, p. 8)
Mr. Elmer left all of his personal property and real estate in Biloxi to his children with Louisa B. Wetzel: Coresta Elmer Bachino; Effie Elmer Dulion; Clarence Elmer; Percy Lee Elmer; Edwin Ross Elmer; and Albert Elmer.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 20, 1894, p. 8)
Children of Jacob Elmer and Barbara Gettendorf
Helena Elmer
Helena Elmer (1838-1917) was born at New Orleans on . She married Abner Reuben Knight Northrop (1839-1896), the son of Abner Northrop and Christina Knight, in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 19, 1869. Abner was born on July 28, 1839 at Franklin, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Abner's father was born at Hartford, Connecticut and was a West Point graduate. His mother was the daughter of Reubin Knight, a Louisiana sugar planter.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 6, p. 127 and Land, 1936, p. 165)
A.R.K. Northrop
Abner R. Northrop came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the Civil War. He worked for a dentist in Sherman, Texas before organizing a Calvary Company
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Anna Elmer
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Jacob Elmer Jr.
Jacob Elmer Jr. (1843-1885) was born at Biloxi. He died on September 7, 1885 at Mineola, Wood County, Texas.[The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 7, 1885.
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Augustus Elmer
Augustus Elmer (1849-1906) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1849. He married Olivia Henrietta Miller (1855-1928) in New Orleans on June 15, 1876. They were the parents of five boys: August Elmer II (1880-1953) m. Jessie Cazeneuve (; Leonard Jacob Elmer (d. 1968) m. Thelma Paltron; Morel M. Elmer Sr. (1889-1985) m. Jeanne Turegano; Oscar Baker Elmer (1888-1976) m. Irma Rose Schwab; and Alphonse John Otto Elmer m. Corinthia Eunice Thompson.
Augustus Elmer made his livelihood as
He was the son of Augustus Elmer (1849-1906) and Olivia Henrietta Miller (1855-1928). His father was the founder of the Miller-Elmer Manufacturing Company Limited ississippi.(The Daily Picayune, July 24, 1906, The Times-Picayune, February 11, 1917, p. 16 and March 19, 1953)
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[from The Times-Picayune, March 19, 1953, p. 3]
August Elmer II
Augustus Elmer III (1880-1953) became president of the family candy business upon the demise of his father in July 1906. His four fraternal siblings were also owners and officers in the company: Leonard Jacob Elmer (d. 1968) m. Thelma Paltron; Morel M. Elmer Sr. (1889-1985) m. Jeanne Turegano; Oscar Baker Elmer (1888-1976) m. Irma Rose Schwab; and Alphonse John Otto Elmer m. Corinthia Eunice Thompson.
August Elmer married Jessie Cazeneuve, a native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. They were the parents of three children: August Elmer III (1913-1983); Joseph Cazeneuve Elmer (1915-1975) m. Ruth Murphy; and Martha Olivia Elmer (1918-2010) m. Shelton Evans Hicks (1906-1983).
August Elmer II expired at New Orleans on March 18, 1953. He was general manager of the Elmer Candy Company at the time of his demise. He was survived by his spouse; three children; and four brothers.
Mr. Elmer's funeral was under the auspices of Jacob schoen & Son Funeral Home of New Orleans. Services were held at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church followed by internment in Metairie Cemetery.((The Times-Picayune, February 11, 1917, p. 16, March 19, 1953, and December 8, 1975)
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Henry M. Elmer
Henry M. Elmer
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Frederick W. Elmer
Frederick William Elmer (1847-1926) was born at Biloxi on January 23, 1847. He was the son of two European immigrants, Jacob Elmer (1813-1894) and Barbara Gettendorf (1823-1858). F.W. Elmer married Elizabeth Carson Maycock (1850-1905) in May 1871. She was the daughter of Captain James Maycock (1825-1892) and Mary Emily Carson (1827-1900), born at Cape May, New Jersey. Captain Maycock was a native of Hull, Yorkshire, England and arrived at Biloxi on an English vessel in 1839.(Guice, 1968?, p. 19 and The Biloxi Herald, March 19, 1892, p. 4)
Captain Maycock was a seafood pioneer at Biloxi. In 1881, he and Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. W. Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate (1853-1916), and William Gorenflo (1844-1932) with a capital stock of $8,000 organized the Lopez, Elmer and Company, which became the Biloxi Canning Company. This factory was situated on the Back Bay of Biloxi, at the head of Reynoir Street.
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Elizabeth Maycock Elmer-Biloxi Cemetery
F.W. Elmer and his spouse were the parents of ten children. Eight survived into the 20th Century. The known Elmer children are: Marie Ann Elmer Sichirich (1872-1946); Ida L. Elmer (1873-1891); Nina V. Elmer Scott (1877-1937+); Cora V. Elmer (1878-1962) married Byrd Enochs (1875-1940); F.W. Elmer II (1881-1948) m. Alys Halliday (1886-1970); James Chester Elmer (1883-1920) m. Hazel Thompson (1890-1974); Inez F. Elmer Ebersole (1885-1937+); Margueryte Elmer Cole (1887-1965) m. Myron Asa Cole (1876-1957) ;and Edward E. Elmer (1892-1900+).
1891
Frederick William Elmer was elected Mayor of Biloxi on January 6, 1891. He defeated two opponents, Zachary Taylor Champlin and A.B. DeLamarre. Of the votes cast, Mr. Elmer received 392, Champlain 102 and DeLamarre 74. Mr. Elmer was lauded in the local journal with these words: "[F.W. Elmer is] a man of sound ideas, liberality of opinion, energy and progressive tendencies, and during the years he has previously served his constituency, both as a municipal officer and state legislator, has proven fidelity to Biloxi, his interest inher welfare and displayued an executive ability which fits him for the office to which he had been called."(The Biloxi Herald, January 10, 1891, p. 1)
F.W. Elmer Home-216 West Beach
In Ocotber 1904, Mayor F.W. Elmer (1847-1926) contracted with J.E. Greene to build a two-story, 2500 square-ft. home on Magnolia and Front Beach for between $3000 and $4000. The lot was 1,.37 acres in size.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 20, 1904, p. 5)
The F.W. Elmer House was completed after the death of Mrs. F.W. Elmer, Elizabeth Carson Maycock (1850-1905), which occurred in late January 1905 and prior to June 1909.(see Sanborn Insurance Maps-Biloxi-1904 Sheet 4 and 1909 Sheet 8). The Elmers resided at No. 120 Water Street at the time of her demise on January 21, 1905.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 21, 1905, p. 5).
Marguerite Elmer was a single woman when she acquired the F.W. Elmer home in July 1925. The warranty deed from her father, F.W. Elmer Sr., stated, "for constant attention to me, during my sickness extending over two years, I sell and convey". F.W. Elmer Sr. expired on December 23, 1926.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 165, p. 526)
[for complete history of the F.W. Elmer Home see Homes on this website]
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F.W. Elmer-Biloxi Cemetery
Frederick W. Elmer expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on
Children
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Marie Anne Elmer
Marie Anne Elmer was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on . She married Nicholas Sichirich
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Ida L. Elmer
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Biloxi Cemetery
Ida L. Elmer (1873-1891) was born June 20, 1873 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She expired on April 14, 1891 at Biloxi. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
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Lizzie Helena Elmer
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Biloxi Cemetery
Lizzie Helena Elmer (1874-1878) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 15, 1874. she expired here on October 23, 1878.
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Nina V. Elmer
Nina V. Elmer and Cora Elmer, her sister, attended the University of Mississippi in 1897.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 5, 1897, p. 8)
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Cora V. Elmer
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[Biloxi Cemetery]
Cora V. Elmer (1878-1962) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 28, 1878. She and Nina V. Elmer, her sister, attended the University of Mississippi in 1897.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 5, 1897, p. 8)
Cora married Byrd Enochs (1875-1940) in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 17, 1910. Byrd Enochs (1875-1940) was the son of Captain I.V. Enochs (1828-1895) and Julia Harriet Byrd (1839-1911). He was born at Terry, Mississippi on January 7, 1875 and came to Biloxi as a young lad.(The Daily Herald, May
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F.W. Elmer II
F.W. Elmer Jr., known as William F. Elmer Jr. (1881-1948) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 31, 1881.
1932 Federal appointment
In early 1932, W.F. Elmer was appointed a US Commissioner of the Southern District at Biloxi. His first court trial was held on March 30, 1932 in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, March 31, 1932, p. 5)
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JAMES C. ELMER
James Chester Elmer (1883-1920) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 1883, the son of Frederick W. Elmer (1847-1926) and Elizabeth Carson Maycock (1850-1905). Jacob Elmer (1812-1894), his grandfather, was a native of Canton Glarus, Switzerland while Barbara Gettendorf (1823-1858), his grandmother, was born in Bavaria.
J.C. Elmer was educated in the Biloxi public school system and graduated from the Poplarville High School, Pearl River County, Mississippi. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute [Auburn] for three years before going to Charlottesville, Virginia to study law. After a year at the University of Virginia, he continued his legal studies at the University of Mississippi. J.C. Elmer returned to the Mississippi Coast after his law studies, he assisted his father in his lumber exporting enterprise at Gulfport. James Chester Elmer was admitted to the Mississippi bar in May 1907.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1911, p. 1)
Athlete
J.C. Elmer was a fine football player. He played the rugged sport at every college that he attended and was a member of the highly touted University of Virginia squad of 1903. He was a team mate of future Harrison County Sheriff, Cleveland Pol Huggins (1885-1933), at the University of Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, January 6, 1909, p. 2)
Political career
James C. Elmer began his most successful political career at Biloxi in May 1908, when he defeated Zachary T. Champlin, veteran adjudicator, for the office of Police Judge. J.C. Elmer garnered 487 votes compared to Judge Champlin’s 247 ballots. Judge Elmer took office in early January 1909 and heard his first case on January 4th.(The Daily Herald, July 15, 1908, p. 1 and p. 2 and January 4, 1909, p. 1)
Marriage
OnMarch 26, 1913, James C. Elmer married Hazel Thompson (1890-1974), the daughter of Erastus R. Thompson (1855-1924) and Mary Ellen Aber (1863-1910). Hazel Thompson was born at Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana and came to Biloxi in 1908. At Harrisonburg, Mr. Thompson made his livelihood as a dry goods merchants. At Biloxi, the Thompson family may have built a large home in the Avondale Subdivision at 2116 West Beach Drive. The Elmer-Thompson marriage was held in the Thompson home and their nuptial ceremony performed by the Reverend C.B. Crawford of the Church of the Redeemer. The newlyweds were domiciled on Main Street and Water Street in a home that was given them by Erastus R. Thompson.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 11, 1908, p. 2 and The Daily Herald, March 26, 1913, p. 8 and March 27, 1913, p. 8)
Thompson family
Erastus R. Thompson had married Mary Ellen Aber at New Orleans on April 12, 1888. From this holy union four children were born and three survived: Hazel Thompson (1890-1974); Emmet Ray Thompson (1894-1969) and Louis O. Thompson (1896-1972).
Sheriff J.C. Elmer
James Cleveland Elmer was elected Sheriff of Harrison County, Mississippi in
West Beach Home
In December 1916, J.C. Elmer acquired for $7000 a large residence from Sam W. Taylor at 1918 West Beach Drive in Biloxi. It was situated in the Bienville Subdivision, in Lot 5 and Lot 6 of Block 1. At this time, Mr. Taylor also conveyed Lots 5 and 6 in Block 8 and Lots 5 and 6 in Block 9 to J.C. Elmer.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 117, pp. 405-406)
Candidate for State Revenue Agent
District Attorney
Death
J.C. Elmer expired on April 30, 1920 in the Touro Infirmary at New Orleans. He was survived by his spouse, father, and sisters: Marie Ann Sichirich (1872-1946) of Buenos Aires Argentina; Nina V. Scott (1877-1926+) of Atlanta, Cora V. Enochs (1878-1962) of Biloxi, Inez Elmer Ebersole (1885-1926+) of NOLA, and Marguerite Elmer Cole (1887-1965) of Biloxi; and two brothers, F.W. Elmer II (1881-1920) and Edward E. Elmer (1896-1926+).(The Daily Herald, April 30, 1920, p. 1)
Hazel Thompson Elmer lived until January 1974.
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Inez F. Elmer
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Margueryte Elmer Cole
Margueryte Elmer (1887-1965) married Myron Asa Cole (1876-1957) of West Midway, Massachusetts. He made his livelihood as an investigator for Office of the Comptroller General at Washington, D.C., retiring in 1943. In 1945, the Coles relocated from Jackson, Mississippi to Biloxi, and here they resided with her sister, Cora Elmer Enochs, at 138 Magnolia Street. Mrs. Enochs was the widow of Byrd Enochs (1875-1940).(The Daily Herald, July 12, 1957, p. 2)
F.W. Elmer Home-216 West Beach
Marguerite E. Cole was a single woman when she acquired the F.W. Elmer home in July 1925. The warranty deed from her father, F.W. Elmer Sr., stated, "for constant attention to me, during my sickness extending over two years, I sell and convey". F.W. Elmer Sr. expired on December 23, 1926.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 165, p. 526)
In September 1934, W.L. Guice, Trustee, sold the F.W. Elmer House and lot to the First National Bank of Biloxi for $2000. Margueryte Elmer had defaulted on her property taxes and deeds of trust to the First National Bank of Biloxi and to Walter Nixon and Mrs. Harry Laughlin.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 203, p. 319)
Cora Elmer Enochs, Margueryte's sister, legated her home on Magnolia Street to her. After her demise in April 1962, her estate was probated in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi.(HARCO Cause No. 45,513-Bk 381, p. 25).
In July 1962, Margueryte Cole sold the Magnolia Street home to A. Jake Mladinich for $14,000.HACO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 500, p. 110)
Mr. Mlandinich conveyed the property to to Mary C. Mahoney in .(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 514, p. 68)
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Children of Jacob Elmer and Louisa B. Wetzel
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Coresta Elmer
Coresta Elmer, called Cora, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on . She and Nina Elmer, her sister, attended the University of Mississippi in 1897. Cora had married Thomas Bachino in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 12, 1885.
Cora expired at Chicago on February 2o, 1949. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 23, 1949, p. 7)
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Clarence E. Elmer
Clarence Ernest Elmer (1868-1901) was born September 8, 1868 at Biloxi, Mississippi. His health began to deteriorate and he expired at Hotel Dieu in New Orleans on January 9, 1901. Clarence's corporal remains were sent to Biloxi, Mississippi on the L&N Coast Train for internment in the Biloxi Cemetery. He was remembered as a "man of exemplary character and universally beloved in Biloxi."(Lepre, 1991, p. 102, The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 1o, 1901, p. 8, January 11, 1901, p. 8 and January 12, 1901, p. 8)
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Effie Elmer
Effie Louise Elmer (1868-1947) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 24, 1868. She married Arnaud Michel Dulion Jr. (1859-1909), who was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 8, 1859. He married Effie Louise Elmer (1868-1947), the daughter of Jacob Elmer (1812-1894) and Louisa B. Wetzel (1844-1894), on June 20, 1892 in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Biloxi. (Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
A.M. Dulion Jr. and Effie L. Elmer were the parents of seven children: Esther Mary Dulion (1893-1960) m. John Alexander McNamee (1885-1947); Ione Eloise Dulion (1894-1969) m. George W. Henry; Arnaud Michel Elmer Dulion (1895-1896); Eugenia May Dulion (1896-1896); Myrtle Helen Dulion (1897-1973) m. Dilworth Q. Easterling (1908-1978); Aimee Dulion (1903-1953); and Effie Dulion (1907-1981) m. Edward J. Kraft Sr. (1904-1974).
A.M. Dulion Jr. made his livelihood in the livery and undertaking business at Biloxi. His business was situated on the corner of Lameuse Street and Water Street.
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Percy L. Elmer
Percy Lee Elmer
Percy Lee Elmer (1983-1949 was born May 28, 1873 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was united in marriage at Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Biloxi on April 9, 1896 to Mary 'Mamie' Griffin (1872-1957). They were the parents of three daughters: Iris Elmer (1899-1969) m. John A. Dacy (1892-1948); Vera Elmer m. Mr. Daugette; and May Elmer (1905-1984) m. Leonard Garner.(Lepre, 1991, p. 103 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 10, p. 443)
In 1902, Percy Lee Elmer was described as follows: "Probaby no young man in this community is better known and more popular with his fellows than Percy Lee Elmer. Born and raised in this city, and educated at the Catholic Convent School, he has grown up with new and progressive Biloxi, and numbers his friends by the legion. Mr. Elmer was born in 1873, and although quite a young man is prominent in public affairs, and is now serving his second term as alderman of the second ward. He also takes quite a lively interes in affairs pertaining to the fire department of the city and has filled several positions of honor and responsibility in that body. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Elmer was married in 1896 to Miss Mamie Griffin of this city, and as a result of this union one child was born - a daughter. As the junior member of the firm of Collins & Elmer he is engaged in the general blacksmithing and horsehoeing business, and in his chosen calling there is none better." (The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. 69)
Percy L. Elmer made his livelihood as a blacksmith and was associated with the firm of Collins & Elmer. He was educated at the Catholic Convent school at Biloxi. Mr. Elmer was a City alderman for six years and former City treasurer. Percy took an avid interest in civic affairs and was especially active in the local fire department. At the time of his demise on January 25, 1947, he was the last charter member of the Mississippi Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 of which he was an officers for many years.(The Daily Herald, January 26, 1949, p. 2)
Percy L. Elmer was survived by his spouse; three daughters: Mrs. John A. Dacey of Biloxi; Mrs. Leonard Garner of Washington D.C.; and Mrs. Vera Daugette of Mobile, Alabama; a brother, Albert Elmer at Jacksonville, Florida; Cora Bachino of Chicago; and two grandchildren, Gordon Dacey, Biloxi city commissioner, and Commander John Dacey, Boston, Massachusetts; and a great grandchild.(The Daily Herald, January 26, 1949, p. 2)
Mamie Griffin Elmer expired on October 10, 1957. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
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Southern Memorial Park
Edwin R. Elmer
Edwin Ross Elmer (1878-1934) was born September 5, 1878 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Dona Henderson Liddle (1867-1918), a native of Columbus, Mississippi, in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 7, 1911. She was the daughter of Biloxi Postmaster, William Gaston Henderson (1828-1902), a native of Milton, Caswell County, North Carolina. and Dona Hubbard (1834-1909), the daughter of David Hubbard, a US Representative from Alabama, at the Hubbard home known as Kinlock. Her siblings were: Mrs. J.E. Moseley; William Gaston Henderson II; and Mrs. George P. Hewes of Gulfport.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 23, p. 237)
In November 1902, Dona Henderson Liddle, the daughter of recently deceased Postmaster Henderson applied for the position as Biloxi’s postmistress to complete the unexpired term of her father. She was touted by the local journal as “a lady of fine business qualifications and should she receive the appointment will administer the affairs of the office in a manner that will be creditable to the government as well as herself”.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 20, 1902, p. 6)
Dona L. Elmer expired at her West Beach Biloxi domicile on December 26, 1918. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, December 27, 1918, p. 1)
Before 1930, Mr. Elmer married Annette V. Gillespie (1881-1940+), a native of Indiana. She had two sons, James O. Gillespie (b. 1912) and John C. Gillespie (b. 1915). In 1930, the Elmers and Gillespie children were domiciled at 270 Beach Street in Mississippi City. Edwin R. Elmer was the proprietor of Kinloch-On-The Beach, probably a small hotel or inn.(1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 10B, ED 19)
In 1932, Edwin Ross Elmer and spouse returned to Biloxi. He expired at the Tivoli Hotel on East Beach from an apparent heart attack on April 16, 1934. His wife was the manager of the hotel. He was survived by his spouse; two brothers, Albert J. Elmer of Jacksonville, Florida and Percy Elmer of Biloxi; and two sister, Effie Elmer Dulion of New Orleans and Coral Elmer Bachino of Chicago. Funeral services were at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer followed by internment in at Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, April 16, 1934, p. 1)
In 1940, Annette V. Gillespie Elmer was a resident of Pass Christian, Mississippi.
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REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902), p. .
Julia Cook Guice, Marriages-Harrison County, Mississippi (1841-1899), (City of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1968?)
John H. Lang, History of Harrison County, Mississippi, (The Dixie Press: Gulfport, Mississippi-1936)
Julie Broussard Suarez, Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Records, Burial Books 33 thru 42, (1945-1960), (Suarez: Biloxi, Mississippi-1999).
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Local and Personal Notes”, November 16, 1889.
The Biloxi Herald, “Town Council”, February 8, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “Thomas D. Bachino”, July 11, 1891, p. 8
The Biloxi Herald, "Capitan James Maycock", March 19, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald, “Death of Jacob Elmer”, October 6, 1894.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Byrd Enochs”, September 20, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News [Clarence Elmer]”, January 10, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News [Clarence Elmer] ”, January 11, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The winners yesterday”, July 15, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Judge Elmer opens court”, January 4, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s new administration”, January 6, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Enochs-Elmer wedding very pretty”, May 18, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “The new administration of the City of Biloxi”, January 4, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Ovation for Elmer on Eve of election”, August 22, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Elmer is Sheriff of Harrison [County]by over 70”, August 23, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Chicken spaghetti in honor of newly elected Sheriff”, August 24, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Sheriff-elect Elmer will have Bradley and Huggins as Deputies”, December 12, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Near-beer saloons of Biloxi cleaned out Saturday night”, August 5, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Marriage of Mr. Elmer and Miss Thompson”, March 26, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Elmer-Thompson wedding last night”, March 27, 1913
The Daily Herald, “J.C. Elmer leaves in interest of his candidacy”, May 7, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Sheriff Elmer to open law office”, December 15, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Local News Paragraphs of Interest”, October 17, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Ross Elmer passes away”, December 27, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Elmer announces for District Attorney”, March 14, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi and Coast Cities lose most valuable citizen in James C. Elmer”, April 30, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Loses Noted Citizen”, December 24, 1926.
The Daily Herald, "F.W. Elmer", December 27, 1926.
The Daily Herald, "Elmer Funeral Largely Attended", December 27, 1926.
The Daily Herald, "Tries first case", March 31, 1932.
The Daily Herald, "Ross Elmer dies suddenly in Biloxi", April 16, 1934.
The Daily Herald, "Arrived from Buenos Aires", September 4, 1935.
The Daily Herald, "Byrd Enochs dies at home in Biloxi", March 1, 194o.
The Daily Herald, "Percy L. Elmer, former Biloxi alderman", January 26, 1949.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. [Cora Elmer] Bachino dies", February 23, 1949.
The Daily Herald, "Myron A. Cole", July 12, 1957.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Cora Enochs dies in Jackson", April 26, 1962.,
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Marguerite Cole", August 2, 1965.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Alys H. Elmer”, July 4, 1970.
The Daily Herald, “”,
The Daily Picayune, 'Augustus Elmer's Funeral', July 24, 1906.
The Times-Picayune, 'Company changes name', February 11, 1917, p. 16.
The Times-Picayune, '[August] Elmer funeral rites set today', March 19, 1953, p. 3.
The Times-Picayune, '[Joseph C.] Elmer', December 8, 1975.
- 842 views
Faucon-Maumus
Faucon-Maumus
FAUCON-MAUMUS FAMILY
XAVIER FRANCIS FAUCON (1850-1930)
Xavier F. Faucon was born at Nay-Bourdettes, France. He immigrated to the USA in 1864. At New Orleans, he married Adele? She was born at New Orleans of French parentage. They had six children: Octave Faucon (b. 1876), Leon Paul Faucon (1877-1926), Louise F. Faucon (1878-1962) m. Arthur Edouard Maumus; Adele Faucon (1879-?), and Marie F. Faucon (d, 1963) m. Sidney Fleming Lucas.
Mr. Faucon later married Marie Madelene Pons (1867-1947), the daughter of Pedro Pons and ?. She was born in Louisiana of Spanish immigrant parents.
Biloxi
Faucon home at Biloxi, Mississippi called Villa des Roses.(The Daily Herald, July 20, 1910, p. 8)
Mr. Faucon ran a restaurant at New Orleans in 1880. In 1920, he and Marie were residing at Biloxi, Mississippi where he also owned a restaurant.(1920 Federal Census-Harrison Co. , Ms. , p. 114)
Xavier F. Faucon later moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he and son, Leon P. Faucon, ran a restaurant. When Leon became ill in 1925, he came to 621 West Bay View Avenue, where he died on January 6, 1926. His sister?, Mrs. S.F. Lucas, remained at Nashville. X.F. Faucon retired to Biloxi after his son's demise. He made several short visits to France to see his sisters, Mrs. Celena Saucet and Euphroaci Faucon at Nay-Bourdettes near Lourdes in southwestern France.
New Orleans Nostalgia “Unusual Origins of Popular Dishes” by Ned Hémard [Copyright 2013]
Another unusual dish is one still served and sought out in Nashville, Tennessee. It is raved about till this day, created by a transplanted New Orleans chef born in France. His café can be seen in the center of this old photo of Union Street in Nashville. His name was Xavier Faucon and his specialty was the “Faucon salad”.
Faucon’s Café at 419 Union Street in Nashville, Tennessee
In an article published in the New York Times, April 6, 2003, Julia Reed (who was was with Bobby Harling, author of “Steel Magnolias”) wrote about a dining trip they made to Nashville’s Belle Meade Country Club that serves “(the kind of food that doesn't really exist anymore but that used to be found on ocean liners like the Andrea Doria and in hotel restaurants like Washington’s late, lamented Jockey Club) spiked with a dose of (black) Southern soul.” There, she wrote, “you will find ladies enjoying a cup of vichyssoise and nibbling on a canned pear stuffed with cream cheese and a date-nut-bread finger sandwich, but also scarfing down fried hot-water corncakes dripping with butter.” She continued, “Bobby and I ate platefuls of those same fabulous corncakes, along with the Faucon salad (iceberg and romaine lettuce topped with chopped hard-boiled egg, crumbled bacon and homemade ‘bleu’ cheese dressing)”. The “Faucon salad” they enjoyed at the country club in Nashville actually had its birth in New Orleans.
Xavier Francis Faucon (1850 - 1930) was born at Nay-Bourdettes, of the ancienne commune des Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. He arrived in the United States in 1864. He wed his first wife Adèle at New Orleans, and they had six children: Octave Faucon (b. 1876); Leon Paul Faucon (1877 - 1926), Louise Faucon Maumus (1878 - 1962), Adèle Faucon (b. 1879), and Marie Faucon Lucas (d. 1963). Xavier Faucon later married Marie Madeleine Pons (1867 - 1947).
The 1887 New Orleans City Directory lists Paul Faucon as a cook at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant, residing at 96 Ursulines. Xavier Faucon, residing at 441 N. Rampart Street, had an establishment at 134 Canal Street (with Xavier Faucon and René Lubeug listed as proprietors).
After gaining a reputation as an exceptional cook running a restaurant in New Orleans in the 1880s (he also owned a restaurant in Biloxi, Mississippi), Xavier Faucon moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he and his son, Leon Paul Faucon, ran a café. People were captivated by the “Faucon salad”. It was the dressing’s ingredients that were so satisfying. When Leon became ill in 1925, he returned to Biloxi, where he died on January 6, 1926. Xavier left Nashville for Biloxi, as well, retiring in 1926. In a farewell interview with Faucon, it was mentioned that an acquaintance once followed Faucon all day in his restaurant but was unable to uncover the salad's secret.
Back in New Orleans at a recent meeting of the New Orleans Cultural and Culinary Preservation Society (aka Tales of the Cocktail) held at Arnaud’s Restaurant on Bienville Street in the French Quarter, Arnaud’s Chef Tommy Digiovanni’s classic Creole menu included a choice of “faucon salad” or onion soup en croute; gulf fish pipérade or roast pork tenderloin with smoked onion and apple marmalade; custard tart; Herbsaint liqueur; and coffee. Kevin Faucon claims his great grandfather was a master chief at Arnaud's restaurant in the 1920s and 30s, or perhaps earlier before moving to Nashville.
Immensely popular in Nashville, the “Faucon salad” is still served there - apparently in only three or four places: J. Alexander’s, Jimmy Kelly’s (since 1934) and the Belle Meade Country Club. Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse menu lists “The Original Faucon Salad” as “mixed salty bacon, hard boiled eggs and bleu cheese served on our iceberg lettuce - $6.75”. It is also served at the Cumberland Club, a private club (established 1957) situated atop a Nashville skyscraper (the City Center with a view over the state Capitol).
Jimmy Kelly’s Steakhouse, still offering the “Faucon salad”
By 1964, a motivated Junior League member had managed to either obtain the recipe for the salad from Faucon’s descendants or imitate the dressing. It appears in the old “Nashville Seasons” Cookbook, attributed to Mrs. Jack Bond:
Faucon Salad Dressing
1 lemon, juice of
1 cup oil
1 tbsp. vinegar from pickled onions 1 tbsp. Tabasco
1 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 clove garlic
2 hard boiled eggs
1 small green pepper, minced 1/4 lb. Roquefort cheese
2 eggs uncooked lemon, juice of 1 tbsp. mayonnaise, optional
6 Heinz pickled onions
Add oil to uncooked eggs for mayonnaise. Add lemon juice and other seasoning to this mixture. Put toothpick in garlic clove so it can be removed. Mash hard boiled eggs, onions and cheese together. May add 1 tablespoon bought mayonnaise if desired (helps keep it from separating). Let stand 24 hours and then remove garlic.”
Seems like removing the garlic is more of a Nashville thing than a New Orleans thing.
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1922 European tour
Left in April by rail for New York and returned to Biloxi in mid-June. Six days to cross the Atlantic. Visited the battlefields of WWI and other areas of France including Paris. France was popular with American tourists and business was excellent. The French nation had recovered from the scourges of the Great War. Mr. Faucon stated that his first trip to America took 105 days on a sailing vessel.(The Daily Herald, June 19, 1922, p. 3)
1928 European tour
In late May 1928, Xavier Faucon and daughter, Marie F. Lucas, departed New York aboard the La France for Europe. Their itinerary included stays at Biarritz, Vicky, and Paris. Mr. Faucon and Mrs. Lucas planned a fall return to Biloxi and visiting relatives and friends in France.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1928, p. 2)
The Fire
In early August 1930, only a few months after the demise of Xavier F. Faucon,
Joseph F. Maumus
Louise Faucon married Arthur Edouard Maumus. Their son Joseph Faucon Maumus (1908-1982) married Lillian Holley (1910-1981), daughter of Anson Holley (1882-1967) and Mary Liliana Caillavet (1883-1967).
New Orleans.
Selected as an alternate with Biloxi Tennis Club in a match against Loyola University tennis team in May 1931. Six singles and three doubles matches held on White House Hotel courts.(The Daily Herald, May 4, 1931, p. 8)
The following Faucon Family members are buried at Biloxi Cemetery
Xavier F. Faucon d. May 8, 1930
Marie Madelene Pons d. August 18, 1947
Leon Paul Faucon d. January 6, 1926
Louise F. Maumus d. November 23, 1962
Marie F. Lucas d. September 30, 1963
Joseph F. Maumus d. October 10, 1982
Lillian Holley Maumus d. February 2, 1981
Metairie Cemetery
Joseph Maumus (1848-1918), d. 10-31-1918
Marie Soule’ Maumus (1860-1919), d. 2-7-1919
Louise Faucon married Arthur Edouard Maumus. Son Joseph Faucon Maumus (1908-1982) married Lillian Holley (1910-1981), daughter of Anson Holley (1882-1967) and Mary Liliana Caillavet (1883-1967).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Biloxi News Paragraphs of Interest", July 20, 1910.
The Daily Herald, September 8, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Returns From France”, June 19, 1922.
The Daily Herald, "Leon P. Faucon Obit", January 7, 1926, p. 2, c. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Faucon rites", January 9, 1926, p. 2, c. 5.
The Daily Herald, “To Tour Europe”, May 24, 1928.
The Daily Herald, "X.F. Faucon, 80 is taken by death", May 1930, p. 3, c. 5.
The Daily Herald, “Faucon Home is Destroyed by Fire”, August 8, 1930, p. 11.
The Daily Herald, “Loyola Tennis Team Meets Biloxi Netmen”, May 4, 1931, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Faucon dies", August 19, 1947, p. 5, c. 5.
1920 Federal Census-Harrison County, Mississippi.
- 257 views
Glennan Family
Glennan Family ray Thu, 08/18/2011 - 09:51
EDWARD GLENNAN
Edward Glennan (1854-1933) was born at New Orleans on February 13, 1854 to Irish immigrants, James Glennan, who died before 1870, and Mary Anne Doherty (1828-1899). He married Mary Colbet (1858-1938) on October 1, 1884 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Anthony Colbet and Bridget Corby, her parents, were also immigrants from Spain and the Olde Sod respectively. Children: Francis E. Glennan (1885-1914) m. Jennie Fries; Violet Celeste Glennan (1887-1969); Ethel Loretta Glennan (1889-1966); Hazel Lucile Glennan (1891-1891); Mabel Ruth Glennan (1892-1895); Roy Oswald Glennan (1894-1982); and Althea S. Glennan (1898-1994) m. George Rothwell Anderson (1890-1985).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 8, p. 35 and Lepre, 1991, p. 64 and p. 136)
Edward Glennan was reared in a working class Irish family in the 4th Ward of the Crescent City. By 1870, his father had passed and he was an apprentice tin smith. Before 1880, Edward relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi and was employed as a store clerk. He resided on Lameuse Street at this time.(1870 Orleans Parish Federal Census M593_521, p. 799 and 1880 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T9_648, ED 139)
GLENNAN CHILDREN
Francis E. Glennan
Francis Edward Glennan (1885-1914) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Miss Jennie Fries of Warsaw, Indiana on April 8, 1912 at Nativity B.V.M. In 1913, Francis became afflicted with glandular throat issues. He received medical treatment and surgery at the Touro Infirmary in the Crescent City. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to alter or remediate his condition and he passed at Biloxi on October 10, 1914. Francis E. Glennan had been associated with his father’s firm. Loyal Order of Moose, Biloxi Elks Lodge No. 606, Volunteer Steam Fire Company No. 1. Corporal remains passed through Nativity B.V.M. with burial Biloxi Cemetery.
Their only child was Mary Maxine Glennan Zience (1913-1998), who expired at Elkhart, Indiana on February 10, 1998.(The Daily Herald, April 8, 1912, p. 8, October 10, 1914, p.1, and October 12, 1914, p. 2)
Violet C. Glennan
Violet Celeste Glennan (1887-1969) was born at Biloxi on . She had recently retired from a long career cashier with Quint’s Drug Store. Miss Glennan worshiped at the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church. Miss Violet Glennan expired on January 22, 1969 at her residence, 205 East Beach. Her corporal remains were interred in the Glennan family plot at the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1969, p. 2)
Ethel L. Glennan
Ethel Loretta Glennan (1889-1966) was born at Biloxi on . She had worked at Saenger Theatre in the 1940s and was active in several church organizations at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church. Miss Glennan died at 205 East Beach on October 24, 1966 following an illness of seven months1941. Her corporal remains were buried in the Glennan family burial plot at the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, October 25, 1966, p. 2)
Roy O. Glennan
Roy Oswald Glennan (1894-1982) was born at Biloxi on December 1, 1894. Before he entered military service during WW I, Roy worked as the day desk clerk assisting Pat Apperson at the Riviera Hotel, which was situated just west of the Glennan home on Biloxi’s Beach Road. His first attempt to enter the armed forces occurred in May 1917, when he was rejected by the Naval Reserves. Glennan enlisted the Mississippi Coast Infantry Company before going to New Orleans where he joined the Aviation section of the U.S. Signal Corps in December 1917. He was sent to San Antonio, Texas for basic training with the aviation corps.(The Daily Herald, May 17, 1917, p. 3, August 18, 1917, p. 3, and August 21, 1917, p. 1, and December 12, 1917, p. 3)
By February 1918, Roy Glennan was stationed at Waco, Texas with the 256 Aero Service Squadron. His time was spent in marching drills and guard duty. In May 1918, Roy was transferred to Carnegie Institute of Technology at Pittsburgh to take classes. In September 1918, he was at an aviation base in St. Paul, Minnesota when he was called home for the funeral of E.P. Olivari. He returned to Minnesota in October 1918. Roy was discharged from his military duties while at the Indianapolis Aviation Training school and returned to Biloxi in January 1919. He participated in the January 28, 1918 ‘Welcome Home Day’ ceremonies to honor and show appreciation for Biloxi’s servicemen.(The Daily Herald, February 28,1918, p. 3, May 27, 1918, p. 7, January 6, 1919, p. 4, September 23, 1918, October 2, 1918, p. 3 and January 27, 1918, p. 3)
Sold automobiles in 1941. Lived on Hopkins Boulevard in 1972. Died on January 26, 1982. Maxine was a nurse in 1941.
Althea S. Glennan
Althea S. Anderson (1898-1994) was born at Biloxi on July 18, 1898. She married George Rothwell Anderson (1890-1985) on October 26, 1926. One child, Glennan Edward Anderson (1931-2009), who was born December 29, 1931. Althea G. Anderson expired on April 5, 1994. George died in December 1985.
1895 Election
In 1885, Biloxi elected its city officials on New Years Day. Edward Glennan and Thomas H. Gleason tied 103 votes to 103 votes. Mr. Glennan became Mayor by casting lots as dictated by the City Charter. Aldermen elected were: Joseph R. Fowler, 1st Ward; J.B. Lemon, 2nd Ward; Raymond Caillavet, 3rd Ward; and J.C. Bradford, 4th Ward. Theodore P. Dulion was elected treasurer.(The Biloxi Herald, January 5, 1895, p. 8)
1896 Election
Edward Glennan was reelected Biloxi's Mayor in January 1896?.New city officials under the new Biloxi city charter: Joseph R. Fowler and Isidore Heidenheim, 1st Ward; J.B. Lemon and Laz Lopez, 2nd Ward; Raymond Caillavet and Nicholas Voivedich, 3rd Ward; John C. Bradford and William Gorenflo, 4th Ward, and Dr. Daniel A. Nash, Alderman-at-Large.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1896, p. 1)
Aunts’s demise
Mrs. Ann Glennan (1831-1899), an aunt of Edward Glennan, passed at Biloxi in February 1899. She legated all of her personal property and her home and lot on Main Street in Biloxi to Mary McPhelin, a niece, domiciled in the Crescent City.(The Biloxi Daily Herald,February 19, 1899, p. 8. and Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1188, December 1898)
New home
In February 1901, Edward Glennan acquired the palatial edifice and large grounds of Charles F. Theobald (1834-1903), a Biloxi merchant and banker. The Theobald place was situated on Biloxi’s fashionable and scenic East Beach road and the east side of Main Street. The sales price was $9000 and included lots on Reynoir and Lameuse Street in the downtown section of Biloxi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 46, pp. 413-415 and pp. 459-461)
Mayor Glennan allowed the public use of an area in his front yard as a park, which was known as Glennan Park.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1913, p. 8)
Glennan store
Located on the south side of Howard Avenue just west of Main Street at 128 East Howard Avenue. Next to Masonic Lodge.[see Bk. 21, p. 419, Bk. 30, p. 96, and Bk. 36, p. 67]
Glennan Park
In April 1905, Mayor John C. Bradford issued an ordinance by which Biloxi acquired lands from the Federal government in Section 19, south of Back Bay, and the N/2 of the NE/4 of Section 30, T7S-R9W for a public park. This park was overseen by a commission appointed by the Mayor and aldermen. It was known as Naval Reserve Park and GlennanPark.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 21, 1905, p. 6, May 10, 1905, p. 6 and The Daily Herald, September 16, 1918, p. 2)
1903
Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
1911 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
Isidore Heidenheim, Sumner W. Rose, Jacob Tremmel, Joseph Venus, Edward Barq (1871-1943), J.C. Batton, John Swanzy, Meaut, tax collector; street commissioner; Castanera, water works superintendent; Dr. T.O. Hunter, medical officer, Louis Staehling, police chief; and Louis Goldman, city attorney.
The Daily Herald, "The new administration of the City of Biloxi", January 4, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Rose Ordinance to repeal street tax killed”, April 5, 1911.
The Daily Herald, "
The Daily Herald, “Glennan calls down Alderman S.W. Rose”, September 6, 1911.
1912 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
1913 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
1914 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
1915 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
Mayor Glennan and his 1914 Biloxi municipal government were virtually unopposed for office in the 1915 city elections. The 2nd Ward Alderman post with Walter H. Hunt, John F. Eistetter, and Theodore Desporte, as the candidates, was the salient office at stake in this election. John F. Esitetter and Walter H. Hunt, a political newcomer and independent, won in the December 8th contest receiving 89 and 64 votes respectively. Mr. Desporte garnered 51 votes. J.V. Hagan, city clerk; Judge Zachary Taylor Champlin, police court judge; H.J. Meaut, tax collector; and John A. Swanzy, street commissioner, were also elected at this time.(The Daily Herald, November 5, 1914, p. 1, December 8, 1914, p. 4, and December 9, 1914, p. 1)
1915 city government
Aldermen: John E. Lewis, Alderman-at-Large; 1st Ward-Edward C. Barq (1871-1943) and C.J. Keller-1st Ward; 2nd Ward- John F. Eistetter (1881-1953) and Walter H. Hunt (1887-1961); 3rd Ward-E.E. Moore and Jacob Tremmel (1876-1941); 4th Ward-Judson C. Batton (1869-1943) and Charles B. Foster (1877-1931); City Clerk-J.V. Hagan; Tax Colletor-H.J. Meaut; Police Chief-Louis Stahling (1865-1938), City Attorney-Louis Goldman; Police Court Judge-Z.T. Champlin; Eugene L. Castanera, Water works superintendent and Anthony Esposito, assistant; Dr. W.T. Bolton, medical officer; Policemen-Richard M. Randolph, Frank ‘Zudie’ Hightower; Peter Bellande, and Sardin George (1875-1945); Jail keeper, Cal Smith; Martin Cavanaugh, city janitor;
Bilbo Club
Theodore G. Bilbo (1877-1947) was sworn in as Governor of Mississippi on January 18, 1916. Mayor Glennan was president of the Bilbo Club in Biloxi and Ed Barq, vice-president. Governor Bilbo had strong support on the Coast from Charles L. Rushing (1881-1923) of Biloxi.
Aldermen: John E. Lewis, Alderman-at-Large; John F. Eistetter (1881-1953); Ward 2- Walter H. Hunt (1887-1961); Keller; Jacob Tremmel (1876-1941); Edward C. Barq (1871-1943); Judson C. Batton (1869-1943); Charles B. Foster (1877-1931); J.V. Hagan, City Clerk; Louis Stahling (1865-1938), police chief; Louis Goldman, City Attorney; Eugene L. Castanera, Water works superintendent and Anthony Espositi, assistant; Dr. W.T. Bolton, medical officer; Policemen-Richard M. Randolph, Frank ‘Zudie’ Hightower; Peter Bellande, and Sardin George (1875-1945); Jail keeper, Cal Smith; Martin Cavanaugh, city janitor;
Batton resigns
J.C. Batton (1869-1943) was elected Harrison County, Supervisor Beat 1 and resigned in December 1915 as he was to take his County post on January 1, 1916. Daniel J. Gorenflo (1888-1977) was elected on December 21, 1915 to replace Alderman Batton.(The Daily Herald, December 21, 1915, p. 1)
1916 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
Mayor Glennan announced his bid for re-election in late April 1916 by stating that: ‘If elected to the office of mayor I will serve the people of Biloxi as faithfully as I know and as I have done in the past”. His opponent was Frank E. Pringle (1872-1925), local naval stores producer and entrepreneur. The 1916 municipal election was held on June 27th. Mayor Glennan defeated Mr. Pringle 532 votes to 272 votes.(The Daily Herald, April 28, 1916, p. 1 and June 28, 1916, p.2)
Other elected officials to serve the City of Biloxi from 1916-1917 were: Marshall L. Michel (1886-1930+), city clerk; Henry J. Meaut (1842-1934), tax collector; Richard M. Randolph (1867-1930+), police chief; F.W. Elmer Jr. (1881-1948), city judge; John F. Eistetter (1881-1953), Alderman-at-Large; Edwin R. Ott (1894-1950) and Edward Barq (1871-1943)-1st Ward Aldermen; Walter H. Hunt (1887-1961) and 2nd Ward Aldermen; Jacob Tremmel (1876-1941) and Albert L. Bakeler (1889-1973)-3rd Ward Aldermen; Charles B. Foster (1877-1931) and W.L. Via (1858-1920+), Fourth Ward Aldermen; city attorney; John A. Swanzy, street commissioner and E.L. Castenera, water works superintendent.
Wilson’s election
When it was announced that T. Woodrow Wilson was elected president of the United States on November 1916, the Biloxi City Council was in session. The news was received fromThe Daily Herald by a telephone call.
1917 Term of Mayor Edward Glennan
Mayor Glennan and his recently elected Board took office on January 2, 1917. Those in his new administration were: Marshall L. Michel (1886-1954), city clerk, made $75 per month; H.J. Meaut, tax collector, earned $75 per month; Dr. Walter T. Bolton (1859-1923), health officer was paid $120 annually; Louis Goldman (1878-1920+), city attorney, was paid at the rate of $70 each month; F.W. Elmer II, city judge, was remunerated $75 each month; Richard M. Randolph (1867-1930+), police chief; John A. Swanzy, street commissioner; Eugene L. Castenera, water works superintendent; The city Board of Aldermen was composed of: Jacob Tremmel; Albert Bakeler; Ernest Desporte II, W.H. Hunt; John F. Eistetter; Edwin Ott; Edward Barq; Charles B. Foster, and Williard A. Via. Police officers were: Adolph Hunt (1884-1922); Zudie Hightower; and Peter Bellande who were paid $70 per month. Alonzo Gabrich, pound master, earned $40 each month.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1917, p. 1)
Atlanta trip
In late January, Mayor Glennan and his Board John A. Swanzy and E.L. Castanera, street commissioner and water works superintendent, and excepting Aldermen C.B. Foster, Ernest Desporte Jr., and W.L. Via traveled by train to Atlanta to inspect a road making machine. The device which was called a bituminous surface binder had the capacity to preserve shell or gravel roads making the highways and streets resilient and reducing dust particles in the air. Board members on the fire company committee met inspected a motor driven fire apparatus. Alderman Barq had arrived in Atlanta prior to the others to attend a convention of soft drink wholesalers.(The Daily Herald, January 24, 1917, p. 1)
Mardi Gras
The Biloxi city government was heavily invested in the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Mayor Glennan served as president of the Biloxi Carnival Association while Walter H. Hunt .(The Daily Herald, January 13, 1917, p. 1)
Mardi Gras 1917 was celebrated on February 20th and ruled over by George C. Quint and Mary Chinn, who later married John F. Eistetter. The theme of the six-float night parade was ‘Centennial Spirit’ to commemorate the Mississippi statehood centennial (1817-1917). N. Salvadore Navarro (1869-1953) designed and built the floats. H.E. Blakeslee of the Mississippi Centennial Commission in Gulfport(The Daily Herald, January 23, 1917, p. 1 and February 21, 1917, p. 1)
In late 1917, with World War I raging in Western Europe, the 1918 Mardi Gras was cancelled at New Orleans. Mayor Glennan was enamored with celebrating Mardi Gras at Biloxi and called a meeting of the Biloxi Carnival Association in late December 1917 to ascertain if the business community desired to have a Mardi Gras day fete.(The Daily Herald, December 29, 1917)
1918 Term of Edward Glennan
Police shake up
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. 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.(The Daily Herald, January 3, 1918, p. )
Loses to Kennedy
The results of the Biloxi municipal elections of November 1918 were not favorable for Mayor Glennan. He lost to John J. Kennedy, proprietor of the Kennedy Hotel, by two votes. Edward Glennan contested the election by filing litigation in the Harrison County Circuit Court in early December. He vehemently opposed the actions of the Democratic election committee that eliminated some ballots of soldier’s and affidavit votes.(The Daily Herald, December 4, 1918)
Commission Government
The citizens of Biloxi voted on December 31, 1917 to change their city government to the Commission Form by a vote of 340 for and only 43 against.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1918, p. 1)
Demise
Edward Glennan expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 16, 1933. He had been an eight term Biloxi mayor; town treasurer for eight years; Alderman-at Large- two terms; and 2nd Ward Alderman several terms; President o f the Biloxi Carnival Association; Firemen’s Charity Association; Charter member of the Volunteer Steam Fire Company No. 1 (1883); memeber of Elks Lodge No. 606,
Mary Colbet Glennan passed in the Biloxi Hospital on February 3, 1938.(The Daily Herald, February 4, 1933, p. 1)
Johnnie’s Inn-1935 lease
In June 1935, Mrs. Glennan leased a parcel of land between the seawall and East Beach Boulevard opposite her domicile to W.J. Herrmann. At this waterfront location, Mr. Hermann opened Johnnie’s Inn with Sadie Herrmann, his spouse. They operated a restaurant, bar parlor, and also resided here. The rent was $30 per month.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 209, p. 371)
Camille
Hurricane Camille destroyed the Glennan home on East Beach Boulevard and Main Street. Miss Maris Stella Tucei (1887-1969) and Miss Maud Colbet (1890-1969), occupants of the Glennan premises, were killed in this great tempest of August 1969. In March 1970, Althea Glennan Anderson, Roy O. Glennan and Alma , and Maxine M. Zience (1913-1998) of Elkhart, Indiana conveyed their Camille ravished property with one hundred twenty-five feet fronting on US. Highway 90, also known as East Beach Boulevard,to Housing Authority of the City of Biloxi. The consideration was $105,000.(The Daily Herald, August 21, 1969, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 8, p. 291)
Demise
Zience died 2-10-1998
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, (The Biloxi Daily Herald: Biloxi, Mississippi-1902).
Charles L. Dyer, Along the Gulf,
Julia Cook Guice, Lagniappe, (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-undated).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Biloxi, Mississippi-1991)
Supreme Court
Mississippi State Supreme Court, “State ex rel. Edward Glennan v. Democratic Executive Committee-Circuit Court, Harrison, Mississippi”, February 1919.
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Cause No. 1188, “Last Will of Ann Glennan”-December 1898.
Circuit Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court, “Edward Glennan v. Democratic Executive Committee”, December 1918.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Hazel Lucille Glennan, July 25, 1891, p. 4.
The Biloxi Herald, “Mother of Ed Glennan”, November 26, 1898, p. 4.
The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi’s City Election”, January 5, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Mable Ruth Gillen”, December 7, 1895, p. 8.
The Biloxi Herald, “New officers”, February 18, 1896.
The Biloxi Herald, “Against the brothel. Choose which you will serve”, December 5, 1896, p. 1.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Mrs. Ann Glennan”, February 19, 1899, p. 8.
1900
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “William A. Glennan”, January 5, 1900, p. 8.
1905
The Biloxi Herald, “Park Ordinances”, April 21, 1905.
The Biloxi Herald, “Declaration of intent to enter public lands”, May 6, 1905.
The Biloxi Herald, “Ordinance No.”, May 6, 1905.
1909
The Daily Herald, “To vote on commission form of government”, June 4, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Addition to store of Edward Glennan”, December 15, 1909.
1911
The Daily Herald, “The new administration of the City of Biloxi”, January 4, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Rose ordinance to repeal street tax killed”, April 5, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan calls down Alderman S.W. Rose”, September 6, 1911.
1912
The Daily Herald, “Fries-Glennan nuptials today”, April 8, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Miss M. Gillen died last night”, October 3, 1912, p. 8.
1913
The Daily Herald, “Glennan Park receiving much improvement”, June 6, 1913.
1914
The Daily Herald, “Mayor Glennan declares enactment of an oyster ordinance”, January 21, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan announces for election”, May 26, 1914, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Luscious peaches in Glennan yard”, July 29, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Francis E. Glennan, eldest son of Mayor Glennan, claimed by death”, October 10, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan funeral is well attended”, October 14, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Hunt seeks to be Alderman”, November 5, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Interest in municipal election centers around 2nd Ward contest”, December 8, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Walter Hunt is elected in 2nd Ward of Biloxi”, December 9, 1914.
1915
The Daily Herald, “New Board of Mayor and Aldermen appoint city officers last night”, January 6, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Mayor investigates anonymous letters to officials”, May 18, 1915, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, "Batton resigns as member of council-effective Jan. 1” December 8, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Gorenflo named as Alderman”, December 21, 1915.
1916
The Daily Herald, “Albert Bakeler is a candidate”, April 21, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Mayor Glennan is seeking election”, April 28, 1916, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Alderman Hunt’s ‘hat in the ring’”, April 28, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Alderman Lewis announcement”, April 28, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan certain of victory, say Biloxi citizens”, June 27, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan goes in as Biloxi Mayor, defeats Pringle”, June 28, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “
The Daily Herald, “Campaign is too close to figure today’s winners”, July 3, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s books to be audited last of October”, July 12, 1916.
The Daily Herald, “Wilson’s election ends Council meet”, November 10, 1916.
1917
The Daily Herald, “New Board begins official duties”, January 3, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Carnival plans start last night”, January 13, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Council members now in Atlanta”, January 24, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Council handles routine matters”, April 13, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan at Riviera”, May 17, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan’s store robbed last night”, May 22, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Failed to pass examination”, May 31, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxian joins aviation corps”, August 18, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Coast infantry still progressing”, August 21, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Mayor Glennan visits Gulfport”, September 4, 1917, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Delegates [American Prison Congress] named by Mayor Glennan”, November 14, 1917.
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald, “Biloxian joins aviation corps”, August 18, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Coast infantry still progressing”, August 21, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Dance honors soldiers”, December 12, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan favors Biloxi carnival”, December 29, 1917.
The citizens of Biloxi voted on December 31, 1917 to change their city government to the Commission Form by a vote of 340 for and only 43 against.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1918, p. 1)
1918
The Daily Herald, “Too much friction cause of cops downfall asserts Mayor Glennan”, January 3, 1918.
The citizens of Biloxi voted on December 31, 1917 to change their city government to the Commission Form by a vote of 340 for and only 43 against.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1918, p. 1)
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan working hard”, February 28, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan transferred”, May 27, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Mayor Glennan issues light less night proclamation to save fuel”, August 1, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Some Biloxi ordinances once believed necessary may yet be thought wise”, September 16, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan here”, September 23, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan leaves”, October 2, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan recovering”, October 19, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Interest shown in primary election”, November 13, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Exciting race held for Mayor in Democratic primary yesterday”, November 20, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Kennedy elected Mayor of Biloxi by small majority of two ballots”, November 21, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan contests Biloxi Mayoralty”, December 4, 1918.
1919
The Daily Herald, “Roy Glennan home”, January 6, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Supreme Court to hear of Biloxi Mayoralty Contest”, January 21, 1919, p.
The Daily Herald,“Program Tuesday for reception”, January 27, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Mayoralty case called today in Supreme Court”, February 17, 1919, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “High Court says Kennedy mayor”, March 4, 1919, p. 2.
1930s
The Daily Herald, “James Glennan, June 3, 1931, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Ellen Glennan”, September 25, 1931, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Glennan dies in Biloxi Hospital", February 4, 1933, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Glennan dies at Biloxi home”, December 18, 1933.
1960s
The Daily Herald, “Miss Ethel Glennan”, October 25, 1966.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. (sic) Viola (sic) Glennnan”, January 22, 1969.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Maud Colbet”, August 21, 1969.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Maurice [sic]Tucei”, August 21, 1969.
2009
The Sun Herald, “Althea Glennan Anderson”, April 6, 2004, p. A .
The Sun Herald, “Glennan E. Anderson”, April 11, 2009, p. A .
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Gorenflo Family
Gorenflo Family
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Greek-Lebanese-Syrian Families
Greek-Lebanese-Syrian Families
SYRIAN-LEBANESE
ABRAHAM
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REFERENCES:
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Sarah Chawool Ellis (1884-1960)
ELLIS
In July 1907, Najib Gllias (1886-1943), known as James Ellis, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, and Sarah Chawool (1884-1960), his spouse and born near Beirut, came to the United States from Lebanon, then called Syria, and a part of the Ottoman Empire [Turkey], with their two daughters, Katherine ‘Katie’ Ellis (1905-1989) m. Theodore Peter ‘Tody’ Creel (1895-1945); and Marie Ellis (1907-1927).
The Ellis family settled at Biloxi, Mississippi at 204 West Division Street where James Ellis made his livelihood initially as a street peddler and later became a store owner and mercantile merchandiser. The Ellis children born at Biloxi, Mississippi were: Rosie Ellis (1909-1915); Joseph A. Ellis (1910-1994) m. Constance Sandoz (1910-1989) and Joyce M. Ellis (1928-2000); Victoria Rita Ellis (1914-1989) m. Ernest William Page (1909-1959); James Ellis; Lillian Ellis (1917-1985) m. John Acevedo (1917-1954); Agnes Ellis (1920-2011) m. Lester L. Cottrell (1919-2014); Peter J. Ellis (1922-1985) m. Ariel Hurley (1924-2001); Elizabeth V. Ellis (1924-2010) m. Paul Bailey Kilpatrick (1923-2008); and Lillie Catherine Ellis (1925-1971) m. Howard Truman Gollotte (1925-1988) and Mr. Latimer.
James Ellis expired at Biloxi on August 3, 1943. He was survived by his wife; five daughters: Mrs. Theodore Creel; Mrs. John Acevedo and Miss Elizabeth Ellis of Biloxi; Mrs. E.W. Page of Flint, Michigan; Joseph Ellis; James Ellis; and Peter J. Ellis, all of Biloxi; eleven grandchildren; and a brother George Otto, of Biloxi. The funeral was held at St. John’s catholic Church with the Reverend J.P. McGlade officiating.(The Daily Herald, august 3, 1943, p. 8)
Sarah Ellis was struck and killed by an automobile near her West Division home on April 4, 1960. She was survived by five daughters: Mrs. Katie Creel, Mrs. Vickie Page, Mrs. Lillian Latimer and Mrs. Elizabeth Kilpatrick all of Biloxi and Agnes Cottrell of Flint, Michigan; two brothers, Joseph A. Chawool, Beirut, Syria and Abraham Chawool, Brazil [sic], probably Bezhel, Syria; 26 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. (The Daily Herald, April 5, 1960, p. 1)
Children
Katherine Ellis
Katherine ‘Katie’ Ellis (1905-1989) was born at Beirut, Lebanon on December 12, 1905. She married Theodore ‘Tody’ Peter Creel (1895-1945), the son of John Calvin Creel (1865-1941) and Aurelia Anna Fayard (1867-1942), in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 15, 1921.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 423)
Tody Creel made his livelihood as a fisherman. He and Katie lived at 1305 Hopkins at Biloxi and were the parents of four children: Lurline Creel (1924-2006) m. Joe R. Little (d. 1990); Norman James ‘Blackie’ Creel (1927-2005) m. Ruby Dronet (1926-2008); Elwood T. Creel (b. 1931) m. Shannon Brown; and Larry L. Creel (b. 1935).[1940 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T 627_2024, p. 3A-ED 24-9]
Katie Ellis Creel became a widow in 1945. She made her livelihood as a nursing assistant at Keesler AFB. She was a member of the 8 & 40 Club, the American Legion auxiliary and the St. John’s Altar Society. She expired at Biloxi on July 5, 1989 and was survived by a daughter, Lurline Creel Little of Wichita Falls, Texas; four sons: Theodore A. Creel of Topeka, Kansas; Norman J. Creel of Biloxi; Elwood T. Creel of Latimer, and Larry Creel of Ocean Springs; two sisters, Agnes Ellis Cottrell of and Elizabeth Ellis Kilpartick of Ocean Springs; two brothers, Joseph Ellis of Ocean Springs and Jimmy Ellis of Biloxi; 27 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.(The Sun Herald, July 7, 1989, p. B-2)
Tody Creel expired at Biloxi, Mississippi October 18, 1945. Katie Ellis Creel lived until July 5, 1989. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.
Marie Ellis
Marie Ellis (1907-1927) was born March 9, 1907 at Beirut, Lebanon. She died at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 11, 1927. Marie’s funeral was held at St. John’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Father Riley in attendance.(The Daily Herald, February 15, 1927, p. 10)
Joseph A. Ellis
Joseph A. Ellis (1910-1994) was born on June 9, 1910 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Constance ‘Connie’ Sandoz (1910-1989), a native of New Iberia, Louisiana and the daughter of Emile Sandoz (1882-1932) and Laurence ‘Laura LaSalle Sandoz (1880-1943), in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 16, 1929.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 41, p. 297)
Joseph A. Ellis and Connie S. Ellis were the parents of Jerry J. Ellis (b. 1930). Connie and Joseph divorced and she married Ernest Cavalier Jr. (1916-1972) in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 17, 1943.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 62, p. 459)
As a young man, Joseph A. Ellis worked in the seafood industry on oyster and shrimp boats. By the 1930s, he had become a saloon keeper and restaurateur. One of his first ventures was the Blue Heaven Beer Garden which was located on the shell pile at the foot of Lameuse Street. Ellis opened the Brass Rail in the fall of 1934 in the Vignes Building at 110 West Howard Avenue. It served lunches and had a beer saloon. The Brass Rail also had bands like the Merritt Brunes Orchestra perform there.(The Daily Herald, September 21,1933, p. 2 , October 23, 1934, p. 2 and November 7, 1934, p. 2)
Circa 1943, Joseph married Joyce M. Ellis (1928-2000). They were the parents of three children: Jheri Ellis (1944-1990); Richard Ellis (1948-1989); and Berinda Ellis m. Floyd Logan. In July 1965, Joyce M. Ellis remarried to Samuel Randolph ‘Sam’ Bennett (1921-2010).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 129, p. 527)
In 1962, Mr. Ellis became the owner, operator and director of the American Beauty College. His other business endeavors include a land investment business and rental properties in Gulfport.
Joseph A. Ellis was a civic oriented person and he had memberships in the following: Governor’s Staff and served as the Harrison County coordinator for the Governor’s Staff; Carpenter’s Local Union; past president and board of directors of the Biloxi Lions Club; member of the Elks Club; four year term on the Law Enforcement Assistance Association; and a member of the Gulfport Community Development Commission.(The Sun Herald, May 15, 1994, p. A-2)
Mr. Ellis was a member of the Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Biloxi and was active in education in Harrison, Hancock and Stone Counties. He was a member of the National Cosmetology Association, National Accreditation Commission of Cosmetology Schools, Mississippi Cosmetology Schools Association, Mississippi Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Rehabilitation Association. He was past president of the Mississippi Cosmetology Schools Association.(The Sun Herald, May 15, 1994, p. A-2)
Joseph A. Ellis, age 72 [sic], of Biloxi, died Thursday, May 12, 1994, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was preceded in death two sons, Richard Ellis and Jheri Ellis. Joseph was survived by Berinda Logan Ellis of Pass Christian, Mississippi; a son, Jerry J. Ellis of Biloxi; two sisters, Elizabeth Ellis Kirkpatrick and Agnes Ellis Cottrell, both of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.(The Sun Herald, May 15, 1994, p. A-2)
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed funeral services for the Ellis family with interment in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, May 15, 1994, p. A-2)
Rosie Ellis
Rosie Ellis was born at Biloxi on December 15, 1909. She died on September 15, 1915. Internment was in Biloxi Cemetery.
Victoria Ellis
Victoria Ellis (1914-1989) was born at Biloxi September 9, 1914. She married Ernest William Page (1909-1959) in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 9, 1934. Victoria was a lifelong citizen of the Coast and worshipped at St. John’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society. Mrs. Page had been president of the American Legion, the Elks, VFW and 8 & 40, all in Biloxi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 45, p. 352 and The Sun Herald, May 19, 1989, p. A-3)
Mrs. Page was preceded in death by her spouse, Ernest W. Page; her parents; three sisters: Maria Ellis, Rose Ellis and Lillian Ellis Acevedo; and P.J. Ellis, a brother. She passed at Biloxi on May 17, 1989 and was survived by three sisters: Katie Ellis Creel of Biloxi; Agnes Ellis Cottrell of Ocean Springs; and Elizabeth Kilpatrick of Ocean Springs; two brothers, James Ellis of Biloxi, and Joseph Ellis of Ocean Springs.(The Sun Herald, May 19, 1989, p. A-3)
Lillian Ellis
Lillian Ellis (1917-1985) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 15, 1917. She married John Acevedo (1917-1954), the son of . Children: Judy Marie Acevedo (1940-2014) m. Frank R. Ibele; Charlotte K. Acevedo (1942-1998) m. Richard Harold Graafmeyer.
Agnes Ellis
Agnes Ellis Cottrell(1920-2011), age 91 years of Fenton, Michigan formerly of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Funeral mass will was celebrated on October 1, 2011 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 6481 Faussett Road, Deerfield Township with Father Gregg Pleiness as celebrant.
Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Friday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. A rosary will be prayed 7:00 PM Friday, at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to St. Augustine Catholic Church or St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Agnes was born July 25, 1920 in Biloxi, Mississippi the daughter of James and Sarah Emile Ellis. She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. She was formerly a member of the Holy Rosary in Flint and of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Agnes is survived by her husband of 71 years, Lester; son, Gary and wife Peggy; 2 grandchildren, Todd, Brent and wife Leslie; great-granddaughter, Joslynn. She is preceded in death by 8 siblings.(The Sun Herald, September 30, 2011)
Peter J. Ellis
Peter John Ellis (1922-1985) was born May 4, 1922 at Biloxi. He married Ariel Hurley (1924-2001) in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 14, 1941.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 52, p. 540)
P.J. Ellis was former proprietor of the Ellis Battery Shop. He joined the pipe department at Ingalls Shipbuilding where he worked until retirement. Mr. Ellis was a member of Magnolia Lodge No. 120 F & A.M. Peter John Ellis died at Biloxi on Saturday, March 1985. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Jim Ellis and Toni Ellis Glavan, a daughter. P.J. Was survived by his spouse; two daughters, Sherri Ellis Pitalo and Levon Ellis Broussard, both of Biloxi; five sisters: Agnes Ellis Cottrell and Elizabeth Ellis Kilpatrick; both of Ocean Springs; Katie Ellis Creel, Vickie Ellis Page; and Lillian Ellis Acevedo, all of Biloxi; two brothers, Joseph A. Ellis of Ocean Springs and Jimmy Ellis of Biloxi; and five grandchildren. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi provided the Ellis family with funeral arrangements and internment in Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, March 25, 1985, p. A-2)
Ariel Hurley Ellis, age 77, years passed at Biloxi, on Thursday, February 1, 2001. Mrs. Ellis was born in Biloxi, January 12, 1924 and was a lifelong resident of the Coast. She was a homemaker and loved spending time with her family. Cherished are the fond memories of many summers together in Gulf Shores," Alabama. Mrs. Ellis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, P.J. Ellis; her daughter, Toni Ellis Glavan; her parents, Leon "Cutie" and Voncile Hurley; and sister, Verbie Gallina. Survivors include two daughters and three sons-in-law, Sherri and Kenny Pitalo, Levon and Greg Carroll, and Herbert Glavan; five grandchildren, Kenny and Sheri Glavan, Stacie Broussard, Kelly and Stephanie Pitalo; two great-grandchildren, Ken and Toni Glavan; two sisters, Nona Hendren and Kay Nunley; and Ariel's very special caregivers, Terry Waters, Jean Cooley, Sharon Casey and staff. A memorial service will be held at Heritage United Methodist Church on Popp's Ferry Road in Biloxi. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Southern Memorial Park Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald, February 2001)
Elizabeth Ellis
Elizabeth V. Kilpatrick (1924-2010), age 85 years, of St. Martin-Ocean Springs passed away on Friday, April 30, 2010 at his daughter's home surrounded by family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and devoted Catholic.
Mrs. Kilpatrick was born on June 21, 1924, to the late Sarah and James Ellis. Many remember her as the lady that made donuts in Winn-Dixie deli. Her grandchildren nicknamed her as Maw-Maw Donut. She will be missed very much by many. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Paul Bailey Kilpatrick (1923-2008); two great-granddaughters, Candice Polite and Chanley Gray. She is survived by his six daughters and three sons, twins, Sheila Gray (Jerry) and Sylvia Dimitry (Thomas), Denise Koon (Mike), Vickie Charpie (Beaver), Kay Arnold (Mike), Tina Shoemaker (Bruce), Michael Kilpatrick (Jackie), Ronald Kilpatrick (Jean), Dennis Kilpatrick (Barbara); sister, Agnes Cottrell (Lester) 25 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 2:00 p.m., at Christ The King Catholic Church in Latimer with Father Thang Pham officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be at Biloxi National Cemetery. Arrangements made by O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Vancleave, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, May 2, 2010)
Paul Bailey Kilpatrick(1923-2008) age 85 years, of St. Martin-Ocean Springs passed away Friday, May 23, 2008 at his daughters home surrounded by family. Mr. Kilpatrick was born February 14, 1923 to the late Tom and Grace Kilpatrick in Temple, Oklahoma. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. He and his family moved to the coastal area in 1955. After retiring as a machinist and owner of P&D Tool and Die, Paul built Ocean Lanes and operated the business until he retired in 2000. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Leon Kilpatrick and two great-granddaughters, Candice Polite and Chanley Gray. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ellis Kilpatrick of St. Martin; six daughters, twins, Sheila Gray (Jerry), Sylvia Dimitry (Thomas), Denise Koon (Mike), Vickie Charpie (Beaver), Kay Scarbrough (Mike Arnold), Tina Shoemaker (Bruce); three sons, Michael Kilpatrick (Jackie), Ronald Kilpatrick (Jean), Dennis Kilpatrick (Barbara); brother, Tommy Kilpatrick; 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 12 noon at Christ the King Catholic Church in Latimer with Father John McGrath as celebrant. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment will follow with military honors at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements by O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Vancleave, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, May 27, 2008)
Lillie C. Ellis
Lillie Catherine Ellis (1925-1971) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 28, 1925. She married Howard ‘Buddy’ Truman Gollotte (1925-1988), the son of Lori D. Gollotte Sr. (1901-1975) and Grace T. Gollotte (1907-1985), in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 12, 1948. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 78, p. 43)
Mr. Gollotte was a retired engine man in the US Navy. He and Lillie C. Ellis Gollotte lived at 618 Crawford Street and were the parents of two children: Jenny Gollotte Tiblier Matthews of Jackson, Mississippi and Howard T. Gollotte Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi. Lillian died at the USAF Medical Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi on November 4, 1971.(The Daily Herald, November 6, 1971, p. 2)
Howard T. 'Buddy' Gollotte, age 63 years, of Biloxi, died Friday, December 23, 1988, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was survived by his wife and two children; four sisters: Mae Dell Gollotte m. Lester Katan of Long Beach, Mississippi; Inez Gollotte Sadek at Round Lake Beach, Illinois; Norma Gollotte Bell of Olatle, Kansas; and Jean LaCruz of Reno, Nevada; two brothers, Dennis S. Gollotte of Morgan City, Louisiana; and Lorie D. Gollotte Jr. of Biloxi; and three grandchildren.(The Sun Herald, December 26, 1988, p. A-2)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “Quiet wedding [Creel-Ellis]”, October 22, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Blue Heaven Beer Garden”, September 21, 1933, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Ellis to open downtown”, October 23, 1934, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Names new saloon”, November 10, 1934, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Ellis opens business”, November 7, 1934, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “James Ellis dies”, August 3, 1943.
The Daily Herald, “Acevedo expires”, January 18, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi woman [Sarah Ellis] is struck, killed by automobile”, April 5, 1960, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Lillie E. Gollott”, November 6, 1971.
The Sun Herald, “Peter ‘P.J.’ Ellis”, March 25, 1985.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Lillian Acevedo”, April 17, 1985.
The Sun Herald, “Howard ‘Buddy’ Gollotte Sr.”, December 26, 1988.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Victoria Page”, May 19, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Katie Ellis Creel”, July 7, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Joseph A. Ellis”, May 15, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Paul Bailey Kilpatrick”, May 27, 2008
The Sun Herald, “Elizabeth V. Kilpatrick”, May 2, 2010.
The Sun Herald, “Agnes Cottrell”, September 30, 2011.
The Sun Herald, “Lester L. Cottrell”, May 1, 2014.
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KHAYAT
Children
Nellie Khayat
Mouna Khayat
Edward A. Khayat
Edward Assad Khayat (1911-1993) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 1, 1911. He married Eva Pates (1913-2000). Edward died July 2, 1993. Griffin Cemetery. Eva passed June 2, 2000.
Rames A. Khayat
Violet Khayat
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Khayat dies suddenly', February 13, 1922, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, 'A. Khayat dies', September 2, 1929, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, 'Khayat funeral'm September 3, 1929, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, 'Eva Khayayt', June, 2000.
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OTTO
Otto Family Tomb
Biloxi Cemetery-[6th Addition-Section 4-Block 12-Lots 21, 22, 23, 24, ]
George Otto came to America arriving at the Port of New York on May 30, 1900, embarking from Lebanon. In April 1919, he made his declaration to become an American citizen at Biloxi, Mississippi. At this time, he was not married and lived at 473 Division Street. George Otto became an American citizen [certificate number 1511950) on June 11, 1923.(Declaration of Intention No. 600-South Mississippi Federal Court-April 1919 and Petition for Naturalization No. 292-South Mississippi Federal Court-March 1922)
Mr. Otto operated a grocery store on East Howard Avenue for many years, retiring about 15 years ago. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Antoinette Mary Otto m. Donald L. Gray of Guam; Lillie m. Amedo A. Melone; and Elaine Otto m. Jerry LeBlanc; three sons, Antoine Otto of Biloxi; Brother Joseph Otto, CSC (1931-1960), Indianapolis, Indiana; and Norman A. Otto (1933-2008), McComb, Mississippi; and three grandchildren.
George Otto (1879-1959), age 80 years, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, resident of 653 Forrest Avenue, and a former Biloxi merchant, died at 5:30 a.m. today at his home. O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the services of Mr. Otto with entombment in the Biloxi Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “George Otto”, July 8, 1959.
The Daily Herald, "Brother Joseph [Otto], native Biloxian, dies in Indiana", September 21, 1960.
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POULOS
 and Theresa A. (1880-1964).jpg)
Salim 'Sam' Poulos (1867-1941), a native of Zeghorta, Lebanon and Theresa Artbanie (1880-1964) were the founders of this family at Biloxi, Mississippi. Sam came to America in 18 Came to Biloxi circa 1906 where he made his livelihood in the grocery business. he had previously been in the mercantile business at St. Martinville and New Orleans, Louisiana; Birmingham and Moblie, Alabama; and other locales. Mr. Poulos retired from bsiness in 1926. He expired on 1941 at his home at 803 Caillavet Street.
Children
Mary A. Poulos
Mary Agnes Poulos (1900-1994) was born in Louisiana . She married Joseph G. Saab (1890-1972)
Joseph P. Poulos
Joseph Peter Poulos (1903-1990) married Irene Trochesset (1913-1962).
Anthony L. Poulos
Anthony 'Toney' Leo Poulous Sr. (1906-1947) was born in Louisiana. He married Esther Stout (1910-1999).
Catherine Poulos
Catherine Poulous married Henry W Bills (1903-1993)
Rose M. Poulous
Rose M. Poulos (1911-2000) m. James Hulett or Hewlet Pounds (1909-1943) and Evander Gill (1914-1997)
John T. Poulous
John Thomas Poulos Sr. (1914-2002) m. Lucille V. Toncrey (1922-2007)
Michael Poulous
Michael Poulos (1918-1998) was born
Helen Poulous
Helen Poulous (1920-2010) was born . She married Paul I. Newman (1922-2009)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Salim Poulos dies', July 15, 1941.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Theresa Poulos', November 12, 1964.
The Sun Herald, '
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SIMON
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SHEDRAWY
Jabbour Bedewy Shedrawy (1889-1944) was born on February 27, 1889 at Ehden, Ash Shamal, Lebanon, formerly Syria. Ehden, a mountain town is located 4,900 feet above sea level, and is 19.1 miles from Zgharta, 68 miles from Beirut, the capital, and 24 miles from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is a famous summer resort and tourist center, often called "the Bride of Summer Resorts” in the North of Lebanon. It is famous for its setting on the Saint Sarkis Mountain overlooking coastal towns and villages as far as Akkar to Shikka. A large number of local and foreign tourists visit Ehden annually to enjoy its dry climate, water and forest. Gastronomy is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Ehden, especially in summer. Kebbeh Meshwyeh and the Kebbeh Nayeh, both traditional cuisines, and particularly notable in this town.
Jabbour B. Shedrawy came to America in October 1906. He left Beirut, Lebanon on the La Gascogne, a French liner, and arrived at New York City on October 22, 1906. Jabbour declared his intentions to become an American citizen at New Orleans in February 1917. He was naturalized at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 21, 1921 receiving Certificate of Naturalization No. 1511983.(US District Court-Southern Division of Mississippi-Petition for Naturalization No. 251-February 1921)
Jabour married Theresa Simon (18-1940)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Shedrawy dead’, May 16, 1940.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mr. Shedrawy dead’, September 4, 1944.
- 1624 views
Hagan Family
Hagan FamilyJAMES V. HAGAN
James Vinton Hagan (1874-1929) was born at New Orleans, Louisiana on May 3, 1874 to James P. Hagan (1852-1875) and Olivia C. Vinton (1853-1918).
Lelia Marie Bousquet (1875-1936) married James Vinton Hagan (1879-1929), native of New Orleans on June 24, 1897 at the Notre Dame Catholic Church in New Orleans. Mr. Hagan was the son of James P. Hagan (1875-1852) and Olivia C. Vinton (1853-1918). After the death of his father, Mrs. Hagan married Charles Golden N. Golden (1836-1913) at New Orleans in January 1881.(The Daily Picayune, July 2, 1897, p. 4 and The Daily Herald, November 30, 1936, p. 5 and The Daily Picayune, January 9, 1881, p. 2)
James and Lelia B. Hagan were the parents of seven children: Elise B. Hagan (b. 1898) m. John P. Tierney of Hattiesburg; Marie Ruth Hagan (1900-1979) m. Paul Rosell Brielmaier (1900-1958) and Uriah Sylvester Joachim; Eugenia Soborin [sic] 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 Newman (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 Biloxi, Mississippi as a seafood dealer (1905); merchant; Harrison County, Mississippi deputy sheriff; and City Clerk of Biloxi. The family resided at 418 West Beach on the northeast corner of Reynoir Street.
Biloxi home and pier
In April 1887, Olivia V. Hagan Golden (1853-1918). the mother of James V. Hagan, acquired for $1400 a lot at Biloxi situated on the northeast corner of Reynoir and West Beach from Emilie Anais Leger Perkins (1845-1900) of New Orleans. Mrs. Perkins was the spouse of Louis W. Perkins (1839-1900+), a commissions merchant in the Crescent City. Their sons, Louis Leger Perkins (1869-1920+), a Washington D.C. attorney and Paul Felix Perkins (1870-1913), a railroad clerk in New Orleans also owned lots at Biloxi north and east of the Hagan tract, which had a 60-foot front on West Beach and ran north along Reynoir Street for 330 feet.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 22, p. 149 and 1870 Orleans Parish, La. Federal Census M593_522, p. 140, 7th Ward and 1900 Washington D.C. Federal Census T623_160, p. 1B, ED 48)
In the spring of 1921, Mr. Hagan built a long, recreational pier in front of his home. It had a large pavilion and became know as Hagan’s Bathing Pier. Here he served refreshments, rented bathing suits, and held dances.(The Daily Herald, June 10, 1921, p. 6 and June 18, 1921, p. 8)
Leo M. Scholtes
In March 1935, Mrs. Lelia M. Hagan leased Hagan’s Bathing Pier to Leo Martin Scholtes (1893-1954). Leo M. Scholtes was born at Cicero, Cook County, Illinois the son of Nicholas Scholtes (1860-1920+), an 1867 German immigrant, and Mary Scholtes (1869-1920+), a Wisconsin native whose parents were German born. Circa 1893, the Scholtes family relocated to Crichton Village, Mobile County, Alabama where Nicholas Scholtes, worked as a sawyer in a sawmill.( Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 208, p. 96 and 1900 Cook Co., Illinois T623_292, p. 20B, ED 1152)
Circa 1915, Leo M. Scholtes, a mechanic and welder, married Marguerite Strocker (1893-1962) in Mobile County, Alabama. They came to Jackson County, Mississippi about 1919 with their young family and eventually settled at Biloxi, Mississippi. Leo Joseph ‘Joe’ Scholtes (1917-1994), their eldest who married Colleen Cornic (1917-1996), became one of Biloxi’s local historians. He and Colleen made a very important contribution to Biloxi’s history when they co-wrote Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast: A Pictorial History (1985). Mrs. Sholtes also wrote for Down South Magazine under the nom de plume, Holt.(1920 Jackson Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_879, p. 5A, ED 65 and Larry Cosper, December 15, 2009)
Sale
In March 1937, the Hagan Heirs, Earl Hagan, Charles Hagan, James V. Hagan, Elise Hagan Tierney, Ruth Hagan Brielmaier, and Eugenia Hagan Cosgrove conveyed for $10,000 their familial home on West Beach and Reynoir Street to Thomas James Barry.(d. 1942) The sale was inclusive of improvements, littoral and riparian rights, and subject to the ten year, Hagan Pier lease to L.M. Scholtes.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 214, p. 295)
At this time, the Charles W. Wachenfeld (1871-1929) family was living east of the Hagan place and J. Bremer to the north. The Wachenfelds had also built an amusement pier just east of Hagan’s Bathing Pier. In the spring of 1922, it was doubled in size and featured a new high diving board. The bathing pier was dedicated in early June 1922.(The Daily Herald, June 8, 1922, p. 3)
Thomas J. Barry
Thomas J. Barry was married to Edna Osborn. Also owned 841 Reynoir Street and property in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died at Biloxi on November 16, 1942. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 252, p. 139)
Merchant
James V. Hagan was in business at Biloxi as early as 1897.
JAS. V. HAGAN
GROCER and SHIP CHANDLER
CornerPassChristian and Magnolia Street
HaganBuilding
The lot upon which the Hagan Building was erected in the summer and fall of 1895 was situated on the southeast corner of Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street. J.V. Hagan acquired it in May 1895 for $1200 from Bernard Picard (1853-1896) and Sarah Levy Picard (1859-1927). Bernard Picard had come to Biloxi from New Orleans in 1889 and opened Picard's Emporium, a dry goods store. Picard’s Emporium was located in the Eistetter Building on Howard Avenue at Magnolia. Mr. Picard expired on May 23, 1896, of stomach cancer at his Main Street residence. His remains were interred at New Orleans.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 32, p. 389 and The Biloxi Herald, May 23, 1896).
Giles Harness (1871-1915) built the Hagan Building for James V. Hagan. During its construction, it was described as “it will be one of the handsomest and most substantial business houses in the city.” It was financed by Olivia C. Golden who loaned J.V. Hagan $4000 in July 1895.(The Biloxi Herald, September 7, 1895 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 32, p. 486).
Tenants
Two of the earliest tenants of the Hagan Building were Frank Sutter and Dr. W. Saucier. Mr. Sutter was in the fire, marine and accidental insurance business and succeeded Mayer & Theobald and D.M. Mayers in this enterprise. His office was on the second floor. Dr. Saucier was a dentist.(The Biloxi Herald, August 31, 1895, p. 10 and October 5, 1896, p. 4)
Dr. William O. Talbot who came to Biloxi in 1894 was also an early occupant of the Hagan Building. He was in the office at Biloxi on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr. Talbot was a native of Scott County, Mississippi and had studied at the Northwestern University dental school and Angle’s School of Orthodontia. In addition to his dental services to Biloxi’s citizens, Dr. Talbot was elected to represent Ward III of the city in 1906.(The Biloxi Herald, March 7, 1896, p. 8 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 7, 1907, p. 4)
Deputy Sheriff
City Clerk
Hagan’s Pier
In the spring of 1921, 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)
In March 1935, Mrs. Hagan leased her pier to Leo M. Scholtes (1893-1954).
REFERENCES:
T.H. Glenn, The Mexican Gulf Coast on Mobile Bay & Mississippi Sound Illustrated, (Delchamps: Mobile, Alabama-1893).
Brother Jerome Lepre, GulfCoastGenealogy-The Caillavet Family, Volume II, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1984).
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi-Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Julie B. Suarez, The Biloxi Cemetery, Special Issue 7, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-2002).
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court,
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 18484, ‘The Estate of Thomas James Barry”,-1942.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court,
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court,
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court,
Journals
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, December 2, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,August 31, 1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,September 7,1895.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Herald, “Dr. W. Saucier [advertisement]”,October 5, 1896.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”,, .
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”,July 17, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”,July 17, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News”,December 11, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Latest City News [obit of Marie Caillavet Bousquet]”,June 25, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Feed-Shoes-Groceries-Drugs”,December 5, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s new administration”, January 7, 1907.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Council Last Night”,May 9, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”,October 7, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrology”,December 14, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Golden dead”, June 3, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Brielmaier-Hagan”, May 3, 1921.
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, “To dedicate handsome pavilion”, June 8, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Tierney-Hagan”, July 28, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Cosgrove-Hagan”, January 17, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “James V. Hagan dies in New Orleans today”, December 7, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Hagan-Klein”, November 22, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Hagan-Newman”, June 12, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Hagan died in Biloxi today”, November 30, 1936.
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 Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local News”, January 9, 1885, p. 3.
Personal Communication
Larry Cosper, son-in-law of Leo Joseph ‘Joe’ Scholtes (1917-1994)-telephone conversation on December 15, 2009.
Interred Biloxi Cemetery:
Mary Bousquet - no date
Baby Stagan 12/19/1900
John A. Bousquet 12/12/1908 63 yrs old Born 1845
Daniella B Coward 10/14/1921 - dob 1/21/1878
Eugenie Sabouvin Bousquet (Mrs J.A.Bousquet) 40 yrs old 6/21/1898 B
Mary R.
John Bousquet 3/24/1947 B
(On back side of tombstone)
Rosa 11/28/1848Holley Family
Holley Family
Italian Families-Bass, Bertucci, Capuano, Corso, Fallo, Mattina, Martino, Taranto, Terretta, Tedesco, Uchello
Italian Families-Bass, Bertucci, Capuano, Corso, Fallo, Mattina, Martino, Taranto, Terretta, Tedesco, Uchello ray Sat, 05/26/2012 - 12:38THE ITALIANS of ST. MARTIN
Between 1902 and 1905, several related families of Italian origin settled in the St. Martin community north of Biloxi, Mississippi. They were the Terrettas, Lepomas, and Giamettas. Initially they were truck farmers, but these Sicilians immigrants also worked in seafood and commerce. Another Italian and the progenitor of the Lepre family of D' Iberville and the Mississippi coast, Captain Peter Lepre (1841-1916), immigrated to the United States circa 1853. He married Celina Moran (c. 1845- 1870+), the daughter of Edouard Moran (c. 1812-1880+) and Celestine Ladner (c. 1816-1880+) in September 1869. Peter Lepre immigrated from Palermo, Sicily and at the time of his demise resided on Fayard Street in Biloxi.
TERRETTA
Frank Terretta (1870-1917) and his wife, Rosa Pria (1873-1945+), appear to have been the first of the 20th Century Italian expatriates to arrive at St. Martin, probably about 1902. They immigrated to the United States in 1894, from Palermo, Sicily. His brother, Alberto Nunzio Terretta (1868-1954), came to America in 1897. Before coming to Jackson County, Mississippi the Terretta brothers lived at Brooklyn, New York. Their parents were Antonio Terretta (1837-1927) and Catherine Giaccona (1839-1930) who must have joined them in Jackson County after 1910.
Frank Terretta and Rosa Pria had one adopted son, Anthony Terretta (1913-1996+), who was born in Louisiana. Rosa married Anthony Rodriguez (1855-1928) after her husband died in June 1917. Tony Rodriguez had been wedded to Josephine Miller (1861-1914), the daughter of George Barney Miller (c. 1820-1860+) and Marie Delphine Bouzage (b. 1823-1860+). Josephine was the mother of Amelia R. Fountain (1879-1949), Daniel Rodriguez (1885-1964), and Augustine R. Fountain (1887-1958). Rosa Pria outlived several other husbands and died at Independence, Louisiana, after WW II. Her remains were interred at Tangipahoa Parish.
In July 1903, Frank Terretta bought five acres of land near Miguel Rodriguez and Eugene Bosarge in Section 15, T7S-R9W from Louis Raymond. Anthony Lepoma (1866-1923) and Tony Terretta (1837-1927) were his partners. Included in the land trade were Lots 5-7 of the Francis Fountain tract.(1) Lepoma was residing at St. Charles Parish, Louisiana as late as April 1910, when Laz Lopez (1877-1918) acquired these tracts from them.
Frank Terretta also purchased five acres of land from Samuel M. Tracy (1847-1920) on the east side of the old Martin Fountain tract in February 1910.(2) He planted pecan trees here when a small nursery grown tree cost about seventy-five cents. Later Peter Arnold bought the orchard and harvested 4,000 pounds of pecans.
In July 1911, the Terretta brothers bought ten acres of forested land from Jacob Husley (1863-1948) along the west side of Reynoir Road (now Brittany).(3) Anthony Lepoma (1866-1923) who was married to Maria Terretta (1883-1941), the sister of Frank and Nunzio Terretta, bought the west five acres of this tract in November 1915. It fronted on Race Track Road.
LEPOMA
Anthony Lepoma (1866-1923) was born at Naples, Italy. In the old country, the Lepoma name may have been spelled Lipuma. Immigrated to USA in 1890. He met Maria Terretta (1883-1941), a Sicilian, in New York. They resided in Michigan and Louisiana (LaPlace-Kenner area) where he worked in animal husbandry. The Lepomas arrived at St. Martin circa 1911.
In 1920, Tony Lepoma made his livelihood as a fisherman. He and Mary had a very large family: Ross Lepoma (1899-1963), Anthony Lepoma Jr. (1900-1926), Roy Lepoma (1905-1963+), Sam Lepoma, Joe Lepoma (1907-1957), Lee R. Lepoma (1909-1959), Jeanette L. Landry (1910-1978), Catherine L. Stiglets, Frances L. Monteleone, Katherine Lepoma Bellew (b. 1913), Josephine L. Vassalli (1915-1963+), Madeline L. Lanz (1917-1963+), James Lepoma (1920-1945), and Vincent Lepoma (1923-1975). The Lepoma children were born at New York, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Tony Lepoma Jr. (1900- 1926) operated a small store in the front yard of his home on the east side of Reynoir (Brittany).
Mrs. Mary Terretta Lepoma commenced the St. Joseph altar in the St. Martin community. This was a Sicilian custom, and an annual fete was held on March 19th to honor St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. During the Middle Ages, a drought and then famine brought the people of Sicily to their knees, praying to St. Joseph for relief. St. Joseph had provided the Christ child bread, and they wanted him to do likewise for them. If their prayers were answered, the suffering Sicilians promised to share food with the poor. Their prayers were answered.
The St. Joseph altar is built by the men. The women prepare seafood, pasta, vegetables, sesame seed cookies, and fig cakes. Italian bread is baked in the forms of crosses, St. Joseph's staff, and other symbols of this holy occasion. The food, to be divided among those in need, is placed on the altar, which is decorated with flowers and candles. The green fava bean is also served. When dried, roasted, and blessed, it is transformed into the "lucky bean". Tradition relates that you will never be broke as long as your person carries the lucky fava bean!
After Mrs. Lepoma passed on, her daughter, Catherine Stiglets, continued the tradition at her home. Today, Mrs. Lepoma's granddaughter, Janice L. Fountain, and her sister-in-law, Jackie Landry, prepare the St. Joseph's altar at the Lee Landry home in the St. Martin community.
Alberto Nunzio Terretta (1868-1954) was married to Maria Gagliano (1868-1954), also a native of Italy. Their three children, Catherine T. Galiano (1900-c. 1975), Lucy T. Cannette (1903-1973), and Anthony Joseph Terretta (1907-2005), were born at Brooklyn, New York. At Brooklyn, Nunzio Terretta made his livelihood cleaning ships' boilers. He became dissatisfied with the work there and came South to New Orleans.
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Anthony J. Terretta (1907-2005)
The oldest child, Catherine Terretta, married Joseph Galiano who resided in the Vieux Carre and sold produce at the French Market. Lucy Terretta married Julius Cannette (1897-1983), and they resided at St. Martin. Anthony Joseph Terretta was married to Mona Louise Khayat (1909-1973) of Biloxi. Mona was the daughter of Assad A. Khayat (1875-1929) and Mona Butrous (1878-1922), both Syrian immigrants. Mona was the sister of Eddie Khayat (1911-1993) who served on the Jackson County Board of Supervisors for thirty-two years. After her demise, Anthony wedded the widow, Lynn V. Mayo Carr (1919-2006), a native of Clarke County, Mississippi. Mona went to Hollywood in the early 1930s and played minor roles in several motion pictures. She was in 'The Lives of a Bengal Lancer' starring Gary Cooper in 1935.
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Joseph Giametta (1857-1935)
Biloxi Cemetery-October 2012
GIAMETTA
Giuseppe (Joseph) Giametta (1857-1935) and Camella Terretta (1868-1944) arrived in the United States from Canada in 1915. Mrs. Giametta was a twin sister to Nunzio Terretta. The Giamettas had immigrated to Canada in 1895. Their children, Anna Borne Giametta m. Beaugez (1898-1986); Charles Giametta (1900-1970) m. Theresa DeCarlo (1901-1937); Catherine Giametta m. Dauro (1904-1970+); Pauline Giametta m. Dauro (1906-1970+); and Josephine Giametta m. . Fountain (1907-1982), were born in Canada. Joseph Giametta acquired a small tract of land on Race Track Road east of the Trochesset strip from Joseph Schmid in July 1915.
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Charles Giametta (1900-1970)
Biloxi Cemetery (October 2012)
In 1931, Charles Giametta bought a lot on the east side of his father's land adjacent to the Trochessets. He was married Olena Cannette (1900-1920), who died of the pandemic Spanish influenza. After her demise, Giametta wedded Theresa DeCarlo (1901-1937) of New Orleans who died in childbirth. His last wife was Josephine Chiniche. Giametta moved to Bay St. Louis circa 1945, where he worked for the L&N Railroad as a bridge tender.
These Italians families worked very hard in their fields, which they had cleared of pine trees and stumps. These sons of the Mediterranean fertilized with a mulch made from decaying shrimp hulls. The hulls were obtained from the refuse piles at the seafood factories along the north shore of Back Bay at Biloxi. They also used horse manure gathered at the stables in Biloxi, and the dried droppings of stock animals, which roamed the area.
These immigrant farmers grew vegetables and fruit-sweet potatoes, beets, tomatoes, okra, peppers, okra, corn, shallots, garlic, beans, gourds, cantaloupes, figs, pumpkins, sugar cane, etc. They bought some of their seeds from the Quave store on the west end. In addition, they raised some livestock, particularly goats from whose rich milk they drank and made cheese.
After the crop matured and was harvested, the Italian men loaded it in horse drawn wagons and headed south to Biloxi. Here, they peddled their fresh organic produce along the city streets. Sweet potatoes went for $1.00 per bushel basket and okra for a nickel a dozen. The Terrettas didn't own a scale to weigh their green wares.
It was common to see Mr. Nunzio Terretta, with his stripped umbrella, sitting high on the seat of his wagon crossing the old wooden Back Bay Bridge. His son, Anthony Terretta, who was born in 1907, and presently resides at Pascagoula relates a story about his father and uncle, Joseph Giametta: The housewives of Biloxi called my father, Nunzio, "sweetie peppa". He spoke broken English and would cry, "sweeta peppa", as his produce rig rolled through the dirt and shell roads of the working class neighborhoods of Biloxi. His brother-in-law, Joseph Giametta, spoke very little English. His produce wagon followed Terretta's. When Nunzio would announce his presence to the neighborhood with his calling card, "sweeta peppa", Joe would follow with, "mea too ah".
On his return to St. Martin, Nunzio Terretta would kindly stop and give grateful school children, who were heading home from their classes, a ride in his hopefully empty produce wagon.
The Italian families were self reliant. They baked their own bread, dried tomatoes to prepare tomato sauce, made pear and blackberry wine, and brewed a malt beer. Occasionally, they would take the excursion train to New Orleans for indigenous provisions. At the Quality Grocery store on Decatur Street, olive oil, dried figs, and five pound boxes of spaghetti were purchased. Christmas was often celebrated with an undecorated pine tree. Their children received apples and oranges as gifts. In good times, a small wooden toy might appear under the tree. Mrs. Terretta made small cakes in the shape of crabs and shrimp filled with figs.
Some of the Italian women worked in the local seafood factories. They would rise in the wee hours of the morning with the factory whistles blaring and walk miles from their homes on Race Track Road to their jobs on Back Bay. Some worked at the Quave factory in North Biloxi.
Descendants of all three families still reside in the St. Martin community with the Lepoma name being the most ubiquitous.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Charles Giametta", May 23, 1970, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Former Biloxian in picture", March 2, 1935, p. 2.
The Times-Picayune, "St. Joseph's Celebration Has Roots in Sicilian Culture", March 9, 1986, p. 5.
Personal Communication:
Viola M. Batia-September 1996
Toney Terretta, St. Martin-September 1996
Anthony Terretta, Pascagoula-September 1996
Lynn Mayo Carr Terretta, Pascagoula-September 1996
Tony Lepoma-September 1996
Pauline Demetry-October 1996
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BASS-BASSO
Vincent Bass (1818-1915), was born at Trani on the Adriatic Sea. Married Bridget Clancey (1832-1910) on May 5, 1871 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Children: Francis Paul Bass (1863-1930) m. Rosa Dwyer; Irene Bass (1865-1941) m. Michael J. Banks (1859-1941); Eran Bass (1867-1902) m. Nixon;
Francis P. Bass
Francis Paul Bass (1863-1930) married Rosa Dwyer. Children: William Bass (1890-1956); Vincent Paul Bass (1891-1947); Agnes Adele Bass (1904-1977) m. Anthony Bernard Rousseau (1908-1951); Frank Paul Bass Jr. (1904-1977);
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, 'Local and Personal', January 30, 1900, p. 8.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, 'City News', February 28, 1900, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Bridget Bass', February 21, 1910.
The Daily Herald, 'Vincent Bass is claimed by death at ripe old age', August 20, 1915.
The Daily Herald, 'Man is crushed beneath wheels of fire engine-Tony Rousseau fatally injured en route to fire', March 14, 1951, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Agnes Rousseau', December 8, 1969, p. 2.
The Daily Picayune, 'A patient's leap', January 26, 1900, p. 10.
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CAPUANO
Capuano Tomb 6th Addition-Biloxi Cemetery
Jennie Coci (1863-1941) was born at Travinia, Italy and came to America circa 1870, eventually settling at New Orleans. She married Luigi Capuano (1862-1908), also an Italian immigrant, at NOLA on December 28, 1902. They were the parents of three children: Corinne Capuano (1904-1962) m. Christopher A. Tucei (1894-1949); Francis Elizabeth Capuano (1905-1972) m. Sidney E. Manuel (1901-1962); and Philip J. Capuano (1906-1968) m. Bessie Toups (1907-2002).(1910 Orleans Parish, Lousiana Federal Census T624_521, p. 3B, ED 91)
In 1908, the Capuano family was domiciled at 3119 Tulane Avenue at the corner of Lopez Street. Here they operated a retail grocery store and saloon. After the demise of Luigi Capuano in early February 1908, the family fortunes declined rapidly. The acme of their misfortune was the destructive conflagration that occurred in June 1908. Adjacent to the Capuano businesses was a laundry run by Wah Kee, a Chinese.
The fire commenced here and jumped to the Capuano property and damaged the building and totally destroyed their stock and goods. Mrs. Capuano and her children narrowly escaped the burning structure. Their loss was estimated at $3600, but was partially insured.(The Daily Picayune, June 9, 1908, p. 5)
By late July 1908, Mrs. Capuano and her son applied for a judgement of bankruptcy in the U.S. District Court. Their liabilities were $6218 and assets $4900.(The Daily Picayune, July 26, 1908, p. 7)
In 1911, Mrs. Capuano relocated her family to Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Nicholas Martino (1860-1942), an Italian immigrant, widower, shoemaker. The Martino family lived and worked on Delauney Street in Biloxi.
CHILDREN
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[Southern Memorial Park-Biloxi, Mississippi]
Philip J. Capuano
Philip Joseph Capuano (1906-1968) was born on September 26, 1906 at New Orleans, Louisiana. He came to Biloxi in his youth and made his livelihood as proprietor and manager of a barbershop in downtown Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1968, p. 2)
Philip married Bessie Marie Toups (1907-2002), born May 29, 1907 at Westwego, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 16, 1924. Bessie Marie Toups was the daughter of Ellis Toups and Dorcina Foret.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 35, p. 557 and The Sun Herald, October 16, 2002, p. A6)
Philip and Bessie Marie Capuano resided at 530 Porter Avenue in Biloxi. Here they reared their three children: Louis Ellis Capuano (1925-2005) m. Jeanette S. Cerinich (b. 1928); Philip J. Capuano Jr. (1928-2009) m. Victoria Ray; Doris Rita Capuano m. Christopher J. Lawrence and Fred L. Ison (1914-1999); and Joseph Capuano (1935-1935).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 35, p. 557)
Philip J. Capuano was a member of the Italian-American Society and had been president at one time. Philip was active in the Knights of Columbus, Alhambras, and the barber’s union.(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1968, p. 2)
Mr. Capuano was survived by his spouse; a daughter, Mrs. Fred Ison, at Stone Mountain, Georgia; two sons, Philip J. Capuano Jr. and Louis E. Capuano, both of Biloxi; a sister, Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Capuano Manuel (1905-1972), widow of Sydney E. Manuel (d. 1962), of Biloxi; and 13 grandchildren. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed the Capuano funeral. A Mass was said for the repose of his soul at Nativity BVM Catholic Church with internment in the Biloxi Cemetery [sic].(The Daily Herald, February 21, 1968, p. 2 and February 23, 1968, p. 2)
CHILDREN
Louis E. Capuano
Preceding Mr. Capuano in death was his daughter, Stephanie Capuano (1956-2000) and his parents, Philip Capuano, Sr. and Bessie Toups Capuano. Survivors include his wife, of 57 years, Jeanette Cerinich Capuano of Biloxi; a daughter, Laurie Capuano Herring and her husband, Jody, of Picayune; three sons, Louis E. Capuano, Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Santa Rosa, CA; Peter P. Capuano and his wife, Karen, and Nick J. Capuano and his wife, Kathy all of Gulfport; a sister, Doris Ison of Lawrenceville, GA; his brother, Philip Capuano, Jr. of Biloxi; twelve grandchildren, Dawn Capuano Brumfield, Christie Capuano, Lisa Capauano Tabor, Louis Capuano, III, Alarra Capuano Nelson, Joseph Capuano, Paul Capuano, Peter Capuano, Ellen Capuano, Jason Balius, Justin Herring and Mark Herring and six great-grandchildren, Chad Brumfield, Caitlin Brumfield, Locklin Balius, Kylee Capuano, Tyler Herring and Paityn Herring. Visitation will be Sunday, January 16, 2005, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral at 12 noon where friends may visit one hour before service time. Entombment will follow in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, January 16, 2005, p. A8)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Martino dies', July 28, 1941.
The Daily Herald, "N. Martino dies", January 5, 1942.
The Daily Herald. "Philip Capuano', February 21, 1968.
The Daily Herald. "Capuano rites', February 23, 1968.
The Daily Picayune, 'Capuano', February 9, 1908.
The Daily Picayune, 'No clue to origin of fire', June 9, 1908.
The Daily Picayune, 'Bankruptcy', July 26, 1908.
The Sun Herald, ‘Fred L. Ison’, November 1, 1999.
The Sun Herald, ‘Stephanie J. Capuano’, March 22, 2000.
The Sun Herald, ‘Bessie Capuano’, October 16, 2002.
The Sun Herald, ‘Louis E. Capuano Sr.’, January 16, 2005.
The Sun Herald, ‘Philip J. Capuano Jr.’, May 17, 2009.
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AUGUST CORSO FAMILY
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August Corso (1873-1943) was born on April 24, 1873 at Taormina, Messina Province, Sicily. He arrived at New Orleans from Palermo, Sicily on May 15, 1889. His known siblings that came from Sicily from Taormina are: Josephine Corso (1878-1961) m. John Fallo (1869-1952); Salvador Corso Sr. (18-1957) m. Ada Ford (1876-1956); and Corso m. Nancy Verges (1873-1900+).
August married Lena Runfalo (1877-1951). August and Lena left New Orleans after 1900 and settled at 510 Lameuse Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. Here he made his livelihood as a wholesale produce merchant and retail merchant. On April 11, 1916 at Biloxi, August Corso declared his intention to become an American citizen. He was naturalied on June 21, 1919 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Their children were: Salvadore J. Corso (1896-1952); Anna Corso (1897-1979); Francis Corso (1903-1994) m. Albert Pickard (1905-1979); Frank Corso (1905-1945); Joseph August Corso (1907-1954) m. Marjorie Kulivan (1913-1994); Anthony J. Corso (1910-1987) m. Helen Knox (1918-1972) .
Children
Salvadore J. Corso
Francis Corso
Francis Corso (1903-1994) was born August 14, 1903 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Albert E. Pickard (1905-1979) on December 2, 1925 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Children: Albert Francis Pickard m. Julia Maria Allen.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 37, p. 400)
Francis died on July 27, 1994. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Albert E. Pickard, who passed on 1979.(The Sun Herald, July 28, 1994, p. A-2)
Frank Corso
Joseph A. Corso
Joseph August Corso (1907-1954)
Helen Knox Corso
Anthony J. Corso
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, “August Corso dies”, December 17, 1943.
The Sun Herald, “Marjorie Kulivan Corso”, July 6, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Francis Corso Pickard”, July 28, 1994.
The Times-Picayune,“Corso”, July 4, 1954.
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Southern Memorial Park
FRANK P. CORSO FAMILY
Frank Paul Corso (1898-1986), a native of Trapani, Italy, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonardo Corso. In 1908, he immigrated to America arriving at New Orleans, Louisiana. Frank was naturalized at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 20, 1922 and received certificate No. 1511918.[Southern District Court-South Mississippi, Petition of Naturalization No. 289]
Mr. Corso was educated at New Orleans and Brookhaven, Mississippi. He came to Biloxi in 1919 from Mobile, Alabama and began a wholesale cigar and tobacco business in 1924, starting with a small warehouse and one truck
Frank P. Corso married Pearl AgnesHarvey (1901-1989), a native of North Biloxi, Mississippi in Harrison County, Mississippi.
He was named Biloxi's Outstanding Citizen for 1956.(The Daily Herald, January 1, 1957, p. 1)
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Linda Sue Thornton (1939-2014) and Jimmy Corso (1935-1990)
JAMES C. CORSO
James C. 'Jimmy' Corso (1935-1990) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi to Frank Paul Corso (1898-1986), a native of Trapini, Italy and a 1908 immigrant to America who arrived a NOLA, and Pearl Harvey (1901-1989), a native of North Biloxi.
Mr. Corso was the president of Frank P. Corso, Inc., a local vending company, which he had been employed by for more than thirty-five years. He attended Notre Dame High School and Spring Hill College [Mobile, Alabama], and the Harvard Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Jimmy was a member of the Gulf Coast Carnival Association and ruled the 1980 Carnival as King Iberville. He was a member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge, the Biloxi Yacht Club, and Nativity B.V.M Catholic Church.
Jimmy Corso married Linda Sue Thornton (1939-2014) in Harrison County, Mississippi on November 18, 1961. They were the parents of three children: James C. Corso Jr. m. Joan Marie Knox; Victoria Faith Corso m. Michael Edward Hart; and Paulette Hope Corso m. Kevin Scott McQueen.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 120, p. 324)
James C. Corso was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Frank P. Corso Jr. (1931-1990). He was survived by his spouse; three children; and two sisters; Bessie Marie Corso m. Mr. Caluda of NOLA and Elizabeth 'Liz' Ann Corso m. John Schappert Joachim Jr; and Stephen Blake Knox, a grandson.
Riemann Memorial Funeral Home of Biloxi directed Mr. Corso's funeral services which included a service at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Biloxi followed by internment in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Linda Sue Thornton Corso died on January 4, 2014.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Lions' loving cup presented Frank P. Corso', January 1, 1957, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, 'Salvador Corso Sr.', May 24, 1957, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, 'President of Biloxi vending company dies in Pascagoula', February 25, 1990, p. B2.
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FALLO FAMILY
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John Fallo and Josephine Corso
[Biloxi Cemetery- September 8, 2012]
John Fallo (1869-1952) was born in New Orleans to Joseph Fallo and Josephine Fallo (1850-1917) , a native of Ustica, Italy. He married Josephine Corso (1878-1961), a native of Taormina, Palermo Province, Sicily. They moved to Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1905. Children: Emile Fallo m. Angelina Diliberto; Salvadore Joseph Fallo (1902-1942); Jacob J. 'Jake' Fallo (1906-1990) m. Eva Borries, Inez Ramsey (1908-1982), and Mary Price Pruett; Anthony J. Fallo (1907-1989) m. Ruth Wentzell (1909-1965) and Yvette Fountain Camp; John B. Fallo; and Dominic A. Fallo (1911-1996) m. Lucille Slay (1912-2005).
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John 'Jack' A. Fallo
Paula Baudry Fallo
Jack was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 64 years, Paula Baudry Fallo (1929-2013), and their son, Michael T. Fallo. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey C. Fallo, Sr. and his wife Karen of Vancleave. Jack leaves six grandchildren including JC Fallo and his girlfriend Lizz Chambers of Ocean Springs; Michelle Rene Fallo Gibson and her husband Chuck of Wichita, KS; Brandy Fallo Cunha and her husband John of Saucier; Jeffrey Fallo, Jr. serving in the U.S. Navy; Brittany Fallo and her boyfriend Kyle Nelson of Vancleave; and Kolby Fallo of Vancleave; in addition to great grandson Eric of Wichita; step-great-granddaughter Jackie Cunha of Saucier; and many nieces and nephews. The Fallo family would like to thank everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Saint Francis Xavier Seelos Catholic Church in Biloxi. Friends may visit 9am until 10am. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. [Josephine Fallo] Esposito is claimed by death", June 18, 1917.
The Daily Herald, 'Salvador Corso Sr.', May 24, 1957, p. 2.
The Sun Herald, 'Paula Fallo', February 18, 2013.
The Sun Herald, 'Jack Anthonar Fallo', June 5, 2014.
The Sun Herald, 'Businessman [Jack A. Fallo] was jazz drummer on weekends', June 7, 2014. ____________________________________________________________________________________________
MARTINO
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MATTINA
BARTLO MATTINA
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Bartlo Mattina (1858-1943) was born in Italy. He married Catherine Vergets (1865-1920).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Bartlo Mattina dies", January 3, 1942, p. 2.
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RANDAZZO
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RUNFALO
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REFERENCES:
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TARANTO FAMILY
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BILOXI CEMETERY [image made August 2012]
The Taranto family of Biloxi, Mississippi may have been founded by Anthony Taranto (1857-1927) and Rosalea Fallo (1854-1932), both born at Ustica, Italy. They arrived at New Orleans, Lousiana bertween 1865 and 1870. Their children were: Josephine Taranto (1878-1967) m. Lawrence Romeo (1870-1932); Concetta Taranto (b. 1880); Salvador Taranto (1881-1939); John Taranto (b. 1883); Frances Rose Taranto (1886-1954) m. Saverio J. Tedesco; and Olivia Taranto (1898-1904).
JOSEPHINE TARANTO
Josephine [Josefina] Taranto (1878-1967) was born at New Orleans, Louisiana on October 15, 1878. She married Lawrence [Lorenzo] Romeo 1870-1932) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 10, 1896.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 11, p. 16)
Lawrence Romeo was born to Antonio Romeo (1823-1898) and Angeline Romeo (1828-1910) on November 11, 1870 at Riposto, Cantania Province, Sicily. Circa 1890, he came to Biloxi with his parents and two siblings: Louis Romeo (d. 1896) and Sarah Romeo (1866-1927?) m. Louis Grasso (d. pre-1900).
The Romeo family lived at 437 Magnolia Street at Biloxi, Mississippi. Lawrence made his livelihood as a retail merchant selling fruit and animal feed and as an oysterman. His business in 1914 was located at 204 West Howard Avenue. The Romeos lived very close to John Taranto and Julius Taranto who were domicled at 438 and 440 Croesus Streets respectively.
Lawrence and Josephine Taranto Romeo were the parents of five children: Lawrence Romeo Jr. (1901-1968) m. Ellen Cannette (1904-1998); Juliette Romeo (1902-1976) m. Fedele Marchioni (1892-1980); Joseph Romeo (1906-1976) m. Gladys Listenwalter (1908-1989); Angela Romeo (1911-2000) m. Jerome Edward Edward Hilton (1910-1984); and Julius Dominick Romeo (1916-1919).
CONCETTA TARANTO
SALVADOR TARANTO
Salvador Taranto was born at New Orleans (1881-1939) on . he married . They were the parents of three children: Salvadore 'Sav' Taranto (1989) m. Annette Dubaz; Rosalie Fournier Adelaide Chinn
JOHN D. TARANTO
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).
The Biloxi Daily Herald, "Latest City News-Romeo-Taranto", June 13, 1896, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Angeline Romeo", November 9, 1910.
The Daily Herald, "
The Daily Herald, "The Daily Herald, "Anthony Taranto dies", May 2, 1927, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "[Thomas] Taranto youth injured", September 29, 1930, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Lawrence Romeo , Sr. dies", April 7, 1932, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Taranto buried", October 12, 1932, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "S. Taranto dies", April 10, 1939, p. 5.The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald, "S.J. Tedesco buried", October 9, 1948, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "John Taranto dies at Biloxi residence", December 3, 1949, p. 6.
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. [Frances Rosie Taranto] Tedesco dies after long illness", March 16, 1954, p. 6.
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Daily Herald,
The Sun Herald, "Salvadore 'Sav' Taranto", May 8, 1989, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, 'Angela Romeo Hilton', February 7, 2000.
The Sun Herald, 'Fedele Marchioni Jr', March 7, 2004, p. A7.
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TEDESCO
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REFERENCES:
The Sun Herald, 'Miss Rosalie T. 'Leah' Tedesco', February 17, 1991, p. B-2.
The Uchello family at Gretna and New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi originated at San Giuseppe Jato in Palermo Province, Sicily with the immigration of Calogero Uchello (1860-1943) and Maria Patellaro (1873-1951) to New Orleans, Louisiana after 1900. The Uchello family initially settled in and around Gretna, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana where they were truck farmers. During the Prohibition Era some of the Uchello sons became involved in the illicit movement of spirituous alcohol in Louisiana and Mississippi. In later years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gaetano ‘Guy’ N. Uchello (1895-1962) , Salvador F. ‘Sam’ Uchello (1908-1996) and Louis C. Uchello were involved in illegal casino style gambling in several night clubs on the ‘Biloxi strip’.
Annie Bell Denson Uchello (1925-2004), native of Stone County, Mississipp was assaulted in her home and expired from her injuries at Biloxi on February 29, 2004. She had been the wife of James Adron Denson (1921-2000) and lived at Mantachie, Itawamba County, Mississippi. Annie came to Biloxi in 1980 and married Salvador 'Sam' F. Uchello Jr. (1907-1996) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 24, 1984. He passed on February 22, 1996.(The Sun Herald, March 2, 2004, p. A1 and p. A5 and Harrison Co., Mississipi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 382)
The Sun Herald, 'Annie Denson Uchello', March 2, 2004, p. A5.
The Times-Picayune, 'Over the River', May 2, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, 'Action against gaming asked', December 1, 1961.
- 2806 views
Jackson Family
Jackson Family ray Fri, 12/27/2013 - 11:43Ocean Springs
Several years before he retired to Biloxi, Dr. Absalom Jackson and his small family resided at Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a small resort community, on the east side of the Bay of Biloxi. Here in June 1894, Dr. Jackson leased and managed the Ocean Springs Hotel. Charles L. Dyer in Along The Gulf (1895), lauded The Jacksons’ management of this resort as follows:
They have the best accommodations for excursionists, commercial travelers and families, and, as Ocean Springs is unsurpassed for healthfulness, being free from epidemics, etc. it makes one of the prettiest spots on the coast at which to pass a vacation. Guests of the hotel can be served with mineral water from the famous marble springs controlled by them...
Dr. Ab Jackson renewed his lease for another year as indicated by this line in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star of October 11, 1895: Dr. A. Jackson has leased that popular hostelry, the Ocean Springs Hotel, which will continue under his excellent management for another year.
In late February 1898, Dr. W.C. Jackson, a prominent medical practitioner at Montgomery, and a brother of Dr. Ab Jackson, visited him at the Ocean Springs Hotel. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 25, 1898, p. 3)
After leaving the Ocean Springs Hotel, probably after the fall season of 1898, Dr. and Mrs. Jackson relocated to the Mobile area operating the Spring Hotel in 1900.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 2, 1900, p. 3) This is corroborated somewhat by the fact that in November 1898, Dr. Jackson’s son, Ab Jackson III, went to Mobile employed with the YMCA as a stenographer.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 25, 1898, p. 3)
New management arrived at the old hostelry on Biloxi Bay, in May 1899, when F.M. Allen of Chicago took control of the Ocean Springs Hotel.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 26, 1899, p. 3)
Biloxi
In October 1903, Absalom Jackson II located to the Mexican Gulf, resort town of Biloxi, Mississippi. Initially, the Jacksons were guest of Colonel Harrison Smith Hyatt (1833-1906), a New York native and solicitor formerly of Ocean Springs. Here he practiced dentistry.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 6, 1903, p. 3)
The Election
In July 1910, Dr. Ab Jackson entered the political arena at Biloxi. He ran to represent the people of the 2nd Ward, as their city alderman. A local journal related the following about Ab Jackson’s political advent:
Dr. A. Jackson is well known to the voters of Biloxi. For the past nine years he has been a resident of the city, engaged in the practice of his profession-dentistry. Prior to coming to Biloxi he successfully conducted for eight years the Ocean Springs Hotel, since destroyed by fire, and during its existence one of the largest institutions of its kind on the Coast. Should Dr. Jackson be elected he will no doubt prove a valuable member of that body.(The Ocean Springs News, July 23, 1910, p. 1)
he Biloxi Democratic Party held its first primary elections on August 22, 1910. Dr. Jackson faced E.H. Benedict and Frank B. Castanera (1870-1934). He place third receiving 28% of the ballots cast, but qualified for the second primary race against Mr. Castanera.(The Daily Herald, August 23, 1910, p. 1)
Dr. Jackson withdrew from the race, only days before the second Democratic primary was held on August 29, 1910. He gave no explanation for his quitting the contest against Mr. Castanera who was declared the winner. Age could have been a factor, as Dr. Jackson was approaching seventy years.(The Daily Herald, August 30, 1910, p. 1)
Death
Dr. Jackson and his wife both died at Biloxi in the care of their son, Ab Jackson III, who resided at 124 West Beach. Laura Scott Jackson expired on January 5, 1922. After funeral services at her son’s residence, her corporal remains were sent via the L&N Railroad to Auburn, Alabama for perpetual internment. At Biloxi, Mrs. Jackson was a dedicated Methodist and attended services and worked diligently at the Main Street Methodist Church. In addition, she commenced the first chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy at Biloxi. At the time of her demise, Dr. Jackson was residing at Bayou La Batre, Alabama.(The Daily Herald, January 5, 1922, p. 4)
Dr. Ab Jackson followed his spouse in death on October 28, 1925. Like his spouse, his corporal remains were sent by the L&N Railroad to Auburn, Alabama for internment.(B-O’K Bk. 14, p. 3 and The Daily Herald, October 28, 1925, p. 1)
His great grandson, Glenn Andrews II of Anniston, Alabama, relates that Ab Jackson II was buried in his Confederate States of America military uniform. Dr. Jackson vowed that if the South lost the Civil War that he would never shave his face. Needless to say, he died with a very long beard!(Glenn Andrews II, August 3, 2001)
Absalom Jackson III (1879-1959)
Absalom Jackson III was known in Harrison County, Mississippi as Absalom Jackson Sr. He was born on March 16, 1879 at Auburn, Alabama, the son of Absalom Jackson II and Laura Scott. Ab Jackson III married Willie Houston Miller. Their children were: Absalom Jackson IV (1909-1976) and Ethel Jackson Andrews (1911-2001), the spouse of Glenn Andrews, of Anniston, Alabama.(HARCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 41,571-1960)
Ab Jackson Sr. made his livelihood as a hotelier and entrepreneur. At various stages in his career, he had managed the Union Hotel at Meridian, Mississippi, the Cawthorn Hotel in Mobile, and the Bienville Hotel of New Orleans. He had other affiliations with the Lessee Scoville Hotel in Atlanta and Chattanooga’s Ester Hotel. Mr. Jackson had also been the auditor for The Battle House at Mobile. At Mobile, he also commenced the Marine Supply Company. In addition, Ab Jackson III had been employed by the Federal government’s income tax division in Washington D.C.(The Daily Herald August 22, 1959, p. 2)
Prior to his hotel career, Ab Jackson III had matriculated to the Alabama Polytechnical Institute, now called Auburn University, for his education. Jackson’s military service was highlighted by his participation in the Spanish American War of 1898. At Auburn, he had been an Alpha Tau Omega. Mr. Jackson was an honorary member of the SCS Society in Mobile, Sons of Confederate veterans, and worshipped with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.(Ibid., p. 2)
Ab Jackson III expired at the Wayside Rest Home at 113 Davis Avenue in Long Beach, Mississippi on August 22, 1959. His corporal remains were sent to the Oakwood Cemetery at Montgomery, Alabama for eternal rest.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 42, p. 138)
Absalom Jackson IV (1909-1976)
Absalom Jackson IV was born on November 9, 1909, at Mobile, Alabama, the son of Absalom Jackson III and William "Willie" and "Bill" Houston Miller. In 1941, he married Edythe Glass (b. 1915?-1976+), a Californian. They had two children: Grace Tyler Jackson Dotterer and Absalom Jackson V. The Jacksons divorced in April 1960, at Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. In 1974, Ab Jackson IV married Yalye Leiton-Reyes of San Jose, Costa Rica. He expired in the Central American capitol on July 16, 1976. .(HARCO, Ms. 2nd JD Chancery Court Cause No. 6041-1976)
Ab Jackson IV attended Biloxi public schools. He graduated with the Biloxi High Class of 1927 on June 3, 1927, as valedictorian. Ab compiled a 92 average in his scholastic work, which was three points higher than the salutatorian, Grace Watson. For his efforts, he was awarded an academic scholarship to Tulane University at New Orleans. Mr. Jackson declined the honor, as his desire was to attend Princeton University of the Ivy League.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1927)
During the commencement exercises of June 3, 1927, Ab Jackson delivered the valedictory address. His speech related that the seniors had certain regrets about leaving school and that companions of twelve years were about to drift away on the winds of fate. In addition, he emphasized that they would be alone now as their comradeship was ending. The class was at a crossroads in their life, soon to part for a new life. At the ceremony, Professor Ditto presented Ab Jackson the second place chemistry medal for his essay in the State contest.(The Daily Herald, June 4, 1927)
Ab Jackson matriculated to Princeton University in New Jersey, and graduated with high honors. While at Princeton, he was a member of the Cloister Inn Club. After college, Mr. Jackson relocated to the Crescent City where he found employment with the public relations department of the City of New Orleans. Ab Jackson also worked for the International House, the National Bank of New Orleans, and served as secretary of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.(The Sun Herald, July 18, 1976, p. A-2)
In his holography written in 1975, Mr. Jackson appointed his daughter, Tyler Dotterer of Yorba Linda, California, as the executrix of his estate. His real property was divided amongst his spouse and children. Ab Jackson IV also requested that his corporal remains be sent to the Oakwood Cemetery at Montgomery, Alabama for internment. (HARCO, Ms. 2nd JD Chancery Court Cause No. 6041-1976)
According to his nephew, Glenn Andrews II (b. 1940), Mrs. Jackson’s corporal remains were interred in Costa Rica.(Glenn Andrews II, August 3, 2001)
Mr. Jackson’s real estate at Biloxi consisted of his old family home, the former Palmer House at West Beach, and several lots in Jackson County, Mississippi. Ethel Jackson Andrews, his sister and spouse of Glenn Andrews, owned an undivided one-half interest these properties. Ethel Jackson Andrews expired on February 4, 2001, at Anniston, Calhoun, County, Alabama.(SSDI)
Absalom Jackson V
A resident of Clermont, California in 1974. His sister, Grace Tyler Dotterer married Ivan Dotterer, circa 1969. They resided at 17351 Lawndale Place, Yorba Linda, California 92686 in 1976.(HARCO, Ms. 2nd JD Chancery Court Cause No. 6041-1976)
In 2001, Ab Jackson V resides at 3517 Chartres Street in New Orleans. He is a sculptor and potter. Ab is also a musician and writer. His nom de plume is David Nash and in recent years has preferred to be known as such. Tyler J. Dotterer is a Duke University Mathematics graduate. She and her husband worked in the aerospace industry in California, prior to their recent retirement. They are now traveling the continental United States via motorhome.(Glenn Andrews II, August 2, 2001)
REFERENCES:
Bradford O-Keefe Burial Book 11,“Laura Scott Jackson”, (Biloxi Public Library: Biloxi, Mississippi)
Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 14,“Ab Jackson Sr.”, (Biloxi Public Library: Biloxi, Mississippi)
Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 42, “Ab Jackson Jr.”, (Biloxi Public Library: Biloxi, Mississippi)
Charles L. Dyer,Along The Gulf, (Trinity
Chancery Court Causes
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 41, 571, “The Estate of Absalom Jackson Sr”, September 1960.
Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd Judicial District Chancery Court Cause No. 6041, “The Estate of Absalom Jackson IV”, 1976.
Journals
The Daily Herald, “Interesting Primary Election in Biloxi”, August 23, 1910.
The Daily herald, “Elmer and Swanzy are Nominated”, August 30, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“Beloved Woman Passes Away”, January 5, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Confederate Soldier Dies”, October 28, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi High Commencement”, June 3, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Wonderful Program Marks Biloxi High Graduation”, June 4, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Long Illness Fatal To Ab. Jackson Sr.”, August 22, 1959.
The PascagoulaDemocrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, October 11, 1895:
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, February 25, 1898.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”,
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, November 25, 1898.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, May 26, 1899.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”,
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, February 2, 1900.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, November 6, 1903.
The Ocean Springs News, “Dr. Jackson Goes Into Politics in Biloxi”, July 23, 1910.
The Sun Herald, “Ab Jackson”, July 8, 1976, p. A-2.
Personal Communication:
Glenn Andrews II-telephone conversation on August 3, 2001.
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Joachim Family
Joachim Family
Benjamin F. Joachim
Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Joachim (1847-1925), a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Rosa Madeline Bokenfohr (1861-1934), also a native of the Crescent City, were the progenitors of the Joachim families of Ocean Springs and Biloxi. Ben’s parents, Peter Joachim (1819-1862) and Barbara Dauenhauer (1822-1894), were natives of Bavaria, Germany.
Barbara Dauenhauer was born at Dahn, Sudwestpfalz, Rhine-Palantinate. She expired at New Orleans on November 30, 1894.(The Daily Picayune, December 1, 1894, p. 4)
Magdalena Gerentz Merkel Bokenfohr (1823-1913)
Rosa’s parents were William Frederick Bokenfohr (1823-1886), a German immigrant, and Magdalena Gerentz Merkel (1823-1913), a native of Gegenwort, Alsace, Germany. B.F. Joachim and Rosa M. Bokenfohr married at New Orleans on February 24, 1881. From this union five children were born: B.F. “Frank” Joachim II (1882-1970), Josephine E. Joachim Lee (1884-1927), Frederick W. Bokenfohr Joachim (1886-1887), Uriah S. “Jack” Joachim (1888-1970), and Elizabeth B. “Queenie” Joachim Potin (1891-1932).(Ellison, 1991, pp. 71-73 and Laura Joachim via Ancestry.com)
New Orleans
Ben Joachim began working at the age of nine as a messenger boy for the Quartermaster’s Corps at the Government barracks in New Orleans. When the Civil War ended, he and his brother established the Joachim Brothers, an organization that oversaw the distribution of all daily-published newspapers in the Crescent City. By the late 1880s, B.F. Joachim had been financial successful but his health was in shambles from years of toil and stress. Like many others, he sought the salubrious environment of Ocean Springs to recuperate and restore his ailing physical and mental maladies.(The Jackson County Times, January 24, 1925, p. 1)
Fourth Street Fire
On March 30, 1894, a large conflgration on Fourth Street in the Crescent City destroyed several Joachim properties. Peter M. Joachim (1857-1927) owned a double, one-story frame house at No. 89 and No. 91 Fourth Street. He was domiciled at No. 89 Fourth Street and it was totally destroyed and insured for $2600 [building and contents]. Barbara Joachim, his mother, owned No. 97 and No. 99 Fourth Street and it suffered only $20 in fire related damages. She did not live here.(The Daily Picayune, March 31, 1894. p. 14)
Ocean Springs-The Joachim Cottage
In January 1887 and June 1887, Ben Joachim began acquiring land from John M. Hollingsworth (1814-1891) and Dr. Milton Clay Vaughan (1832-1903) along LaFontaine Avenue west of the present day Ocean Springs Harbor. Here he built a tourist home called the Joachim Cottage.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 8 , pp. 723-724 and Bk. 11, p. 88)
Mr. Joachim advertised his enterprise in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star on August 10, 1894 as:
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JOACHIM COTTAGE B.F. Joachim, Proprietor Board by the Day, Week, or Month
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The Joachim Cottage was also advertised in The Daily Picayune as follows:
JOACHIM COTTAGE
Ocean Springs, Mississippi
High and Healthy location; undivided attention to excursionists.
(June 29, 1894, p. 5)
In early August 1895, Peter Joachim and spouse left NOLA to spend two months as guests of the Joachim Cottage at Ocean Springs.(The Daily Picayune, August 4, 1895, p. 7)
In 1898, in addition to being the proprietor of a resort property, B.F. Joachim was employed by his brother-in-law, Jac Bokenfohr, as his Mississippi Gulf Coast sales representative. Mr. Bokenfohr was a produce merchant based in New Orleans. Ben Joachim worked seven years for the Bokenfohr firm before retiring.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 8, 1898, p. 3 and The Jackson County Times, January 24, 1925, p. 1)
The Joachim Cottage at Ocean Springs appears to have ceased operations in the spring of 1899. The Daily Picayune related-"Many people in NOLA will regret to know that the Joachim Cottage so long a summer home, will not be open to guests this summer.(The Daily Picayune, June 25, 1899, p 3)
In June 1902, Ben Joachim vended the Joachim Cottage property on LaFontaine Avenue at Ocean Springs, Mississippi to Dr. O.L. Bailey (1870-1938).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 24, pp. 633-634)
B.F. Joachim House [in background]
Originally, No. 13 Bowen, on the northwest corner of Bowen Avenue and Kotzum, the Joachim house was demolished in the late 1940s. The young man in the fore ground is Earl Brumfield.
1902 B.F. Joachim house
It appears that after selling the Joachim Cottage, Ben Joachim erected on the northwest corner of Bowen and Kotzum what was described as, “one of the most attractive homes at Ocean Springs”. The Joachim home at 13 Bowen Avenue was a large, two-story, frame dwelling with a cross-gabled roof, which featured imbricated shingles in the gables. It had large wrap around, ballustraded galleries, which were supported by turned posts. The B.F. Joachim lots, Lot 4 and Lot 6 of Block 1 in the Kotzum Addition, were acquired from Dr. O.L. Bailey, in June 1902.(Ocean Springs, Ms.-1915, JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk.25, pp. 17-18)
The Joachim house was acquired by William P. Spiers (1898-1960), a native of Carriere, Mississippi, and Mary Tyress Spiers (1900-1976), his spouse, in December 1941, from the Ocean Springs State Bank. The Spiers conveyed it to Noel C. Wells in January 1949.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 72, pp. 35-36; Bk. 104, pp. 310-311)
Noel C. Wells (1907-1987) came to Biloxi from Harahan, Louisiana and operated the Biloxi Sewing Machine Shop at 434 Reynoir Street. He had the old B.F. Joachim home demolished and contracted with Clarence E. Galle (1912-1986) to build a four unit apartment building.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 21, 1949, p. 5)
Dr. Richard T. Furr, the current owner of this property, bought it from the Wells family in March 1983. The Furr family owns a two-story, tenement house here today at Bowen Avenue.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 758, p. 263)
The Builder’s Supply Company
The Builder’s Supply Company was incorporated in the State of Mississippi in 1905, by George W. Davis (1842-1914), E.S. Davis (1859-1925), Dr. Jasper J. Bland (1850-1932), J.L. Clark (1850-1914), Peter Geiger (1858-1923), W.H. Bell, Frank Marquez (1840-1914), George E. Arndt (1857-1945), Joseph A. Wieder (1877-1960), John Burr (1875-1916), B.F. Joachim (1847-1925), Narcisse Seymour (1849-1931) and H.C. Seymour (1876-1913). B.F. Joachim was the manager of this local enterprise, which was situated on Old Fort Bayou, just north of Dr. Powell’s Bayou Inn, now Ronnie Hamilton’s Aunt Jenny’s Catfish Restaurant. Here Ben Joachim sold lumber, shingles, molding, brick, and associated building products. Two local lumber mills supplied the wood products for Mr. Joachim’s bayou lumberyard. Some of the local extant buildings at Ocean Springs that utilized the Builder’s Supply Company materials for their construction were: The 1912 Albert C. Gottsche grocery store, now the Blossman Gas Building at 809 Washington Avenue; the 1913 Farmers and Merchants Bank Building at 929 Washington Avenue; and the 1913 Joseph E. Catchot-Sam Guagliardo residence formerly at 1109 Ames Avenue, which was demolished by Maria Mavar in 1990.(Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 1915, p. 37)
The land in Section 19, T7S-R8W, where the Builder’s Supply Company was located Old Fort Bayou was acquired in June and July 1905, by George W. Davis and E.S. Davis. They bought approximately .65 acres from William Eugene Shaw and Sarah S. Shaw of Winneshiek County, Iowa. The parcel had a frontage on Old Fort Bayou of one hundred forty-two feet and the sale included the warehouse and wharf on the Shaw tract. This plot was once owned by Antonio Franco (1834-1891) and his spouse, Jane Rodriquez Franco (1844-1915), who conveyed it to Jesse B. Shaw in May 1890. The Widow Franco sold Messrs. Davis a narrow tract, fifty feet by one hundred sixty-eight feet in July 1905. (JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 33, p. 4; Bk. 11, pp. 149-150; Bk. 33, p. 5; and Bk. 33, p. 6)
In October 1907, the Davis Brothers conveyed these lands to the Builder’s Supply Company for $630. In general terms, the Davis lands conveyed were described as: bounded on the north by Old Fort Bayou; east by Jane Franco and E.M. Westbrook; south by Iberville Avenue; and west by Dr. O.L. Bailey.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 33, pp. 6-7)
In September 1915, Mrs. Emma A. Powell sold Builder’s Supply a small strip of land on their eastern boundary with her. It measured twenty feet by sixty-six feet.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 57, pp. 568-569)
Sale
Before his demise in January 1925, B.F. Joachim had acquired all the stock of the Builder’s Supply Company. In June 1925, his legatees conveyed the Builder’s Supply Company to Captain Ellis Handy (1891-1963) for $5500. The sale included: sheds, machinery, and improvements.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, pp. 629-630 and The Daily Herald, June 3, 1925, p. 5)
In late May 1925, Captain Handy announced his purchase of the business and planned to take over the daily operations on June 15th. He planned to enlarge the business and trade in multiple types of building materials.(The Jackson County Times, May 30, 1925, p. 3)
Ellis Handy advertised his business in early June 1925, as follows:
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The Builders Supply Co. Will endeavor to maintain a high standard of service and expand to meet the desires and demands of the community, advancing with the progressive growth promised to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. PHONE 74 Ellis Handy Ocean Springs, Miss. |
Joachim’s expire
Rosa B. Joachim expired at Ocean Springs, on January 19, 1934. She was survived by two sons, B.F. “Frank” Joachim Jr. of New Orleans and U.S. “Jack” Joachim of Biloxi; two sisters, Elizabeth B. Brand and Lena B. Burgunder; and two brothers, J.B. Bokenfohr, and Jack Bokenfohr. In addition, Mrs. Joachim had thirteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her corporal remains were sent to New Orleans for burial in the Joachim family tomb in the Metairie Cemetery. Ben Joachim had been interred here after his demise on January 13, 1925, at New Orleans, Louisiana.( The Jackson County Times, January 20, 1934, p. , The Daily Herald, January 20, 1934, p. 2 and The Jackson County Times, January 27, 1934, p. 3)
B.F. JOACHIM II
B.F. Joachim II (1882-1970), called Frank, was born at New Orleans, Louisiana on December 19, 1882. He married Magdalena Schmidt (1882-1971), called Lena, who was born March 10, 1882, at Ocean Springs. She was the daughter of Charles E. Schmidt (1851-1886) and Laura Coyle (1857-1931). Their children were: Mark Oscar Joachim (1904-1955), B.F. Joachim III (1908-1974), and Mary Frances Joachim Milner (1916-1987). In April 1903, a young Frank Joachim had a close call with the grim reaper at Gulfport. While attempting to board the moving Coast Train, he fell sustaining acute contusions to his face.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 10, 1903, p.3)
The Riviera Livery and Transfer Company
This transportation company was owned by Frank Joachim and was organized after his partnership in Joachim & Toler had ended. Joachim & Toler were in business as early as May 1914, when they added a Ford touring car to their taxi fleet which had previously consisted of one Ford and a Studebaker.(The Ocean Springs News, May 23, 1914)
Dan C. Toler (1876-1939) had been born in Alabama of North Carolina parentage. He married Dora Ramsay (1871-1941), the daughter of Sardin G. Ramsay (1837-1920) and Lula Ramsay (1851-1886). Mr. Toler acquired the Government Street feed store and livery stable of Calvin E. Dees (1877-1954) in February 1909. In December 1910, Mr. Toler sold his business to Dr. O.L. Bailey (1870-1938) who turned it quickly to T.J. Ames (1876-1927). This transaction left Ocean Springs with only two stable owners, J.J. O’Keefe (1859-1911) and T.J. Ames, which were considered adequate for the population and commerce. By 1920, Mr. Toler and family had moved to Vancleave, Mississippi where he was a superintendent of a logging railroad.(The Ocean Springs News, February 27, 1909 and December 24, 1910)
By 1915, Frank Joachim was operating as Joachim’s Livery and Transfer Company and advertised as follows:
Joachim’s Livery and Transfer CompanyB.F. Joachim, Jr. Prop. Automobile service by the day, hour or tripSpecial attention given to country tripsTelephone, 59 Ocean Springs, Miss. (from: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1915) |
C.E. Schmidt (1904-1988), former Mayor and author of Ocean Springs French Beachhead (1972), related in 1967, that his father, Frank E. Schmidt (1877-1954), circa 1910, built a two-story building on the northwest corner of Washington and Desoto for Frank Joachim to house his livery operation. Mr. Joachim remained here as the local Ford dealer post-1920. The business here was called “Joachim’s Livery-autos, carriages, and wagons”(The Ocean Springs News, February 16, 1967, p. 3)
Ice price war
In April 1920, Frank Joachim began vending ice on the streets of Ocean Springs. A Biloxi dealer was his supplier. The local icehouse sold ice for $1.00 per 100 pounds of ice. Joachim cut the price to $.70 per 100 pounds commencing an immediate price war with the Ocean Springs iceman. Instantly, the price of ice was dropped to $.40 per 100 pounds of ice by the local ice supplier.(The Jackson County Times, April 24, 1920, p. 5)
Ford and Fordson Dealer
In mid-1920, Frank Joachim acquired the Ford dealership at Ocean Springs. It had previously been franchised to Helveston & Bell who operated from the Horton building on Washington Avenue. Mr. Joachim planned to set up a Ford service center and sell automotive parts for Ford vehicles. (The Jackson County Times, January 12, 1918, p. 5, March 6, 1920, p. 5, and December 25, 1920, p. 3)
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Notice To The Public I have been appointed the authorized Ford dealer for this territory and can make prompt delivery. A carload due this week. Full line of Ford parts. Ford Service Station to be installed. FRANK JOACHIM (The Jackson County Times, December 25, 1920, p. 2) |
1920 Auto facts
At this time, there were approximately 55,000 motorcars in Mississippi. Hinds County with 2008 automobiles lead the State. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Harrison County had 1300 cars; Jackson County 700; and Hancock County only 350.(The Jackson County Times, March 6, 1920, p. 5)
On January 1, 1920, Henry Ford of Detroit issued an $8,000,000 bonus to his 80,000 automotive workers. Skilled employees who earned $10.80 per day and with five years tenure were given $270. Laborers who were at the $6.00 per day pay scale received $50. This remuneration was in addition to that earned in Mr. Ford’s profit-sharing plan.(The Jackson County Times, January 17, 1920, p. 5)
Joachim garage notes
In April 1921, Frank Joachim sold two Fordson tractors to locals in time for springs plowing. Gus Nelson and the Hamill Farm were the recipients of this fine machine, which could perform all tasks that its advertisements proclaimed.(The Jackson County Times, April 6, 1921, p. 3)
In July 1921, Frank Joachim reported that he has been unable to make Ford motorcar deliveries because the national demand for Ford automobiles had created a shortage. Mr. Joachim expected a carload of Fords within the next few days.(The Jackson County Times, July 2, 1921, p. 5)
In January 1922, Frank Joachim advertised his auto sales inventory as follows: Touring Car $348; Regular runabout $319; Regular chassis $285; Coupe $580; Sedan $645; One-ton truck $430; and the Fordson tractor $625. All prices f.o.b. Detroit.(The Jackson County Times, January 28, 1922, p. 5)
In March 1922, The Jackson County Times, reported that Frank Joachim led all Ford dealers in the district in percentage of sales in February 1922, and that it appears that he will excel his previous month record.(The Jackson County Times, March 11, 1922)
In June 1922, the Joachim Livery Stable acquired a seven passenger Buick.(The Daily Herald, June 17, 1922, p. 7)
Early December 1922 saw Frank Joachim install a modern radio set in his Washington Avenue garage. He invited everyone to visit in the evenings and listen to concerts broadcast from Forth Worth, Houston, Atlanta, and Jefferson City, Missouri.(The Daily Herald, December 6, 1922, p. 2)
In May 1923, Harry R. Lee (1903-1951) joined the sales staff of the Joachim Ford agency.(The Jackson County Times, May 12, 1923, p. 5)
In March 1924, Ford representatives rated the Joachim dealership at Ocean Springs as Class A, the highest rating possible.(The Jackson County Times, March 22, 1924, p. 5)
Joachim Building
The Joachim building was located on the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Desoto on the west three-quarters of Lot 6-Block 24 (Culmseig Map-1854). Originally, the large home of R.A. VanCleave (1840-1908), pioneer entrepreneur at Ocean Springs and namesake of Vancleave, Mississippi, was situated here. It was erected in the winter of 1891, and burned circa 1905.(The Biloxi Herald, February 7, 1891, p. 1)
In January 1906, the VanCleave family sold their family residence property on Washington Avenue to Hannah Johnson, the spouse of William Johnson (d. 1922), an L&N conductor. In 1904, the Johnsons had built a home at present day 306 Washington Avenue, popularly known as the Holloway house.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 30, pp. 455-456)
Mrs. Johnson conveyed her Washington Avenue corner lot to B.F. Joachim II in March 1916, for $3250. Here sometimes in the early 1920s, Frank Joachim erected a large two-story masonry building to house his Ford dealership. In Late March 1931, Mr. Joachim vended his building to Frank B. Faessel (1870-1953) for $7500. It appears that the Joachim Ford agency failed during the early years of the Depression. The depressed economic situation during this era was reflected in July 1936, when Mr. Faessel sold the Joachim building to The United Poultry Producers, a co-op of poultry and eggs producers, he took a large capital loss as the selling price was only $3250.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 58, p. 440, Bk. 64, pp. 229-230, and Bk. 69, p. 151)
It is believed that Frank Joachim relocated to New Orleans for many years, before returning to Ocean Springs after WWII.(Mark G. Joachim, January 6, 2004)
Texaco dealer
Frank Joachim took over management of the local Texaco dealership in early July 1947. This station was situated on the old J.P. VanCleave property on the SE/C of Washington and Porter. Texaco acquired this parcel from W.S. VanCleave in June 1930.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 63, p. 479)
Mr. Joachim advertised his new venture in the local journal as follows:
TEXACO SERVICE STATIONHaving taken over the management of the local Texaco Service Station as of July 1st, I shall appreciate your patronage. FRANK JOACHIM“Will You Please Give Me A Trial? I Will Try To Please You” (The Jackson County Times, July 6, 1947, p. 8) |
In November 1948, Frank Joachim remodeled his Texaco service station. Two new subterranean storage tanks with a 10,000-gallon storage capacity were installed. Gasoline distribution to patrons was supplied by two new pumps, which were approached on a newly resurfaced driveway. In addition, Mr. Joachim had two sanitary restrooms for the convenience of his customers.(The Jackson County Times, November 24, 1948, p. 1)
Texaco sold this station to Clovis H. Barnett in March 1977. Howard R. Barnett acquired it in November 1983 and vended it to Mohler Tidy car in December 1986. The Robert Mohler family still manage and operate the station and will soon open a deli-diner, to compliment their mini-mart.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 586 , p. 342, Bk. 777, p. 192, and Bk. 877, p. 100)
Youkey-Joachim house
The Frank Joachim home is extant at present day 1208 Porter Avenue. It is situated on Lot 8 and a part of Lot 7 in Block 2 of the H.F. Russell Subdivision. John K. Youkey (1848-1922), the builder, and family came to Ocean Springs from Cottage Hill, Florida in October 1911. Initially they rented the Meyers’ cottage on Church Street. The Meyer’s cottage, now owned by Laura Ederer Bolton, is more familiarly known to today’s older generation as the Scharr house.(The Ocean Springs News, October 7, 1911, p. 5)
In late December 1911, Mr. J.K. Youkey acquired several lots in Block 2 of the Russell Subdivision fronting on Porter Avenue from H.F. Russell. Consideration for the parcels was $350. It is assumed the Youkey’s erected their home here in 1912.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, p. 525)
Mr. Youkey was a native of Ohio. He married Helen M. Douglass (1856-1928), an Indiana lassie, and the daughter of Jackson Douglas and Mary Lee. Youkey was a War of the Rebellion veteran having served with Co. H of the 135th Indiana Infantry.(Bradford O’Keefe Burial Bk. 17, p. 39)
Frank Joachim acquired the Youkey house from Walter G. Armstrong (1878-1945) in May 1944. It is believed that Mr. Joachim had been in New Orleans since the collapse of his automobile business at Ocean Springs, during the Depression.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 85, pp. 378-379)
The Heirs of B.F. Joachim Jr. conveyed their parents’ home to Neil H. Ballard (1920-1984) in July 1971.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 410, p. 528 and JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 17286)
Joachim Farm
In April 1925, A.E. Olsen sold his 16-acre lot, orange and pecan grove and residence at Bayou Puerto to Frank Joachim (1882-1970) and Uriah Sylvester “Jack” Joachim (1888-1977) for $8000. This was the old homestead of Thomas N. Hanson (1810-1900), a Dane who became locally renown for his wine making. The Olsen place was situated in Section 24, T7S-R9W in US Government Lot 3. Here the Joachim brothers produced the “Giraffe” pecan.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, p. 80 and The Daily Herald, October 12, 1925, p. 1)
The Joachim brothers turned this venture into a handsome profit when they conveyed this site to H.W. Branigar of Gulf Hills for $45,000 in November 1925.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 55, p. 80 and Bk. 57, pp. 88-90)
B.F. “Frank” Joachim II expired on March 12, 1970. Less than a year later, his wife passed on February 18, 1971. Both were interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou.
Children of Frank and Lena Schmidt Joachim
Mark O. Joachim
Mark Oscar Joachim (1904-1955), called Oscar, made his early livelihood at Ocean Springs with his father in his Ford auto sales and service organization. He was a graduate of the Soule Business College at New Orleans. In 1929, Oscar Joachim was elected city clerk after the retirement of long time city clerk, James Lynch (1852-1935). He served in this capacity until he was replaced in 1942, by Sadie Catchot Hodges (1894-1973). At the time of his demise in July 1955, Mr. Joachim was bookkeeper for Blossman Gas. He was also a public accountant.(Schmidt, 1972, pp. 135-136 and The Daily Herald, July 18, 1955, p. 2)
Oscar Joachim had married Miss Mary Gough (1902-1978), the daughter of Mrs. A.E. Gough of Malvern, Arkansas, at St. Alphonsus Church in early June 1927. Miss Gough was an alumnus of the University of Arkansas. She was a teacher in the local grammar school. Miss Amy Quick attended Miss Gough.(The Jackson County Times, June 11, 1927, p. 3)
In July 1929, Mrs. L.A. Wilcox of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the sister of Mary Gough Joachim, came with her spouse and mother, for her first visit to Ocean Springs.(The Jackson County Times, July 20, 1929, p. 3)
Mrs. Joachim ran for political office in 1965, and was elected alderman for Ward 4 defeating former mayor, Charles Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988). She passed at Grand Bay, Alabama in late November 1978. Mary G. Joachim had taught elementary school at Ocean Springs for thirty years as a classroom instructor and six as a substitute teacher.(The Ocean Springs Record, November 30, 1978, p. 2)
Children
Oscar and Mary G. Joachim were the parents of: Mark Oscar Joachim II (1928-1994) and Ann Joachim Donaghey (c. 1932-c. 1986).
Oscar Joachim bungalow
The Oscar Joachim bungalow is situated at present day 300 Washington Avenue. This structure was built in 1917, by Carrie Johnson Garrard (1886-1968), the widow of Joseph B. Garrard (1871-1915). Mrs. Garrard purchased the lot, which is on the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Ocean, from Mrs. Albert G. Tebo (1853-1918) in August 1916.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 42, pp. 516-517)
In 1924, Carrie Johnson Garrard (1886-1968) married Alexander Fleet Everhart (1881-1957). According to local realtors, the house was utilized for rentals until Mark O. Joachim, Sr. (1904-1955) purchased it in 1943.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 83, pp. 275-276)
Fire
The Oscar Joachim home burned on December 17, 1946. Young Ann Joachim was rescued from the second story by her father. He suffered facial burns and smoke inhalation. The house was severely damaged, but not destroyed.(The Jackson County Times, December 21, 1946, p. 1)
First Presbyterian Church
In December 1955, shortly after Mr. Joachim's death, his widow, Mary G. Joachim, sold the house to the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs for $18,500. Mrs. Joachim relocated to a smaller home on Jackson Avenue. At this time, the Joachim home became known affectionately as "the Manse", the home of the minister.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 83, pp. 275-276)
The Manse became embroiled in controversy in the spring of 1992, when the Ocean Springs Historic Preservation Commission denied the request of the Presbyterians to remove the old structure in order to erect a new sanctuary on the site occupied by the Joachim house. After many months of discussion and compromise, the 1917 Garrard bungalow on Washington was saved and the new Presbyterian sanctuary was built on Ocean east of the 1887 church. On August 20, 1995, the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs dedicated its new sanctuary on Ocean Avenue.( The Mississippi Press, April 10, 1992, p. 4-A and The Ocean Springs Record, August 17, 1995, p. 3)
Mark Oscar Joachim II
Mark Oscar Joachim II, called Oscar, was born at Ocean Springs on September 6, 1928. After completing Notre Dame high school at Biloxi, where he was an outstanding quarterback, Oscar attended the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. In July 1947, Cadet Oscar Joachim embarked for a South American voyage aboard a United Fruit Company vessel.(The Jackson County Times, July 6, 1947, p. 8, Ann S. Joachim, January 12, 2004 and M.F. “Bud” Hodges, January 13, 2004 )
After completing his studies at Mississippi State University, Oscar married Catherine Ann Saucier of Pascagoula (b. 1934) on July 6, 1958. She was the daughter of Clifton Saucier (1896-1981) and Catherine Scholtes Saucier. They were the parents of Valerie Joachim Dedeaux.(JXCO, Ms. Circuit Court MR Bk. 97, p. 194 and Ann S. Joachim, January 12, 2004)
Circa 1956, Oscar Joachim became a resident of Pascagoula. Here he was employed as the County purchasing agent before becoming purchasing manager for Mississippi Chemical, where he remained for twenty-eight years. Oscar had served his country during the Korean War and was a Roman Catholic. He passed on November 15, 1994 at Pascagoula. Mr. Joachim’s corporal remains rest in the Jackson County Memorial Park cemetery in Pascagoula.(The Sun Herald, November 16, 1994, p. A-2)
Ann Joachim
Ann Joachim was a 1950 graduate of Ocean Springs High School where she was elected Miss OSHS, most popular girl, and senior class vice-president. Ann was extremely active in all phases of her school as she was in the band, led cheers, edited the school paper and annual, and played on the basketball squad.(Hi Daze, 1950, p. 5)
Pre- July 1955, Ann Joachim married Charles Donaghey. They resided at Oil City, Pennsylvania before relocating to Houston, Texas.(No further information)
B.F. Joachim III
Benjamin F. Joachim III (1908-1974), called B.F., was the second child of B.F. “Frank” Joachim II (1882-1970) and Magdalena “Lena” Schmidt (1882-1971). He was born at Ocean Springs on February 17, 1908. B.F. attended local schools until he went to Spring Hill College in Mobile for his higher education. He graduated from the Jesuit institution’s preparatory department in June 1927.(The Jackson County Times, June 11, 1927, p. 3)
In November 1932, B.F. Joachim shipped out of Mobile on the steamer, City of Alma, for London and other European ports. His ship was expected back in Mobile in January 1933. In April 1933, Joachim sailed aboard the steamship, President Harrison, owned by the Dollar Ship Line. The eight month voyage circumnavigated the planet disembarking at twenty-two ports in fourteen countries.(The Daily Herald, November 12, 1932, p. 2 and The Jackson County Times, December 23, 1933)
Aviation Radioman 1st Class, USN, B.F. Joachim married Kathryn Elizabeth Ernst (1906-1993), the daughter of John J. Ernst and Julie Ann O’Neil of Quincy, Illinois, on May 24, 1944, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs. The wedding breakfast was at Dale's in Ocean Springs. After a brief honeymoon, B.F. Joachim returned his duty station at Pensacola, Florida.(The Daily Herald, May 25, 1944, p. 4 and Jackson County, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 41, p. 115)
B.F. Joachim expired in January 1974, at Quincy, Illinois. Mrs. Joachim died at Quincy on March 24, 1993.(No further information)
Mary Frances Joachim
Mary Frances Joachim (1916-1987) was the last child of B.F. “Frank” Joachim II (1908-1974) and Magdalena “Lena” Schmidt (1882-1971). She married Walter Dermy Milner (1917-1980) of Gulfport, in early June 1939, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The young couple made their home in Jackson, Mississippi.(The Jackson County Times, June 10, 1939, p. 4)
The Milners had two children: Martha Milner, RSM, and Joseph Milner. Mary Frances Milner expired at Biloxi on April 5, 1987. Her remains interred in Evergreen Cemetery.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 9, 1987, p. 3)
JOSEPHINE E. JOACHIM
Josephine Eleanora Joachim (1884-1927) was born at New Orleans, Louisiana on August 21, 1884. In 1904, she graduated from the Soule Business College in New Orleans. Josephine married Robert Eugene Lee (1887-1927) of Vancleave, Mississippi in June 1909, at her father’s home in Ocean Springs. Houston Martin was the best man and Miss Queenie Joachim, attended her sister.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 1, 1904, p. 3 and The Ocean Springs News, June 19, 1909)
Josephine and R.E. Lee were the parents of: Rosemary Lee, Robert E. Lee Jr., Gretchen Lee (1917-1927), Helena Lee (b. 1921), and Jane Lee (1923-1927).
Family tragedy
In early November 1927, a devastating incident occurred in the Joachim family at New Orleans, when the car driven by Robert E. Lee was struck by the Sunset Limited, a fast passenger train of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Mr. Lee, his spouse, and five children were in the motorcar when it was rammed at the grade crossing on Shrewbury Road adjacent to Jefferson Park. Ironically, they had come to New Orleans from their suburban Southport home to place flowers on the grave of B.F. Joachim Sr. who was interred in the Metairie Cemetery. Rosemary Lee and R.E. Lee Jr. survived the crash while Mr. Lee, Josephine Joachim Lee, Gretchen Lee, Jane Lee, and Bernard Potin Jr. (1921-1927) were killed. Bernard Potin Jr. was the son of Queenie Joachim Potin, the sister of Josephine J. Lee. He had taken the place of Helena Lee in the car as she stayed with her Aunt Queenie in the Potin home situated at 410 Old Homestead Avenue, Bonnabel Place, Metairie. The Lee family members who died in the accident were all interred in a single tomb in the Metairie Cemetery.(The Jackson County Times, November 12, 1927, p. 1)
FREDERICK W. B. JOACHIM
Frederick William Bokenfohr Joachim (1886-1887) was born at New Orleans, Louisiana on July 27, 1886. He expired on October 10, 1887. No further information.
URIAH S. JOACHIM
Uriah Silvester “Jack” Joachim (1888-1977) was born on March 13, 1888 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He attended Soule Business School at New Orleans graduating in 1906. Joachim found employment as a bookkeeper for the Dantzler Commissary, a subsidiary of the L.N. Dantzler Lumber Company, at Vancleave. Later he worked with the J. & S. Company there. In 1908, U.S. Joachim relocated to Biloxi where he became an employee of the L. Lopez Company as a bookkeeper.(Lepre, 1991, p. 160 and The Daily Herald, January 31, 1977, p. A-2)
On November 14, 1912, at Nativity B.V.M. in Biloxi, U.S. Joachim married Stella Angelina Gillen (1892-1963), a native of Biloxi and the daughter of Mark J. Gillen (1840-1925), from County Mayo, Ireland, and Ellen Sheehan (1854-1931), a native of New Orleans. U.S. Joachim and Stella G. Joachim were the parents of Mark Gillen Joachim (1913-2011), Clare Joachim Maddox (1915-2009), John Schappert “Jack” Joachim (1916-2012), Harry Joseph Joachim (b. 1920), and Ruth Marylyn Joachim Janca.(1925-1989).(Mark Joachim, August 27, 1999)
Combel Hardware Store
By March 1918, U.S. Joachim had been promoted manager of the L. Lopez & Company operation on West Howard Avenue in Biloxi. At this time, he resigned incorporated with Leon F. Janin Jr. (1912-1957) and J.O. Clark, the Combel Hardware Company. The Combel store was founded at Biloxi in May 1902 by Joseph E. Combel (1853-1938), a native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Mr. Combel reasoned that Biloxi had a stronger potential for commercial growth than his natal city. At Biloxi, Joseph E. Combel had rented the Hagan Building at 217-219 West Howard Avenue on the SE/C of West Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street. He opened for business on May 1, 1902 and remained in business until March 1918.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 8, 1902, p. 8, The Daily Herald, March 25, 1918, p. 3, April 22, 1918, p. 5, The Jackson County Times, March 20, 1918, p. 7
Improving Combel store in 1922
In November 1922, Christian A. Thompson, Biloxi contractor, was hired to make vast improvements to the store building of the Combel Hardware Company on West Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street. Ninety linear feet of canopy sheds were installed on the building facing the two thoroughfares for appearance and pragmatically to afford pedestrian and customer protection from the elements. Four merchandising show windows were also installed by Mr. Thompson’s carpenters.(The Daily Herald, November 22, 1922, p. 3)
1927 Lease
In June 1927, U.S. Joachim, vice-president of Combel Hardware Company, took a five-year lease commencing on April 1, 1928 for $250 month from James V. Hagan (1874-1929), proprietor of the Hagan Building.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 175, p. 370)
Hotelman
Avelez Hotel Company
The Avelez Hotel Company was chartered in June 1946 by Uriah S. Joachim (1888-1977), Richard R. Guice, Adrian Weill (1903-1971), and Albert Sydney Johnston Jr.(Harrison County, Ms. Charter Bk. 93, p. 162)
Riviera Hotel
In December, Wilhelmina ‘Billie’ Sewell Roberts Sherrill Morse (1886-1982) vended the Riviera Hotel at Biloxi to the Avelez Hotel Company.(Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Combel’s Merchandise Mart
The Combel Hardware Company was managed and partially owned by U.S. Joachim evolved in 1948, into his wholly owned Combel’s Merchandise Mart. In April, Uriah S. Joachim announced plans to erect Combel's Merchandise Mart, a 4200 square-foot, commerical building, situated on the Lucille Caillavet property at West Howard Avenue and Thomas Street. The structure was designed by John T. Collins with G.C. Gardner of Ocean Springs as contractor. Joachim related that Combel's Hardware and Suppply Company at West Howard avenue and Magnolia Street will remain at its location of fifty years.(The Daily Herald, April 5, 1952, p. 9)
In addition to his hardware interests, U.S. Joachim was president of First Federal Savings and Loan and the Avelez Hotel. He was also a member of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, and Church of the Nativity of the B.V.M. Mr. Joachim expired in late January 1977. Stella Gillen Joachim, his wife of over fifty years, preceded him in death expiring on September 12, 1963. They rest eternally in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, January 31, 1977, p. A-2)
After the death of Stella G. Joachim, Mr. U.S. Joachim married Marie Ruth Hagan Brielmaier (1902-1977), the daughter of James Vinton Hagan (1874-1929) and Leila Marie Bousquet (1875-1936). Their nuptial vows were said on June 29, 1970 in Harrison County, Mississippi. Ruth Hagan had married Paul Rosell Brielmaier (1900-1958) in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 2, 1921. Ruth died on June 11, 1979 and her corporal remains were also interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 3, p. 107 and Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 156)
Children of Uriah S. Joachim and Stella Gillen Joachim
Mark G. Joachim
Mark Gillen Joachim (1913-2011) was born at Biloxi on November 24, 1913. On September 3, 1939, he married Lillie Catherine 'Putta' Chinn (1917-2002), the daughter of Richard Harvey Chinn and Edwardine Cannette (1889-1968). They were the parents of: Gary P. Joachim, Richard M. Joachim, David Joachim, and Cathy J. Bryant.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 50, p. 184)
Mark G. Joachim graduated from Biloxi High School in 1931 and attended Draughon's Business College. During WWII, he served his country as a Captain with the US Army Air Corps in the South Pacific. In September 1944, he had to bail out of a military aircraft, which developed engine trouble over West Virginia.(The Sun Herald, September 14, 1999, p. C-1)
Mr. Joachim made his livelihood in Combel's Hardware, the family hardware business in Biloxi, and in the Civil Service system at KAFB. In this capacity, he and Catherine relocated to the Nation's Capitol from 1938-1941 when he was employed with the Federal Housing Administration. Mark celebrated his 90th birthday at his Windsor Porte home in mid-November 2003. He was joined by siblings, children, and friends.(The Mississippi Press, December 31, 2003, p. 1)
Passing
Lillie C. Joachim after rearing her children returned to college and enriched her life with the new knowledge gained from computer science, voice, piano, and drama. In 1985, she commenced her career as a actress on local stages. Her theater resume included more than forty plays, musical, and concerts. In 1991, Lillie C. Joachim was awarded a Bravo Award for her best supporting actress role in the Biloxi Little Theater’s “Girls of the Garden Club”. Lillie expired on July 5, 2002. Her corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemtery in Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, July 7, 2002, p. A-9)
Mark Gillen Joachim passed on while residing with Cathy Joachim Bryant, his daughter, at Marietta, Georgia on July 22, 2011. He had left Ocean Springs after his home in Windsor Porte had been damaged by Hurricane Katrina. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemtery in Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, July 26, 2011, p. A-4)
Margaret Clare Joachim
Margaret Clare Joachim
Margaret Clare Joachim was (1915-2009) born at Biloxi on March 15, 1915. On February 3, 1940, she married Augustus Carl Maddox Jr. (1912-1996), a native of Magnolia, Arkansas, in her family home at 115 Hopkins Boulevard in Biloxi. Miss Joachim was very popular as a student at Biloxi High School serving as band sponsor in her junior and senior years. In April 1933, she won the honor in competition with Lucille Gutierrez, Sarah Dickey, and Gertrude Galle.(The Daily Herald, February 3, 1940, and April 20, 1933, p. 2)
The children of Margaret Clare and Carl Maddox were: Mike Maddox m. Mary Camille Traweek; Steve Maddox m. Faith Ohlmeyer; and Tim Maddox m. Diane Lirette. On February 18, 1950, their third son, Timothy Scott Maddox was born at Greenwood, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, February 20, 1950, p. 8 and The Sun Herald, November 29, 2009, p. A14)
Margaret Clare Joachim Maddox expired on October 24, 2009 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.(The Sun Herald, November 29, 2009, p. A14)
A. Carl Maddox
Carl Maddox, called “Clipboard”, attended Northwestern State University at Natchitoches, Louisiana from 1932-1934, before commencing a career in athletics for the remainder of his life. Carl successfully taught mathematics and coached high school football in Louisiana and Mississippi before going to LSU in 1954, where he coached football for five years and was on the staff that won the 1958 NCAA National Championship under Paul Dietzel.
While at Gulf Coast Military Academy, Carl Maddox made a very positive influence on the life of Kinnaird R. McKee (1930-2014), a young man, that went on to graduate from the US Naval Academy and become a four-star, Admiral in the US Navy and become Superintendent of the Naval Academy. Admiral Mckee graduated from the Gulf Coast Military Academy in 1947 and lauded Coach Maddox as follows: "To this day, I know that I got into the Naval Academy because of that man [Carl Maddox]."
Mr. Maddox became Athletic Director at LSU in 1968 and served in this capacity for eleven years. He went to Starkville and was the AD at Mississippi State from 1979-1984. Carl Maddox was honored by LSU in 1975, when they named their new indoor track facility, The Carl Maddox Field House. He also left a legacy at Mississippi State University, as that scholastic institution bestowed the name of Mr. Maddox on the running track at W.O. Spencer Stadium.
Another sports world honor came to Carl Maddox when the United States Sports Academy instituted The Carl Maddox Sports Management Award. It is granted annually to an individual for his/her contribution to the growth and development of sport enterprise through effective management practices. Vince Dooley of UGA received the Carl Maddox Sports Management Award at the presentation ceremony in conjunction with the annual meeting of the US Sports Academy's board of trustees in Daphne, Alabama on January 16, 2004. LSU also had a Carl Maddox scholarship.
Carl Maddox has been inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame in Louisiana, Mississippi (1989), LSU, and Mississippi State University. He expired at Baton Rouge, Louisianan on February 16, 1996.
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John S. 'Jack' Joachim
John Schappert “Jack” Joachim (1916-2012) was born at Biloxi on December 25, 1916. On March 3, 1934, he married his high school sweetheart, Rose Navarro (1916-1999). Rose was the daughter of Salvador N. Navarro (1869-1953) and Eusebia Cabrera-Rojas (1891-1980). Jack and Rose N. Joachim were the parents of twenty children: Harry Louis Joachim (d. 1939); Gerard O'Connell Joachim (1955-2010) m. Judy Fay Smith; John Schappert Joachim Jr. m. Elizabeth Ann Corso; Robin Jude Joachim m. Kay M. Moran; Francis Joseph Joachim m. Patricia Conner and Andrea Puzz Lynch; William Dennis Joachim m. Vickie Lynn Kuljis; Michael Raymond Joachim m. Jackie?; Mary Martha Joachim m. Salvatore 'Sam' Anthony Caruso; Harriet Louise Joachim m. James Wayne Leckich; Georgette Clare Joachim m. Rodney Mattina (1942-2007); Rose Ann Joachim m. Gerald Henry Blessey; Marylyn Theresa Joachim m. Robert McGinn Jr. and Dallas Gibson; Nancy Helen Joachim m. John Barry Gollott; Mary Jane Joachim m. George Baxter; Margaret Joachim m. David Pepper; Maria Adrienne Joachim m. Frank Pellegrino; Marian Virginia Joachim m. Edward Francis Burdine (1952-2006); Mary Daniel Joachim m. William Whittle; and Patricia Regina Joachim m. Roland Michael Creel. Eighteen of their progeny, six sons and twelve daughters, survived to adulthood.(The Sun Herald, September 14, 2012, p. A4)
CHILDREN
HARRY LOUIS JOACHIM
GERARD O' CONNELL JOACHIM
Francis Joseph Joachim
Francis Joseph Joachim [19-2024], age 82, of Biloxi, Mississippi passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 in Gulfport. Mr. Joachim was a native and lifelong resident of the coast. He retired from Bell South in 1991. Mr. Joachim enjoyed classic cars and Cruisin’ the Coast. During his retirement, he worked at Barry’s You Pull It.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John S. Joachim, Sr. and Rose Navarro Joachim; his stepson, Edward “Eddie” Lynch, Jr.; his brothers, Harry Louis Joachim and Gerard O’Connell Joachim; and his sister, Mary Elizabeth Joachim.
Mr. Joachim’s survivors include his wife of 32 years, Andrea “Ann” Joachim; his sons, Randall “Craig” (Beth) Joachim and Brian Connor Joachim; his stepdaughter, Lyndsay Lynch; his grandchildren, Morgan Elizabeth Joachim, Mason Conner Joachim and Audra O’Boyle; his sisters, Martha Caruso, Harriet Leckich, Georgette Mattina, Ann Blessey, Marylyn Gibson, Nancy Gollott, Jane Baxter, Margaret Pepper, Maria Pelligrino, Marian Burdine, Mary “Dee Dee” Whittle and Patricia Creel; his brothers, John “Jack” Joachim, Jr., Robin Jude Joachim, William D. Joachim and Michael Joachim; and the mother of his children, Ethelyn “Pat” Sustendal.
The family would like to thank Dr. Allison Wall and staff for many years of care and Greg Sullivan and his staff at A Connected heart.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Francis Joseph Joachim.
Jack Joachim graduated from Biloxi High School in May 1934 and began his career with Southern Bell Telephone Company, now AT&T, in 1936. He retired in 1983 as the local plant manager. Jack devoted many hours to community service working with the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce and Biloxi Kiwanis Club-serving a president of both organizations. He was a founding member of the Biloxi Fishing Rodeo; charter member of 'The Bell Ringers', a ham radio club of active and retired, telephone, industry employees. In addition, Mr. Joachim was known by his family derived moniker, 'gadget man', for his keen sense of understanding mechanical systems. He had the inate abilty to repair any type of motor, which bode well for his advocations-automobiles, motorcycles, and flying. Jack was an avid fisherman, professional phtographer, and a 'techno' enthusiast.(The Sun Herald, September 14, 2012, p. A4)
Jack Joachim expired on Rose's birthday, September 11, 2012. His corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in west Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, September 14, 2012, p. A4)
Rose N. Joachim expired on October 31, 1999, leaving fifty-five grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren. Mrs. Joachim’s corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, August 16, 1934, p. 3 and The Sun Herald, November 2, 1999, p. A-7)
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Harry Joseph Joachim (1920-2012)
Harry J. Joachim
Harry Joseph Joachim (1920-2012) was born at Biloxi on March 8, 1920. After WWII, Harry and his brother, Mark G. Joachim, were in the appliance and hardware business in Biloxi. Harry married Patricia Streiff (1921-2005) of Gulfport on September 14, 1947. She was a native of Freeport, Illinois, but came to Gulfport, Mississippi with her parents William A. Streiff and Teresa M. Streiff in 1927. The Streiff family in America was founded by Fridolin Streiff, a Swiss immigrant, who settled in Wisconsin creating the community of New Glarus.
Harry J. Joachim and Patricia S. Joachim were the parents of five children: Patricia Ann Joachim (1948-2011); Cynthia Joachim m. Ernest Trahan; Harry B. Joachim m. Rhonda ; Cheryl Joachim; and Robert Joachim m. Brynn . In later life, Harry J. Joachim became synonymous with real estate on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Biloxi in particular. He remained active in the business with daughter, Cynthia Joachim, until he became ill.(Harrison Co. Ms., Circuit Court MRB 75, p. 379, Mark G. Joachim, January 19, 2004, and The Sun Herald, April 5, 2005, p. A6)
Harry J. Joachim died at Gulfport, Mississippi on November 21, 2012. His corporal remians were interred in the Southern Memeorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Ruth M. Joachim
Ruth Marylyn Joachim (1925-1989), called Marylyn, was born May 1, 1925. On November 23, 1948, she married Frank Luke Janca (1924-1998), who was born October 18, 1924, at Yoakum, Texas. During WW II, Frank had served aboard the U.S.S. Sequoia as Chief of the ship’s office and radioman. Their children were: Linda Frances Janca (b. 1950), Louis Kent Janca (1951-1993) m. Trula Moncrief; Frank L. Janca Jr.; Terrance Joachim Janca (1955-2012); Anton J. Janca m. Reagan ?; Keith M. Janca m. Nita ?; William R. Janca m. Sheila ?; and Michele Roberta Janca m. Dudley Joseph Labat and Thomas Stevens. Marylyn J. Janca died on January 27, 1989. Frank expired on May 19, 1998. Both were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery.(Harrison Co., Ms. Circuit Court MRB 78, p. 353, The Sun Herald January 29, 1989, p. A-4 and May 20, 1998, p. A-15)
Children
Louis K. Janca
Louis Kent Janca (1951-1993) was born on Octboer 22, 1951 at Bethesda, Maryland. He married Trula Moncrief in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 7, 1976. Louis and was the father of Brannon Janca. He expired on May 28, 1993 at Pascagoula, Mississippi. Mr. Janca was an accounting supervisor with Chevron at Pascagoula. He was survivied by his father; sons, Brannon Janca and William Shannon Moncrief; two sisters, Linda Janca of Biloxi and Michele J. Labat of Dallas, Texas; and five brothers, Frank L. Janca Jr. of New York; Terry Janca and Anton Janca of Biloxi; William Janca of Vancleave; and Keith Janca of Hurley. Internment was in Vancleave Cemetery No. 2. with Holder-Wells Funeral Home of Moss Point in charge of his funeral.(The Sun Herald, May 30, 1993, p. A-2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 14, p. 226)
ELIZABETH B. JOACHIM
Elizabeth Barbara Joachim (1891-1932), called “Queenie”, was born at Ocean Springs on September 5, 1891. She attended local schools and graduated from Ocean Springs High School in May 1909, when O.T. Harper was the principal. Miss Joachim was Class Historian and played basketball on the 1908-1909 Gulf Coast Championship team.(Lepre, 1991, p. 160 and The Ocean Springs News, May 15, 1909, p. 1)
In May 1917, at Ocean Springs, Miss Joachim married Bernard Potin (1893-1981), a prominent businessman from New Orleans. His father was born in France and Mr. Potin’s mother was a Louisiana native of German heritage. At New Orleans, Bernard made his livelihood as a sales engineer with A.M. Lockett.(The Daily Herald, May 19, 1917, p. 3 and Gretchen P. Mortimer, January 19, 2004)
Bernard and Queenie Joachim Potin were the parents of three children: Bernard Potin Jr. (1921-1927), Elizabeth P. “Betty” Pittenger (1918-1972), and Gretchen P. Mortimer (1932-2014). Mrs. Potin expired in childbirth on February 9, 1932. After her demise, Bernard married Leah Anderson (1897-1968). They had a son, James B. Potin (1934-1996).(Gretchen P. Mortimer, January 19, 2004)
REFERENCES:
Books
Regina Hines Ellison, Ocean Springs 1892, 2nd Edition, (Lewis Printing Services: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi (1843-1900), Volume I, (Catholic Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1915
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, “Ocean Springs”, February 7, 1891.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “New Orleans Advertisements”, January 1, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, April 8, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, May 2, 1902.
The Daily Herald, “Potin-Joachim”, May 19, 1917, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “New Hardware Corporation”, March 25, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “D.J. Venus in charge of Lopez store”, March 25, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of Combel Hardware Company”, April 22, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs”, June 17, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Making improvements to [Combel Hardware Company] building”, November 22, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs reports several realty transfers”, June 3, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs”, November 12, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “L.A. Joachim”, December 2, 1933.
The Daily Herald, “Named Band Sponsor”, ?
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Joachim Dies”, January 20, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Joachim-Navarro”, August 16, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Joachim-Maddox”, February 3, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Joachim-Ernst”, May 25, 1944.
The Daily Herald, “Janca Birth”, February 20, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Maddox Birth”, February 20, 1950.
The Daily Herald, "New buildinh to be erected in downtown Biloxi", April 5, 1952, p. 9
The Daily Herald, "Oscar Joachim Fatally Stricken", July 18, 1955, p. 2
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. U.S. Joachim”, September 13, 1963, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Oscar Joachim observes his 80th birthday", March 13, 1968, p. 18.
The Daily Herald, “U.S. Joachim”, January 31, 1977, p. A-2.
The Daily Herald, “Ruth Hagan Joachim”, June , 1977, p. A-2.
The Daily Picayune, “Fourth Street Fire”, March 31, 1894.
The Daily Picayune, “Summer Resorts”, June 29, 1894.
The Daily Picayune, “[Barbara Dauenhauer] Joachim”, December 1, 1894.
The Daily Picayune, “Personal and General Notes”, August 4, 1895.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, January 12, 1918.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, March 20, 1918.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, January 17, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, March 6, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, December 25, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Items”, December 25, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, December 2, 1922.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, March 22, 1924.
The Jackson County Times, , January 17, 1925.
The Jackson County Times, “Civic and Business Leader Is No More”, January 24, 1925.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, May 30, 1925.
The Jackson County Times, “Joachim-Gough”, June 11, 1927, p. 3.
The Jackson County Times, “Five Die In Collision At RY. Grade Crossing”, November 12, 1927.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”, July 20, 1929.
The Jackson County Times, “Mrs. B.F. Joachim, Sr.”, January 27, 1934, p. 3.
The Jackson County Tim.es, “Milner-Joachim”, June 10, 1939, p. 4.
The Jackson County Times, "Joachim injured in Rescuing Daughter from Burning House", December 23, 1946.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News”, July 6, 1947.
The Jackson County Times, “Texaco Service Station”, July 6, 1947.
The Mississippi Press, “The Ocean Springs Press”, Joachim celebrates 90th birthday, December 31, 2003, p. 1.
The New Orleans Item, 'Lived [Magdalena Markel Bokenfohr] 81 years in New Orleans', August 19, 1913.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Mary Joachim”, November 30, 1978, p. 2.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Mrs. Mary Milner”, April 9, 1987.
The Ocean Springs News, “Graduating Exercises a Brilliant Success”, May 15, 1909.
The Ocean Springs News, “Lee-Joachim”, June 19, 1909.
The Ocean Springs News, “Local News”, May 23, 1914.
The Ocean Springs News, “Local News”, February 18, 1911.
The Ocean Springs News, “Automotive Row”, February 16, 1967.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, July 8, 1898.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, April 10, 1903.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Ocean Springs Locals”, July 1, 1904.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Ruth Janca”, January 29, 1989.
The Sun Herald, “Louis Kent Janca”, May 30, 1993.
The Sun Herald, “Mark Oscar Joachim Jr.”, November 16, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Frank Luke Janca Sr.”, May 21, 1998.
The Sun Herald, “Downed pilot ‘rescuer’ chat 55 years later”, September 14, 1999, p. C-1.
The Sun Herald, “Rose Joachim”, November 2, 1999.
The Sun Herald, “Janca painting to aid Tullis-Toledano”, March 17, 2002.
The Sun Herald, "Mrs. Patricia Streiff Joachim", April 5, 2005.
The Sun Herald, "Margaret Clare Joachim Maddox", November 29, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Patricia Ann Joachim”, May 4, 2011.
- 2044 views
Jordan
Jordan ray Sun, 06/22/2014 - 14:56JORDAN
Oscar Jordan
Oscar Jordan (1881-1967) was born June 5, 1881 at Chmestar, Al Beqaa, Lebanon. When he entered the United States at New York City from Naples, Italy aboard the SS Europa on September 18, 1907, he carried the name Jamedni Chedid. Oscar also used the name Assid Jadid, sometimes spelled Assad Jadeed. He chose as his American name ‘Oscar Jordan’.
He married Jessamine ? Jordan (1891-1975) at Chmestar, Lebanon on October 20, 1906. Jasmine was born January 10, 1891.
Hammet Jordan
Box Factory
Main Street hotel and mini-mall
In August 1952, Oscar Jordan, Henry L. Schwan Sr. (1889-1956) and Robert Harrison (1886-1956) were completing a two-story, tile building on the corner of Main Street and Murray Street in Biloxi. The first floor consisted of seven store compartments and a hotel lobby while the upper story was a Colored hotel with 36-rooms. The structure was 50 feet by 67 feet and built with Arkansas tile. Subcontractors for the building erection were: Pisarich Plumbing, Schwan Electrical and Jalanivich Kool Vent awning. Some of the original tenants were: Mickey Poulos’ Buy and Sell Shop; Curet Flower Shop; and the Deluxe Shoe Store of Roosevelt Williams.(The Daily Herald, August 8, 1952, p. 8)
Oscar Jordan acquired this hotel property on Main Street in Biloxi with his two partners in May 1951 for $8000 from Elizabeth Bachman of Cincinnati, Ohio. She had to clear the title in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi with the Lopez heirs before vending to Mr. Jordan et al. The tract had 168 feet on Main Street and 75 feet on Murray Street.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 338, p. 74, Bk. 343, p. 478 and Bk. 343, p. 396)
When the Main Street property was sold to Dr. Roy L. Irons in April 1987, Oscar Jordan had expired as well as Henry L. Schwan Sr. and Robert H. Harrison Jr. The owners at this time were Naif Jordan, Henry L. Schwan Jr. (1911-1989) and Woodrow D. Cowart (1913-1987).(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 183, p. 180)
Children
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Naif O. Jordan
Naif Oscar Jordan(1907-1993) was born November 11, 1907 at Chmestar, Al Beqaa, Lebanon.
Marriage
On the first day of 1931, Naif O. Jordan married Marie Lambrecht, a native of Coy, Wilcox County, Alabama, in the Church of the Redeemer. She had been in Biloxi for eight months as a student nurse at the Biloxi Hospital. This marriage was short lived as the young couple divorced on May 26, 1932. In their marriage dissolution settlement, Naif agreed to pay Marie an alimony of $25 per month for 6 months.(The Daily Herald, January 2, 1931, p. 2 and May 27, 1932, p. 2)
Naif O. Jordan married
Naif expired February 26, 1993
In Memoriam
Children
Oscar R. Jordan
Oscar Robert Jordan(b. 1935) was born on March 1935 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He attended schools at Ocean Springs and graduated from St. Martin High School in 1953. Oscar matriculated to Mississippi Southern College and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1958, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternal organization. Upon graduation, he entered the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and completed the Officers Training Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. The 15-week school prepared Lt. Jordan for his duties and responsibilities as an infantry unit commander.(The Ocean Springs News, October 21, 1958)
Circa 19 , Oscar R. Jordan married Judith Cash, native of Dearborn, Michigan.
Eleanor Jordan
Eleanor ‘Cissy’ Jessamine Jordan (b. 1940) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1962, she was engaged to Don Porter, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Porter of Zephyrhills, Florida, and married on February 24, 1967. Hassen Jordan, her uncle, who had not seen his brother, Oscar Jordan, since 1907 came to Eleanor’s wedding. Hassen was in the stock business in Lebanon dealing with sheep and cattle. He planned to remain in America for six months before returning to the Levant.(The Ocean Springs News, February 15, 1962, p. 5 and March 8, 1962, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 29976, “Elizabeth Bachman v. Eurilda J.S. Lopez et al-1952
The Daily Herald, ‘Jordan-Lambrecht’, January 2, 1931.
The Daily Herald, ‘Four divorces granted’, May 27, 1932.
The Daily Herald, ‘Two-story hotel, stores go up on Main Street’, August 8, 1952.
The Ocean Springs News, ‘Oscar R. Jordan completes officer training course’, October 21, 1958.
The Ocean Springs News, ‘Personals [Porter-Jordan]’, February 15, 1962.
The Ocean Springs News, ‘Brothers re-united after 55 years’, March 8, 1962.
The Ocean Springs News, ‘Jordan-Cash’, February 2, 1967.
The Ocean Springs News, ‘Win [Eleanor Jordan] Press award’, October 19, 1967.
The Ocean Springs Record, ‘Oscar Jordan obit’, October 26, 1967.
The Ocean Springs Record, ‘Friends and associates remember Naif Jordan’s generosity’, July 1, 1993.
The Sun Herald, ‘Coast philanthropist [Naif] Jordan dies’,
- 753 views
Juanico Family
Juanico Family ray Sat, 09/21/2013 - 02:16
Christoper and Mary A. Juanico burial marker-Biloxi Cemetery
JUANICO
Christopher Juanico (1852-1926) was an 1878 Spanish immigrant. He married Mary Aligrate (1861-1925), daughter of Joseph Aligrate and Mary Jordan. Their children were : Christopher Juanico (1885-1942) m. Henrietta ?; Miguel Paul Juanico (1888-1949) m. Georgine A. Desporte (1894-1979); Mary Ellen Juanico (1892-1942+) m. Walter Planas (1891-1940+); and Joseph Juanico (1895-1965) m. Della Norton and Ida Mae Mabry (1901-1933).
In 1900, the Juanico family lived at 238 Delauney Street near the George E, Ohr Pottery. Christopher made his livelihood as a bartender and barroom proprietor. By 1920, the Juanicos had relocated to 312 Copp Street.
Mary A. Juanico died at Biloxi on April 6, 1925 while a resident of 412 Copp Street. She was survivied by her spouse; three sons, Christopher Juanico of New Orleans, Joseph Juanico and Miguel Juanico of Biloxi; and a daughter, Ellen Planas, of New Orleans; three sisters, Mrs. Frances Cunni, Mrs. Johanna Sentell, and Mrs. William Knox, all of Biloxi. Services were held at Nativity BVM Catholic Church with internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1925, p. 3)
Children
Christopher Juanico
Christopher Juanico (1885-1942) left Biloxi before 1918 and relocated to New Orleans. Here he worked as a motorman for the
Miguel P. Juanico
Miguel Paul Juanico (1888-1949) married Georgina Antonia Desporte (1894-1979) in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 10, 1910. They were the parents of: Chester J. Juanico (1911-1969) m. May Baker (1915-2006) and George Christopher Juanico (1914-1969) m. Emily Lowd (1919-2001). The family resided at 1007 Lee Street in Biloxi where Miguel made his livelihood as a painter. he was also the business manager for Painters Local No. 107 AFL. Miguel died at the Biloxi Hospital on January 12, 1949 after being stricken with a heart attack at the Park Hotel. He was survivied by his spouse; sons, Chester J. Juanico and George C. Juanico; brother, Joseph Juanico of Biloxi; a sister, Mrs. Walter Planas of NOLA; and four grandchildren. His remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery under the auspices of the Bradford Funeral Home of Biloxi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 21, p. 443 and The Daily Herald, January 13, 1949, p. 6)
After the death of her spouse, Georgina A. Juanico married Walter Joseph Hahn Jr. in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 90, p. 73)
Chester J. Juanico
Chester Joseph Juanico (1911-1969) was born at Biloxi on Augsut 6, 1911. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1930 where he excelled in athletics. Chester married May Baker (1915-2006). They were the parents of three children: Jerry S. Juanico (1935-1985) m. Annie Laura Waites; June Juanico m. Fabian Taranto; and Mona Lisa Juanico.
Chester J. Juanico left Biloxi with his family in the 1930s and became employed with the Masonite Corpotation at its plant in Laurel, Mississippi. Here he played baseball with the Masonite team. In late March 1937, he signed with Meridian, a member of the Southeastern Baseball League . Earlier in his career, Juanico had played in the New Orleans Winter League and his team won the championship in 1935-1936 seasons.(The Daily Herald, March 31, 1937)
Chester J. Juanico married Tommy Jeanette Glisson in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 15, 1951.(
George C. Juanito
George Christopher Juanico (1914-1969) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 24, 1914. On September 11, 1938, he married Emily Lowd (1919-2006), the daughter of Shelton Lowd and Leona Stanovich, in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of two children: Jerrlyn Juanico (b. 1939) m. LeRay Delaney Gill Sr.(1936-1988) and George C. Juanico Jr. (b. 1942) m. Diane O'Neal and Kathleen Michelle Eide.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 49, p. 168)
George C. Juanico had operated the Coast Novelty Company, a local amusement machine business, since 1933. He expired at 912 West Bayview on August 15, 1969. His corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park.(The Daily Herald, August 16, 1969, p. 2)
Emily Lowd Juanico, 82, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2001, in Biloxi was born in Biloxi and was a graduate of Biloxi High School where she played basketball on the girls team, which won the state championship six years in a row. She participated in other varsity sports at Biloxi High and was inducted into the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Biloxi.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George C. Juanico Sr.; her parents, Shelton and Leona Stanovich Lowd; two sisters, Ethel Ashley and Marguerite Slay; and a grandson, LeRay D. Gill Jr. (1959-1998) m. Tammy Renee Taranto.(The Sun Herald, December 17, 1998, p. A9)
Survivors include a daughter, Jerrlyn Gill of Biloxi; a son, George C. Juanico Jr. of Biloxi; a sister, Sis Keifer of Port Herring, Mich.; her longtime companion, Ervin Bellais of Biloxi; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi where friends may call one hour before service time. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, November 25, 2001, p. A-1)
George Juanico Jr.
George Christerfer [sic] Juanico Jr. [1940-2021] was born on December 29, 1940 in his grandmother's home on Copp Street in Biloxi. Only son to George Christerfer Juanico Sr. and Emily Lowd Juanico, the world received one of a kind on this day.
George was very proud of his time in the Navy, where he earned the nickname "Jack Em Up Juanico" while boxing on the ship. Anytime you visited George, he was always ready to show his Navy Book and tell stories about his time spent in Jamaica and New York. Once completing his time in the Navy George returned to his beloved Biloxi and began to work for his father then himself in a variety of businesses.
During times in his life, George could be found hunting with his dogs, calling Bingo games, playing poker or feeding the seagulls by the Biloxi Lighthouse. George loved to fish, crab and throw the cast net, he was always ready to show anyone who would watch, his perfect "silver dollar" throw.
In his later years George was a very proud Paw Paw, always bragging on his "babies" and showing all the pictures he carried in his wallet. George never met a stranger, was always ready to tell a pretty good story and he never judged anyone for their struggles in life. We will all miss his "Hey baby", when he greeted us, and we will make sure to keep telling his stories for years to come.
On December 26, 2021 George was welcomed with loving arms by his parents; his first-born daughter, Georgette Juanico Acevedo; and our tiniest angel, great-granddaughter Ryleigh Anna Slagel.
Those left keep the legacy alive are George's wife of 40 years, Kathy Eide Juanico; sisters, Jerrlyn Gill and Diane O'Neal Juanico; children, George Juanico III, Angela Broussard, Carey Hodge and Gina Simar; 14 grandchildren; first born great-grandchild, Abbi Juanico Ritter; and 12 more great-grandchildren.
Over the years George had many friends, with some, Lonnie Hebert and Bones Barq, who are family.
Pallbearers will be, as requested by George, his grandchildren, Jamie Juanico, Elizabeth Garriga, Sebastian Beck, John Beck, Joseph Beck and Christian Beck.
Services will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi at 12:15 p.m. Friends are invited to visit from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Family
George Juanico Jr. married Diane Patricia O’ Neal in March 1961 at Franklington, Louisiana. Children: Georgette Ann Juanico [1962-2013]; George Juanico III [b. 1964?]; and Angela Renee Juanico [b. 1966]
George Juanico Jr. married Rebecca Irene Thompson at Shreveport, Louisiana on August 11, 1973 [First Methodist Church]. They were the parents of Carey Claire Juanico [b. September 3, 1977]. In April 1, 1980, George and Rebecca divorced in Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi.). [from Rebecca Thompson Juanico Ainsworth-August 2023].
George C. Juanico married Kathleen Michelle Eide in Harrison County, Mississippi in December 1981.[Harrison County, Ms. 2nd JD, Marriage Book 23, p. 288]
-SMP.jpg)
Georgette A. Juanico Acevedo (1962-2013)
Georgette Anne Juanico (1962-2013) was born January 17, 1962 to George C. Juanico Jr. (1940-2021) and Diane O'Neal (b. 1943), the daughter of Pat B. O'Neal (1924-1991) and Dorothy 'Dot' Boudwin (1925-2001) . She married Robert Sheldon Breal Jr (1981) and John Sebastian Acevedo (1984). Children: Jamie; Elizabeth; Sebastian; John; Joseph; and Christian. Georgette passed on November 22, 2013 with internment in Southern Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, November 26, 2013, p. A6)
Mary Ellen Juanico
Mary Ellen Juanico (1892-1942+), called Ellen, was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. She married Walter Planas at the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary on September 18, 1919. Walter Planas made his livelihood operating a pile driver and they lived 1701 Encampment Street and 3008 St. John in the Crescent City. Mary Ellen and Walter were the parents of three childre: Clara Planas (b. 1923); Walter Planas Jr. (1925-1994); and Marie Planas (b. 1027).(1940 Orleans Parish, Lousiana Federal Census T627_1424, p. 12B, ED 26-188)
Joseph Juanico
Joseph ‘Buck’ Juanico (1895-1965) was born married Della Norton in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 11, 1916. They were the parents of Mary Enarise Juanico.(1917-1979).
It appears that their marriage ended in divorce and he then wedded Ida Mae Mabry (1901-1933), daughter of John T. Mabry and Mary Thornhill.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, ‘Marry quietly and creates surprise’, March 11, 1910.
The Daily Herald, ‘Chris Juanico Jr. sick in New Orleans’, October 18, 1918.
The Daily Herald, ‘Planas-Juanico marriage’, September 22, 1919.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Juanico dead’, April 6, 1925.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Juanico dies’, September 7, 1933.
The Daily Herald, ‘[Chester] Juanico with Meridian’, March 31, 1937.
The Daily Herald, ‘Miguel Juanico dies’, January 13, 1949.
The Daily Herald, ‘George C. Juanico’, August 16, 1969.
The Daily Herald, ‘Chester Juanico’, December 9, 1969.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mary E. Ware’, February 13, 1979.
The Sun Herald,“Jerry S. Juanico”, October 26, 1985.
The Sun Herald,“LeRay D. Gill Jr.”, December 17, 1998.
The Sun Herald,“Emily Juanico”, November 25, 2001, p. A10.
The Sun Herald,“May B. Juanico”, February 6, 2006, p. A8.
The Sun Herald,“Georgette Juanico Acevedo”, November 24, 2013.
The Sun Herald,“”,
The Times-Picayune, “Badger frosh badly beaten by Millsaps”, November 12, 1931.
The Times-Picayune, “Juanico”, February 2, 1942.
- 1231 views
Lamey Family
Lamey Family
LAMEY FAMILY
The familial name LAMEY has been noted in archival documents as LAMI, LAME, LAMIE, LAMMY, LAMAIS, LANIE, and LEMME. The progenitor of this family in America was Jacques Lamy, the son of Jacques Lamy (ca 1740-1770) and Marguerite de Rossiere. He was born at Meaux, France east of Paris.
Jacques Lamy came to North America in French Colonial Louisiana as a soldier. He married Marie Helene Moreau, the daughter of Joseph Moreau and Marine Jeanne Dauphin. Sergeant Lamy was discharged in 1763, having served in the company of Captain Trente. He lost his life in February 1770, when the Pere de Famille sank on a voyage to France.(De Ville, 19 , p. )
In 1761, Jacques and Marie Helene Lamy had a son, Jean Batiste Lamy (1761-1804+). A daughter, Euphrasie Lamy, was born in November 1769. Jean B. Lamy married Isabel Baudin, the daughter of Louis Baudin and Louisa Lorendine (Laurendine). Their youngest son, Alexandre Antoine Lamy (1804-1890) was the founder of the Lamey family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Alexandre Antoine Lamy
In a civil ritual performed in 1827, Alexandre Antoine Lamy (1804-1890) married Marguerite Constance Ladner (1812-ca 1844), the daughter of John-Baptiste Ladner and Marie-Josephe Morin (Moran). Their union was blessed in the Catholic Church on May 4, 1836. The issue of this marriage were born on Dauphin Island, Alabama: J. Albert Lamey(1828-1850+), William Lamey (1829-1850+), Lucy Lamey (1831-1850+), Arsene Marie Lamey (b. 1834), and Philip Lamey (1835-1880+).
After the demise of Marguerite C. Lamey ca 1844, Alexandre A. Lamey married Darthula Latimer (1827-1876), a native of Indiana, and the daughter of Elisha Latimer (1792-1860+) and Mary Jane Ewing (1792-1877). Their children were: Edward Lamey (b. 1845), Peter Abijah Lamey (1847-1932) married Sarah H. Hamilton (1858-1933) in February 1883; Antoine Lamey (1849-1929) married Louisa Rhodes Wells (1848-1910) in August 1878; James Lamey (1852-1870+), Elizabeth Lamey (1852-1929) married Frederick “Fritz” Hosli (1843-1882) in January 1871 and William J. “Jeff” Rushing (1861-1938) in September 1883; Anna Lamey (1853-1878+) married Peter Cannette(1854-1930) in February 1874; Elise Lamey (1858-1870+), and Mary Lamey (1860-pre 1870)
Philip Lamey
Philip Lamey (1837-pre-1907) married Catherine “Katie” Hudson (1851-pre-1900) on October 17, 1866. Their children were: Anthony Lamey (1862-1938) married Aline Krohn post 1900; Philip E. “Dink” Lamey (1870-1953) married Annie Hosli (1869-1949) in November 1894; Zeolide Lamey (1873-1931) married W.C. Parks in May 1903; John Lamey (1879-1946) married Elsie Irma Krohn (1892-1928); William Lamey (1880-1945) married Rosa Newman (1880-1908) in February 1899; and Josephine Lamey (1884-1907).(Harrison County, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 5, p. 69, MRB 6, p. 268, MRB, MRB 10, p. 274 )
Philip E. “Dink” Lamey
Philip “Dink” Lamey (1870-1953) and Annie Hosli (1869-1949), the daughter of Henry Hosli and Barbara Hosli (1833-1900+), had married in Harrison County, Mississippi in November 1894. Their children were: John Clifton Lamey (1895-1971), Philip E. Lamey II (1900-1981), Margaret Edwina L. Riggle (1905-1980), William Jasper “Buck” Lamey (1908-1980) and George A. Lamey (1909-1985).( Harrison County, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 10, p. 274 )
Lamey Ferry
The Lamey Ferry was situated very near the present day Lamey Bridge on the Tchoutacabouffa River. It was operated by Antoine Lamey (1849-1929), the son of Alexandre A. Lamey and Darthula Latimer Lamey. Antoine Lamey, called Anthony, married Louisa Rhodes Wells (1848-1910), the second spouse and widow of Berry Wells (1812-1876). She was a Mississippi native born of a Kentucky father and Missouri mother. Antoine Lamey and Louisa R. Wells wedded on August 21, 1878. Their children were: Ella Lamey (1879-1880+), Richard Lamey (1884-1936), and Florian Lamey (1888-1948).(Harrison County, Ms. Circuit Court MRB 7, p. 24)
Berry Wells hailed from Kentucky and had settled in eastern Hancock County, now Harrison County, circa 1836.
1913 Christmas Eve mishaps
It could have been a very sad 1913 Christmas for the settlers in the area near the Lamey Ferry
Hosli Road
In October 1911, Annie and Philip Lamey conveyed a strip of land to Harrison County, Mississippi to straighten Hosli Road. This transaction was described as: beginning on the west side of the Tchoutacabouffa River near the ferry landing and leaving the Hosli Road about fifty feet from the river thence go north for a distance of about three-quarters of a mile where it will intersect said Hosli Road the width of the same from beginning to termination to be thirty feet all being in Section 33, T6S-R9W.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 97, p. 469)
Lamey’s Bridge and road improvement
Prior to 1913, there were two circuitous routes from Biloxi to Ramsay Springs. One could either travel the Cedar Lake Road or go through Jackson County to the east. Neither path was in a direct line to the spa. In August 1913, the new road, which would become Mississippi Highway No. 15, from North Biloxi to Ramsay Springs, which would erase twelve miles from the present way, was under construction. F.W. Elmer, County Supervisor, reported that road construction in Harrison County Beat One and Beat Five were progressing well with the utilization of convict labor to grade and surface the road. Grading from Bate’s Still to Lamey’s Ferry was completed and five miles north had been surfaced. On the southern route from Lamey’s Ferry to the Johnson Store, the stumps had been cleared and the roadbed surfaced with clay and shell. A number of older roads were being widened and improved.(The Daily Herald, August 20, 1913, p. 1 and August 27, 1913, p. 8)
In July 1913, the Harrison County Board of Supervisors let a $6300 contract to the Austin Brothers of Atlanta, Georgia to erect a structure across the Tchoutacabouffa River to replace the Lamey Ferry. In November 1913, board member, F.W. Elmer Sr., was appointed to oversee construction of the bridge.(HARCO, Ms. Board of Supervisors Minute Bk. 10, p. 274 and p. 391)
The steel bridge that was being erected across the Tchoutacabouffa River at Lamey’s Ferry was expected to be in operation by the first of December 1913. Another bridge across Hurricane Creek was planned.(The Daily Herald, August 20, 1913, p. 1)
In February 1914, Annie and Philip Lamey sold another thirty-foot wide strip of their land to the people of Harrison County for improvements. This conveyance was described as: beginning at the southwest corner of P. Lamey’s property known as Hosli Road, thence running in a southerly direction to the Tchoutacabouffa River and continuing across said river to the intersection of the aforesaid Hosli Road on the south side of the river in Section 33, T6S-R9W. The above description is intended to cover what is known as the site of Lamey Bridge and approaches thereto.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 108, p. 47)
At its April 1914 meeting, the Harrison County Board of Supervisors accepted the completed work and paid the Austin Brothers for the Tchoutacabouffa River bridge. Philip Lamey was appointed bridge keeper for one year and paid $30 per month for his services.(HARCO, Ms. Board of Supervisors Minute Bk. 11, p. 6 and p. 10)
1925 Land purchase
In February 1925, Annie H. Lamey acquired an additional forty acres of land, the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section from J.H. Johnson. The consideration was $640. In March 1927, she and Philip Lamey sold to Marjorie Bouvier Rickey that portion of the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 33, T6S-R9W lying east of the Tchoutacabouffa River.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 156, p. 206 and Bk. 169, p. 370)
In September 1903, J.H. Johnson began acquiring land in Section 33, T6S-R9W, when he paid George Wells, $240 for eighty acres, the S/2 of the SE/4.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 56, p. 568)
In June 1905, J.H. Johnson bought from Percy J. Wetzel for $800, eighty acres, the N/2 of the SE/4 of Section 33, T6S-R9W.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 69, p. 567)
1952 Land donations
In September 1952, Philip Lamey began land donations to his children. Those receiving acreage were: “Coot” L. Riggle, Dorothy D. Hebert, and William J. Lamey. A description of the Philip Lamey donations follows:
“Coot” L. Riggle
Margaret Edwina L. “Coot” Riggle received thirty acres more or less being that part of the NW/4 of the NW/4 of Section 33, T6S-R9W, lying west of Mississippi Highway No. 57.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 359, p. 305)
Dorothy Hebert
Philip Lamey gave Dorothy Hebert one acre more or less lying south of the Tchoutacabouffa River in the NE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 33, T6S-R9W and fifteen acres more or less in the SE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 33, T6S-R9W, lying east of the Tchoutacabouffa River.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 359, p. 306)
William Jasper “Buck” Lamey
Also in Section 33, T6S-R9W, William J. Lamey (1908-1980), called Buck, was given the NE/4 of the NW/4, SE/4 of the NW/4, W/2 of the NE/4, NE/4 of the SW/4 less one-acre south of the Tchoutacabouffa River and the NW/4 of the SE/4, less nine acres sold to Marjorie Bouvier Rickey. Although not mentioned in this donation, the Lamey Cemetery was included in the lands of Buck Lamey. (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 359, p. 307)
Buck’s will
Before Buck Lamey passed in April 1980, he legated his real property consisting of two hundred thirty-five acres in Section 33, T6S-R9W to Audrey Cleo Cruthirds Lamey (1911-1997), his spouse. His contingent beneficiary was daughter, Helen Louise Lamey Moore (b. 1942). The Buck Lamey lands all in Section 33, T6S-R9W were described as: the NW/4 of the NE/4; SW/4 of the NE/4; NE/4 of the SW/4 north of the Tchoutacabouffa River; SE/4 of the NW/4 west of Lamey Bridge Road; and that part of the NW/4 of the NW/4 east of Lamey Bridge Road.(Harrison County, Ms. Chancery Court Case No. 10074-July 1980)
Corrected warranty deed
In April 1981, the description of Buck Lamey’s lands all in Section 33, T6S-R9W, which were willed to his wife were corrected as follows: the NE/4 of the NW/4; SE/4 of the NW/4; W/2 of the NE/4; NE/4 of the SW/4, less one acre south of the Tchoutacabouffa River; NW/4 of the SE/4, less nine acres sold to Rickey east of the Tchoutacabouffa River; and ten acres more or less in the NW/4 of the NW/4 east of Mississippi Highway No. 57.(HARCO, Ms. 1st JD Land Deed Bk. 109, pp. 607-609)
Helen’s inheritance
In April 1981, Audrey C. Lamey conveyed to herself and Helen Louise Lamey Moore, as joint tenants with the right of survivorship, the following lands in Section 33, T6S-R9W: the NE/4 of the NW/4; SE/4 of the NW/4; W/2 of the NE/4; NE/4 of the SW/4, less one acre south of the Tchoutacabouffa River; NW/4 of the SE/4, less nine acres sold to Rickey east of the Tchoutacabouffa River; and ten acres more or less in the NW/4 of the NW/4 east of Mississippi Highway No. 57.(HARCO, Ms. 1st JD Land Deed Bk. 109, pp. 349-350)
Upon Audrey Lamey’s death in July 1997, Helen L. Moore Goff, inherited the family lands in Section 33, T6S-R9W. The Lamey Cemetery is situated upon this acreage.
Lamey Cemetery 2002
In 2002, Helen L. Moore Goff has offered her two hundred plus acres of land for sale. Developers have been creating subdivisions in this area for years and her land is valuable because of its desirable location on the Tchoutacabouffa River and its propinquity to Biloxi. In June 2002, she and the family decided to enlarge the Lamey Cemetery from its present area to a larger outline. Stakes have been set and the land will be surveyed soon.
REFERENCES:
Ray L. Bellande, “Wells-Mulholland Cemetery”, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume No. 27, No. 1-February 1991).
Nat Cassibry II, Early Mississippi Coast Families, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society Quarterly, Special Issue No. 6-January1988).
Winston DeVille, Louisiana Troops 1720-1770, (Press: Ville Platte, Louisiana-197 ).
Jerome Lepre, S.C., Early Mississippi Coast Families, The Cannette-Moore Family, (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1983).
Jerome Lepre, S.C., Early Mississippi Coast Families, The Krohn Family, (Lepre: New Orleans-1989), pp. 52, 54, and 55.
Jerome Lepre, S.C., Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Volume I, (Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Jerome Lepre, S.C., Gulf Coast Genealogy, The Fountain Family, (Lepre: New Orleans, Louisiana-1992).
Joseph O. Manuel Jr., “Notes on The Lamey Family”, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume No. 11, No. 1-February 1975).
Chancery Court Cases
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Case No. 10074, “The Last Will and Testament of William Jasper Lamey, aka Buck Lamey”, July 1980.
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”-(Parks-Lamey), May 16, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Deaths”, February 12, 1907.
The Daily Herald, “New Bridges For New Roadway To Ramsay Springs”, August 20, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Good Progress Made In Road Work”, August 27, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “John Seymour has Narrow Escape In A Ferry Accident”, December 27, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Lamey Child Dies”, June 4, 1925, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Burns Prove Fatal To Girl”, August 25, 1928.
The Daily Herald, “Peter Cannette Dies”, January 13, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Ira Hosli Killed by Brother-in-law in North Biloxi”, April 6, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Ira Hosli’s Funeral”, April 8, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “P.B. Lamey Dies”, December 27, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Tony Lamey Dies”, July 28, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Annie Lamey Dies”, October 29, 1949.
The Daily Herald, “Loren Lamey”, December 27, 1963.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Linda Ann Hebert”, February 16, 1981.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Bayou Puerto: A pre-Gulf Hills Chronology, Part XIII, July 7, 2000.
The Sun Herald, “Fred ‘Pappy’ Schlegel”, September 23, 1987.
The Sun Herald, “Nell Marie McKenzie”, July 21, 1996.
The Sun Herald, “Ronald D. Robinson Jr.”, January 20, 1997.
The Sun Herald, “Eddie John Hebert Sr.”, October 14, 1997.
The Sun Herald, “Samuel Edward Moore”, July 7, 2000.
The Sun Herald, “Elnora ‘Joyce’ Schlegel”, July 4, 2006.
The Sun Herald
The Sun Herald
Personal Communications:
E.J. Hebert Jr., June 4, 2002.
Helen Lamey Moore Goff, 13296 Lamey Bridge Road, June 4, 2002 (228-392-8402)
William Moore, June 4, 2002.
Charles Simon, June 11, 2002.
Lopez Family
Lopez Family
LAZARO LOPEZ
Lazaro Lopez and Julia Dulion Lopez
Lazaro ‘Laz’ Lopez (1850-1903) was born at Aviles, Asturias Province, north western Spain in October 1850. He left Spain for Cuba in 1863 and immigrated to the United States landing in Texas before arriving at Biloxi in 1868. In late July 1870, Lazaro was domiciled at Biloxi with Joseph Garcia (1828-1870+), also a Spaniard, who was the proprietor of a coffee house. Lazaro made his livelihood at this time keeping bar with Andrew Nugarre (1840-1870+), a fellow Spaniard.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 26, 1903, p. 1 and 1870 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census M593_729, p. 323B, image 655)
Laz and Julia Dulion Lopez
On August 19, 1871 at Harrison County, Mississippi, Judge Lyman B. Holley married Lazaro Lopez and Julia Dulion (1857-1918), the daughter of Arnaud Michel Dulion (1830?-1870), a French immigrant, and Mary Ann Keegan or Briscoe (1832-1890), a native of Ireland. Their children were: Josephine Mary Angeline Lopez (1872-1892); Teresa Lopez (1873-1951) m. Hyman M. Folkes (1871-1926); Clara Josephine Lopez (1875-1895); Lazaro T. Lopez (1877-1918) married Eurilda ‘Lily’ Seal (1879-1966); Arnaud Lopez (1880-1948) m. Nellie May Gorman (1890-1952); Erena Lopez (1885-1940) married Edward L. Brady (1874-1939); Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958) m. Belle Markey (1887-1946); Juanita Olivia Lopez (1890-1891); Rowena Maria Lopez (1895-1986) married Philip Columbus Caldwell (1892-1930+); and Noreta Julia Lopez (1896-1960) married James Rucks Yerger Jr. (1892-1931).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 6, p. 76)
Early land acquisitions in downtown Biloxi
In 1870, Lazaro Lopez acquired a lot in Biloxi on the northwest corner of Pass Christian and Point Cadet Road, now West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street in a tax sale. In November 1884, Mrs. Frederique Reynoir and Arthur Reynoir conveyed to Laz Lopez a small lot, 20 feet by 40 feet, on the west side of Reynoir Street. Laz Lopez owned the land to the south; Mrs. Nelson was to the north; and Lazarus Seymour bordered to the west.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 20, p. 459)
1890 new residence
J.R. Harkess was contracted to erect a $7000 residence for Laz Lopez and Julia Dulion Lopez on the corner of Pass Christian Street and Reynoir Street. In early March, the Lopez home was "assuming architectural proportions for beauty and prominence second to none.. By late April 1890, the Lopez domicile was described as elegant and rapidly approaching completion.(The Biloxi Herald, January 18, 1890, p. 4, March 8, 1890, p. 4 and April 26, 1890, p. 4)
1890 store building
1895
In August 1895, Lazaro Lopez, Sr. acquired two very valuable, contiguous lots on the southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street from the Estate of Constantino Olivari (1841-1894), an Italian immigrant entrepreneur. Mr. Olivari was the proprietor of a ship chandlery and grocery store on Howard Avenue and Lameuse Street. The Olivari tracts had 120-feet on West Howard Avenue and ran south with 150-feet fronting on Reynoir. After Mr. Olivari’s demise, two of his children Eulalie Olivari Clark (1872-, the spouse of James Penton Clark (1872-1907+), and Vincent Jean Olivari (1874-1934), created a forced heirship sale in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi, which Mr. Lopez and his family, was the beneficiary.(Harrison Co., Mississippi land Deed Bk. 33, p. 113 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 683-1895)
Commerce
The L. Lopez & Company store building was erected on the northeast corner of Pass Christian Street and Reynoir Street in the spring of 1890. An old structure on the site was demolished before the two-story, (The Biloxi Herald, May 17, 1890, p. 4)
New store started in early May 1900.(The Biloxi Herald, April 27, 1900, p. 8)
Upon his demise and subsequent probate in 1903, Teresa Lopez Folkes was legated a one-half interest in this property. Theodore P. Dulion (1861-1907), the uncle of Mrs. Folkes, owned the other undivided, one-half interest. After the death of Mr. Dulion in 1907, his one-half interest was left to his children: Una C. Dulion; Paul Dulion; Barton Dulion; Roy Dulion; Fay Dulion Hermann; and Julia Abbey Dulion. They sold their interest to Tersea Lopez Folkes in February 1924 for $20,000. Grant’s Drug Store was situated on this property at this time.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 33, p. 113 and Bk. 140, p. 567 and Bk. 140, p. 588)
SEAFOOD PIONEER
Lopez, Elmer and Company
The Lopez, Elmer and Company was organized in 1881, with a capital stock of $8,000 by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. William Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate (1853-1916), William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892). The land on which the Lopez, Elmer and Company plant was built in 1881, was purchased from Joseph Diaz Jr. (1845-1923) and Adele Santa Cruz Diaz (1846-1915) on June 29, 1881 for $100. The lot had a front of 82 feet on Back Bay and ran south 196 feet. Reynoir Street was the western boundary. Diaz had purchased a tract here in 1873, from John Bradford. It was 82 feet x 950 feet and cost $200. Henry Diaz (1872-1944), a son of Joseph Diaz Jr., operated a store on the northwest corner of Reynoir and Chartres Street, now Bay View Avenue. In 1914, Mr. Diaz was operating a canning company east of the Biloxi Canning Company.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. Bk.18, p. 20 and Bk. 13, pp. 53-54)
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star reported on December 30, 1881, that the Lopez, Elmer and Company was placing its canning machines in the factory. The proprietors had over one hundred, local, white men and boys on the payroll. They were employed as follows: forty-four openers, forty-five men manning fifteen boats, twenty or more canners and wharf men.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 30, 1881, p. 3)
Since none of these Biloxi seafood pioneers had any experience in canning operations, W.K.M. Dukate was selected to go to Baltimore where the packing industry was well established. Here he observed procedures, gathered technical information, and purchased machinery for the coving of oysters and canning shrimp. It is very probable that Mr. Dukate brought Charles Patten (1835-1922), a Baltimore native, to Biloxi in 1881, to manage the new cannery. Patton remained associated with the cannery until his wife, Ellen Spencer, died here in February 1915. He returned to Baltimore where he resided at 1527 North Caroline Street. Mr. Patten expired at Baltimore on January 11, 1922. His remains were interred in the Loudon Park Cemetery.(The Baltimore Sun, January 13, 1922)
The initial efforts of The Lopez, Elmer and Company were crude, but ready markets were available and the organization was profitable. The Lopez, Elmer and Company was dissolved in 1884, and the Biloxi Canning Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi was chartered on March 23, 1883.
In rapid succession, after the dissolution of The Lopez, Elmer and Company, the Barataria Canning Company, William Gorenflo & Company, E.C. Joullian & Company, and J.T. Maybury were competing in the seafood packing business at Biloxi. By 1902, the factories of Biloxi ranked second to those of Baltimore, Maryland in canning American oysters.(Twentieth Century Coast Edition of The Biloxi Daily Herald, 1902, p. 20)
Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Company
In October 1888, they planned to dig another artesian well at their oyster factory.(The Biloxi Herald, October 27, 1888, p. 8)
In November 1889, the firm made large additions to their shucking sheds and solicited employment for ‘white and colored’.(The Biloxi Herald, November 16, 1889, p. 4)
Buying figs from Russell & Co. of Grand Bay, Alabama; George Foretich at Scranton [Pascagoula]; and Delmas Seymour of Ocean Springs.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, June 19, 1891, p. 2)
In July 1893, the Julius Elbert, a new tug boat, owned by Laz Lopez and W.K.M Dukate, arrived in Biloxi this week from Mobile. It will put to work at Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Company.(The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8)
Unfortunately the day has come that the Biloxi canners are forced to move their factories to other locations. Has something to do with the oyster dredging law.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 4, 1900, p. 12)
Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Co.
The Lopez, Dunbar’s Sons & Company was commenced in 1884, when Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903) and W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) resigned from the Biloxi Canning Company. The Biloxi Canning Company was located in Section 27, T7S-R9W, in the city of Biloxi, Mississippi on the Back Bay of Biloxi, at the head of Reynoir Street. It was originally called The Lopez, Elmer and Company. This company was organized in 1881, with a capital stock of $8,000 by Lazaro Lopez, F. William Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate, William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892).(1)
Lopez, Dunbar’s & Sons was situated on East Beach in Biloxi. In 1895, it was the second largest oyster canning plant in the United States. The factory utilized the Norton Brothers machinery to pack its shrimp with the patented muslin bag insuring a good product. Its shrimp were marketed under the “Dunbar Standard”, “Deer head”, “Lion Head”, and “Pelicans” labels.
(see The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi Chief Industry”, September 12, 1892, p. 4)
Lopez & Dukate
Lopez & Dukate cannery
In November 1899, Lopez & Dukate advertised for fifty boats to fish on the oyster banks and pay oystermen 40 cents per barrel of oyster. They would pay for fifty boats to transport oysters from the reef to the factory wharf for 40 to 50 cents per barrel. The factory also sought one hundred oyster shuckers.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 10, 1899, p. 8)
In May 1901, a special train consisting of three coaches and a baggage car and transporting about eighty, Bohemians laborers, who were employed by Lopez & Dukate, left Biloxi for their Maryland homes to work in the seafood industry there in the summer months. Biloxi’s oyster industry was closed until cooler weather in the fall.(The Biloxi Herald, May 5, 1901, p. 8)
In July 1902, L. Lopez & Dukate contracted with Ola (sic) Thompson (1874-1944) to build a large oyster cannery, house, store, warehouse, and Bohemian camp at the Rigolets in southeast Louisiana. T.J. Rosell (1861-1923), Biloxi builder and mill owner, had crews busy at the Rigolets erecting a Catholic Church, which cost $1500, for the workers of the Lopez & Dukate cannery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 16, 1902, p.8 and November 20, 1905, p. 1)
Lopez & Dukate-Sent Captain Fred Eaton aboard Tom, a large power boat,to Morgan City, Louisiana in late June 1907 to open a canning factory.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 29, 1907, p. 5)
Dunbars, Lopez, and Dukate Company
The Dunbars, Lopez, and Dukate Company was organized at NOLA on September 8, 1908.
They advertised in September 1909, as follows:
DUNBARS, LOPEZ, and DUKATE COMPANY
Canning Factory
OYSTER, SHRIMP, and FRUIT PACKERS
Biloxi, Mississippi
Laborers wanted, both white and colored, in season
(The Daily Herald, September 29, 1909, p. 3)
In July 1911, workers at the Dunbars, Lopez, and Dukate Company were repairing factory schooners for the autumn pack in its boatyard.(The Daily Herald, July 20, 1911, p. 8)
In September 1915, the Dunbars, Lopez, and Dukate Company amended its charter and changed its nameto Dunbar Dukate Co. Inc. At this time, the company was located at 1011 Maison Blanche Building with George H. Dunbar as president and Elbert L. Dukate, secretary.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 57, p. 208-210 and The Daily Herald, October 14, 1915, p. 2)
Banker
Lazaro Lopez was a pioneer in finance at Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a founder of the Biloxi branch of the Inter-State Building & Loan Association of Columbus, Georgia and the Bank of Biloxi. The local Inter-State Building & Loan Association was founded in December 1889 and the Bank of Biloxi was incorporated on December 26, 1892.(The Biloxi Herald, December 21, 1889, p. 4 and January 21, 1893, p. 4)
The founding fathers of the Bank of Biloxi were primarily the following Biloxi seafood packers and merchants: Lazaro Lopez, W.K.M. Dukate, Isidore Heidenheim, F.W. Elmer, J.T. Maybury, S. Picard, A.O. Bourdon Sr., B. Tucei, O.M. Nilson, H. Otto, W.H. Maybin, J.W. Maybin, W.A. White, Charles F. Theobald, Charles Redding, T.P. Dulion, Phil McCabe, John Walker, and E.J. Buck. The first officers of the Bank of Biloxi were: C.F. Theobald, president; Lazaro Lopez, vice president; and E.J. Buck, cashier.(The Biloxi Herald, February 25, 1893, p. 8)
Seashore Academy
The Seashore Academy, a private boy’s boarding school, was chartered in Mississippi in June 1893 by Laz Lopez, F.W. Elmer, S. Picard, John Walker, E.J. Buck, H.T. Greaves, E.W. Morrill, H. Otto, J.R. Harkness (1827-1903), George H. Dunbar, and F.B. Dunbar. This educational institution was situated on the beach front at Biloxi about 500 feet west of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It opened in September 1893 with Dr. George S. Roudebush (1829-1921), a Presbyterian minister, in charge. Dr. Roudebush was born in Ohio.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 1, p. 6 and The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8)
Pass Christian Street residence-1890
The first residence of Lazaro Lopez on Pass Christian Street, now Howard Avenue, was erected commencing in January 1890 by John R. Harkness (1827-1903), local building contractor. The $7000 structure was completed in May 1890 and described as ‘an ornament and credit to the enterprise of our beautiful city’.(The Biloxi Herald, January 18, 1890, p. 4, March 1, 1890, p. 4, April 26, 1890, p. 4)
The Lopez family residence on Pass Christian Street was destroyed by fire in November 1900.
Forest Park School
In early September 1898, the City of Biloxi was the recipient of three new public schools: the Back Bay Ward School was donated by W.K.M. Dukate and William Gorenflo; the Primary School situated on the corner of Main Street and Water Street given by Mayor Harry T. Howard; and the Forest Park School on Porter Avenue donated by Lazaro Lopez and Julia Dulion Lopez.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 10, 1898, p.4)
In February 1898, Lazaro Lopez acquired a large lot on the SW/C of Porter and Cemetery Street, now Irish Hill Drive, for $650 from J.S. Williams and O.S. Williams. The Williams lot ran south from a point on Cemetery Street which was twelve feet west of Porter for one hundred ninety-five feet; thence west one hundred twenty-nine feet; thence north two hundred two feet; and then one hundred twenty-nine feet to the point of beginning on Cemetery Street. There was a twelve-foot banquette or R-O-W on Porter which ran south for one hundred ninety-five feet.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 37, p. 411)
From this tract formerly of Williams, Mr. Lopez donated to the City of Biloxi, the Forest Park School lot. Its perimeter was described as being: eighty-five feetsouth from a point on Cemetery Street which is twelve feet west of Porter; thence west for one hundred thirty feet; then north eighty-five feet; then east one hundred thirty feet to the point of beginning on Cemetery Street. The Lopez deed required that this lot be used by the City of Biloxi for school purposes or other charitable functions or its title would revert back to the Lopez family.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 39, p. 70)
It is interesting to note that Porter Street was still closed to the public as late as February 1890. At this time, Biloxi’s Town Council postponed a petition for its opening.(The Biloxi Herald, February 8, 1890, p. 4)
After the demise of Lazaro Lopez in late September 1903, the land on Porter and Cemetery Street juxtaposed to the Forest Park School parcel was inherited by Erena Lopez, his daughter.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Will Bk. 3, p. 21)
West End School
In time, the Forest Park School became known as ‘the West End School’ because of its location on the western end of Biloxi. It appears to have functioned as a school until the new Lopez School opened nearby on West Howard Avenue in 1924. The City of Biloxi then utilized the building to house the Charles L. Baudry American Legion Post No. 33. This organization formed in early November 1919, when fifty veterans of WWI met at the Maccabees Hall on West Howard Avenue and selected to honor U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Charles L. Baudry (1891-1918), a New Orleans native and Biloxi resident who was killed in action at Chateau Thierry in France in October 1918.(The Daily Herald, December 7, 1918 and November 4, 1919, p. 1)
City of Biloxi
During the 1943-1947, mayoral term of Chester A. Delacruz(1889-1964), Biloxi seafood packer, and City Clerk J.A. ‘Tony’ Creel (1901-1992), the City of Biloxi in January 1946, adopted a resolution to abandon and convey the West End School site and an additional lot contiguous to the school lot which it had purchased in June 1927 for $800. The building on the parcel was valued at $700. On January 21, 1946, the city of Biloxi sold to Julius M. Lopez and Noreta Lopez Yerger for $1500 the following tract on the SW/C of Porter and Cemetery Street: From the SW/C of Porter and Cemetery Street go 185 feet south along Porter; thence 175 feet west; thence 98 feet north; thence 51 feet west; thence 108 feet north; thence 226 feet along Cemetery Street to the point of beginning. At the same time, Eurilda Seal Lopez, Teresa Lopez Folkes, Rowena Lopez Caldwell, and Arnaud Lopez gave Julius M. Lopez and Noreta Lopez Yerger a quitclaim deed on this tract.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 283, p. 532 and p. 535)
Catholic Bishop Diocese of Natchez and Notre Dame
In early September 1943, Notre Dame High School, the first Catholic boy’s high school in Biloxi was commenced by Brothers from Notre Dame University with Reverend Brother Francis Borgia, CSC, as principal. Possession of the Dantzler House on West Beach near the Biloxi Lighthouse was taken by the Brothers on August 18, 1943. Frank Leahy (1908-1973), legendary football coach of the Fighting Irish, attempted to find a football coach for the new school. He worked with the Reverend Doctor Geoffrey O’Connell (1900-1976), superintendent of Catholic schools in Mississippi, to obtain a first class coach for the fledgling football squad. One hundred twenty-five students enrolled in the new educational institution.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1943, p. 7)
In March 1946, Julius M. Lopez and Noreta Lopez Yerger for $1500 sold the West End School property to Richard O. Gerow, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Natchez for the use of the Nativity of the B.V.M. Parish. Notre Dame utilized the old building for its Junior High School program, probably until it relocated to its new campus on the north end of Hopkins Boulevard in September 1953. Here in a new $220,000 building Brother Rex, C.S.C and the principal, anticipated school to commence on September 14th for grades seven through twelve.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 283, p. 537and The Daily Herald, September 1, 1953, p. 1)
Delchamps
After the West End School site was rezoned in October 1954 by the Biloxi zoning board, Bishop R.O. Gerow sold the former school property to Delchamps Food Stores Inc., a Mobile, Alabama based retail food chain. The consideration was $55,000. One of the stipulations in the warranty deed was that ‘the old school building to be removed within sixty days’. Delchamps was expected to erect a large food market here in the fall of 1955. The Mobile based food chain anticipated total expenditures for their Biloxi store to be about $350,000, which included land acquisition, construction of a 16,000 square-foot store building, stock, equipment, and parking lot.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 389, p. 272 and The Daily Herald, December 13, 1954, p. 1)
1897 Yellow Fever
The 1897 Biloxi Yellow Fever event was benign to the Lopez family as Laz, Julia and some of the older children had been infected at other times and were now immune. Only, Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958), then a child, got the virus, but survived.(The Biloxi Herald, October 30, 1897, p. 1)
Political Career
Lazaro Lopez was elected Ward 3 Alderman at least twice during his short tenure in Biloxi's politics. In April 1898, he donated a lot to the City of Biloxi to be utilized as a 'pound' or storage site for stock animals that were illegally roaming the street of Biloxi. The City was required to fence the lot.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 9, 1898, p. 8)
1900 fire
In early November 1900, unarguably the worst fire in the long history of Biloxi commenced on the Kennedy property on the east side of Reynoir Street near the L&N Depot and swept southward to the beach. Much commercial and residential property was totally destroyed and that of Lazaro Lopez, which was situated on Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street was inflicted the greatest damage. It was estimated that the losses of Mr. Lopez would exceed $80,000. After surveying his devastated properties, he stated that “ it was his intention at the earliest possible time to undertake the work of replacing the handsome structures destroyed with buildings no less ornamented.”(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 11, 1900, p. 1)
LOPEZ HOME (1901-1920)-West Howard Avenue
New residence-1901
The handsome Lazaro Lopez residence was situated on the north side of West Howard Avenue between Reynoir Street and Croesus Street. It was erected commencing in May 1901 following the great conflagration of early November 1900, unarguably the worst fire in the long history of Biloxi. This destructive blaze commenced on the Kennedy property on the east side of Reynoir Street near the L&N Depot and swept southward to the beach. Much commercial and residential property was totally destroyed and that of Lazaro Lopez, which was situated on West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street was inflicted the greatest damage. It was estimated that the losses of Mr. Lopez were in excess of $80,000. After surveying his devastated properties, he stated that: “it was his intention at the earliest possible time to undertake the work of replacing the handsome structures destroyed with buildings no less ornamented.”(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 11, 1900, p. 1)
The new, two-story, Lopez domicile was built upon the site of their fire ravished home. It was designed and its construction supervised by Theo Brune (1854-1932), well-known New Orleans architect, and built by Barnes & Owens from Bedford Sandstone. The roof was slate and adorned with a graceful and ornamental tower. The house had fifteen rooms, an elegant reception and palatial reception and stair hall lighted by rich and rare art glass windows. The Lopez family anticipated occupancy within six months of construction startup.(The Biloxi Herald, May 5, 1901, p. 1)
The Laz Lopez family residence on West Howard Avenue was demolished by the Heath Construction Company in June 1920. It had been inherited by Noreta Lopez Rucks (1896-1960), his daughter, after the death of her mother, Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918), in June 1918. Noreta Julia Lopez (1896-1960) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 31, 1896. She had married James Rucks Yerger II (1892-1931), called Rucks, who was born at Friars Point, Coahoma County, Mississippi. After the demolition was completed, the Rucks built a modern, one-story, brick building with a plate glass front on the former Lopez homestead. The Yerger Building had four rental spaces which were initially occupied by a haberdashery, grocery store, plumber, and dry goods merchant.(The Daily Herald, June 10, 1920, p. 6)
New L. Lopez & Company store building
Mr. Lopez was eager to erect a new mercantile and hardware store situated on the northeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street to replace his destroyed store and regain his market position in the thriving Biloxi economy. By mid-November 1900, the burned Lopez store lot was virtually cleared on the rubbish and debris created by the recent fire. In early January 1901, his Renaissance, architectural style, two-story, business house was one of the first buildings to rise in Biloxi’s badly burned commercial district. Barnes & Owens were contracted to erect the W.T. Harkness, designed structure. Theo Brune (1854-1932), well-known New Orleans architect, was hired to supervise construction of the 4500 square-foot structure to cost $10,000. The T.J. Rosell Company built the counters, shelves, and interior fixtures. The ceiling of both stories was made of steel. Hempstead & Williams were hired for the interior and exterior decorating. Mr. Lopez planned to vend fancy and staple groceries, hardware, shoes, ship chandelry from the first floor and lighter and bulky goods from the upper floor.(The Biloxi Herald, November 15, 1900, p. 8 and April 27, 1901, p. 8)
The new L. Lopez & Company building on Reynoir and Howard Avenue opened in late April. Theo P. Dulion (1861-1907) was the store manager.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 27, 1901, p. 8)
Lazaro’s demise
Lazaro Lopez expired in Rome, Italy on September 25, 1903 as the result of an acute inflammation of his kidneys and dysentery. He and Julia with four of their children, Erena Lopez, Rowena Lopez, Noreta Lopez and Master Julius Lopez, had departed Biloxi, Mississippi via the L&N Railroad for NYC where they boarded the for Europe.
Mr. Lopez had been ill at Biloxi before they left for Europe. A telegram from Rome reached Biloxi on September 19, 1903 notifying his family here that he was seriously sick.(The Biloxi Herald, September 19, 1903, p. 8)
Return to Biloxi
On October 1, 1903,Julia Lopez and her children sadly boarded the Deutchland, a steamer, disembarking from Cherbourg, France for New York without their beloved Lazaro. The body of Mr. Lopez was shipped several days later from France to Boston, Massachusetts aboard the Princess Irene. The Lopez family reached New York City and was met by Arnaud Lopez. The family left New York for Biloxi on October 7th without Julius Lopez who stayed behind with Arnaud, his older brother. Lazaro’s brother, Manuel Lopez, a Havana merchant, accompanied them to Biloxi. W.K.M. Dukate, a family friend and business associate, left Biloxi for New York City on October 8th to join Arnaud and Julius Lopez to escort Lazaro’s body home.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 1, 1903, p. 7, October 5, 1903, p. 8, October 8, 1903, p. 8, and October 9, 1903, p. 8)
Lazaro’s funeral
The corporal remains of Lazaro Lopez arrived at Biloxi by train in the morning of October 17, 1903. Biloxi began planning for Lazaro’s funeral on October 5th when Isidore Heidenheim (1852-1918), a prominent Biloxi seafood packer, called a meeting at the Firemen’s Hall. It was decided that Mr. Lopez’s funeral would be held on Monday October 20th at 10:00 a.m. in Nativity B.V.M. with father Alphonse Kettels holding a requiem high mass. All stores, banks, and other business houses were closed until after the funeral.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 6, 1903, p.1, October17, 1903, p. 1, October 19, 1903, p. 1
Lazaro Lopez’s body was escorted from the Lopez residence on West Howard Avenue to the Catholic church, a short distance, by Lazaro Lopez Jr., Arnaud Lopez, Julius Lopez, Manuel Lopez, Theo P. Dulion, and Arnaud M. Dulion. After the high mass, the large Lopez funeral cortege left the church and proceeded west on West Howard Avenue to Cuevas Street. Here it turned south to the Beach Road and then west again to the Biloxi Cemetery. The order of the Lopez funeral procession was as follows: Biloxi Public School children; members of the Oystermen’s Protective Association; Commercial Club members; Ladies of the Sacred Heart Society, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and King’s Daughters; carriages carrying floral offerings; carriage of Father Kettels and his assistants; the Hearse accompanied by the pall bearers, honorary pall bearers, twelve young ladies dressed in white from the West End School; and finally carriages of the Lopez family followed by many carriages transporting friends and acquaintances of Lazaro Lopez to his final resting place in the Biloxi cemetery.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 19, 1903, p.1)
Pall bearers
Active pall bearers and honorary pall bearers selected for Mr. Lopez’s funeral read like a Who’s Who of Biloxi’s commercial and political community. Pall bearers were: Phil Wachenfeld; Joesph Arguelles; John Wentzell; Joseph Rusk; August ‘Gus’ Barthes; and D.M. McCarroll. The Lopez family selected as honorary pall bearers: W.K.M. Dukate; William F. Gorenflo Sr.; Captain John Walker; John C. Bradford; T.J. Rosell; William Buck; Florian Seal; George W. Young; Aristede Hopkins; George W. Grayson; John E. Morrison; and Walter A. White.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 19, 1903, p.1)
Business affiliations
Merchandising
L. Lopez & Company, T.P. Dulion
Banks
1st Vice-president and director of the Bank of Biloxi, Director of the Biloxi Savings Bank & Trust Company,
LAST WILL
As a brilliant businessman and successful investor, Lazaro Lopez had accumulated a vast amount of wealth from his seafood, mercantile, banking and other commercial enterprises. His will dated June 24, 1903, legated the following to his spouse, children and sister:
- The Lopez residence, store building, and all other improvements situated on the lot of land described as: north by Chiapella; east by Mrs. Lafour (sic); south by Howard Avenue; and west by Reynoir Street was left to Julia Dulion Lopez and at her death or marriage to be the property of Noreta Lopez, his daughter.
- To my beloved wife Julia, one thousand dollars of United Statesbonds.
- To my son Laz, these lots of land in the City of Biloxi: (1) one lot with improvements bounded on the north by First Street; east by Magnolia Street; south by the Gulf of Mexico; and west by the property of Julia Lopez. (2) one lot bounded on the north by J. Arguellas (sic); easy by Chattam and Skinner; south by Frank Cavacovich (sic); and west by Oak Street having a front on Oak Street of one hundred and twenty feet and extending east for two hundred and forty feet.
- To my son Laz, these lots of land in the City of Biloxi: (1) one lot with improvements bounded on the north by First Street; east by Magnolia Street; south by the Gulf of Mexico; and west by the property of Julia Lopez. (2) one lot bounded on the north by J. Arguellas (sic); easy by Chattam and Skinner; south by Frank Cavacovich (sic); and west by Oak Street having a front on Oak Street of one hundred and twenty feet and extending east for two hundred and forty feet.
- To my son Laz, my one-sixth interest in the canning factory, business and property of the firm of William Gorenflo and Company. I also give Laz my one-half interest in the schooner Julia H.
- To my son Arnaud, the following land in the City of Biloxi: (1) lot and improvements bounded on the north by the Back Bay of Biloxi; east by Howard; and south and west by Bell. (2) one lot bounded on the north by Howard Avenue; east by W.K.M. Dukate; south by Mrs. Bohn; and west by an alley leading to the house of Mrs. Bohn. (3) one lot bounded on the north by First Street; east by Mrs. Weems; south by Mrs. Maybury; and west by Oak Street.
- To my son Arnaud, my one-half interest in the schooner Josiana.
- To my son Julius, the following lot in Biloxi: north by Howard Avenue; east by Mrs. Bohn, Caillavet and Cassoux (sic); south by the Gulf of Mexico; and west by W.K.M. Dukate.
- To Teresa Folkes, my daughter, my one-half interest in the following lot in Biloxi: north by Howard Avenue; east by Lafour (sic); south by Frank Voivedich; and west by Reynoir Street.
- To Erena, my daughter, the following lots in Biloxi: (1) north by the West End School House; east by Porter Avenue; south and west by property formerly of Willliams. (2) one-half interest in lot described as: north and west by Eistetter; east by ; south by ; and west by . (3) one lot bounded on the north by Jens Neilsen; on the east by Lazarus Seymour; south by Seymour heirs; and west by Fayard Street. (4) one-half interest in the tract known as the Parkhurst Place with the Back Bay of Biloxi to the north; east by fractional Section 20, T7S-R9W; and west by the Naval Reserve Park lands and those of August Ohr and Alex Evans.
- To my daughter Rowena the following lots in Biloxi: (1) one-half interest in the lot bounded on the north by an alley; east by Joe Tucei; south by Howard Avenue; and west by Delauney Street. (2) one lot with improvements [T.P. Dulion Mercantile Building] described as: north by Kornman; east by Reynoir Street; south by Howard Avenue; and west by Seymour Heirs.
- To Erena, Rowena, and Noreta, my daughters, to share and share alike the following land in Biloxi: one lot fronting Chartres Street on the north; east by Coueve (sic) Street; south by the right-of-way of the L&N Railroad; and west by the land of the Caillavet heirs.
- To my beloved wife Julia and son Arnaud to share like and like: my interest in the grocery and hardware business, property, and assets of L. Lopez & Company.
- To my sons Laz and Arnaud to share and share alike: my one-fourth interest in sash, door and blind factory, business, property and assts of the firm T.J. Rosell & Company.
- To Laz, Arnaud, and Julius, my sons, to share and share alike: (1) my interest in the canning factory, business, property and assts of every kind in the firm of Lopez & Dukate. (2) my stock in the Neptune Canning Company of Neptune in the State of Louisiana. (3) my stock in the Louisiana Oyster Company of Rigolets in the State of Louisiana. (4) all boats and floating property and undivided interest in any boats or floating property of which I may died possessed and herein specifically bequeathed.
- To all my children whether over or under the age of twenty-one years and whether married or single to share and share alike all bonds of every kind that I may die possessed,exceptUnited States bonds.
- To all my children whether over or under the age of twenty-one years and whether married or single to share and share alike all of the corporation stock, not otherwise specifically bequeathed of which I might possess when I die. As far as the stock in each corporation can be apportioned among my children so as to give the same number of shares in such corporation without dividing any shares.
- To my four sisters, Mary, Johanna, Felicita, and Clara, I give each two thousand dollars.
- I direct my executors to pay all my just debts from cash on hand in banks and life insurance policies before distribution thereof is made.
- To my beloved wife Julia, I bequeath all the remainder of my property real and personal of every kind, character, and description wherever so situated.
- I appoint William Gorenflo and W.K.M. Dukate, as executors of this my last will and testament, and direct that they shall not be required to give bond as such executors.
- I appoint Arnaud Lopez, my son, as guardian for my minor children and direct that he shall not have to give bond as such guardian, nor be required to file vouchers with his reports or annual accounts and that he shall not be chargeable with any interest on the personal assets of such wards in his hands but shall be chargeable with the corpus and actual income from such estates.
- In case any one or more of my children contest the validity of this will or resist its due execution, such child or children shall there by forfeit all right to take under this will, the title to the property herein devised or bequeathed to such child or children shall there by vest in my other children, share and share alike.
Lazaro Lopez, June 24, 1903.
Nativity B.V.M. Roman Catholic Church
Lazaro Lopez and his family were congregants of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, which was situated a few blocks west of their domicile on West Howard Avenue between Fayard Street and Caillavet Street. The Lopez children were baptized here and several were married in this sanctuary. Like most of the Lopez structures, Nativity B.V.M. was destroyed by the Great Fire of November 1900. Laz Lopez, W.K.M. Dukate, Ernest Desporte, Phil McCabe, Ed Glennan, and Louis Gill were the building committee responsible for erecting a new church. A contract was let in early February 1902 to J.F. Barnes & Company of Greenville, Mississippi and Biloxi to build the Theo Brune (1854-1932) designed Gothic structure. The new church was erected on the site of the former sanctuary and was estimated to cost over $16,000. It was sixty-feet tall, had a bell tower one hundred ten-feet in height and was fifty-five in width and one hundred thirty-two feet deep.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 8, 1902, p. 9)
In mid-September, Bishop Heslin blessed and christened the new church bell at the Church of the Nativity BVM donated by Lazaro Lopez. Father Blanc of Bay St. Louis, Father Aloysius of Pass Christian, and Reverend Alphonse Kettels of Biloxi assited Bishop Heslin with the blessing. The bell was given in the name of Clara Josephine Lopez and sponsored by her siblings, Master Julius Lopez and Miss Rowena Lopez.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 16, 1902)
In early January 1906, seven, large, stain glass windows arrived at Biloxi from Germany to tbe placed in the sanctuary of the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church. Julia Dulion Lopez had donated these windows described as 'equal to anything in the South' in memory of her late husband. Frederick Thornley of New York was employed to install the windows designed and built by Reis and Reis of Munich, Germany.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 6, 1906, p. 4 and January 9, 1906, p. 1)
The Airdome-1909
The Airdome, an open air movie and vaudeville venue, opened April 19, 1909 on the Lopez property west of the T.P. Dulion Mercantile Company. It was one hundred twenty-two feet by one hundred-forty feet and was bounded by Fayard Street on the west; Howard Avenue on the south; and Reynoir Street on the east. It was fenced and had one hundred twenty-five benches capable of seating eight people and two hundred-fifty chairs giving it a seating capacity of 1250 people. There was a stage and ‘picture machine box’, probably the projector. Harry Haise (1854-1954) did the carpentry work to erect the Airdome. The newly formed Daily Herald Band under the direction of Professor Joseph Dowling performed on opening day. Frederick P. Abbley (1882-1941) was the manager.(The Daily Herald, April 13, 1909 and April 20, 1909, p. 2)
Rowena Lopez Caldwell, inherited the lot known as “the Airdome” from Julia Dulion Lopez, her mother in late June 1918.
Julia Lopez expires
Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918) was born May 25, 1857. Upon her demise on June 30, 1918, she was lauded by The Daily Herald as: "A devout Catholic, a faithful and devoted wife and mother, a kind and thoughtful neighbor and true friend, and a woman of the most generous charity and tender solicitude for suffering everywhere, her many acts of of charity being remembered in the community." Mrs. Lopez was the last to expire of her Dulion family. She was survived by her beautiful daughters all residents of Biloxi: Theresa Lopez Folkes, wife of Dr. H.M. Folkes; Erena Lopez Brady, wife of Edward Brady, a prominent jeweler; Rowena Lopez Caldwell, spouse of Phil Caldwell whose husband is in the US Army; and Noreta Lopez Yerger, wife of Rucks Yerger Jr., formerly of Gulfport and now in the insurance business at Biloxi. Julia's sons, Lazaro Lopez, Arnaud Lopez, and Julius Lopez, had inherited their father's acumen for commercial enterprises and made their livelihoods at Biloxi as merchants and factorymen. Julia Dulion Lopez was also survived by fifteen grandchildren. She had lost three children before her demise: Clara Lopez, Josephine Lopez and Juanita Lopez. Her funeral was held at Nativity BVM Catholic Church on July 2, 1918 with internment in the Biloxi Cemetery. The Bradford Undertaking Company provided funeral arrangements for the Lopez family.(The Daily Herald, July 1, 1918. p. 1)
Julia Lopez with Grandchildren
[Avis Vignes Switzer Collection-Biloxi Public Library]
Julia’s Legacy
Julia Dulion Lopez died at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 30, 1918. Before her demise, she had appointed Erena Lopez Brady, as executrix, of her estate without bonding. Her bequests were as follows:
- To Noreta Lopez Yerger, my daughter, the property corner of Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue occupied by Kimbrough, Quint & Caillavet.
- To Arnaud Lopez, my son, the two lots known as ‘two lots Summerville addition to Biloxi’.
- To Julius Lopez, my son, the lot in the L.A. Frederick Survey.
- To Rowena Lopez Caldwell, my daughter, the lot known as “the Airdome”.
- To Teresa Lopez Folkes, my daughter, the Rodenberg Survey lot.
- To Erena Lopez Brady, my daughter, the house and lot on the corner of Howard Avenue and Seal.
- To Arnaud Lopez a one-third interest in the Houma, Louisiana lot.
- To Julius Lopez a one-third interest in the Coast Livery Lot in Gulfport.
- To Lazaro Lopez a lot in Mobile, Alabama with the 1916 Tax Receipt No. 9957.
- To Noreta Lopez Yerger the Lopez home on West Howard Avenue and the Corner Store on Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street previously bequeathed to Norita Lopez Yerger by her father and whatever interest I have in these properties.
- To Erena Lopez Brady all of my stock in the T.P. Dulion Mercantile Company.
- To all of my daughters all of my stock in the L. Lopez & Company to be divided equally.
- ToArnaud Lopez all my stock in the Columbia Ice & Power Company.
- To Lazaro Lopez all my stock in the Louisiana Navigation & Fishing Company.
- To my seven children and Josephine Folkes all of my stock in the Interstate Bank & Trust Company of New Orleans to be divided equally.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the First National Bank of Biloxi excepting one share for Josephine Folkes, my granddaughter.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the Artesian Ice Company excepting one share for Josephine Folkes, my granddaughter.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the Gulfport & Mississippi Coast Traction Company to be divided equally.
- To Constance Lewis, my faithful servant, one hundred dollars in cash and to Theresa Lambricht the sum of twenty-five dollars.
Julia Lopez, June 29, 1918.
Strand Theatre
Norita Lopez Yergerhad inherited the large Lopez lot on the northeast corner of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street. In January 1925, she made a five year lease with Julian H. Saenger (1873-1932) of the Gulf Coast Amusement Company to rent the building formerly housing the L. Lopez & Company store at 418 Howard Avenue as the Strand Theatre. The rent was $250 per month. On May 22, 1926, a fire on the adjacent property did some damage to the Strand Theatre and the movie house was shut down for repairs by the lessor. The lease was renegotiated after the fire and compromised and the lessee agreed to a monthly rental rate of $325 each month until January 31, 1930, then it would be increased to $425 per month.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 162, p. 232)
Saenger Theatre
Norita Lopez Yerger inherited the large Lopez lot on the northeast corner of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street. In March 1928, she and Rucks Yerger Jr., her spouse, granted a thirty years lease to.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 20, p. 459)
Julian H. Saenger
Julian Henri Saenger (1873-1932) was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Rabbi Israel Saenger (1841-1900+), an 1866 immigrant from Germany, and Mrs. Saenger (d. pre-1900) also a German immigrant. Julian graduated from Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, Maryland after completing their pharmacy school. Before 1900, the Saenger family relocated from Macon, Georgia to Shreveport, Louisiana where he was a retail pharmacist and proprietor of the Saenger Drug Company with Abe D. Saenger (1876-1932+), his brother.(1900 Caddo Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623_560, p. 4B, ED 40)
In 1911, Julian H. Saenger joined with Levi Maurice Ash (1880-1971), who had married Florence Saenger Ash (1886-1932+), his sister, and Abe D. Saenger, his brother, to organized the Saenger Amusement Company. They opened their first movie house in Shreveport, also in 1911. In 1917, the company had built the Strand Theatre at New Orleans and in November 1926. With their two hundred movies houses in fifty Southern cities, in eleven Southern states, and Central America and Cuba, Saenger Theatres, Inc. was integrated into Publix Theaters Corporation, the premier American movie house proprietor, whose crown jewel was the seven million dollar Paramont Theater on Broadway. The two and one-half million dollar Saenger Theatre opened in the Crescent City on February 4, 1927. It was designed by Emile Weil.
Julian H. Saenger married Marjorie Kent Weston at Gretna, Louisiana in December 1930. They were domiciled at 831 Bourbon Street. Julian was stricken by a heart attack on February 6, 1932. He expired in an ambulance rushing him to a New Orleans hospital.(The Times Picayune, December 20, 1930, p. 20 and February 6, 1932, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
Books
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).
Charles L. Dyer, Along The Gulf, (Women of the Trinity Episcopal Church: Pass Christian, Mississippi-1971, originally published 1895).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical (George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 683, “Eulalie Clark v. V.J. Olivari”-1895.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. , “The Estate of Lazaro Lopez”-June 1903
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1663, “The Estate of Julia Dulion Lopez”-1918
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 35188, “”-December 1954
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court 2nd Judicial District, Cause No. 9853, “The Estate of Lynden Bowring, 1980.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court 2nd Judicial District Cause No. P-2077B, The Estate of Beverly Lopez Berggren”, March 1993.
Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 33,566, “The Estate of Wilda Lopez Bowring”, ?
Journals
The Baltimore Sun, “Charles Patten”, January 13, 1922.
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “Time Traveler-Biloxi’s Air Dome Theater”, February 25, 2010.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local News”, October 27, 1888.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal Notes”, November 16, 1889.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal Notes”, January 18, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“The Town Council”, February 8, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal Notes”, March 1, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local and Personal Notes”, March 8, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, April 26, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, May 17, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, June 28, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald,“Local Happenings”, November 22, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “Biloxi Chief Industry”, September 12, 1892.
The Biloxi Herald,“Bank of Biloxi”, January 7, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald,“The Charter of Incorporation of the Bank of Biloxi”, January 21, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald,“Bank of Biloxi”, February 25, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald,“Bank of Biloxi”, April 1, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, July1, 1893.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, June 16, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Daily Herald
The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, October 30, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald, “Death of young Henzelena”, November 6, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald, “City Council”, April 9, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, April 9, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald, “Latest City News”, May 18, 1898.
The Biloxi Herald,“Lopez’s New Building”, August 20, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Biloxi’s Public School System”, September 10, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Local and Personal”, November 10, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Oyster dredging”, February 4, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, April 27, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Aftermath”, November 11, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, November 15, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “A beautiful block”, April 27, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Contract let”, May 5, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, May 5, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”,
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Contract let”, February 8, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Confirmation”, September 16, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“L. Lopez Sr. ill”, September 19, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mr. Lopez’s condition”, September 22, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“News from Lopez Sr.”, September 25, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Prepare for worst”, September 25, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “L. Lopez, Sr., Dead”, September 26, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The death of Mr. Lopez”, September 26, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Items”, October 1, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Personal”, October 5, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Mass Meeting”, October 6, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 7, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 8, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 9, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City Items”, October 15, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“In the shadow”, October 17, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Laid to rest”, October 19, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s building boom”, November 20, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, January 6, 1906.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “A beautiful donation”, January 9, 1906.
The Daily Herald
The Daily Herald,“Airdome”, April 1, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Band to open Airdome”, April 13, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Dunbars, Lopez, and Dukate Company [advertisement]”, September 29, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Officers elected in big concern [Columbia Ice and Power Company]”, January 18, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“Improvements for factories”, July 20, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Yerger-Lopez”, January 26, 1917, p. 6.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Julia Lopez passes away”, July 1, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Girl of Southern Noted Family Joins Husband in Los Angeles”, September 6, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Obituary [Charles L. Baudry]”, December 7, 1918.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Post”, November 4, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Route of parade Thursday named”, November 25, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Lopez home to be demolished”, January 22, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi home is being torn down”, June 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Juliani is erecting steel”, August 28, 1926, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Break ground for New Saenger House”,July 14, 1928.
The Daily Herald, “Saenger has new manager”,December 31, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Yerger Building purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Barq”, April 21, 1938, p. 1.
The Daily Herald,“Notre Dame opens with 125 enrollment”, September 9, 1943.
The Daily Herald,“Notre Dame to open new Biloxi School Sept. 14”, September 1, 1953.
The Daily Herald,“Delchamps will open new store in ‘55”, December 13, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Wilda Lopez Bowring”, October 27, 1977.
The Times-Picayune, “New Saenger Theater is vast beyond belief and incredibly beautiful”, February 5, 1927.
The Times-Picayune, “Theater is seen as realization of years of work”, February 5, 1927.
The Times-Picayune, “Society”, December 20, 1930.
The Times-Picayune, “Julian H. Saenger stricken, dies on way to hospital”, 7. 1932.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests”,April 20, 1918, p. 5.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Marjory Yerger Winklejohn”, June 27, 2002.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local Paragraphs”, December 30, 1881.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Wanted---Figs”, June 19, 1891.
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LOPEZ CHILDREN
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Teresa Lopez Folkes (1873-1951)
TERESA LOPEZ FOLKES
Teresa Lopez (1873-1951) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 12, 1873. On June 14, 1900, she married Dr. Hyman McMaken Folkes (1871-1926) in the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church at Biloxi. Reverend Alphonse Ketels officiated. William Wachenfeld served as Dr. Folkes best man and Miss Lopez was attended by Erena Lopez, May Young, and Jennie Gillen. Miss Augusta Folkes (b. 1878), the sister of Dr. Folkes came from Jackson for the wedding.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 5, 1900, p. 8 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 12, p. 321)
Hyman M. Folkes
Dr. H.M. Folkes was born on October 6, 1871 at Bovina, Warren County, Mississippi, the son of August Albert Folkes (1839-1904) and Anna E. Hilzheim (1850-1880+). August A. Folkes was a Civil War veteran having served with the 1st Mississippi Regiment Light Artillery. In 1877, the Folkes family settled at Jackson, Mississippi. Here, August A. Folkes managed a hotel before he became a lumber agent representing J.C. Redus and vending dressed and rough lumber and building materials such as, shingles, lathing, sash and doors. In late 1903, Captain A.A. Folkes became ill and was brought to Biloxi and put in the Biloxi Sanatorium under his son’s care. He died on January 2, 1904 at Biloxi and his corporal remains were sent to Jackson for internment. Mr. Folkes had been a vestryman at St. Andrew;s Episcopal Church in Jackson.(1880 Hinds Co., Mississippi federal Census T9-648, p. 13, ED 3, The Clarion Ledger, May 2, 1889, p. 6, The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 29, 1903, p. 6 and January 2, 1904, p. 8
Before Hyman M. Folkes became a medical man, he Dr. Folkes was a 1893 graduate of Tulane.
Ship Island-Cat Island Quarantine Station
In the spring of 1897, Dr. Hyman McMacken Folkes (1871-1926) came to Biloxi from Jackson, Mississippi to accept the post of Quarantine Officer at Ship Island. His initial appearance in the community left one with the impression that Dr. Folkes was a refined, social gentleman. At this time, there appears to be some transitioning of the location of the Quarantine Station. In late July 1896, the Quarantine Station was relocated to Cat Island and Dr. W.C. Brooke of Biloxi appointed to the post.(The Biloxi Herald, May 22, 1897, p. 8, July 25, 1896, p. 1)
Yellow Fever
Dr. Folkes earned the respect and admiration of Biloxians in the fall of 1897, when he was ordered from Cat Island to Biloxi by the State Board of Health to assist those struck down by yellow f1ever. His youth, experience with yellow fever patients in the tropics and stamina allowed Dr. Folkes to work long, hours and provide efficient and effective service to so many at Biloxi in constant demand of medical attention. In the fall of 1897, Dr. Folkes was sent to McHenry, Mississippi to work with the affirmed there as Dr. McHenry was ill. (The Biloxi Herald, October 30, 1897, p. 1)
Ship Island Tale
In July 1937, Captain L. Peter Eskald (1856-1944), a retired Danish immigrant and former Biloxi chandelier and boatman, related to a reporter forThe Daily Herald that when the Government sold all the armament and munitions on Ship Island to a Mr. Marks, a New Orleans junk dealer, he acquired in a trade from Mr. Marks the large Rodman gun at Fort Massachusetts for returning all of Marks’ tools and dynamite to the Crescent City. Knowing that Dr. Folkes was a collector of historic objects, Captain Eskald offered him the Rodman for $600. Dr. Folkes considered the price and subsequent removal and transfer to Biloxi very dear and passed on the Rodman. The Rodman remained at Fort Massachusetts and has become an integral part of the Civil War history of Ship Island.(The Daily Herald, July 8, 1937)
By 1899, he had opened an office in Biloxi on Pass Christian Road, now Howard Avenue, in the Eistetter Building and advertised as follows:
DR. H.M. FOLKES
Office and rooms in Eistetter Building
Telephone 38 Office Hours 11 to 1
Biloxi, Mississippi
Accounts due on the first of each month
(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 24, 1899, p. 8)
Children: Josephine Lopez Folkes (1901-1959) m. Albert Brown Russ (1888-1953) and Thomas Burns (1892-1974); Anna Odenal Folkes (1907-1968) m. Eugene Robert Kelly (1902-1990); and Dorothy Hilzheim Folkes (1912-1925).
Folkes & Kennedy
At the turn of the 20th Century and shortly thereafter, Biloxi was fortunate to have an adequate number of pharmacists and drug dispensaries. Among those in this industry were: The Opera Pharmacy of Joseph W. Swetman (1863-1937); William P. Kennedy (1873-1951); The Phoenix Pharmacy of J.B. Lemon (1862-1919); The of Herman Nill (1863-1904); Kimbrough & Pippen of Fenton H. Kimbrough (1874-1952) who later owned Kimbrough & Quints; and Jules A. D’Aquin (1877-1936).
Dr. H.M. Folkes first ventured in the drugstore business in May 1901 in a partnership with W.P. Kennedy. Their pharmacy was located in the new, two-story brick building of Lopez & Company on the southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street. When Mr. Kennedy’s health became poor, he retired from his pharmacy and Dr. Folkes partnered with W.J. Grant.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 5, 1901, p. 1 and )
Folkes & Grant
The Folkes & Grant ‘Century Drug Store’ was a retail drugstore instituted in the summer of 1901 by Dr. H.M. Folkes and W.J. Grant. In 1900, W.J. Grant was a resident of Pascagoula and employed as a drug clerk in that city. He came to Biloxi in 1900 to work in the pharmacy of W.P. Kennedy. Their joint venture in Biloxi was situated in the same space as the short-lived Folkes & Kennedy venture.
In late July 1901, a large engine and generator supplied by the Blakeslee Manufacturing Company of Birmingham, Alabama was installed in the rear of the Century Drugstore. This dynamo generated electricity for the lighting of the drugstore, the adjoining barbershop, and for the large Lopez & Company across the street. There was also sufficient current to operate electric fans in these venues.(1900 Jackson Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_812, p. 6A, ED 40 and The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 19, 1901, p. 8, July 25, 1901, p. 8, July 28, 1901, p. 8)
1903
[see The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 3, 1903, p. 6)
W.J. Grant
William Jesse Grant (1875-1932) was born at Pascagoula, Mississippi the son of Robert B. Grant (1852-1932) and Lydia S. Landridge (1852-1909). On April 16, 1902 at New Orleans, William J. Grant married Julia Elizabeth Baltar (1880-1968), the daughter of Jacinto F. Baltar (1834-1898) and Margaretha Gondolf (1840-1932). They were the parents of: Marguerite Baltar Grant (1904-1988) m. Henry Baldwin Curtis; William Jesse Grant II (1906-1976) m. Mary Griffin Dantzler (1905-1988); and Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986) m. Vera ‘Bede’ Leola Dukate Bond (1909-1989).
Grant’s Drug Company
William J. Grant and Dr. Folkes parted ways about 1904 and this appears to be Dr. Folkes last pharmacy venture. W.J. Grant joined with Jules A. D’Aquin (1877-1936), a native of New Orleans and Tulane pharmacy graduate, to form Grant & D’Aquin. Mr. D’Aquin would leave Grant and join the staff of J.W. Swetman as a prescription clerk before acquiring the drugstore of J.B. Lemon in January 1910. D’Aquin’s drugstore was located on the southeast corner of Howard Avenue and Lameuse Street. In the spring of 1929, Grant’s opened in their new store adjacent to the Saenger Theatre. W.J. Grant was assisted in his pharmacy by his son, W.J. Grant Jr. (1906-1976).(The Daily Herald, January 14, 1910, p. 8 and The Jackson County Times, June 22, 1929, p. 3)
After the demise of W.J. Grant, the family incorporated the business in October 1932. The incorporators of Grant’s Drug Company Incorporated were: Mrs. W.J. Grant, Mrs. Henry B. Curtis, W.J. grant Jr. and Leslie B. Grant. Grant’s remained on West Howard Avenue and Reynoir in the former Lopez-Yerger Building, which became the Barq’s Building in 1940??(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 52, p. 441)
SeashoreAcademy
The Seashore Academy was a private school founded in June 1893 by Laz Lopez, F.W. Elmer, S. Picard, John Walker, E.J. Buck, H.T. Graves, E.W. Morrill, H. Otto, J.R. Harkness, George H. Dunbar, and F.B. Dunbar. This private educational institution was situated about 500 feet west of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It opened in September 1893 with Dr. George S. Roudebush (1829-1921), a Presbyterian minister, in charge.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 1, p. 6 and The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8)
Biloxi Sanatorium
The Biloxi Sanatorium was chartered in Mississippi in June 1902 by Dr. H.M. Folkes, Laz Lopez, W.K.M. Dukate, Harry T. Howard (1856-1930), Judge James H. Nevlle (1852-1919), and Dr. M. Lyle. Talbot (1874-1937). Its purpose was the treatment and care of the sick and disabled. The Biloxi Sanatorium proposed to have a department for marine patients as well as regular patients. The charter for the Biloxi Sanatorium was amended in January 1903 in order “to have the power and authority to open and maintain a school for training nurses and awarding diplomas.”(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 5, p. 73 and Bk. 419 and The Biloxi Herald, June 22,1902, p. 8)
The Biloxi Sanatorium was situated on the beach front site of the former Seashore Academy which had been instituted in June 1893 by Laz Lopez, F.W. Elmer, S. Picard, John Walker, E.J. Buck, H.T. Graves, E.W. Morrill, H. Otto, J.R. Harkness, George H. Dunbar, and F.B. Dunbar. This private educational institution was situated about 500 feet west of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It opened in September 1893 with Dr. George S. Roudebush (1829-1921), a Presbyterian minister, in charge.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 1, p. 6 and The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8)
Miss Mary H. Trigg
Mary H. Trigg (1874-1930+), who had worked in Manhattan as a nurse at the New York Hospital before 1900, came to the Biloxi Sanatorium from Greenville, Mississippi in November 1904. She was a Mississippi native and daughter of Wyndham Trigg (1834-pre- 1910), a lawyer, and Nannie S. Trigg (1837-1910+), natives of Virginia and Mississippi respectively. In 1906, Miss Trigg left Biloxi for the Greenville Sanatorium which she had acquired. Miss Trigg was a guest of the Dr. and Mrs. Folkes at Gunston Hall in late October 1922. By 1930, Miss Trigg was Superintendent of the King’s Daughters Hospital in Greenville.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 21, 1904, p. 5, The Daily Herald, October 31, 1922, p. 3 and 1900 New York, Co. New York Federal Census T623_111, p. 3A, ED 1066 and 1930 Washington Co., Mississippi Federal Census R 1156, p. 27A, ED 9)
Susie Trigg (1870-1930+), a sister of Nurse Mary H. Trigg, taught school at Greenville, Mississippi for many years and was honored by having an elementary school named in her honor in that Delta city. Thomas K. Trigg (1878-1910+), her brother, worked for the Marine Hospital Service as a quarantine guard for trains entering and departing Biloxi was stricken with yellow fever in October 1905.(1910 and 1930 Washington Co., Mississippi T624_763, p. 13A, Ed 117 and R 1171, p. 3A, ED 8 and The Biloxi Herald, October 7, 1905, p. 4)
Folkes & Talbot
In August 1902, Dr. M. Lyle Talbot (1874-1937), the brother of Dr. William O. Talbot (1873-1952), a Biloxi dentist and politician, joined with Dr. H.M. Folkes to form a co-partnership. Dr. M.L. Talbot was born in Scott County, Mississippi in September 1873 to Green W. Talbot (1848-1900+), a farmer, and Fannie Talbot (1852-1903), both natives of Alabama. In 1900, Dr. Talbot was stationed at Ship Island, probably as the Quarantine Officer. Peter Clarisse (1845-1932) was the lighthouse keeper on Ship Island at this time. (The Biloxi Herald, February 20, 1903, p. 6, 1900 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_808, p. 10A, ED 29 and 1880 Scott Co., Mississippi Federal Census T9_663, p. 15, Beat 4)
Pavilion
John Liddie, designer and builder, was hired by the Biloxi Sanatarium to erect a three-decked pavilion at the end of their pier. The upper story had a glass enclosed room that was conducive for patients to sun bathe out of the elements. The second floor featured lounge chairs and hammocks, while the pier level was conducive for children to crab and fish. The pavilion was built with creosoted pilings and iron bars.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 18,1903, p. 6)
Biloxi Marine Hospital
Dr. Folkes advertised in the Biloxi Daily Herald that he contacted to take vessels and that surgery was his specialty.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 9, 1903, p. 6)
The April 1904 conflagration
The Biloxi Sanatarium of Dr. Hyman M. Folkes (1871-1926) was opened on November 24, 1904. The Laz Lopez medical and surgical clinic for the poor would be maintained here.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 17, 1904, p. 5)
Gunston Hall
Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918) died at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 30, 1918. Before her demise, she had appointed Erena Lopez Brady, as executrix, of her estate without bonding. Her bequests to Teresa Lopez Folkes was the Rodenberg Survey lot. In February 1906, Julia Dulion Lopez had acquired for $3250 from the Heirs of John Henry Rodenberg, a large lot, 142 feet in width and 600 feet deep, measured from the southeast corner of in Lot 1-Block 1 of the Maunsel White Survey. It was situated on Biloxi’s West Beach. The Heirs of John Henry Rodenberg were: Cord Henry Rodenberg; Harriet Amanda Rodenberg; Maria Theresa Rodenberg; Eva Langhorne Rodenberg; Mary Francis Murdock; and Eva Anne Shaffer. The Lopez lot was subject to a 25-foot right of way to the Gulfport was left open on the west side of the lot and a & Mississippi Coast Traction Company situated south of the shell road. In addition, a 45-foot road was to be left open on the west side of the tract and a 50-foot wide street to be left open on the north end of the lot.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Bk.71 or 73, p. 373 and Harrison Co. , Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1663, “The Estate of Julia Dulion Lopez”-1918 )
As early as September 1919, the Folkes were planning a home for the Rodenberg Lot. At this time, H.H. Roof, local architect, was making architectural drawings for their structure on the corner of West Beach and Rodenberg Avenue.(The Daily Herald, September 19, 1919, p. 2 and
West Beach lot
In January 1905, Octavie Tricou Weysham (1835-1910) conveyed to Teresa Lopez Folkes a large tract of land on West Beach. The consideration was $4000 and the Weysham parcel had a front of 100 feet on the Gulf and ran north to Pass Christian Road. Catherine Perry was to the west and Dr. Folkes’ Sanatorium was to the east. Shortly thereafter in June 1905, Erena Lopez acquired the Perry large tract which was east of the Biloxi Cemetery for $17,000. It a front on the Gulf of Mexico of three hundred sixty-eight feet and ran north almost 1200 feet to Cemetery Road, now Irish Hill Drive.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 64, p. 388 and Bk. 69, p. 89)
The Weysham property was sold to Mrs. Folkes by Richard B. Harrison (1831-1905), local agent, and the father of Charles T. Harrison (1863-1948), who would develop a 20th Century real estate empire in Biloxi. The Weysham place had been on the market for several years and had two houses situated on it.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 21, 1902, p. 3 and December 10, 1904, p. 4)
Mrs. Octavie T. Weysham was born at New Orleans. In July 1877, she had married Alphonse Charles Weysham (1831-1900), the widower of her sister, Emma Tricou Weysham (1831-1876). Emma had given birth to Blanche Weysham Harris (1862-1900+), who was reared by Octavie and Alphonse C. Weysham. He made his livelihood as cashier for a large commercial house in the Crescent City.(1880 Orleans Parish Federal Census R461, p. 371C, ED 43)
Gulf Coast Sanitarium and Health Resort
Dr. James E. Wallace (1876-1942) joined Dr. Folkes in the summer of 1911. He had been at the Biloxi Sanatorium several years past, but returned to Touro Infirmary at NOLA before relocating to Biloxi to partner with Dr. Folker. Dr. Wallace planned to live at the Sanatorium and have his office over Grant’s Drugstore on West Howard Avenue.(The Daily Herald, July 21, 1911, p. 8)
Founded by Dr. H.M. Folkes. Consisted of operating room and clinic. In 1912, installed a modern X-Ray machine in clinic. .(The Daily Herald, January 8, 1913, p. 1)
In January 1913, Dr. Folkes hosted the Harrison County Medical Association at his sanitarium. Coast physicians attending were: Dr. R.L. White, Dr. G.F. Carroll, and Dr. H.M. Folkes of Biloxi; Dr. A.L. Morris, Dr. A.C. Caraway, Dr. C.A. Sheely, Dr. D.J. Williams, Dr. E.C. Parker, and Dr. H.H. West of Gulfport; Dr. W.A. Dearman and Dr. D.G. Mohler of Long Beach; Dr. B.Z. Welch of Woolmarket; Dr. G.A. McHenry of McHenry; and Dr. J.P. Berry of Jackson.(The Daily Herald, January 8, 1913, p. 1)
1st National Bank of Biloxi
Dr. H.M. Folkes resigned as president of the 1st National Bank of Biloxi in December 1916. He had sold all of his interest in the bank. Edward C. Tonsmeire was elected president by the bank’s board and would also continue as cashier.(The Daily Herald, December 14, 1916, p. 1)
Hotel Biloxi
to H.M. Folkes for $15,000 in September 1919. Dr. Folkes then almost immediately he sold to J.S. Love, State Bank Examiner for the State of Mississippi for $250 and assumption of trust deed.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 124, p. 414 and Bk. 415)
Hotel Biloxi sale
H.M. Folkes, president and Teresa L. Folkes, secretary respectively conveyed the Hotel Biloxi to W.B. Patterson of Mobile, Alabama in February 1923. The sale included all furniture, fixtures, appliances, buildings, capital stock of the Hotel Biloxi, and the artesian well rights deeded to Dr. Folkes.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 137, p. 256)
New ownership
In April 1925, W.B. Patterson agreed to a lease purchase on the Hotel Biloxi with J.P. Edwards of Ocean Springs and Lee M. Russell (1876-1930+) of Gulfport and later Biloxi. The grantees agreed to pay Mr. Patterson $79,300 for the hotel and assume a $20,700 mortgage with the International Life Insurance Company. In addition they would be responsible for taxes and fire and tornado insurance on the property in the amount of $100,000.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 162, p. 375)
Harry W. Fitzpatrick and Phillip W. Levine
In September 1925, Monsieur’s Edwards and Russell assigned their hotel lease and obligations to Harry W. Fitzpatrick (1876-1926) of New Orleans and Phillip W. Levine (1890-1940) of Biloxi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 162, p. 379)
Harry W. Fitzpatrick was born at NOLA of an Irish immigrant father and Alabama mother. He improved his lot in life from driving a truck for a packing house to a dynamic force in real estate from New Orleans to Mobile. Mr. Fitzpatrick opened an office in Biloxi in the winter of 1924. He maintained his main real estate office on Royal Street in NOLA. Another talent of Mr. Fitzpatrick was the public auctioning of land and homes.(The Daily Herald, December 5, 1924, p. 6)
Catherine Newman ‘Kate’ Shelly (1859-1930), Mrs. Fitzgerald’s mother, resided at Ocean Springs at No. 30 West Porter with Mary Newman Murphy (1870-1942), her sister. Mrs. Murphy was the spouse of James J. Murphy (1867-1944).(The Jackson County Times, June 22, 1929, p. 3)
Phillip W. Levine (1889-1940) came to the United States from East Prussia, now a part of Russia, arriving at NYC in June 1900 from Hamburg, Germany. He married Jeanette Alexander (1892-1940+) at NOLA in August 1912. They came to Biloxi before 1917 and reared their five children here. Before his involvement in the Hotel Biloxi, Mr. Levine owned retail shoe stores at Biloxi and Gulfport..(The Daily Herald, February 16, 1940, p. 1)
In July 1926, Fitzpatrick and Levine dealt their assignment of the Hotel Biloxi to Harold R. Bechtel and George M. Bechtel of Davenport, Iowa. The consideration was $126,500 and all of the obligations that were attached to the original agreement between Patterson and the Edwards-Russell grant of April 1925.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 162, p. 375)
Bechtel and Bechtel and New Biloxi Hotel
George Martin Bechtel (1868-1952) and Harold Reimers Bechtel (1894-1987) were domiciled at Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. They were father and son and respectively president and vice-president of the George M. Bechtel Company whose salient business was brokering bonds from their Davenport, Iowa office. In September 1926, the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi was confirmed to W.B. Patterson by adverse possession. In December 1927, the Bechtels paid W.B. Patterson $18,350 and together the three gentlemen sold the resort to the Hotel Biloxi Company Inc.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 173, p. 84)
George D. Stannus
Under the Bechtel leadership, new capital was invested in the old Folkes resort property and The New Biloxi Hotel, a fireproof Southern Colonial style edifice, was built in 1927. The Federal Engineering Company of Davenport, Iowa was given charge of the building project and George D. Stannus (1880-1930+), manager of the old Hotel Biloxi who had taken this position in 1923, continued as local hotel manager. Mr. Stannus was a native of Uniontown, Kentucky. He had married Bernice Dickie (1881-1930+) of Citronelle, Alabama in 1908 and they had one son, George R. Stannus (1909-1998), who would later become his father’s assistant in managing the New Hotel Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, April 12, 1927, p. 2 and The Daily Herald Golden Jubilee Issue, 1934, p. 16)
Construction-May 1927
In early May 1927, before construction of the $600,000 New Biloxi Hotel commenced, the Collins Brothers Contracting Company of Biloxi demolished the wood frame building and pavilion in front of the structure. The east wing of the Hotel Biloxi was moved to the rear and served as living quarters for the Stannus family and other hotel personnel until the New Biloxi Hotel was completed about December 1st. This wooden building would later serve as the servants quarters for the new hotel. (The Daily Herald, May 2, 1927, p. 2, May 5, 1927, p. 2, and December 1, 1927, p. 1)
Collins Brothers and other contractors
On May 11, 1927, the Collins Brothers were awarded the $285,000 contract for building the four-story, 118-room, New Biloxi Hotel. It was designed by Ira H. Coyne (1892-1976) of the Federal Engineering Company of Davenport, Iowa. William J. Collins (1886-1962) and George J. Collins (1891-1968) had built their first Biloxi building in 1912. Since that time, they had erected commercial structures for: Catholic Church at Gulfport; Back Bay School [Gorenflo]; Edwards-Butler Motor Company; Daily Herald Building; Caldwell Building; Yerger Building; C.W. Wachenfeld Apartments; August Wachenfeld Apartments; Bay View Hotel; and remodeled the Peoples’ Bank. The Collins Brothers had learned the building trades from John Collins (1854-1929), their father. Joseph O. Collins (b. 1922), son of William J. Collins, continued in the contracting business at Biloxi until the present day.(The Daily Herald, May 11, 1927, p. 1)
The Biloxi Plumbing and Heating Company headed by Henry L. Schwan (1889-1956) and Grover W. Graham (1893-1964) received the $46,300 contract for plumbing and heating the building while the electrical work to cost about $10,000 was given to the J.M. Johnson & Company of Dallas, Texas.(The Daily Herald, May 11, 1927, p. 1)
By December 1927, the New Biloxi Hotel was in the finishing phase of its construction. The furniture, fixtures, carpets and ancillary equipment had arrived.
COMMENTS ON THE BILOXI HOTEL
BY
Julius M. ‘Jay’ Lopez II (1908-1990)
This is interesting the story on the Biloxi Hotel. The ‘old’ Biloxi Hotel, you wouldn’t know about, but this is a picture of it here. This was built in either 1903 or 1904 somewhere in there. It was after Laz Lopez’s death [September 25, 1903]. It was built as a sanatorium.
Interviewer-Was that the same Biloxi Hotel whose skeleton is still standing? No it’s the same site. This was built a year or so after [Laz] Lopez’s death. It was built by Hyman Folkes (18-19). Hyman Folkes was Lopez’s son-in-law. He married Teresa Lopez (18-19). He was an M.D. He built this as the Biloxi Sanatorium as a memorial to Laz Lopez. The for some reason in about 1908 or 1909, it became a
Depression and bankruptcy
In May 1936, The Hotel Biloxi was insolvent and filed proceedings to reorganize the company under Section 77-B of the Bankruptcy Act. This device had been enacted into law in 1934, as an amendment to Roosevelt’s Bankruptcy Act of 1933 and allowed the Biloxi Hotel to be discharged from its debts and liabilities particularly the First Trust & Savings Bank of Davenport, Iowa.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 209, p. 164)
1949 Hotel Biloxi sale and reincorporation
In September 1949, Harold R. Bechtel (1894-1987), president, and Frank Johnson, secretary, domiciled at Scott County, Iowa sold the Hotel Biloxi Company, Inc. to Jane Long of Chicago. The sales price was $290,000.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 314, p. 268)
The Hotel Biloxi was reincorporated in July 1949 by Thomas F. Seay (1903-1994), vice-president, and Jane Long, secretary, of Chicago, Illinois. When its charter was amended in 1951, Seba F. Mahony (1882-1966), had replaced Jane Long as secretary of the organization. These individuals were all domiciled at Chicago and were experienced in banking and real estate brokering and sales in the Windy City.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 116, p. 495 and Bk. 132, p. 495)
1953 Reorganization
In 1953, the Hotel Biloxi became insolvent and the company was dissolved and its charter surrendered. Officers at this time were Thomas F. Seay, president; Thomas Burns, executive vice president; and Seba F. Mahony, secretary-treasurer. Alfonse G. Mahony (1879-1953+), the brother of Seba F. Mahony and a single man of Chicago, became owner and assumed all debt and liens.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 368, p. 210)
In May 1953, Alfonse G. Mahony conveyed the Hotel Biloxi to G.E. Weaver, trustee and assistant secretary of Banker’s Life and Casualty. Banker’s Life and Casualty sold the hotel to MacArthur Hotels, Inc. in September 1956.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 415, p. 363)
The Biloxi MacArthur Hotel
In the spring of 1958, the Biloxi Hotel now owned by the MacArthur Hotels group headed by Charles H. Little and W.J. Canfield, performed a $50,000 refurbishment of the old Southern Colonial, style hostel. The lobby, corridors and one hundred-eighteen rooms were redecorated and finished in a relaxing combination of light blue and gray colors. The rear of the hotel had a garden with fountain, tennis and badminton courts, playground for children, and two large BBQ pits. The front lawn was graced with a swimming pool and across US Highway 90, a 750-foot pier gave guest access to fishing and swimming.(Down South, Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 8)
CHATEAU LE GRAND [1130 West Beach. Image March 2011 by Ray L. Bellande]
Chateau Le Grand
Biloxi Hotel converted to condominiums and opened December 1981.
Southeast Corner of West Howard and Reynoir Street
Laz Lopez, Sr. had acquired two very valuable, contiguous lots on the southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street in August 1895 from the Estate of Constantino Olivari (1841-1894), an Italian immigrant entrepreneur. The tract had 120-feet on West Howard Avenue and ran south with 150-feet fronting on Reynoir. Upon his demise and subsequent probate in 1903, Teresa Lopez Folkes was legated a one-half interest in this property. Theodore P. Dulion (1861-1907), the uncle of Mrs. Folkes, owned the other undivided, one-half interest. After the death of Mr. Dulion in 1907, his one-half interest was left to his children: Una C. Dulion; Paul Dulion; Barton Dulion; Roy Dulion; Fay Dulion Hermann; and Julia Abbey Dulion. They sold their interest to Tersea Lopez Folkes in February 1924 for $20,000. Grant’s Drug Store was situated on this property.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 33, p. 113 and Bk. 140, p. 567 and Bk. 140, p. 588)
This property left to daughters:
Travels
In August 1898, Theresa Lopez left by train with the Dunbar family for New York City an dother eastern waterin places. They expected to be gone for a month.(The Biloxi Herald, August 16, 1898, p. 8)
In September 1926, Theresa L. Folkes and Erena L. Brady, her sister, with Josephne Folkes and Anna Folkes departed San Francisco by ship for Honolulu, Hawaii. They planned to return to Biloxi by mid-October.(The Daily Herald, September 13, 1926)
Estate
CHILDREN
Josephine L. Folkes
Josephine Lopez Folkes (1901-1959) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 13, 1901. She attended Ursuline College at NOLA and St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi. Josephine married Dr. Albert Brown Russ (1888-1953) on February 18, 1928. In 1930, Josephine and Albert B. Russ were domiciled on West Beach at Biloxi with Mrs. Folkes, her recently widowed mother. The Folkes home was called and situated between Marie Rodenburg and Dr. Benton Z. Welch. Dr. Russ and Josephine divorced before 1942 and he married Delphine Holloway (1898-1995).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 40, p. 232 and Bk. 58, p. 469 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi R 1146, p. 3A, ED 7)
Albert Brown Russ (1888-1953) was born at Pearlington, Mississippi on November 25, 1888, to Asa Russ (and Harriet Boardman (1856-1932). He attended Millsaps College and was a graduate of the University of Kentucky. In 1919, Dr. Russ came to Biloxi to practice dentistry.
Delphine Holloway (1898-1995) at Biloxi. She was the daughter of Andrew J. Holloway (1876-1934) and Josephine Newman. Mr. Holloway was born at New Orleans. He made his livelihood with the L&N Railroad at Gautier, Mississippi where he was superintendent of the creosote plant. The newly weds honeymooned at Atlanta. They resided in the Folkes home on West Beach in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 25, 1928, p. 2)
Delphine H. Russ was a schoolteacher and served as principal of Howard II Elementary School in the early 1950s. Dr. Russ died on February 14, 1953. His remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park Cemetery at Biloxi.
Thomas Burns
On August 12, 1952, Josephine Lopez Folkes married Thomas Burns (1892-1974), the son of John C. Burns (1863-1910) and Delia Welsch. He was a native of New Orleans and his paternal and maternal grandparents were Irish immigrants. Thomas Burns served in the US Navy during WWI on a submarine chaser in the Gulf of Mexico. He was discharged as a Ensign. By 1920, Burns was the secretary of a hotel company in New Orleans, possibly the old Grunewald Hotel, which became the Roosevelt Hotel.(T625_619, p. 19A, ED 56 and The Times Picayune, December 28, 1954, p. 3)
Before arriving at Biloxi in 1927 as resident first manager of the new Edgewater Gulf Hotel, Mr. Burns had been at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. He returned to New Orleans in August 1934 as manager of the Jung Hotel at 1500 Canal Street when it was owned by Peter Jung Jr. (1882-1941) and Arthur L. Jung (1883-1964). Before his betrothal to Josephine Folkes, Thomas Burns had married and divorced Stella Kenney (1904-1980) of NOLA, the daughter of Stella Monteleone Kenney (1882-1939). James D. Kenney her father was secretary-treasurer of the Monteleone Hotel in NOLA.(The Daily Herald, June 26, 1934, p. 2 and December 26, 1939, p. 2)
During WWII, Thomas Burns went back into the US Navy and served aboard the USS Cabot, an aircraft carrier,in the South Pacific Theatre. Later during the conflict, as a Lt. Commander of a freighter, his vessel was torpedoed and sank. He was awarded the Silver Star, Presidential Citation and several combat stars for his military exploits against the Empire of Japan. Thomas Burns ended his long career in hotel management at the Drake Hotel in Chicago in the early 1950s. He and Francis P. Burns (1886-19), his brother and former City Attorney of New Orleans, had become accomplished boat builders while growing up in the Crescent City. This skill and his love for sailing vessels led him to accept a management position at a large marina on Ortega Creek in the St. John’s River area near Jacksonville, Florida in April 1951. Mr. Burns returned to New Orleans in 1954 to become resident manager of the new Motel De Ville, a $2 million motel erected at 3800 Tulane Avenue.(The Times Picayune December 28, 1954, p. 3)
Thomas Burns expired in his native Crescent City in late November 1974. His corporal remains were interred in St. Patrick’s Cemetery No. 2. During his long career in hotel and motel management, Mr. Burns had been identified with the following hostelries: Hotel Bienville, Grunevald Hotel, and Motel De Ville at NOLA; Edgewater Beach, Hotel Blackstone, and Drake Hotel in Chicago; Edgewater Gulf and Biloxi Hotel at Biloxi, Mississippi. (The Times Picayune December 28, 1954, p. 3)
Thomas Burns and Josephine Folkes Burns had no children. She expired at the Touro Infirmary in NOLA on November 22, 1959 where she had been hospitalized on November 13, 1959 after having a stroke. managed the Versailles Motel. When Mrs. Burns was in Biloxi, she was domiciled at 1306 West Beach Boulevard.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 90, p. 413 and The Daily Herald, November 23, 1959, p. 2)
Estate
Josephine Folkes Burns legated her valuable commercial property on the southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street to her husband, Anna Folkes Kelly, her sister, and the following nieces and nephews: Josephine Kelly Kennedy; Thomas S. Kelly; Robert Kelly; and Hyman David Kelly.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 475, p. 307)
Anna O. Folkes
Anna Odenal Folkes (1907-1968) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 13, 1907. In 1916-1917, she attended school with Josephine and Beulah Dukate at St. Mary of the Pines, Chatawa, Mississippi. In 1921, Anna and Dorothy H. Folkes (1912-1925), her younger sister, were students at Nazareth College in Louisville, Kentucky. Nazareth College had been founded in October 1920 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and was the first Catholic college in the Commonwealth of Kentucky exclusively for women.(The Daily Herald, January 2, 1917, p.3 and September 7, 1921, p. 4)
In January 1928, Anna O. Folkes married Eugene Robert Kelly (1902-1990), a native of Chicago, at Biloxi, Mississippi. They resided in Waukegan, Illinois until 1963 when they returned to Biloxi and resided at 1306 West Beach Boulevard. Anna and Robert Kelly were the parents of four children: Robert Folkes Kelly (1928); Josephine Kelly (1930-2008) m. William P. Kennedy III (1926-1975) and Albert Sidney Johnston III (b. 1929); Hyman David Kelly; and Thomas Stephen Kelly.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 40, p. 171 and The Daily Herald, August 6, 1968, p. 2)
Dorothy H. Folkes
Dorothy Hilzeim Folkes (1912-1925) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 10, 1912. In 1921, she and Anna O. Folkes, her sister, attended the Nazareth Academy at Louisville, Kentucky. Dorothy H. Folkes passed untimely on September 14, 1925 in Louisville, Kentucky from diptheria. Her corporal remains were interred in the H.M. Folkes burial plot in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, September 7, 1921, p. 4, September 14, 1925, p. 3 and September 15, 1925, p. 3).
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).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Magazines
Down South, “The Biloxi Hotel”, Volume 1, No. 1, January-February 1951.
Down South, “The Biloxi Hotel”, Volume 2, No. 3, May-June 1952.
Down South, “The Biloxi MacArthur Hotel on the historic site where Biloxi was born”, Volume 8, No. 3, May-June 1958.
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 683, “Eulalie Clark v. V.J. Olivari”-1895.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1663, “The Estate of Julia Dulion Lopez”-1918
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 7586, “Teresa L. Folkes v. Roy Dulion, et al”-February 1924.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 9293, “W.B. Patterson v. Hotel Biloxil”-September 1926.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 30497, “Estate of Teresa Lopez Folkes”-March 1952.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 19362, “Margaret Hamlin dba ‘This Week in New Orleans’ v. Senior Citizens Hotel”-Apri1 1961.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 33058, “? v. Hotel Biloxi”-May 1953.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 41868, “Estate of Josephine Folkes Burns”-February 1961.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald,“Quarantine Station at Cat Island”, July 25, 1896.
The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, May 22, 1897.
The Biloxi Herald,“City News”, October 30, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 24, 1897, p. 8.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, "Latest City News", August 16, 1898, p. 8.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Dr. H.M. Folkes [advertisement]”, February 10, 1899.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Brilliant Affair [Folkes-Lopez]”, June 5, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, June 5, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“A New Building”, May 5 , 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, July 19, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, July 25, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News” July 28, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, January 16, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Council Meeting”, April 23, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Sanatorium”, June 22, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, August 2, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Biloxi Real Estate and Loan Agency”, October 21, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, February 20, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“A Northern Lady”, February 24, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Biloxi Marine Hospital”, April 9, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Three decked pavilion”, September 18, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Among Herald advertisers”, October 2, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, December 29, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Necrological-Capt. A.A. Folkes”, January 2, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Heavy fire losses”, April 5, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“After the fire”, April 6, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Sanatorium”, April 12, 1904, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”, November 17, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Personal”, November 21, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“City News”, December 10, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Personal”, April 28, 1906.
The Daily Herald,“New Hotel for Biloxi”, April 7, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “To open resort Hotel”, May 28, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “To convert Hotel into Sanitarium”, September 7, 1909.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi News of Personal Interest”, January 14, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. Folkes tells why $100,000 hospital is need at the Old Soldiers' Home", July 30, 1921, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Tartt completes arrangments to carry [CSA] Vets to Chattanooga free", October 22, 1921, p. 1.
The Biloxi News, “Biloxi plunged into grief by sudden death of Saturday of Dr. H.M. Folkes”, May 2, 1926.
The Clarion Ledger, “Advertisement [A.A. Folkes]”, May 2, 1889.
The Daily Herald,“Dr. Wallace and Dr. Folkes are partners”, July 21, 1911.
The Daily Herald,“Mr. Tonsmeire is elected president [1st National Bank of Biloxi]”,
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Local News”, January 2, 1917.
The Daily Herald,“Will be known as Hotel Biloxi”, February 20, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Hotel Biloxi changes hands”, September 19, 1919.
The Daily Herald,“Dr. H.M. Folkes is host of Harrison County doctors”, January 8, 1913.
The Daily Herald, "Plans for new home", September 19, 1919,
The Daily Herald,“Attending College”, September 7, 1921.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi News Paragraphs”, October 31, 1922.
The Daily Herald,“Miss Dorothy Folkes dies”, September 14, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Items [death of Dorothy H. Folkes]”, September 15, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Open branch office in Biloxi”, December 5, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxians to sail for Honolulu”, September 13, 1926.
The Daily Herald,“Bids soon for new hotel”, April 12, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“Razing old Biloxi Hotel”, May 2, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Hotel being moved”, May 5, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“Another handsome new hotel for Biloxi”, May 7, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“Contract is let for new $650,000 Biloxi Hotel”, May 11, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“To complete Hotel Biloxi about Dec. 1”, October 11, 1927.
The Daily Herald,“New Biloxi Hotel to open for business December 15”, December 1, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. and Mrs. Russ Return”, February 25, 1928, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Hospital history dates back over 20 years”, July 2, 1928.
The Daily Herald, "Doctors Russ Lose Mother", September 12, 1932, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“W.M. [sic]Grant dies in New Orleans”, October 3, 1932.
The Daily Herald,“Burns new Jung manager”, June 26, 1934.
The Daily Herald,“Captain Pete Eskald once owned Ship Island gun but couldn’t move it”, July 8, 1937.
The Daily Herald,“Yerger Building purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Barq”, April 21, 1938.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Kenney dies”, December 26, 1939.
The Daily Herald,“Levine succumbs to short illness”, February 16, 1940.
The Daily Herald,“Hotel Biloxi [advertisement]”, April 3, 1948.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. H.M. Folkes dies after long illness”, July 27, 1951.
The Daily Herald, "Russ Funeral At 3:30 Today", February 16, 1953, p. 1.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Thomas Burns’ funeral is Tuesday”, November 23, 1959.
The Daily Herald,“Burns’ rites”, November 24, 1959.
The Daily Herald,“Anna Folkes Kelly”, August 6, 1968.
The Jackson County Times, “Local and Personal”,June 22, 1929.
The Jackson County Times, “Grant’s”, June 22, 1929.
The Sun Herald,“Eugene Robert Kelly”, October 16, 1990.
The Sun Herald,“Biloxi Sanatorium put coast on the map”, June 9?, 1995.
The Times Picayune,“The Jung Hotel”, August 26, 1934.
The Times Picayune,“Burns former manager of Jung, to switch from hotels to yachts”, April 17, 1951.
The Times Picayune,“Motel De Ville manager named”, December 28, 1954.
The Times Picayune,“Biloxi woman [Josephine Folkes Burns] passes Sunday”, November 23, 1959.
The Times Picayune,“Thomas Burns service today”, November 26, 1974.
The Times Picayune,“”,
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAZARO T. LOPEZ
Lazaro T. Lopez [first on left] and business associates
[Courtesy of Jon Kroninger-April 2013]
Lazaro Theodore Lopez (1877-1918) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 25, 1877. On December 14, 1898, he married Eurilda ‘Lily’ Seal (1879-1966), the daughter of Florian Seal (1853-1927) and Rebecca Victoria Walker Seal (1853-1936). Their wedding was held at the Church of the Annunciation at New Orleans. The Lopez wedding party consisted of Laz Lopez, Miss Teresa Lopez, Arnaud Lopez, Dr. H.M. Folkes. Miss Seal was represented by her parents and Roderick Seal (1881-1936+), her brother.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 14, 1898, p. 8 and December 15, 1898, p. 7)
Florian Seal
Florian Seal (1852-1927) was born on east Pass Christian Street [Howard Avenue] at Biloxi on February 17, 1853. His parents were Roderick Seal and Charlotte Orr Seal. In 1877, Mr. Seal married Rebecca V. Walker (1853-1936) of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. They were the parents of two children: Eurilda J. Seal (1879-1966) m. Lazaro Lopez Jr. (1877-1918) and Roderick Dudley Seal (1881-1942) m. Marie Ramon.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, Business and Professional Men, 1902, p. 56)
Florian Seal, popular Sheriff of Harrison County, rode his bicycle with considerable skill and grace so as to quickly fulfill his business engagements in Biloxi.(The Biloxi Herald, January 20, 1894, p. 8)
At Biloxi, when Mr. Seal was not in public office, as he was Sheriff of Harrison County five times, Tax Assessor of Harrison County four times, and Deputy Clerk of the Chancery and Circuit Courts of Jackson County, Mississippi in 1872-1873, functioned in local commerce operating as the Cash Variety Store. Apparently, Florian Seal had lost his store building in the Great Biloxi Fire of November 1900, because in January 1901, he had workmen erecting a new commercial structure on Howard Avenue next to the Biloxi Daily Herald Building. The Seal store building was twenty-six feet on the front and about seventy-five feet deep.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 5, 1901, p. 8 and January 8, 1901, p. 8)
Expired December 11, 1927
In September 1898, Roderick Seal and spouse sold the Montross Hotel to John H. Miller and John Carraway for $12,000.(Harrison County, Ms. Land deed Bk. 39, p. 79)
Mrs. Rebecca Walker Seal passed on at New Orleans at the residence of her daughter, Eurilda Lopez. Her corporal remains were interred in the St. Roch Cemetery in the Crescent City.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1936, p. 5)
Florian Seal, a Biloxi native, had an illustrious political public service career in Harrison County, Mississippi. During his life, he held thirteen public offices. Among them were: county officer, Sheriff-five terms; and tax assessor-eight terms. Florian Seal’s education was at Springhill College, Mobile, Alabama and at Washington and Lee in Lexington, Virginia. Rebecca Walker Seal was born at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, December 12, 1927, p. 1 and September 12, 1936)
In his youth Lazaro accidentally shot a youngster named Henzelena. The Henzelena boy died ten days later from blood poisoning and lock jaw from his gunshot wound.(The Biloxi Herald, November 6, 1897, p. 8)
In 1906, Laz Lopez, Arnaud Lopez, John J. Kennedy, Jess Diaz, Rudolph Abbley, M. Hunter and B. Voivedich were arrested for playing baseball in Biloxi on Sunday. They were fined $2.50 each in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, Mississippi in September 1906.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court Miniute Bk. 8, p. 63)
CIRCUIT COURT MINUTE BOOK 8, p. 63.
FAMILY
Lazaro T. Lopez and Lily Seal were the parents of: Wilda Lopez (1899-1977) m. Dr. James E. Wallace (1876-1942) m. Lynden Bowring (1889-1980); Clara Seal Lopez (1902-1936) m. Leslie R. Tarr (1897-1972) m. Paul O. Froede (1896-1968); Lazaro J. Lopez (1907-1968) m. Marjorie Donovan (1910-2010); Beverly [Lily Bea.] Lopez (1904-1991) m. Howard Born and Oscar E. Berggren; Florian Seal Lopez (1911-1957) m. Maxine Stivers; and John B. Lopez (1915-1970) m. Juanita Abbey Eckles (1913-1995).
Banker
2nd vice-president and on board of directors of the Bank of Biloxi in 1909 with W.K.M Dukate and William Gorenflo, president and 1st vice-president respectively.(The Daily Herald, September 29, 1909, p. 3)
Business affiliations
Lazaro T. Lopez explaining child labor in the Dunbar , Lopez and Dukate factory in 1913.[from Edward F. Brown report to the National Child Labor Committe titles Child Labor in the Gulf Coast, p. 11. see http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm032.html]
Lopez and Greiner
Kennedy-Lopez Company
Merchandising
L. Lopez & Company
Banks
Director of the Bank of Biloxi and the Biloxi Savings Bank & Trust Company,
Columbia Ice and Power Company
Operated at Columbia, Mississippi supplying electric power and ice. In January 1910, the company was owned byGeorge W. Grayson, president; Lee Elder, secretary and general manager. Board of directors: W.K.M. Dukate; Lazaro Lopez; William Gorenflo; Lee Elder; and George W. Grayson.(The Daily Herald, January 18, 1910)
New Orleans
In the fall of 1918, the Lopez family took quarters in the Washington Apartments on Washington Avenue at New Orleans. In addition to his business operations in the Crescent City, Laz Lopez was planning a vegetable and seafood cannery at Franklin, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana which had to be built by late November 1918. Unfortunately he was stricken with flu and expired from pneumonia at NOLA on 23 October 1918. The entire Lopez family had contracted the virus, but only their father died. Mr. Lopez's corporal remains were sent to Biloxi for committal in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The NO Item. February 3, 1918, p. 9 and The Daily Herald, October 22, 1918, p. 4 and The Times-Picayune, October 25, 1918, p. 2)
Estate
The heirs of Laz Lopez were: Eurilda J. Seal Lopez; Wilda Lopez Wallace; Clara Lopez Tarr; Beverly Lopez Born; and minor children: John Lopez; Florian Lopez; and Laz Lopez. Each received a 1/7 interest in his estate.
Land Holdings
Harrison County, Mississippi
Lot No. 6 Summerville Addition; Lot 12 Summerville Addition; Lot No. 3 in Block 176 City of Gulfport; 40-foot lot on West Biloxi Beach described as east by Rosell and west by Russ.
Jackson County, Mississippi
260 acres described as: SE/4 of NE/4 in Section 23, T6S-R8W; N/2 of NE/4 of NE/4 and NW/4 of and NE/4 of Section 23, T6S-R8W; and S/2 of SE/4 and SE/4 of SW/4 of Section 14, T6S-R8W.
Children of Lazaro T. Lopez and Eurilda ‘Lily’ Seal
Wilda J. Lopez
Wilda Josephine Lopez (1899-1977) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 10, 1899. She attended Biloxi Central School and graduated with the Class of 1915 and chosen Class Astrologer Wilda married Dr. James Edward Wallace (1877-1942) at Nativity B.V.M. on January 9, 1920 with Reverend Alphone Ketels officiating.(The Daily Herald, May 6, 1915, p. 1 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB, 31, p. 493)
Dr. Wallace was a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana. He came to Biloxi in 1914, and was affiliated with Dr. Hyman M. Folkes (1871-1926), the husband of Teresa Lopez (1873-1951). Mrs. Folkes was Wilda’s aunt. Miss Wilda Lopez was the valedictorian of the 1915 Class of Biloxi High School and delivered an appropriate speech to her nine classmates and audience. She went on to study at Randolph Macon College at Lynchburg, Virginia. Wilda’s other siblings were: Clara Lopez Tarr Froede (1902-1936), Beverly Lopez Berggren (1904-1991), Florian Seal Lopez (1911-1957), and John Beverly Lopez (1915-1970).(The Daily Herald, May 29, 1915, p. 1)
It appears that Wilda and Dr. Wallace divorced before 1932 as he married Lillian Grace Madere (1911-1992) in Harrison County, Mississippi and she married Lynden Bowring.
Bowring Home-900 East Beach Drive-Biloxi
[Courtesy of Jon Kroninger-April 2013]
Lynden Bowring (1889-1980)
Lynden Bowring(1889-1980) was born in Los Angeles, California on May 13, 1889. He made his livelihood as an attorney and is rumored to have made money in the movie business at Hollywood. Lynden was described as a loner and eccentric.(Bache Whitlock, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, October 19, 2000)
During his life, Bowring was married three times. He had two children with his first wife, but they as well as his spouse, preceded him in death. His second wife was Dorothy Bosche, the daughter of John C. Bosche and Adelaide Bosche. Dorothy was born in Utah. In 1920, she and Lynden were living with her parents in Los Angeles. Their son, Robert Lynden Bowring (1920-1942), was born at Los Angeles. Robert L. Bowring died in the Biloxi Hospital on March 7, 1942. He had been living with Mrs. Eurilda Seal on Biloxi’s West Beach until he had relocated to Pascagoula, Mississippi in February 1942. (1920 Los Angeles Co. Federal Census T625_108, p. 4A, ED 228 and The Daily Herald, March 9, 1942)
Circa 1925, Lynden married Miss Wilda Lopez (1899-1977), the daughter of Lazro Lopez II (1877-1918) and Eurilda Seal (1879-1966). Wilda Lopez was the valedictorian of the 1915 Class of Biloxi High School and delivered an appropriate speech to her nine classmates and audience. She went on to study at Randolph Macon College at Lynchburg, Virginia. Wilda’s other siblings were: Clara Lopez Tarr Froede (1902-1936), Beverly Lopez Berggren (1904-1991), Florian Seal Lopez (1911-1957), and John Beverly Lopez (1915-1970).(The Daily Herald, May 29, 1915, p. 1)
Prior to her marriage to Lynden Bowring, Wilda Lopez had married Dr. James Edward Wallace (1877-1942) in the Roman Catholic Church at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 9, 1920. Dr. Wallace was a native of Natchitoches, Louisiana. He came to Biloxi in 1914, and was affiliated with Dr. Hyman M. Folkes (1871-1926), the husband of Teresa Lopez (1873-1951). Mrs. Folkes was Wilda’s aunt.(HARCO, Ms. MRB 31, p. 493)
In addition to his law practice, Lynden Bowring was affiliated with C.T. Bowring and Co. Ltd. of London, England, a shipping firm. He also owned a one-half interest in the Carlton Apartments on Union Drive in Los Angeles.
Lynden also owned the Rum Runner, a large motor yacht (65 feet in length) and a relict of the Prohibition era. It was once moored in front of their East Beach home at Biloxi. After relocating to Ocean Springs, Lynden built a boat house and slip for it. The vessel was never utilized, but full-time employee maintained the craft.(Bache Whitlock, October 19, 2000)
Ocean Springs
In August 1969, Hurricane Camille destroyed the Bowrings’ Biloxi home. In 1970?, The Bowrings relocated to Ocean Springs. Bruce Duckett remembers that Mr. Bowring as an elderly gentleman approaching him to buy his home on Hellmers Lane. Lynden wanted a site on the Inner harbor at Ocean Springs for the Wilda B (akaRum Runner). He convinced a local golfer to relocate to Gulf Hills and bought his home and land at 207 General Pershing Avenue.(Bruce Duckett, October 10, 2000)
In July 1970, Wilda Lopez Bowring acquired from Lester B. Larson and Jennie C. Larson the following property in Ocean Springs. Their residence address was 207 General Pershing Avenue.
Commencing at the southwest corner of Hellmers Lane and General Pershing Avenue: Go south 92.5 feet to the POB. Thence south 331.5 feet along the west margin of General Pershing Avenue to the waters edge of the OS small craft harbor, thence N 70 degrees 20’ W 200 feet along the waters edge of the small craft harbor to the fence line dividing the Larson and Howell property; thence N 19 degrees 20’E 257 feet along an old fence line; thence S84 degrees 20’E 128 feet along an old fence line to the point of beginning. Said land lying in Section 37, T7S-R8W.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 381, pp. 587-588)
In May 1971, Mrs. Bowring acquired from Earl W. Paul and Ilsedore Paul, the following: Commencing at the southwest corner of Hellmers Lane and General Pershing Avenue: Go south 92.5 feet; thence N84 degrees 20’W 128 feet along a wire fence; thence north 66.3 feet along a wire fence to the south margin of Hellmers Lane; thence N84 degreesE127 feet along the south margin of Hellmer’s Lane to the POB.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 401, pp.338-339)
There was a rental house on one of the lots. A house fire caused by lightening destroyed most of their home September 13, 1977. Mr. Bowring was led out of the burning house by Alice Duckett. Mrs. Wilda L. Bowring suffered burns and smoke inhalation and died in late October as a result of injuries from the conflagration. She was a member of the Colonial Dames, Daughters of the American Revolution, Les Masques carnival club, and the Biloxi Yacht Club. Wilda was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Her corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 15, 1977, pp. 1-2 and The Daily Herald, October 27, 1977, p. A-2)
Mrs. Wilda Bowring left an estate valued at approximately $300,000. Her principal beneficiaries were: Patricia T. Leavitt of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and Barbara T. Kroningen of Downers Grove, Illinois, (JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 33566)
In June 1978, Lynden Bowring, executor of the Estate of Wilda Lopez Bowring, sold to Charles E. Carr and Joy R. Carr, the two parcels above. In 1996, Dr. William Pontius built a large home, “Lattiude”, at Hellmers Lane on the former site of Bowring’s boathouse. .(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 621, p. 501).
When Lynden Bowring expired on April 8, 1980, he was living at his apartment house at 414 East Howard Avenue in Biloxi. He willed his real estate at 900 East Beach Biloxi to Beverly Lopez Berggren, his sister-in-law, and Patricia Tarr Leavitt, his niece-in-law. Mr. Bowring was laid to rest in the Biloxi Cemetery.(HARCO, Ms. 2nd JD Chancery Court Cause No. 9853)
Clara Seal Lopez [1902-1936]
[Courtesy of Jon Kroninger-April 2013]
Clara Seal Lopez (1902-1936) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in July 1902. She eloped with Leslie R. Tarr (1897-1972), a native of Glendale, California. They were married at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on December 8, 1918 by Judge Orin D. Davidson (1872-1938). Clara was a student at Sophie Newcomb College when she met Leslie R. Tarr, then a sailor stationed at the Gulfport Naval Training Station. When Mr. Tarr left the service in 1919, he and Clara returned to his California home where he was a journalist for a Los Angeles newspaper.(JXCO, Ms. MRB 11, p. 573 and The Daily Herald, September 6, 1919, p. 4)
Leslie Riley Tarr [1897-1972]
At Glendale, California, Leslie and Clara L. Tarr were domiciled on South Glendale Avenue and residing next to Orin W. Tarr (1874-1962) and Dr. Donna J. Talbot Tarr Axelson [1877-1969], Leslie’s parents. Orin Tarr was a house carpenter and automobile salesman while Donna Talbot Tarr was an obstetrician. Before Clara and Leslie R. Tarr divorce in California circa 1922, they had two daughters: Patricia J. Tarr Leavitt (1919-2006) and Barbara Tarr Kroninger (1921-1983). Before 1930, Leslie R. Tarr had remarried Christine Langdon Tarr (1901-1993), a life insurance actuary. Leslie R. Tarr became a lawyer. He was a resident of Santa Barbara, California in 1941 and passed on at Newport Beach, California in July 1972. Christine L. Tarr died there in December 1993.(1920 and 1930 Los Angeles, Co., California Federal Census T625_102, p. 7B, ED 29 and R128, p. 12B, ED 990)
Patricia T. Leavitt, Clyde M. Leavitt, and Leslie Leavitt [baby]
[Courtesy of Jon Kroninger-April 2013]
Patricia J. Tarr
Patricia Jeanne Tarr Leavitt (1919-2006) was born at Glendale, California on November 29, 1919. On June 7, 1941, she married Clyde M. Leavitt (1910-2002) at Mobile, Alabama. He was a naval architect from Syracuse, New York and the son of Clyde Leavitt and Patricia McGowen. Miss Tarr was a student at the University of Mississippi when they met. Mr. Leavitt was employed at Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi at the time. They acquired their marraige license in Jackson County, Mississippi in June 1941. Two daughters were born from this union.(Clara L. D’ Aquilla, The Daily Herald, June 12, 1941, p. 6 and and JXCO, Ms. MRB 33, p. 550)
In April 1974, Patricia Tarr and Clyde M. Leavitt acquired Lots 1 and 2 of Block 50 Gulf Hills from W.H. Mecom Jr. They sold their residence at 13901 Puerto Drive in Gulf Hills in November 1994 to Phillip L. Severson Jr. and relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Patricia T. Leavitt suffered a stroke in 2000 and expired at Las Cruces on August 20, 2006. Clyde preceded her in death passing in New Mexico on August 20, 2002.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 495, p. 549 and Bk. 1053, p. 156)
Barbara Tarr
Barbara Tarr Kroninger (1921-1983) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 15, 1921, while her had come here from California for a visit with her family. Barbara Tarr was a stewardess for Delta Airlines and during WWII had been a Navy nurse. On September 26, 1946 at the Catholic Chapel at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois, she married USN Lt. (j.g.) Nolan R. Kroninger Jr. (1920-2003), a native of Cowden, Illinois. He was aboard the USS Lexington when it was sunk by Japanese aircraft in 1942. The Kronigers eventually settled at Downers Grove, Illinois.(The Daily Herald, February 18, 1921, p. 3, October 7, 1946, p. 6 and Clara L. D’Aquilla, October 23, 2000)
Patricia and Barbara Tarr spent many holidays and summers at Biloxi with Lily Seal Lopez, their loving grandmother. Mrs. Lopez lived at New Orleans, but maintained a residence at 301 Hopkins Boulevard to share time with her daughter and granddaughters. The Tarr girls were chaperoned by a Black maid.(The Daily Herald, September 15, 1936, p. 2)
On May 28, 1929, Clara Lopez Tarr married Paul O. Froede (1896-1968) in New York on May 28, 1929. Mr. Froede was a native of Brooklyn and was born of German immigrant parents. He had met Clara Lopez Tarr as he had been a regular visitor to Biloxi. The newlyweds planned a six-weeks honeymoon trip through New England and Canada before returning to Biloxi. In 1930, Paul O. Froded made his livelihood in New York City as superintendent of manufacturing for the the Reigel Sack Company located in the Woolsworth Building. The Froedes were domiciled in Brooklyn.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1929, p. 2 and 1930 Kings Co., New York Federal Census R1509, p. 12A, ED 1141)
Clara Lopez Froede was operated on in New Orleans in early September 1936. She expired in the Crescent City from complications of her surgery on September 23, 1936. Her corporal remains were sent to Biloxi for burial in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Before 1942, Paul O. Froede remarried to Alice Ruth Froede (1918-1992). They were living in Teaneck, New Jersey during WW II. Paul O. Froede passed at Waco, Texas in August 1968. Alice Ruth joined him on May 4, 1992 while at resident of Mesquite, Texas.(The Daily Herald, September 23, 1936, p. 8)
Lazaro J. Lopez (1907-1968)
[from The Beacon Glow-1924 Biloxi High School Annual]
Lazaro 'Laz' Joseph Lopez (1907-1968) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 20, 1907. He married Marjorie Donovan (1910-2010), the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.F. Donovan of New Orleans, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in the Crescent City on October 10, 1929. Marjorie was born on November 4, 1910 at Shreveport, Louisiana to Richard Donovan and Kathryn Canale Donovan.(The Sun Herald, January 12, 2010, p. A4)
Children: Marjorie Joan Lopez (1930-1930); Marjorie Lopez (1932-1984) m. Dr. James E. Alexander; Lazaro J. Lopez Jr. (1934-2002) m. Charlene Barnes Wilson; and Kathryn Lopez (b. 1943) m. Buris Premeaux Jr. (1939-2001), the son of Buris Premeaux (1915-1974) and Melody Prevost Premeaux.
1932
In late December 1932, Laz Lopez and Jack [John] Lopez discovered an Indian mound on their West Beach property. Joseph Paulos [Poulos?], an amateur archaeologist, and local Historian, Anthony V. Ragusin, examined the find which consisted of human bones and pottery.(The Daily Herald, December 31, 1932, p. 1)
Laz was retired from civil service at Keesler Air Force Base when he expired at his Ocean Springs home on September 8, 1968. He had attended Springhill College at Mobile, Alabama and Loyola University. Laz was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and active in the Knights of Columbus.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1968, p. 2)
Marjorie Donovan Lopez loved working in her yard and fed the scores of birds, rabbits and turtles that visited her home in Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs. However, Lopez wouldn't tolerate some behavior. Her daughter, Kathryn Lopez Premeaux, recalls how turtles would bang their shells against the patio door when they wanted food. But if Lopez found two turtles together during mating season, she separated them immediately. Premeaux laughs when she recalls that story about her mother, who died Sunday at age 99 after an extended illness.
Mrs. Lopez was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and met her late husband, Laz Lopez Sr., when she visited Biloxi during the summer while she was growing up. They were part of the Lopez family that first opened a seafood factory in Biloxi. The couple lived in Chicago, Biloxi and other parts of Mississippi before settling in Ocean Springs in the 1960s.
Marjorie Lopez was a good cook and made tasty sandwiches, and cucumber and pimento cheese sandwiches were two of her specialties. Lopez was an avid reader who was interested in national politics, her daughter said. She also liked watching tennis on TV, particularly Pete Sampras. Lopez also was a devout Catholic.
Premeaux said her mother didn't tell people what to do but was more than willing to listen to people when they needed her. "She didn't force advice on you, but if you went to her with a problem, she was a very good listener," Premeaux said, adding that just because she listened, she didn't necessarily take your side, even if you were family. "She was incredibly, mercilessly objective," Premeaux said.(The Sun Herald, January 12, 2010)
[L-R: Beverly [Bea] Lopez Berggren; Dinah Leavitt Swan; and Leslie Leavitt]
[Courtesy of Jon Kroninger-April 2013]
Beverly Lopez
Beverly Lopez (1904-1991), called Bea and Lillie, was born March 12, 1904 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She was educated at the Sacred Heart Academy and Mississippi Southern College. She married Howard S. Born in January 1926. Miss Lopez then married Oscar E. Berggren (1892-1964). She had no children. They Berggrens resided at Biloxi. Bea was a charter member of Les Masques Carnival Association. She died at Biloxi on October 26, 1991.(The Sun Herald, October 29, 1991)
1092 West Beach-Biloxi, Mississippi
When Beverly Lopez Berggren passed, she legated her interest in the Live Oak property on East Beach Drive in Biloxi to Patricia T. Leavitt. Clara Lopez Campbell D’Aquilla (b. 1936) was her executrix. Mrs. D’Aquilla was legated Mrs. Berggren’s home at 1092 West Beach Boulevard in Biloxi.(HARCO, Ms. 2nd JD Chancery Court Cause No. P-2077B-March 1993)
Mrs. Leavitt was the daughter of Leslie R. Tarr (1897-1972) and Clara Lopez. He resided at Newport Beach, California. Clara Lopez married Leslie R. Tarr in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on December 8, 1918. Judge O.D. Davidson performed the ceremony.(JXCO, Ms. MRB 11, p. 573) She lived at 13901 Puerto Drive in Gulf Hills.
Patricia Tarr married Clyde M. Leavitt. In April 1974, bought Lots 1 and 2 of Block 50 Gulf Hills from W.H. Mecom Jr.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 495, p. 549)
Sold in November 1994 to Phillip L. Severson Jr. Leavitts moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1053, p. 156)
Florian S. Lopez
Florian Seal Lopez (1911-1957) married Maxine Stivers. Two children: Michael Lopez and Florian J. Lopez (1954-1954).
Florian expired at Biloxi on March 11, 1957 at his home 941 East Beach.
John B. Lopez
John Beverly Lopez (1915-1970) was born February 7, 1915 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Juanita 'Abbey' Eckles (1913-1995), a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi on January 11, 1936. Abbey was a graduate of the University of Alabama [Birmingham]. She resided at Biloxi for seventy years and was a member of the Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral parish; Les Masquees Carnival association; the Scottish Klan McGregor and the Republican Party.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1936, p. 10 and The Sun Herald, February 22, 1995, p. C2)
John and Abbey E. Lopez lived at 1324 West Beach in Biloxi and reared their four children in Biloxi: Clara Seal Lopez (1936-2014) m. Paul F. Weisend, Thomas M. Campbell, and Sylvester John D’Aquilla Jr. (1937-2017); Beverly Juanita Lopez (b. 1943-pre-2014); John 'Jack' M. Lopez; and Helen Lopez m. Marcel Joseph Languirand Jr.
John B. Lopez operated L. Lopez and Sons Inc., a seafood packing company until it was destroyed in Hurricane Betsy-September 1965. He was also a cattleman at Pointe a la Hache, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana and a director of the First National Bank of Biloxi. Mr. lopez expired in Howard Memorial Hospital at Biloxi on March 20, 1970. Abbey E. Lopez lived until February 20, 1995. Their corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in west Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, March 21, 1970, p. 2 and The Sun Herald, February 22, 1995, p. C2)
Children
Clara S. Lopez
Clara Seal Lopez (1936-2014) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 13, 1936. She was known to many as "Claire," passed away at noon on January 9, 2014. She was 77 years of age. Ms. D'aquilla grew up in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, and attended boarding school at the Sacred Heart Academy in New Orleans. As a child and teenager, she spent weekends and summers in Biloxi with her extended family.
Paul F. Weisend
In 1954, Claire became engaged to Paul F. Weisend (1928-2012), a native of McKees Rock, Pennsylvania. In April 1954, Paul and Claire applied for a marriage license in Harrison County, Mississippi. He was in the USAF at San Antonio, Texas and Claire was residing at Pointe a' la Hache, Plaquemines, Parish, Louisiana. It appears that their marriage never occurred.[The Daily Herald, April 8, 1954, p. 14]
Thomas M. Campbell
Scholar
Claire graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1962 with a BA in history and English and later earned an MA in history there. She was the first graduate of USM to earn a 4.0 average. In 1971 she earned a PhD in history from Tulane. Her profession was teaching. When she was still "Ms. Campbell," she spent most of the seventies as an English and history teacher at Sacred Heart Girls' School in Biloxi, where she was much-loved and highly-regarded. She likewise held great affection for her students. She supervised the school yearbook, and her students voted her star teacher. Ms. D'aquilla often remembered her years there as her happiest, professionally. After Sacred Heart, she moved on to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where she was a professor of English and history until retiring in 1996.
Though she was an accomplished professional woman, Claire was also a devoted wife and mother. Ms. D'aquilla held membership in several professional organizations; Kappa Delta Sorority; and Les Masquees Carnival Association. A lifelong Catholic, she belonged to St. Alphonsus Parish in Ocean Springs, and then later Nativity, BVM, in Biloxi.
Ms. D'aquilla is preceded in death by her parents, John Beverly Lopez and Juanita Abbey Eckles Lopez; by one daughter, Claire Patricia Campbell (1970-1995); and by one sister, Beverly Juanita Lopez (1943-?.
Survivors include her husband, Sylvester "Sal" D'aquilla, Jr., of Biloxi; sister, Helen Lopez Languirand of Biloxi; brother, John (Beth) Lopez of Gretna, LA; daughters, Carroll Campbell and Abbey D'Aquilla of Biloxi; daughters, Rose (Mohammed) Pouriragi and Holly Murray of Long Beach and Daphne (Timothy) Stewart of Slidell, LA; grandchildren, Kay (David) Orgeron, Lyda and Maddy Murray and Dylan, Tyler, and Kyle Stewart; and nephews, Shawn Lopez and Jack Lopez, both of Gretna.
A rosary will be said for Ms. D'aquilla on Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., directly followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at Nativity, BVM Cathedral in Biloxi. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sylvester J. D’Aquilla Jr.
Sylvester 'Sal' John D'Aquilla, Jr. (1937-2017), age 80 years, of Biloxi, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017. Sylvester was a native of Woodville, Mississsipi and a resident of the coast for over 50 years. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a math professor for 6 years with USM before accepting a position with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He was employed 32 years with MGCCC as an instructor and was appointed academic dean for the MGCCC Keesler Center, from which he retired. Sal was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and of B.P.O.E. No. 606 in Biloxi. He is preceded in death by his wife, Clara Lopez D'Aquilla; daughter, Claire Campbell; parents, Sylvester J. D'Aquilla, Sr. and Alma Stutzman D'Aquilla; and brother, Henry D'Aquilla.
Survivors include five daughters, Rose (Moe) Pouriraji, Holly Murray, Daphne (Tim) Stewart, Carroll Campbell and Abbey D'Aquilla; sister, Yvonne (Thomas) Dooley; sister-in-law, Carolyn D'Aquilla, seven grand-children, Kay (David) Orgeron, Alexis Pouriraji, Lyda Murray, Madelyn Murray, Dylan Stewart, Tyler Stewart and Kyle Stewart, and great-grand-daughter, Parvane Orgeron. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Nativity BVM Cathedral on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, September 6, 2017]
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court, Cause No. 4665, “The State of Mississippi v. Laz Lopez, et al,"-September 1906.
Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court, Cause No. 5688, “The Estate of Laz Lopez"-1918.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court 2nd Judicial District, Cause No. 9853, “The Estate of Lynden Bowring", 1980.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court 2nd Judicial District Cause No. P-2077B, "The Estate of Beverly Lopez Berggren”, March 1993.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald,“Death of young Henzelena”, November 6, 1897.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Local and Personal”, December 14, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“Local and Personal”, December 15, 1898.
The Daily Herald,“Bank of Biloxi”, September 29, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Officers elected in big concern [Columbia Ice and Power Company]”, January 18, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“New canning factory for Biloxi”, September 24, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Biggest raw oyster shipper [Ulysse Desporte] sells out”, October 15, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Ulysse Desporte buys back factory”, November 14, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Change of manager of canning factory”, December 29, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. Wallace and Dr. Folkes are partners”, July 21, 1911.
The Daily Herald,“Kennedy-Lopez will have plant in New Orleans”, October 29, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Public schools of Biloxi will close term May 28”, May 6, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi will be regular depot of new barge lines”, August 19, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Flu bad in New Orleans', October 22, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Prominent mans dies in New Orleans”, October 24, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Girl of Southern noted family joins husband in Los Angeles”, September 6, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Prominent Biloxi couple married”, January 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Born-Lopez”, January 13, 1926.
The Daily Herald,“Florian Seal dies suddenly”, December 12, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Froede-Tarr nuptials”, June 5, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez-Donovan”, October 28, 1929.
The Daily Herald, “Funeral of Lopez baby”, June 30, 1930.
The Daily Herald, "Locate Indian mound on Biloxi property", December 31, 1932
The Daily Herald, “Lopez-Eckles”, June 3, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Florian Seal dies”, September 12, 1936.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Tarr complimented”, September 15, 1936.
The Daily Herald,“Return to New York”, September 15, 1936.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Paul Froede [Clara Lopez] dies”, September 25, 1936.
The Daily Herald,“Funeral of Mrs. Paul Froede”, September 25, 1936.
The Daily Herald,“Miss Patricia Tarr marries”, June 12, 1941.
The Daily Herald, "R.L. Bowring dies", March 9, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. James Wallace World War Captain dies at Biloxi”, October 28, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Kroninger-Tarr”, October 7, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “W.P. Kennedy Sr. is buried Sunday with Catholic services”, December 24, 1951.
The Daily Herald, “Infant Florian Lopez”, April 25, 1954.
The Daily Herald, “Florian Lopez”, March 11, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “Capt. Berggren Taken By Death”, January 6, 1964.
The Daily Herald, “Know Your Coast”, “The Biloxi House With The English Fence”, November 5, 1964.
The Daily Herald,“Laz Lopez”, September 9, 1968.
The Daily Herald,“Rites pending for Banking, Seafood leader”, March 2, 1970.
The Daily Herald, “Mr. Wilda Lopez Bowring”, October 27, 1977.
The Daily Herald,“Mrs. Kathryn Wambsgans”, January 6, 1984.
The New Orleans Item, 'St. Mary Parish puts every acre to work...', February 3, 1918.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Saved From Fire”, September 15, 1977.
The Sun Herald, “Marjorie Lopez Alexander”, August , 1984
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Beverly Berggren”, October 29, 1991.
The Sun Herald, 'Mrs. Juanita 'Abbey' Lopez', February 22, 1995. p. C2.
The Sun Herald, “Buris Premeaux”, April , 2001.
The Sun Herald,“Laz Lopez Jr.”, September 23, 2002.
The Sun Herald,“Mrs. Marjorie Donovan Lopez”, January 12, 2010.
The Sun Herald,“Marjorie Donovan Lopez-Lopez loved cooking-gardening”, January 12, 2010.
The Sun Herald,“Clara Seal Lopez Campbell D'Aquilla”, January 12, 2014.
The Sun Herald,“Sylvester J. D'Aquilla”, September 6, 2017.
The Times-Picayune, 'Prominent businessman [Laz Lopez] in death list', October 25, 1918, p. 2.
Personal Communication:
Clara L. D’Aquilla-telephone conversation on October 18, 2000 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Clara L. D’Aquilla-interview at 1092 Beach Blvd. on October 23, 2000, at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Cause No. 9853-Estate of Lynden Bowring-1980
Patricia Tarr Leavitt, executrix of his estate. Married three times. First wife died, divorced second. Two children born of first marriage, but children died. Wife preceded him in death. No children. Left property at 900 East Beach Biloxi to Beverly Lopez Berggren, his sister-in-law, and Patricia Tarr Leavitt, his niece-in-law. Bowring affiliated with C.T. Bowring and Co. Ltd. of London, England. Owned a one-half interest in the Carlton Apartments on Union Drive in Los Angeles. Bowring died 4-8-1980.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
ARNAUD LOPEZ
Arnaud Lopez (1880-1948) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 15, 1880. On June 15, 1909, he married Nellie May Gorman (1890-1952), the daughter of Michael Gorman and Catherine Walsh. Nellie M. Gorman was a native of Vicksburg while her parents were born in Northern Ireland and New York respectively. She was educated at Vicksburg in the convent school. Arnaud Lopez and Nellie May Gorman celebrated their nuptial ceremony at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the former home of his bride.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1909, p. 4 and January 15, 1952, p. 8)
Two sons: Arnaud Gorman Lopez (1910-1986) m. Sarah Talbert (1916-2002); and James G. Lopez m.
Bank of Biloxi
Board of Directors in 1909.(The Daily Herald, September 29, 1909, p. 3)
Rowena Lopez
Arnaud Lopez was appointed by his father in his last will of June 1903,“as guardian for my minor children and direct that he shall not have to give bond as such guardian, nor be required to file vouchers with his reports or annual accounts and that he shall not be chargeable with any interest on the personal assets of such wards in his hands but shall be chargeable with the corpus and actual income from such estates.”
Seafood business
Lopez-Desporte Packing Company
The Lopez-Desporte Packing Company was organized in 1911 in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana with a capitalization of $100,000. Arnaud Lopez was president, Ullysse Desporte, vice-president with H.B. Rush, the secretary and treasurer. Lazaro Lopez and Charles F. Greiner served on the company’s board of directors.(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1911, p. 1)
Biloxi home
Captain Gorman’s death
In early October 1921, Captain James Gorman, brother of Nellie May G. Lopez, expired at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Captain Gorman was a former Captain in the Mississippi National Guard and had made the Guard’s annual encampment at Biloxi on several occasions. James Gorman was a member of the Warren County Board of Supervisor at the time of his demise. Arnaud and Nellie May Lopez and children attended Captain Gorman funeral. They were accompanied by Harry W. Barber and his spouse. Mr. Barber was Captain Gorman’s brother-in-law.(The Daily Herald, October 3, 1921, p. 3)
CHILDREN
ARNAUD O. LOPEZ
Arnaud O'Gorman Lopez (1910-1986) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. On June 22, 1941, he was a sergeant in the military when he married Sarah Talbert (1916-2002), the daughter of Joseph E. Talbert (1874-1960) and Elise Gary Talbert Boatner Lamkins of Monroe, Louisiana. Sarah Talbert was born at Memphis, Tennessee. She expired on December 12, 2002 at the home of James C. Lopez, her nephew, in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. She was survived by James C. Lopez, his wife, Barbara 'Babs' Lopez, and Mary Dupuis, sister-in-law, all of Opelousas, Louisiana. Her corporal remain were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 23, 1941, p. 7 and The Sun Herald, December 14, 2002)
Arnaud O. Lopez graduated from Biloxi High School in 1927. He was an outstanding athelete and was selected All-State and All Big Eight for several years. Arnaud matriculated to Loyola University at NOLA and played football for Clark Shaughnessey. When the Loyola Wolfpack defeated the Loyola of Chicago Ramblers at NOLA in November 1927, young Lopez was described as "[his] southpaw passes were almost uncanny in in their direction and length."(The Daily Herald, November 21, 1927, p. 5)
Military
Graduating from the Jesuit school at NOLA with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree, he joined the ranks of professional football for one season and worked as a engineer in the US War Department. His military career began in 1940 when he enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard as a Private. During WWII, Arnaud O. Lopez served in the 3rd Army, 83rd Division commanded by General George Patton. Arnaud landed at Normandy in June 1943 and was discharged from the US Army in 1945 with the rank of Major. He won the Silver Star and other military badges for his meritorious service in the European Theatre.(The Daily Herald, October 22, 1949, p. 6)
[L-R: James G. Lopez; Sylvia Schaffer; Arnaud G. Lopez; and John Gorman Schaffer]
Lawyer
After returning from military service, Arnaud O. Lopez attended Louisiana State University and studied law. In 1949, he began his law practice in Biloxi, Mississipi, joing Howard McDonnell in the Barq Building on West Howard Avenue. In April 1955, Mr. Lopez announced his candidacy for District Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District which encompassed George, Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, and Stone County, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, October 22, 1949, p. 6 and April 29, 1955, p. 13)
In January 1961, Arnaud O. Lopez was appointed the City of Biloxi's prosecuting attorney in the Laz Quave administration. He was appointed attorney for the Harrison County Board of Supervisors in January 1963.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1963, p. 1)
JAMES G. LOPEZ
[L-R: James O. Lopez; Sylvia Schaffer; Arnaud G. Lopez; and John Gorman Schaffer]
James O' Gorman Lopez (1913-1946) was baptized on December 14, 1913 at Nativity B.V.M. His sponsors were Noreta Lopez and Charles A. Schaffer of Vicksburg, brother-in-law of Nellie O’ Gorman Lopez. Jimmy was a graduate of Biloxi High School and Loyola University (NOLA). He was an outstanding center in high school and played guard in college. Mr. Lopez taught school and worked in post office in Biloxi until he entered medical school at Ole Miss in Oxford in 1937.(The Daily Herald, December 15, 1913, p. 8 and September 11, 1937, p. 12)
In April 1938, James G. Lopez was elected president of the Medical Club at the University of Mississippi. Its membership included all medical students. At this time, Miriam Wallace, the daughter of Dr. George Wallace of Biloxi, was elected secretary of the Sophomore Class.(The Daily Herald, April 2, 1938, p. 5)
Dr. James O' Gorman Lopez graduated from Tulane Medical School on June 11, 1941. He interned at Baptist Hospital in New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, June 12, 1941, p. 6 and April 13, 1946, p. 1)
Mary Ida Aycock
Dr. Lopez married Mary Ida Aycock (1918-2009), the daughter of Clarence Adolph Aycock (1885-1948) and Inez Crask (1887-1927) of Garden City, Louisiana. They met in New Orleans when her father was a patient of Dr. Lopez. They had a son, James Clarence Lopez (b. 1945), who was a baby when his father passed in April 1946.(James C. Lopez, June 5, 2018)
Mary’s brother, Clarence “Taddy” C. Aycock Jr. (1915-1987), a lawyer and state legislature, also served the State of Louisiana as its Lieutenant Governor from 1960 to 1972.[The Times-Picayune, January 7, 1987, p. 1]
Dr. Lopez contracted viral pneumonia and tuberculosis while a physician at New Orleans. He passed on 12 April 1946 at Sanatorium, Mississippi. His corporal remains were interred in the Franklin Cemetery at Franklin, Louisiana.[The Daily Herald, April 13, 1946, p. 1]
Mary A. Lopez married Steven Dupuis (1914-1983) in August 1951. Steven Dupuis was a native of Cecelia, Louisiana and a Texaco, bulk plant owner-distributor and a veteran of World War II, serving as an intelligence officer and interpreter. He served 16 years in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He was survived by his wife, Mary Aycock Lopez Dupuis, Opelousas; father, A.J. Dupuis Sr., Opelousas; two daughters, Mrs. Mike (Stephanie) Morris, Opelousas, and Mrs. Bert (Danielle) Jones, Ruston; four sons, Jim Lopez, Charles W. and Roy Dupuis, all of Opelousas, and Steven Dupuis, Aspen, Colo.; two sisters, Mrs. Julia Huval, Cecilia, and Mrs. Bill (Bernice) Hoyt, Metairie; three brothers, Easten P. Dupuis, Lafayette, B.D. Dupuis and A.J. Dupuis, both of Opelousas; and eight grandchildren.(The Morning Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA), Saturday, July 30, 1983)
Child
James C. Lopez family-June 16, 2018
James 'Jim' Clarence Lopez and Beryl 'Babs' Allyn Broyles Lopez renewed their nuptial vows at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral in Biloxi, Mississippi. [L-R: Dawn Lopez; Babs Broyles Lopez; James 'Jim' Lopez; and James 'Jimmy" Lopez.
James Lopez
James Clarence Lopez (b. 1945) was born at Garden City, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana on November 10, 1945. He was reared in Opelousas, Louisiana after his mother married Steven Dupuis. James called Jimmy matriculated to LSU and studied business before attending law school. In 1968, he married Beryl Allyn Broyles, a native of Leesville, Louisiana.
Depression
Vicksburg
Circa 1936, Arnaud and Nellie G. Lopez relocated from Biloxi to Vicksburg, Mississippi. He died on August 18, 1948 at Franklin, Louisiana while visiting Mrs. James Lopez, his daughter-in-law.
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
The Daily Herald, “Lopez-Gorman”, June 5, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Bank of Biloxi”, September 29, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Paragraphs of Interest”, May 23, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxians form new canning company”, August 7, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez baby christened”, December 15, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Recent Chancery decisions, July 23, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Capt. Gorman died yesterday”, October 3, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Wolfpack rallies behind Jr. Lopez to beat ramblers”, November 21, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “James Lopez leaving”, September 11, 1937.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxians honroed at University of Mississippi”, April 2, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “Dr. Lopez graduates”, June 12, 1941. .
The Daily Herald, “Lopez-Talbert”, June 23, 1941.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez funeral today”, August 20, 1948.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez now practicing law in Biloxi”, October 22, 1949.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. A. Lopez Sr. dies in Vicksburg, burial in Biloxi”, January 15, 1952.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez offers for District Attorney”, April 29, 1955.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez new attorney for Board”, January 7, 1963.
The Sun Herald, “Sarah Talbert”, December 14, 2002.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
ERENA A. LOPEZ
Erena Anthony Lopez (1883-1940) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February ‘ 11, 1883. She was known as ‘Rena’ and married Edward L. ‘Mickey’ Brady (1873-1939) on February 3, 1908, at Pensacola, Florida where they had gone to visit Mr. and Mrs. King. He was a native of Ohio or Pennsylvania and the son of Thomas Brady (1834-1880+), a jeweler, and Sarah Taylor (1835-1880+), both Irish immigrants. In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brady resided in Franklin, Ohio with their five children.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 12, 1908, p. 2 and 1880 Warren Co., Ohio Federal Census T9_1074, p. 15, ED 15)
The newlywed Bradys made their home in the Lazaro Lopez edifice on West Howard Avenue living with Julia Dulion Lopez and Erena’s single siblings. By 1917, the Yergers, Noreta Lopez Yerger and Rucks Yerger, and the Caldwells, Rowena Lopez Caldwell and Philip C. Caldwell (1892-1930+), were domiciled with the Bradys on West Howard Avenue. In January 1920, the Yergers made the decision to demolish, the magnificent Lopez domicile and erect the Yerger Building on it site. By this time four children had been born and the families relocated to bungalows in the Lopez compound on West Beach at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1920, p. 3 and June 10, 1920, p. 6)
Jeweler and entrepreneur
Edward L. Brady [1873-1939] had arrived at Biloxi in 1907 from Newbern, Tennessee where he had been in the jewelry business. He had been here as early as 1900 when he had been married to Mary E. Brady (1874-1900+), a native of Ohio. They had married in 1899. Mr. Brady had also worked at Memphis, Tennessee before settling in Biloxi. He came from a family of jewelers as his father, brothers, cousins and uncles were in the business.(The Daily Herald, March 11, 1908, p. 1 and 1900 Dyer Co., Tennessee Federal Census T623_1568, p. 10A, ED 21)
In March 1908, Mr. Brady opened his jewelry store at 415 Howard Avenue in the Lopez Building situated on the southeast corner of West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street opposite the Lopez mansion. He was extremely proud of his merchandise most of which had been acquired in New York City. Among his most prized items to vend were: cut glass, sterling and plated silver including 1847 Rogers Brothers flatware, and an assortment of unique souvenir spoons especially made for him. W.C. Duncan, a young man from Natchez who also was an optician, was associated with Edward L. Brady.(The Daily Herald, March 11, 1908, p. 1)
By 1913, Biloxi had three other jewelers and watchmakers: J. Neilson & Son at 421 Reynoir; C.A. Evans at 311 Lameuse; and Fred K. Warren at 200 West Howard. Fred Bleur (1870-1933), jeweler and watchmaker, arrived in May 1917 from Foley, Alabama with his family. Mr. Bleur had acquired the lease on the building formerly occupied by W.A. Smith of the Smith Syndicate. The Bleur family found a residence on East Howard Avenue. (The Daily Herald, May 16, 1917, p. 3)
Brady advertisements
Edward L. Brady advertised his jewelry and optical business in the local Biloxi journals many times during his twenty odd years of proprietorship. Some of these advertisements follow:
Have you seen our Dollar Window?
Come see it and take your pick
Edward Brady, Jeweler
(The Daily Herald, November 21, 1912, p. )
The Man, the Girl, and the Ring
We have diamonds, signets, and pretty things
Edward Brady, Jeweler
(The Daily Herald, December 14, 1912, p. 8)
Enter James E. Elliott and John R. Beggs
In November 1914, James E. Elliott (1886-1980), formerly employed at Pascagoula, Mississippi joined the Brady Jewelry store in Biloxi as a watchmaker and jeweler. He was born at Havana, Hale County, Alabama and married Lucille Lundy (1892-1980), an Illinois native, in April 1916 at Harrison Co., Mississippi. She was the daughter of James H. Lunday (1857-1910+), a retired farmer, and Minnie Cullotta Richardson (1867-1910+), both residents of Gulfport, Mississippi. James E. Elliott and Lucille Lundy Elliott were the parents of James E. Elliott II (1917-1992) and Virginia Elliott DeFrank (1919-2001).(The Daily Herald, November 11, 1915, p. 2 and Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 29, p. 19)
James E. Elliott left the employ of Brady Jewelry in the spring of 1918. He became a partner of J.D. Crane, a jeweler located in Pascagoula, Mississippi. By July 1918, Mr. Elliott decided to return to Biloxi and become an independent jeweler with a store on West Howard Avenue. Mrs. Elliott and her baby had gone to Gulfport to be with family during his absence.(The Daily Herald, June 4, 1918, p. 2 and July 11, 1918, p. 3)
After Edward Brady retired from his jewelry business in 1929, the Gabriel Jewelry Company owned by Heyman Gabriel (1874-1929+), a German Jewish immigrant domiciled in Mobile, Alabama, acquired his stock. Mr. Gabriel’s Biloxi manager, John Rezin Beggs (1890-1972), a watchmaker and Kansas native and former owner of Beggs & George, a jewelry firm also situated in Mobile, Alabama, had a large sale. They were preparing to move by July 1929, to the Lawrence Building at 200 West Howard Avenue situated on the northwest corner of Howard Avenue and Delaunay Street. Manuel & Wetzell were contracted to renovate the two-story, brick structure erected in August 1911 for Charles C. Redding (1857-1926) and Joseph V. Lawrence (1867-1952) by Edwin M. Wetzell (1877-1953) for $8000. The initial tenants of the Lawrence Building were the Guaranteed Hat & Shoe Store owned by Redding and Lawrence and Uncle Fred’s Gift Shop. They both occupied the first floor in December 1911.(The Daily Herald, August 29, 1911, p. 8, November 27, 1911, p. 8 and May 28, 1929, p. 2)
It appears that in June 1927, Lawrence & Redding commenced erecting another structure juxtaposed to their 1911 building on West Howard near Delaunay. Again Manuel & Wetzel were their chosen contractor. The new Lawrence-Redding building was two-story and made from Cordova brick with a plate glass front. It had a front of forty-five feet on West Howard and was eight-four feet deep.(The Daily Herald, June 27, 1927, p. 2)
In 1931, in addition to Elliott’s and Gabriel’s Jewelry Company, Biloxi supported the Keystone Jewelry at 117 West Howard; George Waldemeir at 116 West Howard; and Bleuer’s Gift Shop at 210 West Howard. At this time, the Elliott’s resided at 614 East Howard Avenue. Also in 1931, Mrs. Lucille L. Elliott vended hats from their store as the Elliott Hat Shop.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1980, p. A2)
When Gabriel’s Jewelry closed in 1932, John R. Beggs became an independent watchmaker jeweler at 200 West Howard Avenue. Dr. C.S. McAllister, an optometrist, also joined him in the new enterprise and they offered their clients a variety of jewelry and optical selections. By 1936, J.R. Beggs had relocated to 103 Howard Avenue where he remained for many decades until his retirement.(The Daily Herald, February 22, 1932, p. 2)
During WWII, the James E. Elliott family moved from Biloxi to East Beach at Ocean Springs. He expired here in June 1980. Lucille Lunday Elliott followed him closely in death, passing in December 1980. Their corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, June 5, 1980, p. A2 and December 30. 1980, p. A2)
Paul DeFrank Jr.
Mr. Elliott retired from his jewelry business in 1961 and Paul DeFrank Jr. (1918-2006), his son-in-law, became the proprietor of Elliott’s Jewelry. Paul DeFrank Jr. was born at Bessemer, Alabama to Paolini DiFranco (1886-1958) and Elsie Lynn DiFranco (1896-1960+). Mr. DiFranco had immigrated to America from Sutera, Caltanisetta, Sicily in February 1909 aboard the SS Campania and by 1920, he had changed Paolini DiFranco, his birth name, to Paul DeFrank. He made his livelihood as a shoe maker and shoe repairman in Alabama while providing for his six children.(1930 Jefferson Co., Alabama Federal Census R21, p. 26A, ED 112)
In September 1952, Paul DeFrank Jr. and the Elliotts took a five year lease from Joseph V. Lawrence at (1902-1975) at 200 Howard Avenue in the Lawrence Building. They remained here until Skip DeFrank, successor to his grandfather and father’s jewelry enterprise, moved to Pass Road in West Biloxi in the early 1990s. Elliott’s Jewelry is now closed.
Paul DeFrank Jr. married Virginia Elliott in 1936. They had met in Montgomery, Alabama at a Freshman party on the campus of Huntington College. They were the parents of Paul DeFrank II, called ‘Skip’, and Virginia Paulette ‘Toni’ DeFrank (b. 1938). She married Charles H. Schaffner (b. 1936), the son of Philippe ‘Phil’ Val Louis Schaffner (1908-1936), and Ethelyn Lucille MacKenzie (b. 1916). Mrs. Schaffner married Donald L. ‘Pat’ Connor (1912-1982) after the demise of her husband.(History of Jackson Co., Mississippi, 1989, pp. 169-172)
Mutual Homestead Association-1922
Edward Brady was a founder of the Mutual Homestead Association. With J.W. Apperson, Edgar Beale (1882-1950), Louis Braun, John G. Cohoe (1847-1943), Ulysses Desporte, and Davis G. Skinner, he incorporated this Biloxi building and loan association in June 1922.(The Daily Herald, January 25, 1922, p. 5)
Philanthropist
Edward L. Brady and spouse were generous to the less fortunate of Biloxi. Several examples of their philanthropy to the Biloxi Charity Hospital follow: As Dr. Hyman M. Folkes was his brother-in-law, Edward L. Brady was involved with the Biloxi Charity Hospital. In April 1909, he donated a gold watch to be given in a raffle to support the local hospital’s building fund. Mrs. George F. Adams of NOLA won the time, which netted the Charity Hospital fifty dollars.(The Daily Herald, April 21, 1909, p. 4)
In February 1913, Reverend D.A. Planck of Mobile delivered a public lecture in Biloxi on ‘King Solomon’s Temple. Tickets to the event were priced at twenty-five cents. Mr. Brady donated a gold pendant to the young lady who sold the most tickets to the lecture.(The Daily Herald, February 13, 1913, p.8)
Sportsman and traveler
Edward L. Brady was known in Biloxi as an outdoorsman. He enjoyed golf, hunting, trap shooting, fishing, sailing and motor boating. Mrs. Brady also participated in many of these same activities. A collage of their sporting life at Biloxi follows:
Biloxi Yacht Club
Edward L. Brady was elected Commodore of the Biloxi Yacht Club (BYC) for consecutive terms in 1910 and 1911. For the yacht club’s Eleventh Annual Regatta held in July 1910, he donated the ‘Brady Cup’, a silver cup. The Brady donation trophy was to be awarded to the speed boat with the fastest actual time over the fourteen mile racecourse.(The Daily Herald, July 9, 1910, p. 4 and July 12, 1910, p. 3)
The BYC was founded in the Montross Hotel on May 2, 1901. John Caraway was elected president; John J. Kennedy, vice-president; T.P. Dulion, Commodore; George H. Dunbar, vice Commodore; Dr. D.A. Nash, rear commodore; Byrd Enochs, treasurer; and H.F. Sawford, secretary. Theodore Brune (1854-1932), NOLA architect, presented plans for the new, 3000 sq.-ft. yacht club to be built in front of the Montross Hotel on Front Street, now Beach Boulevard, and Lameuse Street.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 4, 1901, p. 1)
In May 1896, prior to the organization of the BYC, Tony and Zio Benachi, the Benachi Brothers; T.P. Dulion; John Eistetter; Thomas H. Gleason; Ed Glennan; Louis Gill; Martin Green; John Johnson; Nicholas Voivedich et al proposed to found a yacht club in Biloxi. Again in May 1900, the West End Yacht Club was proposed at Biloxi by T.L. McGowan, the Benachi Brothers, and M.W. Murphy. Neither ventures resulted in a permanent yacht club for Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, May 9, 1896, p. 8 and May 7, 1900, p. 8)
When Governor Andrew H. Longino (1854-1942) signed its charter on August 7, 1901, the BYC was made official with the following local gentlemen’s name on the charter: A.O. Bourdon Jr.; W.K.M. Dukate; H.F. Sawford; Laz Lopez Sr.; John Carraway; H.R. Bohn; T.P. Dulion; John J. Kennedy; G.W. Wilkes; W.T. Griffin; and Byrd Enochs.(Harrison County, Miss. Chattel Deed Bk. 6, p. 369 and 2nd JD Charter of Incorporation Bk. 1, p. 647, The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 13, 1901, p. 10 and August 9, 1901, p. 8)
The BYC approved its charter and by-laws and had commenced building the clubhouse by mid-June 1901. The structure was completed in early August 1901. It was one of six buildings situated between Magnolia and Main Streets on the beach front to survive the August 15th Hurricane. The fish and oyster houses in this sector were destroyed as well as many piers, including that of the BYC.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 20, 1901, p. 8. August 11, 1901, p. 1, and August 16, 1901, p. 1)
During his 1910 tenure as BYC Commodore, Edward L. Brady served with the following members: Louis Gorenflo, vice commodore; Oscar Johnson, rear commodore; H.A. Janin, rear commodore; Ulysse Desporte, fleet captain; Dr. W.T. Bolton, fleet surgeon; G.J. Wiltz, sec.-treas.; and Ernest Desporte Sr., measurer.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1910, p. 8)
In 1911, Commodore Brady’s BYC elected officers were: Dan Gorenflo, vice commodore; Henry Janin Jr., rear commodore; W.E. Kennedy, fleet captain; Dr. Frank Carroll, fleet surgeon; G.J. Wiltz, sec.-treas.; and Ernest Desporte Sr., official measurer. Other active committee members were: Ernest Desporte Jr.; Byrd Enochs; Dr. Charles Brown; Dr. G.F. Carroll; Albert Gorenflo; and George Rhodes.(The Daily Herald, June 3, 1911, p. 1)
Boat Racing
Edward L. Brady and spouse were avid speedboat enthusiasts. Among their competitive motorboats were: Ditto, Lady Fish,and Santa C. In late July 1910, their Santa C and Martin Fountain’s Horse Fly dueled in a match race on Back Bay. Witnessed by many spectators on land and sea, the Horse Fly won by two minutes over the seven mile course which commenced at Joullian’s Wharf on Back Bay and ran to the Back Bay Bridge and then east to the L&N Railroad Bridge near Ocean Springs. Mr. Fountain had built both boats, which were powered by the six horsepower Gray motor.(The Daily Herald, August 1, 1910, p. 1)
Edward L. Brady won the cabin cruiser class at the July 1912 annual Biloxi Regatta. He defeated Tokay, the racer of R.C. McClure of the Crescent City. Mr. McClure complained after his defeat that the Ditto was not a cabin cruiser, but an open launch and therefore had been misclassified.(The Daily Herald, July 12, 1912, p. 1 and July 16, 1912, p. 8)
At several of Biloxi’s Annual Regatta held in early July, Erena Lopez Brady who owned and raced her Lady Fish, an open launch, motor vessel, won the 20-30 horsepower class. The Lady Fish was described as ‘one of Biloxi’s most popular boats and never defeated in her class”. (The Daily Herald, July 18, 1913, p. 1 and July 17, 1914, p. 1)
In July 1915, Mrs. Brady was victorious in Ditto at the Biloxi Regatta. She raced in the cabin launch class.(The July 9, 1915, p. 1)
By 1921, the engine of Lady Fish had been installed in the Easy, owned and raced by Ojo Ohr. Mr. Ohr won in his racing class at the 1921 annual Biloxi Regatta utilizing the former Brady engine.(The Daily Herald, May 18, 1921, p. 4 and July 8, 1921, p. 1)
Biloxi Golf Club
When the Biloxi Golf Club was incorporated in March 1918, Edward L. Brady, Elbert L. Dukate, and John J. Kennedy were the incorporators. Mr. Brady was elected president of the Biloxi Golf Club in April 1932 with Fred Ferson, vice-president; Eugene Peresich, treasurer; and Irwin B. Cowie (1879-1949), secretary.(The Daily Herald, March 26, 1918, p. 2 and April 11, 1932, p. 2)
Hunting
With the duck hunting season open in the fall of 1912, the Bradys boarded Ditto and headed southwest to the Louisiana marshes and Bayou Lemare to hunt. Several days of hunting resulted in over one hundred ducks of varying species killed by the adventurous couple. They made the return trip of eighty-five miles to Biloxi in six hours. The kill was shared with friends and neighbors.(The Daily Herald, November 16, 1912, p. 8)
1913 Panama Canal
In March 1913, Edward and Erena Lopez Brady left Biloxi for a holiday to Central America and the Caribbean. They went as far as Panama to visit and observe the construction of the Panama Canal. While there, the Bradys met George W. Goethals (1858-1928), US Army officer and civil engineer, who constructed and opened the canal in August 1914. In addition, they were introduced to Dr. William C. Gorgas (1854-1920), an Alabaman, who introduced sanitary measures into the Canal Zone by draining swampsand ponds, fumigating for mosquitoes and other vermin, providing mosquito netting, and building the public water system. Other venues on the Brady’s southern tour included Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Cuba. At Havana, they met Julia D. Lopez and Miss Josephine Folkes, respectively the mother and niece of Mrs. Brady. Together they sailed to Key West, Florida and also visited St. Augustine and Jacksonville before returning to Biloxi in late April 1913.(The Daily Herald, April 29, 1913, p. 1)
Erena’s Beach property and residence
Before her betrothal to Edward L. Brady, Erena A. Lopez began acquiring valuable tracts of land east and west of the Biloxi Cemetery south of the L&N Railroad right-of-way. In April 1905 for $1200 she purchased a 2.48 acre lot from T.J. Rosell and T.P. Dulion, her uncle, which ran south of the L&N for five hundred seventy-eight feet and was bounded on the east by the Biloxi Cemetery, south by Noblin, and west by A.E. Carter. Two months later, Erena in June 1905 for $17,000, bought from Catherine Elizabeth Burke Perry (1861-1928), a native of New Orleans, 10.2 acres east of the Biloxi City Cemetery that had a front on the Gulf of Mexico of three hundred sixty-eight feet and ran north almost 1200 feet to Cemetery Road, now Irish Hill Drive. Her sister, Teresa Lopez Folkes owned the property east of Mrs. Brady.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 67, p. 309 and Bk. 69, p. 89)
Sales on West Beach
In later years, Erena Lopez Brady and spouse resided at 1320 West Beach, on the large tract acquired from Mrs. Perry, the wife of Fred Perry (1860-1900+), a Biloxi dry good clerk. From her West Beach parcel, Erena L. Brady sold a lot to Arnaud Lopez, her brother, in June 1911. The Arnaud Lopez lot was due east of her tract and had a front of 165 feet on the Gulf and ran north to Cemetery Road, now Irish Hill Drive. Mr. Lopez sold this tract to Nellie Gorman Lopez in June 1922. A correction in the original warranty deed was recorded in July 1922. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 134, p. 561, Bk. 134, p. 562, and Bk. 135, p. 325)
Julia Avenue
In May 1909, the City of Biloxi led by Mayor T.J. Rosell (1861-1923) passed City Ordinance No. 421 which quitclaimed a strip of land forty feet wide [east to west] and one thousand one hundred and seventy-two feet long [north to south] to Erena Lopez Brady. This strip of land ran north between West Beach Boulevard and Cemetery Street and known as Julia Avenue. It had been dedicated for a street to be named for Julia Dulion Lopez, Mrs. Brady’s mother.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 91, p. 316 and The Daily Herald, May 10, 1909, p. 4)
Biloxi Cemetery conveyance
In April 1938, the City of Biloxi for $3000 acquired about 3.1 acres off the north end of the Erena Lopez residence lot on West Beach. This addition to the cemetery property ran south of Cemetery Road for about 630 feet and was about 215 feet wide-east to west. The Biloxi Cemetery was to the west; Arnaud Lopez to the east; and the Gulf to the south.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 220, p. 121)
AVELEZ HOTEL
AVELEZ HOTEL
[Image made before the August 1930 fire]
W.K.M. Dukate home
In late 1922, Edward L. Brady (1874-1939), Erena Lopez Brady (1885-1940) and Teresa Lopez Folkes (1873-1951) acquired the W.K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) residence property situated on the south side of West Howard Avenue bounded by Croesus Street on the west and Magnolia Street on the east. The magnificent Dukate home, which cost $4500 to erect, had been built here in the fall of 1894 with J.F. Barnes, architect and contractor from New Orleans, in charge. The Dukate lot on West Howard Avenue was leveled and prepared for construction in mid-October 1894. By mid-December 1894, the Dukate home was nearing completion. In March 1895, local decorators White & Suter were lauded for the quality of their paper hanging, painting and interior decorating of the Dukate edifice. Henry Lienhard, a relative of Mrs. Linda Dukate, painted the fence surrounding the perimeter of the Dukate place.(The Biloxi Herald,
Avelez Hotel
In December 1922, it was announded that the 1895 DuKate mansion was sold by Beale & Yerger to a sydicate [Brady-Folkes, descendants of Laz Lopez] that had it demolished in June-July 1923 to erect a modern hotel which would be called the Avelez Hotel. In late February 1923, they with Carl Matthes, a well-respected Biloxi architect, had left Biloxi to tour and inspect some of the finer resorts and hotels in Florida with the purpose of generating ideas for their new Biloxi enterprise. A ground breaking was scheduled for mid-July 1923 and Tallavest & Rigar, builders from Jacksonville, Florida, were contracted by the syndicate to erect a five-story, one-hundred room edifice at the cost of $60,000. The hotel was to be the equipped with modern furniture and each hotel room to have a bathroom.(The Daily Herald, December 6, 1922, p. 3, December 28, 1923, p. 1, February 27, 1923, p. 3, and July 10, 1923, p. 3)
E.L. Brady Hotel Company
The Erena L. Brady Hotel Company was chartered in the State of Mississippi in September 1923 by Edward L. Brady, Erena Lopez Brady, and William Lee Guice.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 28, p. 545 and Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Hotel lot
The Avelez Hotel lot facing north of West Howard Avenue was situated between Croesus Street and Magnolia Street and described as follows: From the point of beginning which is the intersection of the south side of West Howard Avenue and Magnolia Street; thence south 202 ½ feet to a point which is the southeast corner of the hotel lot; then go west for 80 feet; thence south 13 2/12 feet to a point and then go west 70 feet to the southwest corner of the hotel lot; go north along the east side of Croesus for 239 feet to the northwest corner of West Howard Avenue and Croesus Street; thence 163 feet along West Howard Avenue to the point of beginning.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 235, p. 267)
The name Avelez was chosen for the Brady hotel. Lazarus Lopez (1850-1903), the father of Erena Lopez Brady, had been born at Aviles, Asturias Province, north western Spain in October 1850. He left Spain for Cuba in 1863 and arrived in Texas before becoming a denizen of Biloxi, Mississippi circa 1870. Lazaro Lopez expired in Rome, Italy on September 25, 1903 as the result of an acute inflammation of his kidneys and dysentery. Earlier he and Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918), his loving spouse, with four of their youngest children, Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958), Erena Lopez, Rowena Lopez (1895-1986), and Noreta Lopez (1896-1960), had departed Biloxi, Mississippi via the L&N Railroad for NYC where they boarded an ocean liner for Europe. Mr. Lopez had been ill at Biloxi before they left for Europe. A telegram from Rome reached Biloxi on September 19, 1903 notifying his family here that he was seriously sick.(The Biloxi Herald, September 19, 1903, p. 8)
Opening-New Year’s Eve-1923
When the Avelez Hotel opened on December 31, 1923, Philip Columbus Caldwell (1892-1951) was its manager. Manager Caldwell had married Rowena Lopez (1895-1986), the sister of Erena Lopez Brady, on January 12, 1917 in a small wedding ceremony at Nativity B.V.M. in Biloxi. Father Alphonse Ketels officiated for their nuptial vows. Mr. Caldwell was manager of was the manager of the Great Southern Hotel at Gulfport, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, January 13, 1917, p. 3)
The newlywed Caldwells made their home in Gulfport. By the fall of 1917, Philip C. Caldwell had left his managerial position with the Great Southern Hotel and joined J. Rucks Yerger Jr. (1892-1931), his brother-in-law, in the insurance business as Yerger-Caldwell. Their office was above Grant’s Drug Store on West Howard Avenue. With WWI raging in Europe, Mr. Caldwell joined the U.S. Army in 1917 and was stationed at Camp Shelby in the Quartermasters Corps.(The Daily Herald, October 4, 1917, p. 3 and October 8, 1917, p. 3)
By 1920, the Caldwell family was domiciled in the Lazarus Lopez edifice on West Howard Avenue living with the Yergers, Noreta Julia Lopez Yerger (1896-1960) and Rucks Yerger, and the Bradys, Erena L. Brady and Edward L. Brady. In January 1920, the Yergers made the decision to demolish, the magnificent Lopez domicile and erect the Yerger Building on it site. By this time three Caldwell children, Margaret Caldwell (1918) m. ; Philip J. ‘Jack’ Caldwell II (1919-2008) m. Joan H. Caldwell (1923-2001); and Rowena ‘Jill’ Caldwell (1919-2008) m. Mr. Otremba.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1920, p. 3 and June 10, 1920, p. 6)
Phillip C. Caldwell expired at Chicago in the Mercy Hospital on June 8, 1951. The Caldwell family had left Biloxi in 1924. At the time of his demise, Mr. Caldwell was manager of the Chapman-Park Hotel in Los Angeles. He was survived by Rowena Lopez Caldwell, his spouse, and children: Mrs. Edward Wilson of Chicago; Mrs. Arthur Atriembo; and Phillip Caldwell. Phillip Caldwell's corporal remains were interred at a Chicago cemetery. Rowen Lopez Caldwell passed on April 17, 1986 at Goleta, Santa Barbara County, California. (The Daily Herald, June 9, 1951, p. 3)
Rowen Lopez Caldwell passed on April 17, 1986 at Goleta, Santa Barbara County, California,
Phil Caldwell was instrumental in securing the Greeters of America to make a visit to Biloxi. Before they arrived, he had taken a position at the Hotel Galves at Galveston, Texas in May 1921.(The Daily Herald, May 12, 1921, p. 8)
In the summer of 1930, the Caldwell family was domiciled at Chicago. Phil and Rowena L. Caldwell took a two month European tour at this time. Their three children were enrolled in summer camps in Michigan. Jill and Margaret Caldwell went to Camp Meecasinio near Baldwin, Michigan while Jack attended Camp Algonquin near Alanson, Michigan.
1930 Conflagration
The Avelez Hotel structure was struck by a devastating conflagration in the early morning of August 24, 1930. The fire originated in the Hill Store in the arcade fronting the hotel section of the building. Guests of the Avelez Hotel were notified and evacuated from their rooms without harm. Initial damage estimates from insurance adjusters placed the total cost of the fire at about $65,000, which when itemized came to $40,000 to $50,000 for stocks and fixtures and about $25,000 for the structure. The hotel proper was harmed only by smoke and water. Mrs. Erena Brady Lopez announced that the fire damaged arcade would be rebuilt. The day after the fire, Collins Brothers and Manual and Wetzel, two local building contractors, were making estimates for Mrs. Brady and her insurance companies respectively. Businesses affected by the conflagration in addition to the Hill Store were: Eddie’s Drug Store-Eddie Ouille owner; La Nationale Beauty Parlor-Mrs. Charles H. Patterson of NOLA owner; The Biloxi Insurance Agency; the barber shop-N.H. McAllister, proprietor; and the Avelez Café operated by Dan Markotich.(The Daily Herald, August 25, 1930, p. 1).
Avelez management
W.D. Jarman of Baton Rouge, Louisiana former manager of the Avelez Hotel and the Pine Hills Hotel is now assistant manger with the Hotel Buena Vista.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1927, p. 2)
1932-E.L. Brady Hotel Company default
The Great Depression commencing in October 1929 may have been the salient reason for the E.L. Brady Hotel Company to default on their mortgage of $166,000 made in March 1928 with the Canal Bank & Trust Company of NOLA. In October 1931, their chief bond holders, Allen Dezauche, Morris A. Hirsch, H.A. Cleaver, Richard McCarthy, and J.S. Waterman, who owned $133,500 in Avelez Hotel bonds, demanded payment. When the default came, the Avelez Hotel was sold to these gentlemen in a Trustee’s Sale on March 7, 1932.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Trust Deed Bk. 64, p. 169-163, Trust Deed Bk. 81, p. 230; and Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 194, p. 58-70)
Avelez Hotel Company
Allen Dezauche and the bond holders of the Canal Bank & Trust Company sold the Avelez Hotel on April 1932 to the Avelez Hotel Company for $20,000.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 194, p. 71)
1937-Sales
In January 1937, Properties Incorporated through the Stephen L. Guice and Company, a Biloxi realty firm, vended the Avelez Hotel to John T. Powers of Alexandria, Louisiana and associate with Guaranty Bank & Trust Company of Alexandria, Louisiana, and A.W. Keen, a resident of Houston, Texas and hotel operator with properties in Atlanta and Houston. These gentlemen will personally operate the hotel.(The Times-Picayune, January 12, 1937, p. 4 and January 17, 1937, p. 63)
John T. Powers sold a 1/4 interest of his interest in the Avelez Hotel to Katherine Waggoner Powers (1887-1957), his spouse in January 1937. It appears that the Powers divorced before 1945. Katherine W. Powers died at Biloxi, Mississippi in September 1957 leaving her son, John W. Powers, and M.C. Waggoner, a brother, at Tylertown, Mississippi. Her corporal remains were interred in the Southern Memorial Park cemetery in West Billxi.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 213, p. 379 and The Daily Herald, September 17, 1957, p. 2)
John T. Powers
John Thomas Powers (1887-1971) was a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Before Mr. Powers came to the Mississippi Coast, he was associated with the Bentley Hotel at Alexandria, Louisiana. In March 1937 when Mr. Powers was the managing the Avelez Hotel at Biloxi, John W. Powers (1911-1970), his son and a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, came to visit his parents at the hotel. While here, John W. Powers decided to relocate to Biloxi and became the cottage manager at the Buena Vista Hotel. By 1949, the Powers family was operating the Biloxi Laundry & Dry Cleaning Company at 244 Porter Avenue.(The Daily Herald, March 30, 1937, p. 3 )
In February 1945, Eva Mae Powers (1899-1965), a native of Alexandria, Louisiana and the wife of John T. Powers, acquired from Julia Agnes O’Neill Mooney Glengariff, an older residence situated at 253 Beach Drive in Ocean Springs. Glengariff was the former summer retirement home and estate of Captain Francis O'Neill (1849-1936) of Chicago and Mrs. Mooney was his daughter. The house was located near the center of a 5.14 acre tract which ran northeasterly from the beach front almost 800 feet to the southwest corner of Cleveland and Martin Avenues. There was 286 feet of beach front. Francis O'Neill was a resident of 5448 Drexel Avenue at Chicago, Illinois. He and his family wintered at Ocean Springs, Mississippi from 1914 to his death on January 26, 1936. O'Neil was interred at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chicago and is known today for his .(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 88, pp. 471-473)
John Werner Powers died at Glengarriff on January 27, 1970. He was survived by his wife, Mabel Powers, and children John Thomas Powers of Seattle and Carol Leatherman of Pineville, Louisiana. In September 1971, John T. Powers followed his son in death. His first spouse, Eva Mae Powers, had expired in mid-February 1965. She was a native of Alexandria, Louisiana. John T. Powers left a wife, Helen Edwards. He was a Mason and Shriner and also a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.(The Ocean Springs News, February 18, 1965, p. 1, The Daily Herald, January 28, 1970, p. 2 and September 19, 1971, p. A-2)
Glengarriff was sold to El Madrid, Inc. in March 1969, by Mrs. Beverly S. Haslitt, the daughter of Eva Mae Powers, and John T. Powers. The magnificent old house was torn down to build the El Madrid Apartments, which became the Ocean Pointe Apartments, which commenced operations in the spring of 1971. Katrina destroyed all structures on this property in August 2005.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 359, p. 259)
1940-Sales
The year 1940 saw many changes in the ownership of the Avelez Hotel. John T. Powers and his partners were in debt to the Reconstruct Finance Corporation for $38,730. The Powers party was sued in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi in March 1940.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 232, p. 379 and Harrison Co/, Mississippi Cause No. 16897-March 1940)
In May 1940, the trustee for the mortgagers of the Avelez Hotel, which at this time had eight-eight rooms and had been operated for about three years by John T. Powers, sold the hostelry for $33,000 to the Canal Bank & Trust Company of NOLA. The only other bidder was J.C. Hunt, the proprietor of the Tivoli Hotel and Riviera Hotel, both Biloxi inns.(The Daily Herald, May 14, 1940, p. 1)
1940-Pringle group
In October 1940, H.G. Thompson, special agent for the Canal Bank & Trust Company [in liquidation] conveyed the Avelez Hotel to Victor B. Pringle, Carl E. Matthes, and Dewey R. Reagan. The sales price was $42,500. The new owners planned to open in November with a new management team and was considering to enact renovations and improvements to the hotel and front.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 235, p. 267)
The sale of the Avelez Hotel to the Pringle group was approved by the Federal Court at Biloxi and the Orleans Parish Civil District Court at New Orleans. The court required that the liquidators of the Canal Bank & Trust Compnay sell the Biloxi hotel for $42,500. The payment terms were $10,000 cash and the balance of the price to be paid in six annual installments, five payments int he amount of $2500 each year and the final payment of $20,000 with 5% interest and secure by a vendor's lien and deed of trust on the property. In addition, if the mortgage was paid in full within six months, there would be a discount of $2500 or if cancelled within one year, there would be a $2000 discount to the purchasers.(The Daily Herald, October 29, 1940, p. 3)
1946 Sale
In July 1946, Victor B. Pringle, Margaret W. Pringle, Beulah Dukate Matthes. Carl E. Matthes, Vallie D. Landry and Juan G. Landry sold the Avelez Hotel to the Avelez Hotel Corporation. The consideration was $190,000 with $55,000 paid in cash and $135,000 in promissory notes.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 289, p. 493)
Avelez Hotel Corporation
The Avelez Hotel Corporation was chartered June 1946 by Uriah S. Joachim (1888-1977), Richard R. Guice, Adrian Weill (1903-), and Albert Sydney Johnson Jr. (1900-1992), In December 1955, the Avelez Hotel Corporation acquired the Riviera Hotel, formerly the Montross Hotel, located on the northeast corner of Lameuse Street Beach Boulevard from Willemenhia ‘Billie’ S. Morse.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chattel Deed Bk. 93, p. 162 and Land Deed Bk. 403, p. 171)
Earle Hotel
In December 1946, theEarle Hotel Company, a national chain which operated hostelries from Boston to Seattle, took a10-year lease from the Avelez Hotel Corporation. The total consideration was $400,000 for the building’s furnishings and ancillary equipment. The one-hundred room, Avelez Hotel was renamed the Earle Hotel and T.R. Brady, manager, was replaced by H.R. Davern on January 1, 1947. H.R. Pratt of the Earle Hotel organization negotiated the lease through Victor Clesi, a broker domiciled in the Crescent City.(The Daily Herald, December 17, 1946, p. 1 and December 18, 1946, p. 15)
Avelez Hotel management notes
Notes
W.D. Jarman of Baton Rough, Louisiana former manager of the Avelez Hotel and the Pine Hills Hotel is now assistant maanger with the Hotel Buena Vista.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1927, p. 2)
In December, the Earle Hotel Company, a national chain, took a long term lease from the Avelez Hotel Corporation. The Avelez Hotel will be renamed the Earle Hotel and T.R. Brady, manager, will be replaced by H.R. Davern on January 1st.(The Daily Herald, December 17, 1946, p. 1)
Urban Renewal-Avelez Hotel demolition
In December 1972, the Harris Wrecking Company was employed to demolish the Avelez Hotel on West Howard Avenue. The job was expected to take 30 days and their remuneration was $25,000.(The Daily Herald, December 1, 1972)
1926 Western USA and Caribbean Adventure
In early August 1926, Erena L. Brady, Arnaud and Junior Lopez, her brothers, and Preston Edmonds, a friend, left Biloxi by motorcar for the American West. They planned to go to Denver, Colorado and then to Yellowstone National Park, Portland, Oregon and San Francisco. In the City by the Bay, they would meet Theresa Lopez Folkes and her daughters, Josephine and Anna Folkes. The Folkes clan had left Biloxi in mid-July by train. Erena planned to visit Los Angeles and take an ocean liner to Honolulu, Hawaii. When Mrs. Brady returned to California, she would join her sister and neices and sail through the Panama Canal, visit Havana, Cuba, and return to Biloxi via New Orleans. Arnaud and Junior Lopez with Preston Edmonds would drive the automobile from California to Mississippi via the southern route.(The Daily Herald, August 3, 1926, p. 2)
Beach property and residence
Separation-divorce
On September 10, 1928, Edward L. Brady filed for a divorce from Erena Lopez. It was finalized in late November 1928. Since there were no children from this union, Erena took her maiden name of Lopez. She made her home at 1320 West Beach Boulevard while Edward L. Brady settled at 126 Cuevas Street.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court No. 10697-September 1928)
Mr. Brady’s death
Edward L. Brady passed on July 21, 1939. He was domiciled at 126 Cuevas at this time. His corporal remains were interred at the Southern Memorial Park cemetery under the auspices of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Brady was survived by: Sarah Brady (1866-1939+) and Elizabeth Brady (1871-1939+), his sisters and residents of Forrest City, Arkansas; two nieces; and three nephews, John T. Brady and Edward E. Brady of Jacksonville, Florida, and Howard P. Schatz (1919-2006) of Bishop, California. He was active in the Masonic Lodge, Biloxi Elks Club, and the Mississippi Trapshooters’ Association.(The Daily Herald, July 24, 1939, p. 8)
Erena’s death and will
Erena Anthony Lopez expired in her home at 1320 West Beach Boulevard at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 6, 1940. Her will written on December 12, 1934 is quite unique as it is a holography composed on the back of an envelope. The envelope was mailed from the law office of K. Hundley at Alexandria, Louisiana and addressed to Mr. S.C. Mize, Attorney at Law, Gulfport, Mississippi. The postage was 3 cents and a Christmas stamp was attached in the middle of will. Erena’s final will was recorded in Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Will Book 7, p. ? is as follows: I, the undersigned Erena Anthony Lopez formerly Erena Lopez Brady being of sound mind and understanding do hereby make my last will and testament. I bequeath and devise to my sister Noreta Lopez Yerger, for the benefit of herself and children, all property, real estate and personal of what ever nature that I own or have, with the exceptions of my two guns which I have already given some years ago as follows: One 16 gauge double barrel Leferers gun to Bob Yerger and the 16 gauge double barrel Parker to Rowena Yerger. Birds eye maple bedroom furniture to Anna Folkes Kelley.
Signed this 12th day of December, 1934.
Erena Anthony Lopez.
REFERENCES:
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, (Jackson County, Mississippi Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1989).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Chancery Court
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 10697, “Edward Brady v. Erena Brady”-September 1928.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 17005, “The Estate of Erena A. Lopez”, March 1940.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 16897, “Re Finance Corporation v. John T. Powers, et al”, March 1940.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 18727, “Ex Parte-Marjorie Lopez Yerger, Noreta Lopez Yerger, Rombert M. yerger, Richard K. Yerger, and Rowena Lopez Yerger, minors by J.M. Lopez, their uncle and next friend, Noreta Lopez Yerger, and James Rucks Yerger”, April 1942.
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 19034, “Noreta Lopez Yerger v. State of Mississippi”, September 1942.
Journals
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “Picture of the Past-Avelez Hotel—In the Late Twenties”, July 24, 1985.
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “The History of the Biloxi area-Avelez Hotel”, March 23, 1994.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, October 20, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, November 10, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, December 15, 1894.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, March 9, 1895.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The Yacht Club”, May 4, 1901, p. 1.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, June 20, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Yacht Club”, July 13, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, August 9, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “The Club House”, August 11, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “A Great Hurricane”, August 16, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Brady-Lopez”, February 12, 1908.
The Biloxi-D’Iberville Press, “The History of the Biloxi Area-Avelez Hotel”, March 23, 1994.
The Daily Herald,“Gold watch netted $50.00”, April 21, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Ordinance No. 421”, May 10, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Yacht Club elects officers”, June 3, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Silver Cup for Knockabout Class”, July 9, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Eleventh Annual Regatta”, July 12, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“Horse Fly defeats Santa”, August 1, 1910.
The Daily Herald,“Advertisement”, November 21, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Brady is re-elected Commodore of the Biloxi Yacht Club”, June 3, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “New building for Redding and Lawrence”, July 18, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Work on new brick building”, August 24, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Work begins on building”, August 29, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Another building finished in Biloxi”, November 27, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Humpty Dumpty, Speed Marvel, is sensation of Biloxi motor races”, July 12, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Yachting gossip about the city”, July 16, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Back from a big hunt”, November 16, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi News Items”, December 14, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Charity Hospital Benefit tomorrow night”, February 13, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Canal is wonder-work of Century declares Biloxian about Panama”, April 29, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Yacht Club’s 14th Regatta closed with motor races Thursday”, July 18, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Cranky motors feature closing of Biloxi Regatta”, July 17, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “Improvements at Brady’s”, May 10, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Regatta goes out in blaze of glory at Riviera dance”, July 9, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “New watchmaker at Brady’s”, November 18, 1915.
The Daily Herald, “Prominent business man [Fred Bleur] locates in Biloxi”, May 17, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Local News Paragraphs of Interest”, June 14, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Charter of Incorporation of the Biloxi Golf Club”, March 26, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “J.E. Elliott going to Pascagoula”, June 4, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Mr. Elliott comes back”, July 11, 1918. .
The Daily Herald, “New visitor at J.E. Elliott home”, November 25, 1918.
The Daily Herald,“Lopez home to be demolished”, January 22, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi home is being torn down”, June 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Speedboats given tryouts”, May 18, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “Racing season closes with splendid dances-prizes are awarded”, July 8, 1921.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of the Mutual Homestead Association”, January 25, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Dukate Home sold”, December 6, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Making tour of Florida”, February 27, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Handsome hotel to open New Year’s Eve”, December 28, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Hundreds attend opening reception of Hotel Avelez”, January 1, 1924.
The Daily Herald, “Hundreds attend opening reception of Hotel Avelez”, January 1, 1924 .
The Daily Herald, “To tour West”, August 3, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Jarman with Buena Vista”, June 6, 1927.
The Daily Herald, , “Start Redding-Lawrence Building”, June 27, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Renovating Lawrence Building”, May 28, 1929.
The Dily Herald, “To rebuild Avalez building after $60,000 conflagration”, August 25, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Opening new store”, February 22, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “E.L. Brady elected golf club president”, April 11, 1932.
The Daily Herald, “Brady funeral will be this afternoon”, July 24, 1939.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Erena Lopez dies at Biloxi home”, January 6, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “New Orleans bank buys Avelez Hotel”, May 14, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Local syndicate buys Avelez Hotel”, October 14, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Court authorizes sale Avelez Hotel”, October 29, 1940.
The Daily Herald, “Lease by Earle Hotel chain”, December 17, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi, Avelez leased by chain”, December 18, 1946.
The Daily Herald, “Phillip Caldwell dies in Chicago”, June 9, 1951.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Katherine Powers”, September 17, 1957.
The Daily Herald, “John W. Powers", January 28, 1970, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “John T. Powers", September 19, 1971, p. A-2.
The Daily Herald, “James E. Elliott Sr.”, June 5, 1980.
The Daily Herald, “Lucille Lundy Elliott”, December 30, 1980.
The Ocean Springs News, “Mrs. Eva Mae Powers”, February 18, 1965.
The Sun Herald, “DeFranks are jewels of Coast”, December 14, 1997.
The Sun Herald, “Mr. Paul DeFrank, Jr.”, February 15, 2006.
The Times-Picayune, “Sale of Avelez Hotel at Biloxi announced here”, January 12, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, “Biloxi, Avelez leased by chain”, December 18, 1946.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
JULIUS M. LOPEZ
JULIUS M. LOPEZ
Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 10, 1886. He was reared at Biloxi and attended St. Stanislaus College at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. In December 1907, Julius married Belle Markey (1887-1946), a native of New Orleans, in the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church at Biloxi. Miss Markey was the daughter of Daniel Joseph Markey (1855-1900) and Frederica Shirm (1863-1900). Mr. Markey was an embalmer and managed the Coast Livery and Undertaking Company at Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 12, 1907, p. 2 and Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623 571, P. 1A, 3rd Ward)
Julius and Belle M. Lopez were the parents of two children: Julius ‘Jay’ M. Lopez II (1908-1990) m. Anne Davis (1916-1991) and Kathryn Lopez (1911-1984) m. Charles Dennery Wambsgans (1911-1990).
Seafood magnate
At Biloxi, J.M. Lopez was active in the seafood industry and was an avid sailor and yachtsman. Laz Lopez Sr., his father, was an entrepreneur and a pioneer seafood canner at Biloxi. The first Biloxi seafood operation was located at the head of Reynoir Street on Back Bay. In March 1883, it became the Biloxi Canning Company, but was originally called The Lopez, Elmer and Company. The Lopez, Elmer and Company was organized in 1881, with a capital stock of $8,000 by Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), F. William Elmer (1847-1926), W.K.M. Dukate (1853-1916), William Gorenflo (1844-1932), and James Maycock (1826-1892).
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star reported on December 30, 1881, that the company was placing its canning machines in the factory. The proprietors had over one hundred, local, white men, and boys on the payroll. They were employed as follows: forty-four openers, forty-five men manning fifteen boats, twenty or more canners and wharf men.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 30, 1881, p. 3)
Julius and Lazaro Joseph Lopez (1877-1918), his brother, pursued their livelihoods in the canning industry with Lopez, Dunbar’s Son & Company; Lopez & Dukate; Dunbars, and Lopez & Dukate; et al.
New Motor Car
Winton Touring Car
In July 1905, Julius Lopez and W.K.M. Dukate received their new Winton touring cars from Winton's Cleveland, Ohio plant. This motor car had a 30 HP engine and could reach a speed between 50 and 60 mph. Mr. Lopez was in Cuba at this time.[The Sea Coast Echo [BSL], July 22, 1905, p. 2]
Lopez- Greiner Packing Company
In May 1909, the Lopez-Greiner Packing Company was chartered in Mississippi by Julius M. Lopez and Charles F. Greiner.
Yachtsman and boat racer
Circa 1907, Julius M. Lopez contracted with the Pope Boat Company of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin to build a motor yacht. The vessel called Colin was launched in June1908 and reached Biloxi in July 1908. Mr. Lopez brought his new craft down the Mississippi River accompanied by Edward Brady (1867-1939) and Erena Lopez Brady (1883-1940), his brother-in-law and sister, and Walter Hunt (1887-1961). Colin was almost forty feet in length with a 7 ½ foot beam, and drew a little over two feet of water. It could travel 25 mph driven by its 50 HP Davis engine. Colin made her local debut at the 9th Annual Biloxi Regatta held on July 22, 1908.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 6, 1908, p. 1 and July 23, 1908, p. 1)
J.M. Lopez was a life member of the BYC and served as commodore in 1914-1915 and rear commodore in 1919-1920. He was an avid supporter of motor boat racing on the Mexican Gulf. (The Daily Herald, December 27, 1919, p. 2 and June 27, 1921, p. 3)
Motorboat racing
The Belle M. of J.M. Lopez
At Biloxi in July 1909, Julius M. Lopez introduced the Waterspout, the first of his racing speed boats, to vie in Gulf Coast competition. This swift, thirty-foot craft was built by Jack Covacevich and was powered by a 65 HP gasoline engine. Its first race was against Blue Wing, the twenty-five foot and 29 HP, speed boat of Ernest L. Jahncke (1877-1933+) of New Orleans. Waterspout was much quicker than Blue Wing, but did not finish the contest as her pump outlet failed and she began taking on water.(The Daily Herald, July 23, 1909, p. 1)
By the July 1911 Biloxi Regatta, J.M. Lopez had changed the name of the Waterspout theVirgin. She was pitted against the Jub Jub andKitesy, both Lousiana based boats. Kitesy was declared winner by default as her competitors dropped out due to mechanical issues.(The Daily Herald, July 10, 1911, p. 1)
Also in July 1911, Julius M. Lopez introduced a new watercraft to the GCYA motor boat racing circuit when he launched a thirty-foot, motor boat powered with a 40 HP engine. This hydroplane style speedster was built by Jack Covacevich and christened Belle L, honoring Belle Markey Lopez, the spouse of J.M. Lopez. The Belle L would soon become known as one of the fastest racers in the entire southeast.(The Daily Herald, July 14, 1911, p. 1)
At the July 1912, Biloxi Regatta, Belle L was opposed by the Humpty-Dumpty, a mahogany, one-step hydroplane owned by Ernest Lee Jahncke of the Crescent City. Jack Covacevich and Leo E. Ohr aboard the Belle L won the contest by two minutes over the ten mile race course. Captain Jahncke planned to have a large engine installed in his hydroplane to be more competitive against the Belle L.(The Daily Herald, July 12, 1912, p. 1 and July 20, 1912, p. 1)
On July 13, 1913, the Belle L made an exhibition appearance at the Pass Christian Regatta and was awarded a silver cup. After winning the power boat championship at the 14th Annual Biloxi Regatta on July 18, 1913 and proclaimed ,’the fastest power boat in the South’, the Belle L sank in a gale in nine feet of water in Back Bay. She was raised and her engine was dismantled, cleaned, and dried before reinstalling in the vessel.(The Daily Herald, July 14, 1913, p. 8 and July 21, 1913, p. 1)
Skeet Shooter
Julius M. Lopez went to Chicago in August 1923 to compete in the Grand American Handicap. He was joined by other members of the Biloxi Gun Club: Edward Brady (1874-1939), Dr. George F. Carroll, and John D. Minor (1876-1937). Mr. Lopez shot his way to the Grand American prize for Class C by .(The Daily Herald, August 24, 1923, p. 1 and August 25, 1923, p. 3)
Leo E. Ohr
Julius M. Lopez often had Leo E. Ohr as the engineer or pilot of the Belle L. Leo Edgar Ohr (1890-1970) was one of the four surviving children of George Edward Ohr Jr. (1857-1918), the ‘Mad Potter of Biloxi’ and Josephine Gehring (1868-1930), a native of Gretna, Louisiana. On January 22, 1926, Leo married Mamie Catchot (1890-1961), a native of Ocean Springs, and the daughter of Antonio “Toy” Catchot (1868-1952) and Adelia Mon (1876-1948). (Lepre, 1991, p. 243 and HARCO, Ms. MRB 37, p. 522)
As early as 1913, Leo E. Ohr was in the automotive garage and machine business. With Otto T. Ohr (1895-1982), his brother, he commenced The Ohr Boy’s Garage at 411 Delauney Street, now G.E. Ohr Boulevard, just north of their familial domicile and on the site of his father’s famous Pot-Ohr-E.(Biloxi City Directory, 1913-1914, p. 180)
In April 1915, Leo E. Ohr obtained the Harley-Davidson franchise on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He rode the streets of Biloxi on his new twin cylinder Harley-Davidson as a demonstrator for interested customers.(The Daily Herald, April 26, 1915, p. 2)
By 1922, Leo had changed the name of his business to the Ohr Garage and by 1927, added “and Machine Works” to this title. As late as 1949, he remained the proprietor of the Ohr Machine Shop. In 1958, Leo E. Ohr was renting rooms at 208 Lameuse Street.(Biloxi City Directory, 1922-1923, p. 162, ibid. 1927, p. 158, ibid, 1949, p. 480, ibid. 1958, p. 641)
Some notices of Leo E. Ohr and his association with J.M. Lopez (1887-1958) follow: The Belle L is having her engines tested by Leo E. Ohr at his machine shop. Mr. Lopez is preparing his swift craft for the summer racing season.(The Daily Herald, May 12, 1913, p. 8)
At the Biloxi Regatta in early July 1917, Leo E. Ohr and Fred Moran ran the Belle L for Mr. Lopez against Casey Jones of Gulfport. They were victorious over the 18 mile race course and won the $50 prize.(The Daily Herald, July 6, 1917, p. 1)
In July 1919, Leo E. Ohr and Charles Webber piloted the Belle L to a win over Lady Fish in a 15 mile test in the waters off of Biloxi. Julius M. Lopez announced after the victory that he planned to sell the Belle L.(The Daily Herald, July 11, 1919, p. 1)
Political ambitions
During the 1933-1935 administration of R. Hart Chinn, Mayor of Biloxi, Julius M. Lopez was appointed waterworks superintendent. In the City elections of 1934, he ran for City Commissioner against Jacinto Baltar, who had been a candidate for Mayor in the special election of 1934.(The Daily Herald, June 16, 1934, p. 1)
In 1943, Julius M. Lopez ran for the Supervisor’s post for Harrison County Beat 1 against E. Dewey Lawrence, the strong incumbent. He ran a good campaign but lost to Lawrence 2177 votes to 1175 votes.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1943, p. 6)
Lopez lands
Julius M. Lopez began acquiring acreage in the Popp’s Ferry section of west Biloxi in April 1909, when he bought the old Elam R. Blackwell (1829-1896) homestead consisting approximately136 acres in Section 15/16, T7S-R10W. It was vended to him for $2000 by Morris G. Blackwell. Prior to 1851 and before the Blackwell occupation, which commenced here in1859, this tract had been the site of a large steam saw mill situated near the confluence of the Tchoutacabouffa and Biloxi Rivers. This sawmill was identified as the “Chattagobouef” on the US Coast Survey Map of 1851 (1:10000) and in conveyance deeds the phrase “Old Mill Chimney” is used as a reference point to describe the boundaries of this large parcel of land. It was one of more than twelve steam sawmills operating in the Biloxi Bay region at this time. For many years, this property was referred to locally as ‘Mill Point’, ‘Blackwell Point’, and later ‘Lopez Point’.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 90, p. 278 and The New Orleans Daily Crescent, June 19, 1849, p. 2)
The Lopez Point parcel on the Tchoutacabouffa River was an outstanding location for a sawmill since it was near the terminus of these two large rivers and their tributaries as they discharged into the upper reaches of the Back Bay of Biloxi. The Biloxi River was joined by Fritz Creek, Mill Creek, and the Little Biloxi River while the Tchoutacabouffa River supplied the fresh waters of Parker Creek, Howard Creek, Cypress Creek, Bayou Costapia, and Tuxachanie Creek to its drainage area. The integrated watershed of these two rivers was approximately 640 square miles and consisted of almost 400,000 acres of longleaf pine, cypress and assorted hardwoods. Trading schooners easily reached the “Chattagobouef” sawmill from the open Mexican Gulf waters.(Bellande, February 1994, p. 31)
Tchoutacabouffa retreat
Here on the east bank of the Tchoutacabouffa River, Julius M. Lopez built a bungalow and established a holiday resort in the vicinity of the former sawmill and Blackwell homestead. The Lopez bungalow was contracted to Harry Haise (1854-1954) in late May 1909 for $2500. It was to have a 12-foot veranda around the structure. The Lopez family entertained throughout the year with their guests enjoying the excellent fishing and hunting of the area. It was not unusual for them to have out-of-state visitors here, especially from Illinois.(The Daily Herald, May 27, 1909, p. 4 and January 30, 1914, p. 2)
The Lopez property remained in the family until the 1960s when it was conveyed to A.J. McMurphy Sr. who developed the Ancient Oaks Subdivision northwest of the Sunkist Country Club. In 1994, the author investigated the area now at 2556 Shore Drive and found old bricks and rusted iron both indicators of the remains of the Old Mill Chimney and sawmill machinery from the “Chattagobouef” mill of the early-mid 19th Century.
Lopez Point Subdivision
Some of the Lopez Point property remained in the family and in March 1986, Anne Davis Lopez, Charles D. Wambsgan (1911-1990), the spouse of Kathryn Lopez (1911-1984), et al platted the Lopez Point Subdivision northwest of the Sunkist Country Club. In 1994, the author investigated Lot 6 and Lot 7 of this land subdivision along South Shore Drive and found old bricks and rusted iron both indicators of the remains of the Old Mill Chimney and sawmill machinery from the “Chattagobouef” mill of the early-mid 19th Century.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Land Plat Bk. 11, p. 14)
Sunkist Place burns
'Sunkkist Place’, the old John F. Popp estate on Big Lake was destroyed by fire in late May 1931 when in the possession of Julius M. Lopez. It was once a show place of the Coast with its manicured grounds and regal setting on the high bluff overlooking the mouth of the Tchoutacabouffa River.(The Daily Herald, June 1, 1931)
Shortly after the destructive conflagration, Julius M. Lopez, obviously a casualty of the Great Depression lost “Sunkist Place’ to creditors in June 1931. W.T. Moore, trustee, conveyed the property back to Marjorie Raggio and Mrs. Burton Walker, both residents of New Orleans. They paid $5000 for the land.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. Bk. 190, p. 354)
Julius M. Lopez Jr.
Julius M. Lopez Jr. (1908-1990) was called Junior Lopez and Jay Lopez. He was born at Biloxi, Mississippi and was a graduate of Biloxi High School. Jay received a bachelor of science and law degree at Loyola University where he was varsity quarterback for three years and also played baseball. He was a life member and former Commodore of the Biloxi Yacht Club and member of the Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois Bar associations.
Mr. Lopez had joined the FBI in 1936 and was in charge of offices throughout the country before his retirement from the service in 1960. Jay was appointed in 1973 as the first director of Public Safety in Biloxi. Mr. Lopez died at Biloxi, Mississippi on Sunday, July 14, 1996, in Biloxi. He was survived by a nephew, Denny Wambsgans, Prairieville, Louisiana; and three grand nephews, Paul, Chad and Eric Wambsgans, all of Prairieville. Jay was preceded in death by wife of 52 years, Anne Davis Lopez; and a sister, Kathryn Lopez Wambsgans (The Advocate, Baton Rouge, LA], July 16, 1996)
Jay Lopez (1908-1990) Interview
The Gorenflo Family: Relating William Gorenflo’s-death and bankruptcy in the 1930s.
by Julius M. ‘Jay’ Lopez II (1908-1990)
The William Gorenflo (1842-1932) that you see here [in the seafood business] was a contemporary of Laz Lopez in age. Now Laz Lopez was my grandfather. So you might say in a sense that parallels that Gorenflo could have been my grandfather. Now he had a son named William F. Gorenflo (1887-1958). Now William F. Gorenflo, therefore was a contemporary of my father [Julius M. Lopez (1886-1958) ]. They were both sons, you see. Now, I knew that Gorenflo very well. Because he, now he fooled with seafood a lot. He also was an avid hunter and a trap shooter-shooting clay pigeons. He also had the Gorenflo Hardware Company. Do you know where that was? No. The Gorenflo Hardware Company, I guess the remnant building is still there. It’s at the northeast corner of what was Howard Avenue and Delauney Street. I think there was a credit agency there. It’s right east of the old location of the jewelers [Elliott’s]. It was on the same side of Elliott’s and it was east of Elliott’s. It was diagonally across from Eddie’s Drugstore.
That was William F. Gorenflo who was a contemporary of my father. And that bankruptcy was probably his hardware store. He died a short while after that. Now he left two sons, no three sons: Louis Gorenflo was the oldest. He was the one that created the boat, you know the tour boat [Jay is referring to the Sailfish.]. Steve Gorenflo (1907-1962) and Wilfred Gorenflo, now they were contemporaries of mine, you, now they are all dead. Now, Wilfred’s widow is living. She has that sporting goods shop right in back of Delchamps on Irish Hill Drive [Gorenflo’s Tackle]. She is the widow of Wilfred, who is the son of this William F. Gorenflo and the grandson of the [William] Gorenflo who went in with Lopez [Jay is referring to Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903), his grandfather]. His [Wilfred’s] widow is named Pat Gorenflo. I don’t think she knows too much about something that went [on] way back then. That’s the family tree as far as I know. I don’t know if he [William Gorenflo] had any daughters or not. He may have.
[William] Gorenflo died in the 1930s. I remember him [Jay is confusing William Gorenflo with William F. Gorenflo, his son and the father of William, Louis, Steve, and Wilfred Gorenflo] when he was still living in that hardware store at that location with the three sons. Whether he had any daughters, I don’t know. Those were the Depression years and probably he went into bankruptcy. It was either that or his seafood operation. It had to be one of the two because I think that’s just about all he ever did was seafood and hardware. There was another son, not that it makes any difference. There was a William Gorenflo III (1903-1981). So he had four sons. In other words, William Gorenflo III would be a contemporary of Wilfred, Steve, and Louis. He was the older of the boys. Then came Louis, then came Steve. Then came Wilfred. Wilfred was the youngest. I knew all of them. I didn’t know William very well because he was a little older than I.
Questions about the Biloxi Canning Company and the Dunbar’s floating factory.
Lopez Place Subdivision
In February 1949, the Lopez Place subdivision was created in West Biloxi. It was platted by J.M. Lopez Sr., J.M. Lopez Jr., Katherine Lopez Wambsgan, J.L. McKenzie, Dr. B.B. O’Mara, and W.P. Pieri.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD District Plat Bk. 3, p. 19) Third Street and Lopez Place streets.
Kathryn J. Lopez
Kathryn Jane Lopez (1911-1984) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on February 3, 1911. On June 15, 1918 she launched the Elizabeth Ruth, a 193-foot schooner built by the Mississippi Shipbuilding Corporation on Biloxi's Back Bay. The vessel was designed by Zona W. Carter (1879-1953), a Biloxi resident.(The Daily Herald, June 15, 1918, p. 1)
In 1933, Kathryn Jane Lopez married Charles Dennery Wambsgans (1911-1996), the son of Jacob Wambsgan (1868-1935), a baker, and May M. Adams (1879-1925). Charles D. Wambsgan, a native of New Orleans, arrived at Biloxi in January 1925 when his father acquired the L&N Bakery. The family settled at 528 Seal Avenue where his mother expired on October 8, 1925. Her corporal remains were sent to the Crescent City for internment in the Soniat Cemetery.
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Charles D. Wamsgans (1911-1996)
Charles D. Wamsgans finished his high school education at the Sacred Heart Academy in Mobile, Alabama and went on to attend Spring Hill College at Mobile for two years. Returning to Biloxi, Charles worked for the L&N Bakery at Biloxi where he was the bookkeeper and stenographer.(The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee issue, October 1934, p. 63)
Wambsgan family
The Jacob Wambsgan family of recent German ancestry originated at New Orleans. In June 1895, Jacob Wambsgan relocated to Biloxi, Mississippi to take over the bakery business of E. Leon Redon. He was partnered with a Mr. Beetz to operate the Premium Bakery situated on Pass Christian Street, now Howard Avenue, near Lameuse Street. Jacob Wambsgan and Beetz produced bread hard tack, pies and cakes. The other local bakeries advertised at this time were: The West End Bakery of Quint & Lamm on Pass Christian at Delauney and the Biloxi Bakery of W.P. Henley situated on Pass Christian Street and Main. The Biloxi Bakery was taken over by W.R. Collins circa 1898.(The Biloxi Herald, June 1, 1895, p. 8 and April 18, 1896)
In Mississippi, two children were born to Jacob and Margaret Bender Wamsbgan (1874-1904) who had wedded in the Crescent City in October 1889: Alphonse H. Wambsgan (1894-1963) m. Bernadette Lamm (1904-1981) and Jacob Peter Wambsgan (1896-1930+). Eva Wambsgan (1892-1935+) and Claire Wambsgan (1901-1935+), his daughters were born at New Orleans. After the death of his wife in April 1904, Jacob Wambsgan married in New Orleans, May M. Adams (1879-1925), a talented and beautiful young lady. The family lived on Belleville Street and later were domiciled on Magazine Street as Jacob continued to make his livelihood as a baker in the Crescent City to support his wife and five children. Richard Wambsgan (1907-1935+); and Charles D. Wambsgan (1911-1996) were the children of May M. Adams.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 17, 1905, p. 2 and 1920 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T626_623, p. 2B, ED 212)
Exchange Bank and L&N Bakery
When the Jacob Wambsgan’s family returned to Biloxi in 1925, they became associated with the L&N Bakery. It had been started by Joseph W. Lamm (1874-1911) and Patrick H. Clark (1870-1927), his brother-in-law, at Biloxi in March 1898. Mr. Lamm was a native of Longview, Texas and had arrived at Biloxi in 1894. He initially was involved with the Bank Exchange Oyster Saloon, a restaurant and lounge, which was situated on the south side of Pass Christian Street near Lameuse. Lamm had initially partnered with Junius Rue in this enterprise. Mr. Rue sold his interest in the business to Henry Haller in January 1895. Haller stayed with Lamm for a very short period vending his interest in the Bank Exchange to John Fayard in March 1895.(The Biloxi Herald, December 29, 1894, p. 3, January 19, 1895,p. 10, and March 16, 1895, p. 8)
By October 1895, Joseph W. Lamm was in the bakery business at Biloxi with Mr. Quint. They operated as the West End Bakery and located The other local bakeries advertised at this time were: The West End Bakery of Quint and Lamm on Pass Christian at Delauney and the Biloxi Bakery of W.P. Henley also on Pass Christian Street and Main. The Biloxi Bakery was taken over by W.R. Collins circa 1898.(
At New Orleans, in February 1900, he had married Katherine Clark (1874-1944), the daughter of Michael Clark and Anne Sheehan (1840-1919), Irish immigrants. Prior to his commencement of the L&N Bakery, J.W. Lamm had been with the West End Bakery (1895-1896), and the Original Spanish Bakery (1896-1898). In February 1903, Joseph W. Clark bought the Biloxi Bakery from the Estate of Mr. Pinsenchaum. He planned to take over the business by mid-March.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, April 18, 1903, p. 8)
Lamm family
At New Orleans, in February 1900, Joseph W. Lamm married Katherine Clark (1874-1944), the daughter of Michael Clark and Anne Sheehan (1840-1919), Irish immigrants. Joseph W. Lamm and Katherine Clark Lamm were the parents of five children: Hilda Lamm (1901-1906); Bernadette Lamm (1904-1981) m. Alphonse H. Wambsgan (1894-1963); James W. Lamm (1905-1941); twin girls (1906-1906); Margaret Lamm (1909-1930+); and Aquina Lamm (1911-1932+) m. Mr. Simmons.
Joseph W. Lamm expired at Biloxi on July 23, 1911. He had a very active life in Biloxi having been a member of the following civic, fraternal and social organizations: Elks, Woodmen, Maccabees, Beavers, Biloxi Charitable Association, and Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. Shortly after Mr. Lamm’s demise, the family notified the public that the L&N Bakery would continue with business in their usual manner.(The Daily Herald, July 24, 1911, p. 8 and July 25, 1911, p. 8)
With the union of Bernadette Lamm and
Kathryn Lopez expired on January 5, 1984. Charles Dennery Wambsgan died March 2, 1996 at LaPlace, Louisiana. Son, C. Dennery Wambsgan Jr. (1936-) m. Pauline ‘Polly’ Grimes (1940-)
REFERENCES:
Ray L. Bellande, Mississippi Gulf Coast History and Genealogy Society, ‘Toomer-McGuire Sawmill’, Volume 28, No. 1, February 1994.
The Daily Herald 50th Golden Jubilee Number Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Chancery Courts
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court No. 15,019, “Mrs. Eurilda J. Seal Lopez v. J.M. Lopez, et al”, November 1936..
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court No. 24,018, “The Estate of Julius M. Lopez”, .
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court No. 24019, “The Estate of ?”.
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, February 27, 1903.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, April 27, 1904.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City Paragraphs”, August 17, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Weddings-Lopez-Markey”, December 12, 1907.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”July 6, 1908.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “”July 23, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Contract for Bungalow”, May 27, 1909.
The Daily Herald, “”, July 10, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “”, July 14, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Prominent baker of Biloxi is dead”, July 24, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Notice to the Public”, July 25, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Humpty-Dumpty, speed marvel is sensation of Biloxi motor races”, July 12, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Belle L simply walks away from much advertised Humpty-Dumpty”, July 20, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi boats participate in the annual regatta of Pass yachtsmen”, July 14, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Excursion boat is caught in heavy gale”, July 21, 1913.
The Daily Herald, “Elizabeth [Ruth] launched today with appropriate exercises”, June 15, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “”, December 27, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez shoot at Chicago”, August 24, 1923.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Jacob Wambsgan dies suddenly”, October 8, 1925.
The Daily Herald, “Baltar and Lopez enter Biloxi race”, June 16, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Jacob Wambsgan died last night”, March 28, 1935.
The Daily Herald, “election results”, August 2, 1943.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxian heads FBI office at Indianapolis”, April 23, 1942.
The Daily Herald, “Julius Lopez Sr. taken by death; Rites on Friday”, January 9, 1958.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez returns to Biloxi after 23 years with FBI”, December 3, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez selected for FBI seminar”, April 20, 1974.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Kathryn Wambsgan”, January 6, 1984.
The Sun Herald, “Mrs. Anne Davis Lopez”, September 18, 1991.
The Sun Herald, “Julius M. ‘Jay’ Lopez Jr.”, July 16, 1996.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 30, 1881
________________________________________________________________________________________________
ROWENA LOPEZ
Rowena Lopez (1894-1986) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 15, 1894. On January 12, 1917, she married Phillip C. Caldwell (1892-1951) in a small wedding ceremony at Nativity B.V.M. in Biloxi. Father Alphonse Ketels officiated for their nuptial vows. Mr. Caldwell was manager of was the manager of the Great Southern Hotel at Gulfport, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, January 13, 1917, p. 3)
Phillip C. Caldwell was an Illinois native and son of Thomas H. Caldwell (1863-1910+) and Margaret J. Caldwell (1867-1900+), a Bay State native. T.H. Caldwell was a Scotsman and had immigrated to Chicago in 1884, where he acquired knowledge of the meat packing industry. By 1900, the Caldwells were domiciled at Meridian, Mississippi where Mr. Caldwell managed a meat packing house.(1900 Lauderdale Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_815, p. 6A, ED 16)
The newlywed Caldwells made their home in Gulfport. By the fall of 1917, Philip C. Caldwell had left his managerial position with the Great Southern Hotel and joined Rucks Yerger, his brother-in-law, in the insurance business as Yerger-Caldwell. Their office was above Grant’s Drug Store on West Howard Avenue. With WWI raging in Europe, Mr. Caldwell joined the U.S. Army in 1917 and was stationed at Camp Shelby in the Quartermasters Corps.(The Daily Herald, October 4, 1917, p. 3 and October 8, 1917, p. 3)
By 1920, the Caldwell family was domiciled in the Lopez edifice on West Howard Avenue living with the Yergers, Noreta L. Yerger and Rucks Yerger, and the Bradys, Erena L. Brady and Edward L. Brady. In January 1920, the Yergers made the decision to demolish, the magnificent Lopez domicile and erect the Yerger Building on it site. By this time four children had been born and the families relocated to bungalows in the Lopez compound on West Beach at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1920, p. 3 and June 10, 1920, p. 6)
Galveston
Phil Caldwell was instrumental in securing the Greeters of America to make a visit to Biloxi. Before they arrived, he had taken a position at the Hotel Galves at Galveston, Texas in May 1921.(The Daily Herald, May 12, 1921, p. 8)
Chicago
In the summer of 1930, the Caldwell family was domiciled at Chicago. Phil and Rowena L. Caldwell took a two month European tour at this time. Their three children were enrolled in summer camps in Michigan. Jill and Margaret Caldwell went to Camp Meecasinio near Baldwin, Michigan while Jack attened Camp Algonquin near Alanson, Michigan.
CHILDREN
Margaret Caldwell (1918); Phillip Jackson ‘Jack’ Caldwell II (1919-2008) m. Joan ; and Rowena ‘Jill’ Caldwell (1919-2008) m. Mr. Otremba.
1930
In January, Robert White bought the Caldwell property at West Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street including the W.V. Joyce Company store building, the five stores in the Caldwell Building, and the lot adjoining the two Howard Avenue properties with a frontage on Reynoir Street.(The Daily Herald, April 23, 1930, p. 12)
In April, Robert White and Fred D.P. Snelling of Chicago have taken possession of the H.H. Roof property at 618 West Beach Boulevard. W.E. Beasley of the Watson Agency made the $9000 sale. Mr. Snelling is the owner of another West Beach Boulevard lot which he acquired several years ago.(The Daily Herald, April 23, 1930, p. 12)
Demise
Phillip C. Caldwell expired at Chicago in the Mercy Hospital on June 8, 1951. The Caldwell family had left Biloxi in 1921. At the time of his demise, Mr. Caldwell was manager of the Chapman-Park Hotel in Los Angeles. He was survived by Rowena Lopez Caldwell, his spouse, and children: Mrs. Edward Wilson of Chicago; Mrs. Arthur Atriembo; and Phillip Caldwell. Phillip Caldwell's corporal remains were interred at a Chicago cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 9, 1951, p. 3)
Rowen Lopez Caldwell passed on April 17, 1986 at Goleta, Santa Barbara County, California,
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
The Daily Herald,“Caldwell-Lopez”, January 13, 1917.
The Daily Herald,“Mr. Caldwell goes to Camp Shelby”, October 4, 1917.
The Daily Herald,“Notice to the public”, October 8, 1917.
The Daily Herald,“Lopez home to be demolished”, January 22, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi home is being torn down”, June 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald,“Making home in Texas”, May 12, 1921.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Items”, April 23, 1930.
The Daily Herald,“Caldwells abroad”, July 31, 1930.
The Daily Herald,“Phillip Caldwell dies in Chicago”, June 9, 1951.
The Pasadena Star-News, “Philip Jackson Caldwell”, October 12, 2008.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
NORETA JULIA LOPEZ
Noreta Julia Lopez (1896-1960)
[courtesy of James Yerger Winklejohn-July 2011]
Noreta Julia Lopez (1896-1960) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on July 31, 1896. She married James Rucks Yerger II (1892-1931), called Rucks, who was born at Friars Point, Coahoma County, Mississippi on May 20, 1892 to James Rucks Yerger (1860-1931) and Hyacinth W.McGuin (1872-1930+). Circa 1903, the Yerger family relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi where they were domiciled on 32nd Avenue. At this time Mr. J. Rucks Yerger made his livelihood as a lawyer and Rucks was his stenographer. Several years later the Yergers would become insurance agents.(T624_741, p. 7B, ED 40)
Rucks Yerger graduated from Gulfport High School where he played left tackle on the football squad. In the Thanksgiving football game of 1908, Rucks Yerger broke his arm near the wrist. The pain only compounded the humiliating 24 to 6 loss to archrival Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 28, 1908, p. 9)
In October 1917, Rucks Yerger, Sr. announced that Chevally & Fursdon were going to erect a seven room bungalow for him on 2nd Street in Gulfport. Dr. was to be his neighbor.(The Daily Herald, October 1, 1917, p. )
James Rucks Yerger II (1892-1931)
[courtesy of James Yerger Winklejohn-July 2011]
Marriage and livelihood
Noreta J. Lopez married J. Rucks Yerger II at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 25, 1917 in the Lopez home on West Howard Avenue. Father Alphonse Ketels (1854-1921) of Nativity B.V.M. officiated at the ceremony. The young couple honeymooned at the Lopez bungalow on the Tchoutacabouffa River and made their home with Mrs. Julia Lopez on West Howard Avenue. Rucks Yerger planned to commute to his insurance agency at Gulfport.
Mr. Yerger advertised his Gulfport insurance agency as follows:
LAW SUITS! STOP THIEF!
You are sued for $5000.00 Your car is stolen
FIRE
Your car is destroyed by Fire
AUTOMOBILE OWNERS SUFFER THESE LOSES EVERY DAY
WE PROTECT YOU
Rates Reasonable---Companies Strong
INSURANCE
YERGER & PALMER
INSURANCE
HEWES BUILDING
Day Phone 301 Night Phones 498-415
By 1922, Rucks Yerger had entered the real estate and insurance business with Edgar Beale (1882-1950) in Biloxi, as Beale & Yerger, which was later acquired by the Biloxi Insurance Agency.(The Daily Herald, January, 26, 1917, p. 6 and January 29, 1931, p. 1 and Automobile Directory and Business Guide of Harrison Co., Ms., 1922, p. 16)
Beale & Yerger advertised their insurance business in 1922, as follows:
BEALE & YERGER
We issue every form of
AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
In the oldest and largest companies
PROMPT AND SATISFACTORY ADJUSTMENTS
110 West Howard Avenue Biloxi, Mississippi
[ Automobile Directory and Business Guide of Harrison Co., Ms., 1922, p. 16 ]
Noreta's Inheritance
After the demise of her parents, Lazaro Lopez (1850-1903)and Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918), on September 25, 1903 and June 30, 1918 respectively, she was bequeathed stock and property from their estates.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1663-1918)
Lazaro's legacy
The Lopez residence, store building, and all other improvements situated on the lot of land described as: north by Chiapella; east by Mrs. Lafour (sic); south by Howard Avenue; and west by Reynoir Street was left to Julia Dulion Lopez and at her death or marriage to be the property of Noreta Lopez, his daughter.
To Erena, Rowena, and Noreta, my daughters, to share and share alike the following land in Biloxi: one lot fronting Chartres Street on the north; east by Coueve (sic) Street; south by the right-of-way of the L&N Railroad; and west by the land of the Caillavet heirs.
Julia’s Legacy
Julia Dulion Lopez died at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 30, 1918. Before her demise, she had appointed Erena Lopez Brady, as executrix, of her estate without bonding.Harrison Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1663-1918)
Her bequests were to Noreta Lopez Yerger were as follows:
- To Noreta Lopez Yerger, my daughter, the property corner of Lameuse Street and Howard Avenue occupied by Kimbrough, Quint & Caillavet.
- To Noreta Lopez Yerger the Lopez home on West Howard Avenue and the Corner Store on Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street previously bequeathed to Norita Lopez Yerger by her father and whatever interest I have in these properties.
- To all of my daughters all of my stock in the L. Lopez & Company to be divided equally.
- To my seven children and Josephine Folkes all of my stock in the Interstate Bank & Trust Company of New Orleans to be divided equally.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the First National Bank of Biloxi excepting one share for Josephine Folkes, my granddaughter.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the Artesian Ice Company excepting one share for Josephine Folkes, my granddaughter.
- To my seven children all of my stock in the Gulfport & Mississippi Coast Traction Company to be divided equally.
Lazaro Lopez Home Demolished
In January 1920, the Yerger family made the decision to demolish, the magnificent Lazaro Lopez domicile on West Howard Avenue and erect the Yerger Building on it site. By this time four children had been born and the families relocated to bungalows in the Lopez compound on West Beach at Biloxi. The Laz Lopez family residence on West Howard Avenue was demolished by the Heath Construction Company in June 1920. It had been inherited by Noreta Lopez Rucks, his daughter, after the death of her mother, Julia Dulion Lopez (1857-1918), in June 1918. After the demolition was completed, the Yergers built a modern, one-story, brick building with a plate glass front on the former Lopez homestead. The Yerger Building had four rental spaces which were initially occupied by a haberdashery, grocery store, plumber, and dry goods merchant.(The Daily Herald, January 22, 1920, p. 3 and June 10, 1920, p. 6)
Red Cross service
During WWI, Rucks Yerger worked with the American Red Cross to raise funds for their war effort. His leadership and diligent toil resulted in a sparkling record of achievement in meeting quotas and often exceeding them. This effort was rewarded in November 1922, as he was elected Chairman of the Red Cross chapter of Harrison County. Shortly before her demise in September 1960, Noreta completed a Red Cross Grey Lady course.(The Daily Herald, November 2, 1922, p. 1 and September 14, 1960, p. 2)
Strand Theatre
Noreta Lopez Yerger had inherited the large Lopez lot on the northeast corner of Howard Avenue and Reynoir Street. The Strand Theatre was built in Lopez Building on West Howard Avenue in the winter of 1923. It opened in early January 1924 with a feature picture, comedy, and high class vaudeville act and orchestra. The Strand Theatre was a modern theater with a seating capacity of six-hundred fifty. The interior had a modern finish with lighting appropriate for projection and illumination of the building. It also utilized a modern projector.(The Daily Herald, January 4, 1924, p. 1)
In January 1925, she made a five year lease with Julian H. Saenger (1873-1932) of the Gulf Coast Amusement Company to rent the building formerly housing the L. Lopez & Company store at 418 Howard Avenue as the Strand Theatre. The rent was $250 per month. On May 22, 1926, a fire on the adjacent property did some damage to the Strand Theatre and the movie house was shut down for repairs by Mrs. Yerger. The lease was renegotiated after the fire and compromise was effected as the lessee agreed to a monthly rental rate of $325 each month until January 31, 1930, then it would be increased to $425 per month.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 162, p. 232)
Anti-trust litigation filed in New Orleans against the Saenger Amusement Company and others was dismissed in early January. Since the Saenger Amusement Company did not sell commodities, it was not in violation of the Louisiana State anti-trust statue.(The Daily Herald, January 10, 1924, p. 1)
Tom Bautovich (1908-1990), native of New Orleans and new organist at the Strand Theatre, is becoming popular with his audiences. Tom is a graduate of the New Orleans conservatory of music and played in the top theaters in NOLA before coming to Biloxi. He was a also daily broadcaster over WSMB in the Crescent City..(The Daily Herald, October 11, 1927, p. 2)
Saenger Theatre
Rucks dies
In January 1931, Rucks Yerger, Jr. was taken ill with pneumonia. He expired in the Biloxi Hospital on January 28, 1931. In addition to his family, Rucks was survived his parents at Gulfport, C.A. Rucks, a brother in Cincinnati, and Hyacinth Yerger McCormick of Dallas, Texas.(The Daily Herald, January 29, 1931, p. 1)
Yerger-Winkeljohn Family
[image made West Beach, Biloxi, Mississippi in late 1943-courtesy of James Yerger Winkeljohn-July 2011]
[L-R: Marjory Yerger Winkeljohn (1921-2002); Rowena Yerger Baltar (1930-2004); Noreta Lopez Yerger (1896-1960) holding Julie Winkeljohn Collins (b. 1943); Robert Yerger (1927-1994) ; and Richard Yerger (1928-2005)
Children
Noreta J. Lopez and Rucks Yerger were the parents of six children: James Rucks Yerger III (1917-1966); Marjory Lopez Yerger (1921-2002) m. Harold Walter Winkeljohn (1917-2014); Noreta Yerger (1925-2002) m. Hilton Lee Robinson (1921-1998); Robert Yerger (1927-1994); Richard Yerger (1928-2005) m. Nancy Scott (1936-2004); and Rowena Yerger (1930-2005) m. Jack Eikel Baltar.
James Rucks Yerger III
Marjory L. Yerger
Marjory Lopez Yerger (1921-2002) married Harold Walter Winkeljohn (1917-2014), a native of St. Henry, Ohio, in Nativity BVM Catholic Church at Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi on February 6, 1943. Marjory was a May 1939 graduate of Biloxi High School where she was extremely popular. Marjory had been selected Miss Biloxi High School and friendleist girl and was president of her Junior Class and secretary of her Senior Class. In July 1939, Miss Yerger was Queen of the 3rd annual Biloxi Summer Sports Carnival. Her first job was with the Desporte Insurance Agency.(Harrison County, Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 59, p. 131 and The Daily Herald, June 29, 1939, p. and p. 9)
Walter H. Winkeljohn
Walter H. Winkeljohn was born 1917 the youngest of the eleven children of Mathias H. Winkelkjohn (1864-1942), an 1879 German immigrant, and Rosina Marie Dabbelt (1872-1926). His parents married in Ohio circa 1890 and had at least eleven children: Eleanora Christina Winklejohn Feldhake (1891-1984); Frances Winkeljohn (1893-1994); Anna Mary Winkeljohn Moeder (b. 1895-1975); Harry Winkeljohn (b. 1898); Maria J. Winkeljohn (1900-1993); Kathryn Winkeljohn (1903-1986); Helena D. Winkeljohn Everman (1905-1985); Leo Gerhard Winkeljohn (1907-1925); Clarence Winkeljohn; Edward C. Winkeljohn (1912-1995); and Walter H. Winkeljohn (1917-2014).
Walter was a graduate of the University of Dayton where he excelled in basketball. He had been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps and sent in the summer of 1941 to Biloxi, Mississippi with the initial vanguard of officers led by Colonel Arthur W. Brock Jr. to establish Keesler Field. Lt. Winklejohn was in charge of the Army depot established on Gulfport's East Pier, which was receiving and storing barracks equipment such as, mattresses and bedding for the future military base. The Biloxi Elks Club was very welcoming to the new officers entertaining them with a stag party at their Biloxi Lodge.(The Daily Herald, July 24, 1941, p. 1 and p. 5)
Walter was sent to Italy following D-Day. After World War II ended, the young Winklejohn family settled in Fostoria, Ohio where Walter joined Edward C. Winklejohn, his brother, in the Ohio Auto Parts Company. In 1959, when the family returned to the Mississippi Coast from Marion, Ohio where Walter was with the Ohio Automobile Supply Company, they acquired a home at 418 Martin Avenue in Ocean Springs and he commenced a business called Biloxi Auto Parts.(The Sun Herald, June 13, 2014, p. A-4)
1983
Winkeljohn- House
418 Martin Avenue
In August 1959, George E. Arndt Jr. (1909-1994) and Marie Arndt Alexander (1905-1994), his sister, conveyed their house and lot at 418 Martin Avenue to Walter H. Winkeljohn and Marjorie Y. Winkeljohn.(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 190, pp. 568-590)
The Winkeljohn home was sold to Andrew J. Zielinski in 2014. He met with the Ocean springs Preservation Commission on June 14, 2014 and presented evidence that restoration of the Katrina damaged structure was economically unfeasible and asked for permission to demolish the historic home.
Children
Marjory and Walter H. Winkeljohn were the parents of four children: Julia Winkeljohn (b. 1944) m. Patrick M. Collins (1944-1993); James Yerger Winkeljohn (b. 1945) m. Jean Talmadge Kirkendall (b.1946); Stephen Winkeljohn m. Mary ?; and Kathryn Michele Winkeljohn m. Kenneth Laird. Their progeny number ten children and twenty-eight grandchildren.(The Sun Herald, June 13, 2014, p. A-4)
Julia Winkeljohn
Kathryn Michele Winkeljohn
Kathryn Michele Winkeljohn married Paul Kenneth Laird in 1974. Paul was a mechanical engineer at Eglin AFB, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.(The Ocean Springs Record, April 18, 1974, p. 6)
Jean Talmadge Kirkendall Winkeljohn
Brigadier General John Phillips Kirkendall (1901-1980)
Brigadier General John Phillips Kirkendall (1901-1980)-was a native of Dallas, a small town, situated in the anthracite, coal belt of northeastern Pennsylvania. After attending Seton Hall and Villanova, he entered West Point in July 1920 and graduated in June 1924 as a 2nd Lieutenant. Kirkendall trained as a pilot in balloons, dirigibles, and fixed wing aircraft. His military career took him to post in the USA, including Hawaii; Philippine Islands; England, Germany and Russia. Colonel Kirkendall was promoted to Brigadier General in September 1952 while at Keesler Field AFB at Biloxi, Mississippi. In August 1953, he retired from his long and active military career while at KAFB. General Kirkendall expired in June 1980 while a resident of 1302 Bayou Drive. His corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery.
John Phillips ‘Jack’ Kirkendall (1901-1980) was born February 16, 1901 at Dallas, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania the son of George Talmadge Kirkendall (1871-1945) and Helen Dennis Butler (1874-1922). After graduating from high school at Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1918, he attended Seton Hall in New Jersey for one year and Villanova College in Pennsylvania for a year. Entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York in July 1920, Cadet Sergeant Kirkendall graduated June 12, 1924, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Service. While at West Point, Cadet Kirknedall was active as a Catholic Sunday school teacher and played varsity tennis.[The 1924 Howitzer
In the summer of 1924, 2nd Lieutenant Kirkendall traveled to Europe and North Africa.
Military Career
John P. Kirkendall commenced his military career in July 1920 as a cadet at the USMA at West Point, New York. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in June 1924 after completing his studies at West Point. In September 1924, began Primary Flying School at Brooks Field, Texas, that September, he graduated the following March; attended Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas, for nine months; entered the Air Service Balloon and Airship School at Scott Field, Ill., and graduated in June 1926. After serving at Scott Field, Ill., he returned to Kelly Field in June 1928 to take the special observation course, which he completed that October. Going to Hawaii in April 1929, General Kirkendall joined the Fourth Observation Squadron at Luke Field, and three months later was transferred to the 18th Pursuit Group at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Appointed finance officer at the Air Corps primary Flying School, Randolph Field, Texas, in July 1931, two months later he became adjutant of the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron there. He went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma in March 1932, joining the First Balloon Squadron; was given temporary duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at Stephenville, Texas, in July 1933; rejoining the First Balloon Squadron that December. He later assumed command of the 53rd School Squadron at Randolph Field. Moving to the Philippine Islands in February 1938, General Kirkendall was assigned to the Fourth Composite Group at Nichols Field; became adjutant of Clark Field that July; and a year later was named operations officer there. Transferred to Wright Field, Ohio, in February 1940, he was assigned to the Air Materiel Division, contract section. That August he was assigned to the Office of the Undersecretary of War, where he served successively as assistant to the chief of the Air Corps section, Purchasing and Contract Branch, and assistant to the chief of the defense aid section there. Ordered to Europe in June 1942, General Kirkendall was chief of the Procurement Branch of the Eighth Air Force Service Command, becoming its assistant chief of staff for supply that December. In June 1943 he was appointed assistant to the commanding general of the Supply Division, Air Service Command, at Patterson Field, Ohio. That August he joined the Special Planning Division of the War Department General Staff, and in October 1943 he was designated deputy commander of the Middletown Air Service Command at Olmsted Field, Pennsylvania. General Kirkendall was assigned to the U.S. Military Mission to Moscow, Russia, in April 1945, and three months later was named chief of the Berlin, (Germany) Air Command. He assumed command of the 10th Air Depot Group in Germany the following January, and in May 1946 he was named commanding officer of the Ansbach (Germany) Air Depot. Joining the Air Transport Command in February 1947, General Kirkendall was designated assistant chief of the staff for supply of the European Division at Wiesbaden, Germany, and that July assumed that position with the 51st Troop Carrier Wing there. The following January he was appointed chief of the Plans and Control Section of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Wiesbaden.
In April 1948 he became deputy commander of the Mobile Air Materiel Area at Brookley Field, Mobile, Alabama. He was named executive officer of the 3380th Technical Training Wing there in October 1949.[http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/106536/brigadier-general-john-phillips-kirkendall.aspx]
314 Jackson Avenue [pre and post Katrina]
In April 1954, Leslie P. Beard (1892-1966), a New Orleans attorney who in 1945 founded, the legal firm of Beard, Blue, & Schmitt, conveyed 314 Jackson Avenue to John P. Kirkendall. The Beards then acquired a retirement home in Pass Christian and lived here until their deaths. In January 1963, John P. Kurkendall conveyed his Ocean Springs home to Raymond J. Hudachek, a refinery engineer who designed the Standard Oil [Kentucky] , now Chevron, refinery at Pascagoula.(Jackson County, Mississippi Land Deed .(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 138, pp. 418-420 and Bk. 234, p. 411)
Promotions
Lt. Kirkendall became a 1st Lieutenant in July 1929. He was promoted to Captain in August 1935. By December 1941, he had achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. J.P. Kirkendall made Colonel in March 1942 and Brigadier General in September 1952 while at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Army Register, 1943, p. 494 and The Gulf Coast Times, September 11, 1952, p. 1)
Keesler Air Force Base
In the fall of 1949, General Kirkendall came to Keesler Air Force Base, formerly Keesler Field pre-January 1948, from Brookley Field at Mobile, Alabama where he was Deputy Commander of the 3380th Technical Training Wing. In July 1950, Colonel J.P. Kirkendall was named acting base commander in the absence of Brigadier General James A. Powell (1893-1983) who was on a 10-day Air Force business trip and Kirkendall was named Deputy Commander at Keesler in September 1952. He served as the interim Commandant of KAFB from August 1, 1953 to August 19, 1953 when General Powell retired from the USAF.(The Daily Herald, July 11, 1950, p. 1; The Gulf Coast Times, August 6, 1953, p. 1)
Family
Before 1940, John Phillips Kirkendall married Doris Weisenbach (1908-1993), a native of of Wellisville, Ohio. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Christian Weisenbach of Dayton, Ohio. Their daughter, Jean Talmadge Kirkendall (b. 1946), was born at Macon, Georgia.
In June 1971, Jean Talmadge Kirkendahl, became the spouse of James Yerger Winkeljohn (b. 1945), the son of Walter Winkeljohn (1917-2014) and Marjorie Lopez Yerger (1921-2002). The Winkeljohn family lived at 418 Martin Avenue in Ocean Springs. Jean was educated at the Academy of the Sacred Heart at New Orleans and Maryville College of the Sacred Heart at St. Louis. James Y. Winkeljohn was a Notre Dame High School graduate and completed his education at Mississippi State and the University of Tennessee. He served in Vietnam as a lieutenant. The Winkeljohns have longtime residents of Florida.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 6, 1971, p. 13)
Retirement
General Kirkendall retired from his military career on July 31, 1954. A reception and celebration of his long and faithful service to his fellowman and country had taken place on July 14, 1954 at the Pastime Café. The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce and City Commission of Biloxi sponsored the event. Major General Harlan C. Parks was a guest.(The Daily Herald, June 29, 1954, p. 1)
Post-military career
In July 1957, Jack Kirkendall was named vice-president of the Texas Corporation and board member of its affiliate, the Washington Underwriters Inc., an investment firm specializing in mutual funds and income plans. General Kirkendall joined many prominent military leaders on the company’s board: Major General Charles Lawrence; Lt. General Lutes; Lt. General Ira Baker; Admiral Gardner; Major General Moore; and Major General Kasten. (The Ocean Springs News, July 18, 1957, p. 1)
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Richard K. Yerger
Mr. Richard K. Yerger, age 76 years, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi died Friday, April 22, 2005, in Ocean Springs. Mr. Yerger was born and raised in Biloxi. He lived most of his adult life in Ocean Springs where he was an active member of St. Alphonsus Prayer Chapel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy G. Yerger; two sisters, Noreta Robinson and Marjory Winklejohn and two brothers, Jim Yerger and Robert Yerger. Survivors include two sons, Steven Thomas of Fernandina Beach, Florida and Michael Thomas of Jacksonville, Florida; a sister, Rowena Balter of Merritt Island, Florida; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday, April 25, 2005, from 5:30 till 7:30 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.[The Sun Herald, April 25, 2005]
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Rowena Yerger
Rowena Yerger
Rowena Yerger Baltar, age 75 years, of Merritt Island, Fla., died Nov. 27, 2005. Born in Biloxi on April 16, 1930, to James Rucks Yerger and Noreta Lopez, she moved to Melbourne, Fla., in 1961. Wife, mother and former pre-school teacher at The Beach Learning Center in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., she volunteered at Genesis House and for the Pro-Life Movement. She was a graduate of Biloxi High School and her family was a benefactor of The Church of the Nativity, where Mr. and Mrs. Baltar were married in 1953. Mrs. Baltar is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jack; children Jim (Cathy), Bill (Pam), Bob (Dawn) and David (Robyn); and nine grandchildren. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Florida. Anyone planning expressions of sympathy is asked to consider donating to Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice or Catholic Charities. Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home, Melbourne, Fla.[The Sun Herald, November 29, 2005]
Jack Eikel Baltar
Jack Eikel Baltar [1926-2019], age 93 years, of Merritt Island, Florida, passed away in his home on Sunday March 17, 2019. Jackwas born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 26 January 1926. Jack was a retired NASA engineer, who moved to Brevard County in 1961. He was a graduate of the US Naval Academy, Class of 1949 and a member of The St. John Episcopal Church in Melbourne and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Rowena Yerger. Survivors include his sons James (Catherine), William (Pamela), Robert (Dawn), David (Robyn) Baltar, 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held Monday March 25th at St John's Episcopal Church, 610 Young Street Melbourne, FL. Inurnment in the family tomb will be Wednesday, April 24 at Lake Lawn Cemetery in Metairie, Louisiana at 10AM.[The Sun Herald, April 17, 2019]
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Yerger Building [erected in 1926]
The Yerger Building, located on the north side of West Howard Avenue just east of Reynoir Street, was built for $100,000 in 1926. It was the first structural steel frame building to be erected at Biloxi. John A. Juliana (1895-1960), general contractor, came to Biloxi from New Orleans where his crew built the Buena Vista addition designed by Carl Mathes. Mr. Juliani, a native of Alabama, had worked as a structural engineer for U.S. Steel in Birmingham, Alabama. He was employed to build many edifices at New Orleans and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial at Baton Rouge was a recent project.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1926, p. 2 and April 21, 1938, p. 1)
Yerger Building Lost-1938 sale
In April 1938, the Avenue Realty Company, Inc. of Opelousas, Louisiana via Baltar & Sadler, thier local real estate managers, conveyed the Yerger Building to Edward Barq and his spouse. At this time, the Yerger Building had the following tenants on the first floor: Ferson & Swan; grant's; Morrison's; Hill's; Palace Restaurant; Rosenblum's; Electrik Maid Bakery; John's barber Shop; and the Hamburger King. Second floor occupants were: Dr. B.Z. Welch; Dr. D.L. Hollis; Dr. W.M. Bosworth; Dr. C.G. Jones; Dr. Presley Wwelwin; Louis Hengen, attorney; the B.C. Credit Union; and thomas J. Wiltz, attorney.(The Daily Herald, April 21, 1938, p. 1)
1320 West Beach Boulevard
Noreta Lopez Yerger came into possession of the domicile at 1320 West Beach Boulevard after the death of Erena A. Lopez, her older sister.
Noreta conveyed 1320 West Beach to James Rucks Yerger, her son, in ? he sold her this home back in September 1953.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 255, p. 374 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 381, p. 65)
In July 1957, Noreta Lopez Yerger conveyed 1320 West Beach for $60,000 to John B. Lopez (1915-1970), her nephew and son of Lazaro T. Lopez (1877-1918) and Eurilda Seal Lopez (1879-1966).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 381, p. 65)
1320 West Beach left the Lopez family in
Sunkist Manor
In January 1966, Sherwood R. Bailey (1921-1989), Gulfport entrepreneur and president of Bailey Homes Inc., announced that he had acquired two parcels of land from the Yerger and Bohannon families in the Sunkist Country Club section north of Popp’s Ferry in the Biloxi School District. Bailey planned a housing development on these tracts to be called Sunkist Manor. He anticipated building over three hundred homes ranging in price from $17,000 to $29,000 with a total development cost of about $16 million. The homes would be built of brick with three or four, large bedrooms and have two, tiled bathrooms, custom kitchens and modern appliances.(The Daily Herald, January 6, 1966, p. 1)
Demise
Noreta Lopez Yerger expired on September 13, 1960, at the home of Rowena Y. Baltar, her daughter, at Pascagoula, Mississippi. He was survived by: James Rucks Yerger of Yazoo City, Mississippi; Mrs. Walter H. Winkeljohn of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Mrs. H.L. Robinson in New Orleans; Robert M. Yerger at Elsmere, Delaware; Richard K. Yerger of Jackson, Mississippi; and Rowena Y. Baltar of Pascagoula.(The Daily Herald, September 14, 1960, p. 2)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
Twentieth Century Coast Edition of the Biloxi Daily Herald: Historical and Biographical (George W. Wilkes & Sons: Biloxi-1902).
Chancery Court Cases
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. , “The Estate of Julia Dulion Lopez”-1918
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 19034, “Noreta Lopez v. State of Mississippi”-September 1942
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi High school defeats Gulfport”, November 28, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Yerger-Lopez nuptials pretty”, January 26, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Rucks Yerger building bungalow”, October 1, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Yerger baby [James Rucks Yerger III] christened", November 27, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Lopez home to be demolished”, January 22, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi home is being torn down”, June 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald, “Rucks Yerger to head Red Cross”, November 2, 1922.
The Daily Herald, “Juliani is erecting steel”, August 28, 1926.
The Daily Herald, “Will probably let contract for new [Saenger] theatre in June”, May 16, 1928.
The Daily Herald,“Rucks Yerger, Jr. funeral tomorrow”, January 29, 1931.
The Daily Herald, “Yerger Building purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Barq”, April 21, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “86 graduates for Biloxi High”, May 23, 1939.
The Daily Herald, “Announces engagement [Yerger-Baltar]”, August 10, 1953.
The Orlando Sentinel [Three Star Edition], 'Patrick M. Collins', September 26, 1993, p. B-4.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Rucks Yerger dies in Pascagoula”, September 14, 1960.
The Daily Herald, “Sherwood Bailey tells of $16 million building program”, January 6, 1966.
The Jackson County Times, “Local News Interests”,April 20, 1918, p. 5.
The Mobile Register, “Shrimp fleet in Biloxi blessed”, June 8, 1970, p. A-6.
The Ocean Springs Record, 'Miss Winkeljohn-Mr. Laird', April 18, 1974.
The Sun Herald, 'Richard K. Yerger', April 25, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Rowena Yerger Baltar”, November 29, 2005.
The Sun Herald, “Marjory Yerger Winkeljohn”, June 21, 2002, p. A-7.
The Sun Herald, “Walter H. Winkeljohn”, June 13, 2014, p. A-4.
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Lyons Family
Lyons Family
Lyons Children
[Top L-R: Jimmy Lyons; Billy Lyons; Kenny Lyons; Bottom L-R: Bobby Lyons; John 'Speedy' Lyons; Marie Lyons; Matt Lyons; and Steve Lyons-image courtesy of Joseph T. Lyons Jr.-Aiken, South Carolina-March 2014]
Courtesy of Joseph T. Lyons Jr.
First row L-R: Bobby Lyons, Billy Lyons-Second Row L-R: Billy's grand daughter Elizabeth Strahan, Jimmy Lyons, Steve Lyons, grand son William Strahan-Third Row L-R: Joseph Lyons, Billy's daughter Susan Lyons Strahan, Greg Strahan, Barbara Cvitanovich Lyons.
LYONS FAMILY
John Christian Lyons (1890-1950) was born on July 3, 1890 at Mississippi City, Harrison County, Mississippi the youngest of the eleven children born to Thaddeus Lyons (1845-1924) and Louise Marie Fayard (1848-1905), both native of Mississippi. John’s parents married circa 1867 and were the parents of ten surviving children: Rosetta Lyons (1872) m. Phil A. Englehardt; Cora Lyons (1878); Walter J. Lyons (1880-1953) m. Lottie Cruthirds (1889-1973); Oscar F. Lyons (1880-1937) m. Clara Albrecht (1872-1939); Eugene Lyons (1882); Edmond Lyons (1884) m. Mattie Taylor; Emma Lyons (1886-1969) m. Edward John Hosch (1898-1968); and John C. Lyons (1890-1950) m. Adelaide Peresich (1897-1943).
John C. Lyons married Adelaide Mable Peresich(1897-1943), born March 11, 1897 to Joseph Peresich (1852-1933), a native of Lovran, Primorje-Gorski County, Croatia. Joseph was the son of Joseph Peresich and Mary Sepelich. He left the Croatian coast at the age of twelve to make his livelihood on the sea. Arriving in New Orleans in 1875, he chose to live in the United States and became a resident of the Crescent City. Here Joseph Peresich married Adelaide Ritter (1864-1936), the daughter of Frank Ritter and Catherine Muller (1837-1900+), in March 1883.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 515)
John C. Lyons made his livelihood as a sailor and fisherman. In 1930, the family was domiciled in Biloxi, Mississippi at 217 Elmer Street. By 1940, the Lyons clan was living at 460 Lee Street.
John and Adelaide P. Lyons were the parents of: Joseph T. Lyons m. (1914-1945) m. Esther Amelia Ryan (1919-1973); John 'Speedy' Elbert Lyons (1916-1997) m. Lucy L. Martino (1917-1996); Matthew Peresich Lyons (1918-1999) m. Vara Brown (1924-1977) and Mary Ella Huth (1924-2007); Marie Louise Lyons (1924-1998) m. Clarence 'Zeke' Stewart (1919-1995); William 'Billy' Rudolph Lyons (1925-2015) m. Joy Branson (1927-1982); Kenneth Jerome Lyons (1927-2008) m. Roslyn Weksler and Margaret Germaine Sablich (1928-2007); Eugene 'Jimmy' James Lyons [1930-2020] m. Lona Anna Lee Webber [d. 2004]; Robert ‘Bobby’ George Lyons m. Patricia Ann Magill (1937-2015); and Stephen Anthony Lyons m. Barbara Faith Cvitanovich.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 515, 1930 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 14A, ED 3 and and 1940 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T627_2024, p. 22B, ED 24-2)
After the death of his spouse in 1943, John C. Lyons married Hazel Althea Andrews (1890-1974) on April 16, 1944. After his demise, she married Rudolph Louis Peresich (1904-1985) in April 1952(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 64, p. 533 and MRB 89, p. 316)
CHILDREN
Esther Amelia Ryan and Joseph T. Lyons
[courtesy of Matthew Lyons Jr.-March 2014]
Joseph T. Lyons
Joseph Thaddeus Lyons (1914-1945) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 18, 1914. He married Esther Amelia Ryan (1919-1973), the daughter of Frederick ‘Mickey’ J. Ryan (1886-1943) and Amelia Florence Domning (1889-1954), and a native of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. They were the parents of Joseph T. Lyons Jr. (b. 1944). After the demise of Joseph T. Ryan, his widow married Standish Bradford (1914-1992).
Joseph T. Lyons graduated from Biloxi High School in 1933. He played football in high school and following graduation officiated high school football games and wrote sports for The Daily Herald. Mr. Lyons first job was as a bookkeeper with the Watson Insurance Agency. He later was the manager of the bond and casualty department for the Watson Agency, as well as its vice president. Eugene Peresich Sr., his grandfather, was the president.
Captain Joseph T. Lyons while serving with the 3rd Army was killed in action in Luxembourg during WW II. His corporal remains were interred in a military cemetery in Europe.
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John E. Lyons
John Elbert Lyons (1916-1997), called Speedy, was born September 10, 1916. He married Lucy Martino in Harrison County, Mississippi
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Matt Lyons at Buena Vista Hotel
Matthew P. Lyons
Matthew ‘Matt’ Peresich Lyons (1918-1999) was bornon December 29, 1918, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He died suddenly on June 23, 1999, near his home in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Matt was survived by his lovely wife of eleven years, Mary Huth "Pudge" Lyons (1924-2007); sons, Matt G. Lyons and his wife, Gloria, of Biloxi, and Dr. A. Gordon Lyons and his wife, Mary King, of Jackson, Mississippi; daughter, Mary Paul Soares, and her husband, Herman Soares, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; George Huth and Rita Huth of Daphne, Alabama, Bobby Huth and Janet Huth of Wilmington, North Carolina, Marcia "Missy" Huth of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; 14 grandchildren, Vara Lyons, Phillip Lyons, Sarah Danielle Soares, Jonathan Huth, Christie Huth, George Huth Jr., Ryan Huth, Jarred Huth, Nicholas Huth, Maryanna Huth, Michael Huth, Jonathan Huth, Molly Huth, Daniel Huth; brothers, Kenneth J. Lyons, Robert G. Lyons, William R. Lyons, James Lyons, Stephen Lyons and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and co-workers.
Mr. Lyons was preceded in death by his parents, John Christian Lyons, a Biloxi fisherman, and Adele Peresich Lyons, a Biloxi housekeeper; Vara Brown Lyons, his wife of 35 years; his brothers, Maj. Joseph T. Lyons, John E. Lyons; and his sister, Marie Lyons Stewart.
Matt was a well-known member of the community, beginning work at an early age selling his mother's pralines at area hotels, then rising from elevator-operator to General Manager of Biloxi's Buena Vista and White House Hotels where he was employed from 1935 to 1957, becoming President of the American Hoteliers Association, with his lifelong work in the Coast's tourist industry interrupted only by his service as an Intelligence Officer in WWII working on security for the Manhattan Project; from 1957 to 1977 he was Executive Director of the Biloxi Housing Authority. From 1978 until recently he was employed at the Broadwater Beach Hotel, operating one of the hotel's golf courses and later in group sales. Mr. Lyons was President of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, President of the Biloxi Rotary Club and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, President and founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish Council and the Biloxi Development Commission, board member of the Elks Lodge 606, Biloxi Jaycees, Lions Club, the United Way, the March-of-Dimes Fund Drive, the Heart Fund Drive, Biloxi's (Yankie) Stadium Drive, Gulf Coast Mardi Gras, the Save the Ship Island Fort Foundation, the Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center Drive, Nativity BVM, Fatima and St. James Parishes' Holy Name and St. Vincent De Paul Societies and many other civic, church, family and public-interest groups.
Mr. Lyons was an accomplished athlete and avid golfer, having participated in the Pacific Olympics during WWII, on numerous Mississippi State Fast-Pitch Softball championship teams, USGA Senior Open Qualifying Events, the MSGA's Mississippi Amateur and as Low Amateur in the PGA's Magnolia Classic in 1972.
The legacy of Mr. Lyons' broad and varied work is seen in today's Gulf Islands National Seashore Act and the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) for which he organized testimony and support with the offices of Senator John Stennis and Congressman William Colmer following his experience as a Civil Defense director after Hurricane Camille. He was the author of the "Together We Build The Gulf Coast" effort following Camille and the new "Beachcomber" Line operated by Harrison County's Coast Transit Authority. He worked with renowned planner L. Bisso in authoring the initial Biloxi Zoning and Planning Code of Ordinances. His work with neighbor and Resident Agent Warren Toole during the 1960s was known only by those who worked for the well-being of the entire community and the rights of all. Mr. Lyons' groundwork was seen in the presence of numerous public improvement (Biloxi's Stadium, Pringle Center, Community Center, Our Lady of Fatima Church and School, the Convention Center, and others) and housing for the poor and the elderly (Back Bay Place, Beauvoir Beach, Bayou August, West End and East End Homes) for which he worked under the tutelage of Biloxi Mayors Daniel D. Guice, Laz Quave, Jerry O'Keefe and civic leaders, John T. Collins, Leo Crapo, Frank ‘Yankie’ Barhanovich, Monsignors O'Connell, Hession and Williams, among many others.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi directed the funeral services of Mr. Lyon onJune 26th, at Biloxi's Nativity BVM Cathedral on Howard Avenue followed by his interment in the Biloxi's City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, June 25, 1999, p. A13)
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Marie L. Lyons
Marie Louise Lyons (1924-1998) was born January 31, 1924. She was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi and a member of Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi. Marie married Clarence ‘Zeke’ Stewart (1919-1995) on June 7, 1942. She expired at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi on June 30, 1998.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 55, p. 407)
Mrs. Stewart was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence ''Zeke'' Stewart; two brothers, Joseph T. Lyons and John ''Speedy'' E. Lyons; and her parents, John C. Lyons and Adelaide Peresich Lyons. She was survived by three daughters, Anne Stewart of Memphis, Marydell Slaver of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lois Stewart of Biloxi; four sons, Perry Stewart of Capistrano Beach, California., John Stewart of D'Iberville, David Stewart of Diamondhead and Donald Stewart of Biloxi; five brothers, Matt Lyons, Billy Lyons, Kenny Lyons, Bobby Lyons, Jimmy Lyons, and Steve Lyons, all of Biloxi; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi directed the funeral of Mrs. Stewart at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral. Her internment followed in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, July 1, 1998, p. A9)
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William R. Lyons
William Rudolph "Billy" Lyons (1925-2015) passed away on October 11, 2015 at the Carmel Home in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he has resided since May, 2010. He had been a longtime resident of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Visitation will be held at the Nativity BVM Cathedral, 870 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi, on Thursday, October 15, beginning at 9:00 a.m. with funeral mass services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. The burial will follow at Southern Memorial Park. Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Billy Lyons was born on October 20, 1925 in Biloxi, Mississippi, to John Christian Lyons and Adelaide Peresich Lyons. He was one of nine children. Billy graduated from Biloxi High School (BHS) in 1947. While at BHS, he was a member of both the boxing team and the football team, served as editor of the "High Tide" student newspaper and was voted "Mr. Biloxi High School".
Billy served in the Merchant Marines from 1943 – 1946 during World War II, stationed off the coast of the Philippine Islands. During the Korean War, from 1950-1954 he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and France. Following active duty, he served as a captain in the Army Reserves until 1965.
On July 6, 1950, he married the love of his life, Joy Branson, of Sylvia, Kansas, in Frankfurt, Germany. Joy died in December, 1982. They were married 31 years and had three children: Carol Anne (m. Steve Halliburton), Michael, and Susie (m. Greg Strahan).
Billy attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. While at KU, he served on the boxing team, was President of the Veteran's Student Organization and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.
Following graduation, Billy was recruited by John Hancock Insurance Company for their management training program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He managed John Hancock offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, before joining Massachusetts Mutual Insurance Company in Kansas City and managing their offices in Kansas City and Mobile. In 1967, he purchased the Watson Insurance Agency in Biloxi, from his uncle, Gene Peresich, and served as owner/operator of the Watson-Lyons Insurance Agency until 1974. As a local business man, he was a member of the Biloxi Businessmen's Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Billy was employed briefly by Ingalls Shipyard, before starting his own company, King of the Hill Productions, pioneering delivery of closed-circuit telecasts of world championship boxing events. The championship fight featuring Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns was a highlight for the company. Billy's success in promoting and setting up boxing events led to his involvement with the Biloxi Jets, a minor league basketball team. As director of group sales, he led the league in ticket sales, doubling average sales records.
Appointed by Governor Kirk Fordice, Billy served as State Athletic Commissioner from 1992-2003, providing licensure and oversight of boxing and wrestling events for the state of Mississippi. During his tenure, the Mississippi Athletic Commission raised millions of dollars in revenue surpassing Atlantic City and second only to Las Vegas in quality and revenue-producing boxing events. His work with the Commission was featured in various boxing magazines and "Sports Illustrated". Bouts featuring boxing greats, such as: Larry Holmes, Oscar De La Hoya, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones, and Laila Ali were televised on major sports networks, including: ABC, ESPN, Showtime, HBO, and Fox.
As much as he enjoyed his paid employment, his favorite activities included charity and community service. He was a proud member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge #606, where he served as exalted ruler in 1991-92. He chaired the Thanksgiving/Christmas Basket Committee and the Elks Charity Golf Tournament for several years and was named Elk of the Year in 1983. For many years, he served on the Harrison County Development Commission, an organization promoting economic and community development. He was a member of many civic and service organizations throughout his life and was named Biloxi's Outstanding Citizen in 1978.
He was active in Our Lady of Fatima Church, serving on committees for the annual bazaar and Christmas tree sales, as well as the Knights of Columbus. Later, when he moved downtown, he became an active member of the Nativity BVM Cathedral. At Nativity, he was a member of the Rosary Society, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and an usher for Sunday Mass. Since May 2010, he resided at the Carmel Home in Owensboro, Kentucky, where he attended daily mass and was a member of the Rosary Society.
Billy Lyons lived his life to the fullest with a true commitment to faith, family and community service. He traveled the world, but was always a proud ambassador for the state of Mississippi, and especially the city of Biloxi, calling it "America's Best Kept Secret". His positive spirit, sense of humor, and zest for living will be missed by all who knew him.
Billy Lyons was preceded in death by his parents, John Christian Lyons and Adelaide Peresich Lyons; his beloved wife, Joy Branson Lyons; his sister, Marie Lyons Stewart; and his brothers, Joseph Lyons; John "Speedy" Lyons; Matt Lyons; and Kenneth "Jerome" Lyons.
He is survived by his three children -- Carol Lyons Halliburton of Jackson, Mississippi; Michael Lyons of Houston, Texas; and Susie Lyons Strahan of Owensboro, Kentucky; his brothers – Eugene "Jimmy" Lyons, Robert "Bobby" Lyons, and Steve Lyons of Biloxi; his grandchildren – Kristy Strahan Compton, Rudy Strahan, Elizabeth Strahan, William Strahan, Katie Lyons, and Bryce Lyons; his great grandchildren – Branson Ellis, Peyton Ellis, Grace Ellis and Scott Compton; and various nieces and nephews.
Billy Lyons was the son of John Christian Lyons and Adelaide Mable Peresich (1897-1943), born March 11, 1897 to Joseph Peresich (1852-1933), a native of Lovran, Primorje-Gorski County, Croatia. Joseph was the son of Joseph Peresich and Mary Sepelich. He left the Croatian coast at the age of twelve to make his livelihood on the sea. Arriving in New Orleans in 1875, he chose to live in the United States and became a resident of the Crescent City. Here Joseph Peresich married Adelaide Ritter (1864-1936), the daughter of Frank Ritter and Catherine Muller (1837-1900+), in March 1883. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 515)
John C. Lyons made his livelihood as a sailor and fisherman. In 1930, the family was domiciled in Biloxi, Mississippi at 217 Elmer Street. By 1940, the Lyons clan was living at 460 Lee Street.
John and Adelaide P. Lyons were the parents of: Joseph T. Lyons m. (1914-1945) m. Esther Amelia Ryan (1919-1973); John 'Speedy' Elbert Lyons (1916-1997) m. Lucy L. Martino (1917-1996); Matthew Peresich Lyons (1918-1999) m. Vara Brown (1924-1977) and Mary Ella Huth (1924-2007); Marie Louise Lyons (1924-1998) m. Clarence 'Zeke' Stewart (1919-1995); William 'Billy' Randolph Lyons (1925-2015) m. Joy Branson (1927-1982); Kenneth Jerome Lyons (1927-2008) m. Roslyn Weksler and Margaret Germaine Sablich (1928-2007); Eugene 'Jimmy' James Lyons; m. Anna Lee Webber; Robert ‘Bobby’ George Lyons m. Patricia Ann Magill; and Stephen Anthony Lyons m. Barbara Faith Cvitanovich.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 25, p. 515, 1930 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census R1146, p. 14A, ED 3 and and 1940 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T627_2024, p. 22B, ED 24-2)
After the death of his spouse in 1943, John C. Lyons married Hazel Althea Andrews on April 16, 1944. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 64, p. 533)
The Gulf Pines, 'Faithful Nativity parishioner [Billy Lyons] bids adieu to parish, coast, July 2, 2010. , 2 July 2010 Story By: Terry Dickson
BILOXI – After nearly 85 years as a parishioner at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, Billy Lyons is moving to his new Kentucky home. Friends say Lyons’ departure will leave a huge void in the downtown parish where the spry octogenarian has been a mainstay. “He has been a rock for this parish,” said Sister Mary Riordan. “He has always been faithful in coming to church. He’s an usher here in the parish. He set up for Mass here every morning and made sure everything was ready for the priest. He’s also been a very faithful member of our St. Vincent de Paul Society. He’s been very supportive of all the parish ministries.”
Cathedral rector Father John McGrath said Lyons is a special person.
“Billy Lyons is the kindest and most gentle man I have ever met,” Father McGrath said. “He is a dedicated heart of Biloxi. He told me this past Sunday that every morning he thanks God that he was raised in Biloxi and a member of Nativity. His pleasant approach will be missed by all the parishioners of the Cathedral parish.”
A lifelong Biloxian, Lyons, who will turn 85 in October, is one of nine children – eight boys and one girl and countless grandchildren.
Lyons, whose wife, Joy B. Lyons (1927-1982), died 25 years ago, has three children. His oldest daughter lives in Jackson, his son lives in Houston and his youngest daughter, with whom he will be staying, lives in Owensboro, Kentucky. While he looks forward to being with is daughter, Lyons said he will miss Nativity Parish.
“I go to Mass every morning and my first prayer every morning is in thanksgiving that I was baptized Catholic,” Lyons said.“I’m thankful that I was able to go to the old Sacred Heart Academy with the nuns – the Sisters of Mercy. The clergy that we had were just so kind and so good to me. I was an altar boy when I was five years-old and I’m 85 and I’m still doing it.”
Lyons was a Merchant Marine during World War II and later joined the Army. Following his stint in the Army, Lyons carved out a career for himself in the insurance business selling life insurance and general insurance. He was also state boxing commissioner for 13 years.
Through the years, his devotion to Nativity Parish has never wavered.
While he wore many hats during his time at the cathedral, Lyons said what he most enjoyed was serving the needy through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and he plans to remain active with St. Vincent de Paul once he moves to Kentucky.
Nor has Lyons wavered in his devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Every morning before Mass, Lyons prays before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the cathedral’s Marian Chapel. “I’ve been to Lourdes and I’ve seen the miracle of the Memorare several times,” he said.
Lyons was honored during the 8 a.m. Mass on June 11, the day before his departure. “Bill’s going to be making a big change in his life,” said Nativity parochial vicar Father Bernie Papania, who celebrated the Mass. “As we can imagine, that’s not easy, so we want to accompany him with our prayers. It’s a beautiful day in God’s providence that the Feast of the Sacred Heart is the day that we will send him off with our prayers.”
Following Mass, the celebration moved across the street to the Old Biloxi Schooner Restaurant where Lyons was presented a prayer book from the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After a chorus of “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow”, Lyons and his friends said so long for now but, make no mistake about it, this wasn’t a goodbye because Lyons will definitely be back to visit his Nativity family.
“Oh yes, I can’t stay away from Biloxi,” he said.
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circa 1948
Kenneth J. Lyons
Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Jerome Lyons Sr. (1927-2008) was born July 20, 1927. He was married to Margaret Germaine Sablich (1928-2007) of Biloxi, the daughter of George J. Sablich and Irma Augusta Williams, on June 11, 1950 at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral in Biloxi. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 59, p. 638 and Bk. 82, p. 150)
Kenny graduated from Biloxi High School in 1948 after lettering in football and after serving two years in the United States Navy. He worked thirty-one years as a letter carrier for the U. S. Postal Service in Biloxi and ten years with the Veterans Administration Hospital before retiring in 1987.
Kenny was an outstanding football and softball player. He served twenty years on the City of Biloxi Recreation Board, 10 years as a little league coach, twenty years as a high school football official, and he was a member and three term president of the Notre Dame High School Booster Club.
Kenny J. Lyons and his wife, Germaine, were proud parents of four sons, Kenneth J. Lyons Jr., Thomas Wayne Lyons, Patrick Joseph Lyons, and Barry Stephen Lyons. They were proud grandparents of six grandsons, Patrick J. Lyons Jr., Kenneth J. Lyons III, Joel, Nathan, Jeremy, and Thomas; and two granddaughters, Avon and Danielle. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and one son, Patrick Joseph Lyons Sr., as well as three brothers, Joseph T. Lyons, John "Speedy" Lyons, Matthew P. Lyons, and one sister, Marie Lyons Stewart. He was survived by his sons, Kenneth J. Lyons Jr. and his wife, Barbara Brown Lyons, of Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas Wayne Lyons and his wife, Debbie, of Kennett, Missouri, and Barry Lyons of Biloxi, Mississippi, as well as four brothers, William "Billy" Lyons, Bobby Lyons, Jimmy Lyons, and Steve Lyons. His family wishes to express their gratitude and thoughtfulness to the Biloxi Community Living Center and Odyssey Health Care, doctors, nurses and staff who provided loving care and comfort to him.
Kenny J. Lyons died at Biloxi, Mississippi on October 3, 2008. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi directed his funeral services. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 7, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral. Entombment was at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi. (The Sun Herald, October 3, 2008)
He led Biloxi sports family Kenny Lyons Sr. coached his sons
[from The Sun Herald, October 4, 2008, p. A8]
South Mississippi lost one of its leading sports figures Friday with the passing of Kenny Lyons Sr. Lyons, 81, began working in the cafeteria in the Biloxi VA before retiring as a mail handler for the U.S. Postal Service.
Along the way he coached Little League baseball in the old Biloxi Southern League along Back Bay and coached his four sons, Kenny Jr., Tommy, Barry and Pat. His oldest son, Kenny Jr., prepped at Notre Dame High School before playing quarterback at Ole Miss. He said his father was special and loved by all. When it came to supporting his kids in sports, there was none better.
"We all signed football or basketball scholarships," Lyons Jr. said. "When I was a kid, he was a football official and I remember going to games with him until I was 10. "When I was a junior at Notre Dame, I threw for almost 500 yards against Picayune. He had to miss that game due to an officials' meeting. He gave up officiating to be a part of my senior season and the rest of my brothers' high school careers."
Barry Lyons played college baseball at Delta State and with the New York Mets. Tommy Lyons pitched at Ole Miss.
Outside of coaching Little League baseball and delivering the mail, Lyons loved to visit Mary Mahoney's restaurant in Biloxi. "When he got off work, he loved going down there to celebrate the day," Lyons Jr. said. "He was involved with all four of us, but baseball was the only game he coached us in. Dad was outgoing and loved to have a good time. He knew everybody in town - he was everyone's favorite mailman. He was dedicated to his sons, not just on the field.
"He will be missed. He had been in a nursing home with Alzheimer's since Hurricane Katrina. He fought a long battle, but there was no escaping Alzheimer's. Dad was one of a kind." And he loved to fish. "He loved to fish Chandeleur every chance he got," Lyons Jr. said. "Some of his fishing buddies were Larry Manuel, Stanley Dellenger, Errol Bradley and Harold Catchot, to name a few. He really loved his fishing."
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Eugene J. Lyons
April 17, 1930 - July 12, 2020
BILOXI
He is survived by one child, Eugene James "Jamie" Lyons. , Jr., and wife Sarah Denise Lyons, and grandchildren Jonah Lyons, Maeanna Lyons, and Sam Lyons, of Newhebron, MS; brothers Bobby Lyons of Biloxi, MS, and Steve Lyons of Biloxi, MS, as well as his sweet special friend Genny Lloyd of Vancleave, MS.
Jimmy Lyons was born on April 17, 1930, to John and Adelaide Lyons, in Biloxi and grew up there, attended Biloxi High School, the University of New Orleans, and served 2 years in the U.S. Army (Korean War).
He married Lona Anna Lee Webber, wife of 48 years upon her death (2004), raising a single child (Jamie).
While employed in the Hotel Management business, he was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, New Orleans Springfield, Illinois, and retired back home in Biloxi; thereafter in 2019 residing in the Mississippi Veterans Home, Collins, Mississippi. He was a faithful parishioner of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Biloxi, Mississsippi.
He lived a full and prosperous life, and will always be remembered as hospitable, loving, caring, generous, and down to earth, with a personality and wit where everyone was always welcome and a "favorite", never meeting a stranger. He donated his body to science so no immediate arrangements are planned. Family and/or friends can contact Jamie Lyons at (769) 257-8961 or silverbackgas@gmail.com with communication on future memorial plans. In lieu of flowers, please go www.sendtheword.orgto donate to The Gideon's International. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36.
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Robert G. Lyons
[image made circa 1950]
Robert George Lyons (b. 1933) was born 1933. He married Patricia 'Patsy' Ann Magill (1937-2015), a native of Shreveport, Louisiana and the daughter of Richard Magill (1901-1965) and Helen Magill (b. 1909), in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 24, 1953. Patsy expired on January 14, 2015 with internment at Southern Memorial park.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 96, p. 275 and The Sun Herald, January 16, 2015, p. A-5)
Children: Robert G. Lyons Jr. m. Patti Gene Parker, Maria Lynn Sekul and Donna Frances Pizzetta Schmermund; Jerry Lyons; Wayne Lyons; Kathy Lyons m. Kevin Coggin; and Julie Lyons m. Greg Williams.
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Stephen A. Lyons
Stephen Anthony Lyons was born in 1938. He married Barbara Faith Cvitanovich, the daughter of Dominic Cvitanovich (1894-1962), a Croatian immigrant, and Philomena Sercovich (1900-1985), a native of New Orleans, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 3, 1960.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 118, p. 82)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “South Mississippi-Mississippi City [Louise M. Lyons death]”, February 4, 1905, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. [Adelaide Peresich] Lyons dies”, March 27, 1943, p. 7.
The Daily Herald, “John C. Lyons dies”, November 7, 1950, p. 12.
The Daily Herald, “[Matt]Lyons sentenced after no contest”, June 7, 1979, p. A1.
The Jackson County Times, “Captain Jos. Lyons killed in action”, March 10, 1945.
The Sun Herald, 'Joy B. Lyons', December 1982.
The Sun Herald, "Clarence ‘Zeke’ Stewart", January 9, 1995, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, "John Lyons Sr.", November 2, 1996, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, "Lucy Martino Lyons", May 23, 1997, p. A2.
The Sun Herald, "Marie Stewart", July 1, 1998, p. A9.
The Sun Herald, "Matthew Peresich Lyons", June 25, 1999, p. A13.
The Sun Herald, "Margaret Germaine Sablich Lyons", May 18, 2007.
The Sun Herald, "Mary Ella Huth Lyons", June 6, 2007.
The Sun Herald, "Kenneth J. Lyons Sr.", October 3, 2008.
The Sun Herald, "He led Biloxi sports family-Kenneth Lyons Sr.", October 4, 2008, p. A8.
The Sun Herald, "Patricia 'Patsy' Lyons", January 16, 2015, p. A-5.
The Sun Herald, 'William Lyons', October 13, 2015.
The Sun Herald, 'William Lyons', October 14, 2015.
The Times-Picayune, “[John] Hosch”, May 30, 1968, p. 25.
The Times-Picayune, “Miss. victims [Emma Lyons Hosch]of Camille listed”, September 9, 1969, p. 16.
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Marion Family
Marion Family
MARION FAMILY
The Marion family of Biloxi, Mississippi had it origin with John Marion (1830-1890), a Spanish immigrant and the son of Joseph Marion and Maria Vica, both Spaniards. On November 11, 1871 in Harrison County, Mississippi, John Marion married Amelie or 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 as a butcher. John Marion made his livelihood as a fisherman and had lived at Biloxi since about 1870. He died at Biloxi in late July 1890. His burial services were under the auspices of Biloxi Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. John was also a member of the Oyster Protective Association.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 6, p. 92 and Lepre, Vol. I, 1991, p. 211 and The Biloxi Herald, July 26, 1890, p. 4)
John Marion and Emelie Fayard Marion were the parents of at least three children: Marie Gertrude Marion (1872-1919); Eleonie Augustine Marion (1873-pre 1880); and John Joseph Marion (1875-1936+).(Lepre, Vol. I, 1991, pp. 209-210)
John and Emelie F. Marion also had an adopted son, John Goodier (1855-1912), a native of New Orleans. He married Josephine Llado (1864-1911) in September 1887. John expired at 210 Elmer Street at Biloxi on March 11, 1912. Josephine died on January 4, 1911 at 308 Lameuse Street. They left three children: Henry, Elwood and Thelma Goodier.(1880 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census R648, p. 343B, ED 139 and The Daily Herald, January 4, 1911, p. 8 and March 11, 1912, p. 1)
MARY G. MARION
Mary Gertrude Marion (1872-1919) was born on August 6, 1872. She married Henry Clay Agregaard (1868-1928), the son of John Agregaard and Clementine Fayard (1836-1905), on February 4, 1890. Their children were: Henry Joseph Agregaard (1892-1959); Mary Camille Agregaard (1893-1981) m. Louis C. Holley (1884-1973); and Elbert Anthony Agregaard (1895-pre-1900).(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 9, p. 29)
Mary M. Agregaard expired at her home at 446 Magnolia Street on November 9, 1919. Her corporal remains and that of Henry C. Agregaard who passed on March 11, 1928 were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, November 10, 1919, p. 4)
JOHN J. MARION
John Joseph ‘Brother’ Marion (1875-1936+) married Rosa Beneta Catchot (1877-1924), a native of Bay St. Louis, Hancock County, Mississippi, and the daughter of Joseph Catchot (1848-1913), a Spanish immigrant, and Marie Fayard (1850-1929), the daughter of Albert Fayard and Michelle Favre, both natives of Hancock County, Mississippi.( 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 (1896-1930+); Irene M. Marion (1897-1943); Edward U. Marion (1899-1934); Rose Marion (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)
Joseph Catchot, Rosa’s Spanish father, had passed in his sleep on October 15, 1913. 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)
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 before his untimely death on April 1, 1936: Rayford Marion (1917-1979); and Ronald Andrew Marion (b. 1930) m. Martha Emma Brooks.(Harrison Co., Mississippi MRB 27, p. 461 and The Daily Herald, April 2, 1936)
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)
Children
Ronald A. Marion
Ronald "Ronnie" Andrew Marion, Sr. of Ocean Springs, Mississippi died Wednesday, November 16, 2011 in Ocean Springs. Ronnie was born March 9, 1930 in Biloxi and graduated from Biloxi High School in 1949.
He enrolled in East Mississippi Junior College in the fall of 1949. At EMJC, Ronnie began a life of service that spanned 60 years. He was trainer and manager for the football and basketball teams in 1949 and 1950.
Following EMJC, Ronnie served for four years in the U.S. Air Force. Later he attended the University of Southern Mississippi graduating in 1957. He earned a master's degree from Mississippi State in 1967. He was employed for 36 years with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission for Biloxi and Gulfport. He was instrumental in starting the Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast and remained involved with that organization until his death. Ronnie received many service awards over the years. He served in the Biloxi Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs at the local and state levels and was recognized for his contributions with their highest awards. He served as president of the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security Mississippi Chapter as well as many civic organizations on the Gulf Coast. He was a member of American Legion Post 33 in Biloxi. He was a registered state soccer referee from 1978 to 1991 for recreational and high school players. Ronnie was named Biloxi's 1965 Outstanding Young Man of the Year.
Ronnie was inducted into the East Mississippi Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 for football and basketball 1950 - 1951. He was the 2003 recipient of the Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast Shining Star Award for outstanding service and contributions and dedication to the youth of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Stafford Marion Edwards; father, Andrew Joseph Marion; brother, Rayford Joseph Marion; father-in-law, Coyt Brooks; mother-in-law, Moddie Brooks; sister-in-law, Anna Lene Brooks; and brother-in-law, Dale Brooks. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Martha Brooks Marion; son, Ronald Andrew Marion, Jr., his wife, Melissa and their sons, Andrew Joseph Marion and John-Jason Brooks Marion; daughter, Anna Frances Marion Albritton, her husband, David and their children, Ashley Brooke Albritton and David Wesley Albritton. In lieu of flowers family prefers donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Biloxi, 11975 Seaway Rd. Gulfport, MS 39503. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home with a 12:00 noon service. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park.(The Sun Herald, November 18, 2011)
Ronald Andrew Marion and Martha E. Brooks had a son, Ronald Andrew Marion II, who married Melissa Jaynell Schloegel on April 29, 1989 at N.B.V.M.(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 and The Daily Herald, December 22, 1943, p. 5)
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. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery [perpetual care section].(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, “Slept all night by dead boatman [Joseph Catchot] died last night”, October 17, 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 Daily Herald, “Mrs. George Collins Sr. dies at home today”, December 22, 1943.
The Sun Herald, ‘Ronald Marion Sr.’, November 18, 2011.
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Mattina
Mattina
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Bartlo Mattina (1858-1943) was born in Ustica, Italy. He married Catherine Verdichezzi [aka Vergets] (1865-1920).
Created by Georgette Joachim Mattina
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Bartlo Mattina dies", January 3, 1942, p. 2.
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O'Keefe Family
O'Keefe FamilyThe O’Keefe Family
The Great Potato Famine of 1845-1850 brought death and misery to millions of impoverished Irish Roman Catholics. One of the positive actions of this near 19th Century genocide was the immigration and subsequent habitation of Edward “Ned” Keefe (1815-1874), later O’Keefe, a native of Bincher Parish, County Tipperary, Ireland to Ocean Springs, Mississippi in the mid-1850s. Here a middle-aged Ned O’Keefe and spouse, Mary Tracy (1832-1895), another Irish expatriate, commenced an Irish-American family that remains a viable part of Ocean Springs, Biloxi and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast.(Lepre, 1991, p. 165)
The Ned O’Keefe family chronology at Ocean Springs is one of success. Determined toil, perseverance, and good business acumen in an environment probably untarnished with Hibernian prejudice and because of its small size, predominantly Catholic society, and high ratio of immigrants to indigenous people, allowed Edward "Ned" O’Keefe to achieve his prosperity, primarily as a teamster and drayage contractor. To further ameliorate the local situation, there were already several other Irish families at Ocean Springs, Mississippi: the Ames, Colligans, Egans, Shanahans, and Sodens.
The Primal Cottage
The first known property acquisition at Ocean Springs by Edward “Ned” O’Keefe, the family progenitor, occurred in February 1859, when he paid Andrew F. Ramsay $100 for Lot 5-Block 26 (Culmseig Map of 1854). This ground is situated on the northeast corner of Rayburn and Porter. It is assumed that the first O’Keefe domicile was erected here. O’Keefe purchased Lot 4- Block 26, which was contiguous and north of Lot 5, in October 1867 from George A. Cox (1811-1887). It is interesting to note that Margaret B. Foy (d. 1892), also from Ireland, lived just east of the O’Keefe family. She settled here in February 1855, on the northwest corner of Porter and Jackson. Her nephew, James Lynch (1852-1935), was legated her two-story home and subsequently operated a store and the renown Lynch Academy, which the J.J. O’Keefe children attended for some of their basic education.(Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. Bk. 7, p. 272 and Bk. 1, pp. 184-185 and Ellison, 1991, p. 35)
The O’Keefe lots on the northeast corner of Rayburn and Porter were sold to Eda Miller, wife of John Voght Miller, in December 1883, for $400 and a note of $50.(Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 7, p. 272)
THE J. O’KEEFE LIVERY STABLE-Situated on the north side of Porter Street between Jackson Avenue and Washington Avenue, the O’Keefe Livery Stable served the Jeremiah J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe family and Ocean Springs for many years as a venue for drayage and transportation services. The business commenced after the War of the Rebellion by Edward ‘Ned’ O’Keefe (1815-1874), an Irish immigrant. After Ned’s demise, Jerry O’Keefe (1860-1911), his only son, continued in the livery and drayage business eventually becoming the town’s undertaker probably in the early 1890s. By 1926, the O’Keefe family had let the building to William F. ‘Willy’ Dale (1899-1990). Here he commenced the Dale Motor Company. Willy repaired motorcars and sold gasoline and petroleum products here for many years. The building is extant and is use by the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes.
Civil War
After returning to Ocean Springs from the Civil War in which he served with Company A-Live Oak Rifles of the 3rd Mississippi Regiment, Ned O'Keefe became a teamster and started a livery business. He supplied transportation service to the multitude of visitors who arrived at Ocean Springs by steam packet and later railroad train. When people passed on, his carriages were used to transport their bodies to the local cemetery, as well as their mourners. Before his demise in 1874, Ned O'Keefe and his wife had two children: Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Joseph O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Mary Helen O’Keefe (1863-1878).(Howell, 1991, p. 440 and p. 555)
Ned O'Keefe barroom brawl and death of Leitzler
An anectdotal story passed down through the O'Keefe family was that Ned O'Keefe had killed a man at Ocean Springs. In 2019, Else Jensine Martin, a fabuolous researcher and Jackson County, Mississippi historian discovered this article in The Daily Picayune, scion of The Times-Picayune.
On Saturday night inst, Messrs Edward Keith [O' Keefe] and Blaze Leitzler had a difficulty, resulting in the death of Leitzler, who received a fatal wound in the bowels and back with a pocket knife. So far as we have been able to gather the particulars, they are as follows: Ned Keith went to the barroom of Leitzler in search of a friend, and when he knocked at the door Leitzler answered, opened the door and asked Keith what he wanted. Keith replied that he came after his friend (naming him) and must see him, but refused to go in and drink with Leitzler; whereupon Leitzler pushed Keith away from the door, at the same time telling him he did not care a d—n for him or his friend. They then clinched and fell to the ground, Leitzler being topmost, and during the scuffle Leitzler received the wounds from which he died a few hours after, notwithstanding the best medical aid that could be procured in the town. It is a lamentable affair; they were both old citizens with families. Mr. Keith immediately took the Creole (steamer) for East Pascagoula, where he at once gave himself up to the Sheriff, Mr. John C. Clark, who delivered the prisoner to our Sheriff last Sunday, who placed him in jail, where he awaits his examination in Jackson County.[The Daily Picayune, October 26, 1870]
1878 Yellow Fever
The 1878 Epidemic started at New Orleans in July and took nearly four months to run its course through the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. When it was over, the nation recorded more than 100,000 cases of fever and a mortality rate estimated as high as 20,000 people. Particularly hard hit were the cities of Memphis (approximately 6,000 deaths), New Orleans (between 4,000 and 5,000 deaths), and Vicksburg where about 1,000 victims fell to the pestilence. Fever cases and deaths occurred as far north as St. Louis on the Mississippi River and Louisville, Kentucky and Gallipolis, Ohio on the Ohio River. The economic impact to the nation was over $100,000,000 due to the suspension of industry and trade, lost wages, medical attendance, and relief for the thousands of sick and unemployed. It is estimated that New Orleans lost $15,000,000 during the crisis.
By late September 1878, health conditions in Mississippi had gotten so grave that Governor John M. Stone made a proclamation. Part of which read as follows: "I, J.M. Stone, Governor of the State of Mississippi, do recommend that on Friday, the 30th day of September, all Christian people throughout the State repair to their respective places of worship and offer up their united petition in prayer to God, that He will withdraw from our people this terrible affliction, and that He, in His infinite goodness and mercy, will restore them to health and bring peace to their mourning households".
Since the yellow fever quarantine had shut off the people of Ocean Springs from the outside world, conditions were very difficult. The Ocean Springs Relief Society was formed in early September 1878, to assist those in need. H.H. Minor Sr. (1837-1884) was president, Robert A. Van Cleave (1840-1908)-treasurer, and J.M. Ames, secretary. The society collected $767.25 with the Howard Association of New Orleans, the citizens of Galveston, Texas, and the Moss Point Relief Committee being the largest contributors.
There were approximately one hundred seventy-five cases of yellow fever recorded at Ocean Springs from the nearly six hundred people believed to have been here at the time. From this population about thirty deaths were recorded. Many were small children and unfortunately Mary Helen O'Keefe (1863-1878) died from the fever at Ocean Springs on September 5, 1878. Miss O'Keefe was probably buried at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs.
O’Keefe Boarding House plat-The O'Keefe Boarding House was located on the northeast corner of Jackson Avenue and Porter Street in Lot 6 of Block 27 of the Culmseig Map (1854) of Ocean Springs. The structure was a two-story, wood framed edifice with 2824 square feet of living area under roof. There was a lower and upper gallery on the south and west side of the building of 1710 square feet. The dining room was attached to the main building and had an area of 874 square feet. The kitchen appears to have been detached and to the north of the building but was connected by a covered breezeway. The lower floor of the structure was moved to 2122 Government Street in 1910, after the edifice present today, was erected in 1909 by Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) as his family home. Today the former O’Keefe-Dale building at 911 Porter is utilized as the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home.
O’Keefe Boarding House
In February 1881, Mary Tracy O'Keefe commenced her boarding house and store operations on the northeast corner of Jackson Avenue and Porter Street at Ocean Springs. The structure was an attractive and hospitable inn. It is very likely that the O’Keefe boarding house had a strong Irish flavor and catered to Hibernian families from New Orleans and Irish born railroad workers. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 4, 1881, p. 3)
In January 1891, when Alfred E. Lewis was erecting the Artesian House, a two-story edifice on Jackson Avenue and diagonally opposite the O’Keefe place, Jerry O’Keefe’s boarding house was referred to a Jerry O’Keefe’s Hotel.(The Biloxi Herald, January 10, 1891, p. 4)
The O’Keefe boarding house property was purchased by, Ned O'Keefe, in two parcels. The first lot was bought from Enoch N. Ramsay (1832-1916), in April 1867, and described as Lot 6 of Block 27 (Culmseig Map of Ocean Springs) and comprised 52 feet on Jackson and 200 feet on Porter. In August of the same year, Ned Keith acquired Lot 5 of Block 27 (Culmseig Map of Ocean Springs) from George A. Cox (1811-1887). This tract became the site of his livery stable.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 4, 1881, p. 3 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 62, p. 475 and Bk. 62, p. 476)
Not all boarders in O’Keefe’s inn were Irish. In August 1896, the Pascagoula Democrat-Star reported that one Alphonse Gauthreaux of Donaldsonville, Louisiana "beat his board, decamped, stole a pocket book containing $5.00 and prayer beads, shoes and some clothes....whereabouts unknown".(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, August 14, 1896, p. 3)
In 1895, the O'Keefe family was tragically struck by fire on two occasions. The most devastating occurrence was in February when Mrs. Mary O'Keefe's gown caught fire from the hearth and she died as the result of her burns. Later in the fall of the same year, the kitchen was badly gutted by a fire caused by a defective flue. Jerry O'Keefe gave a generous donation to the fire department which was very effective since this was the first fire fought with the assist of fifteen new fire wells which provided ample water.(The Daily Picayune, February 19, 1895, p. 9 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 20, 1895)
O’Keefe Children-Although born at New Orleans, the children of Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Alice Cahill O’Keefe (1864-1921) were reared at present day 911 Porter Street. John A.W. O’Keefe was a leader of men and made his career in public service and the military. Mary C. O’Keefe was an outstanding educator and is memorialized with our Mary C. O’Keefe Arts and Cultural Center on Government Street. Jeremiah J. “Ben” O’Keefe II was a funeral home proprietor at Biloxi and Ocean Springs. J.H. ‘Jody’ O’Keefe was a sugar chemist and lost his life in a diving accident while working in Cuba. L-R: Jeremiah J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe (1894-1954); Joseph H. “Jody” O’Keefe (1897-1932); Mary Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1981); and John A.W. O’Keefe (1891-19).
The Jeremiah J. O’Keefe Family
Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe(1860-1911), called Jerry, was born at Ocean Springs on February 5, 1860. He met his future wife, Alice Cahill (1864-1921), a New Orleanian, whose family came to Ocean Springs for a visit and stayed at the O’Keefe lodge on Porter Street. The couple wedded in the Crescent City at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on April 3, 1888. Their children all born in the Crescent City were: Edward J. O’Keefe (1889-1890), John W. A. O’Keefe (1891-1985), Mary Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1981); Jeremiah J. “Ben” O’Keefe II (1894-1954), and Joseph H. “Jodie” O’Keefe (1897-1932).(NOLA, MRB 13, p. 105, The Daily Picayune, April 1, 1888, p. 9 and The History of Jackson County, Miss., 1989, pp. 301-302)
Alice Cahill was born at New Orleans into an Irish immigrant family. Her parents, Thomas Cahill (1819-1865) and Mary Britton (1832-1906), an 1852 Irish immigrant, were also the parents of: Margaret Cahill Connors (1856-1931) m. Michael Connors; John L. Cahill (1858-1926) m. Margaret Orrell (1855-1958); and Ellen Cahill Hill (1862-1940) m. Stephen J. Hill (1861-1935).
Mary Britton Cahill expired on April 9, 1906 at 2822 Palmyra Street at New Orleans.(The Daily Picayune, April 12, 1906, p. 7)
Margaret Cahill Connors died at the O’Keefe home at Ocean Springs on January 28, 1931. Her funeral was held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and transported to St. Patrick No. II Cemetery in the Crescent City for internment. (The Times-Picayune, January 29, 1931, p. 2)
Ellen Cahill Hill (1862-1940) passed on July 9, 1940 in New Orleans. She had married Stephen J. Hill who expired at 3117 Jena Street in December 1935. They were the parents of Thomas J. Hill Jr.; Joseph S. Hill; Mary Hill Vogt; and Mrs. Charles R. Brennan. Her son, Thomas J. Hill Jr. once served as the Clerk of the City Commission Council of New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, December 14, 1935, p. 2 and July 9, 1940, p. 2)
After Mrs. Ned O'Keefe's demise in February 1895, Alice Cahill O'Keefe in addition to rearing her children: Edward Joseph O’Keefe (1889-1890); John Aloysius William O’Keefe (1891-1985) m. Amelia Castenara (1905-2000); Mary Cahill O' Keefe (1893-1981); Jeremiah Joseph ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II (1895-1954) m. Teresa “Tess” Josephine Slattery (1894-1995); and Joseph Hyacinth (Jodie) (1897-1932), ran the family boarding business on Porter Street. Her husband, Jerry, had already expanded his undertaking service to create the O'Keefe Funeral Service in 1892.
Although born at New Orleans, the children of Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Alice Cahill O’Keefe (1864-1921) were reared at present day 911 Porter Street. Edward Joseph O’Keefe died in his infancy; John A.W. O’Keefe was a leader of men and made his career in public service and the military. Mary C. O’Keefe was an outstanding educator and is memorialized with our Mary C. O’Keefe Arts and Cultural Center on Government Street. J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II was a funeral home proprietor at Biloxi and Ocean Springs. J.H. ‘Jody’ O’Keefe was an Ocean Springs businessman and sugar chemist and lost his life in a diving accident while working in Cuba.
Politically, Jerry O'Keefe was elected the first Alderman from Ward 2 in 1892, in the newly incorporated town of Ocean Springs, and served in that office for two years. He also was a road overseer in Jackson County Beat Four being in charge of Jackson Avenue from the Front Beach to O'Keefe’s Corner on Porter Street and Jackson Avenue and from O'Keefe’s Corner to the Illing Place on Washington Avenue.(Ellison, 1991, pp. 5-7)
318 Jackson Avenue
The 1885 O’Keefe Castle-Seven Gables
The “O’Keefe Castle” also known as the O'Keefe-Saxon House and 'Seven Gables' at present day 318 Jackson Avenue was erected by Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911), circa 1885, on a lot acquired from Kate Peniston M. Jourdan (d. 1943) and Augusta Sophia M. Jourdan (1858-1952) of New Orleans. In 1855, the Jourdan-McGehee families had become involved in the hostelry business at Ocean Springs as they owned the Seashore House on Jackson Avenue and Front Beach, opposite the Ocean Springs Hotel.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 11, pp. 410-412 and Bellande, 1994, p. 25)
The spinster Jourdan sisters were the daughters of Augustus W. Jourdan (d. 1860) and Mary Josephine McGehee (1837-1878). Mr. Jourdan was an attorney and in the hierarchy of the Louisiana Democratic party. There is some degree of certitude that he was appointed by Louisiana’s governor to have the Louisiana’s Napoleonic Code modified to concur more readily with the English law of other states.(The Times-Picayune, February 24, 1949, p. 13)
Augusta and Kate Jourdan were aristocratic women of New Orleans. Augusta was a gifted writer and had been an honors graduate of the Peabody Normal Seminary in the Crescent City. When she graduated in July 1878, she gave dissertations in Latin and French. She was a member of the Quarante Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious Women’s literary organizations in America.(The Daily Picayune, July 7, 1878, p. 15, The Daily City Item, July 14, 1878, p. 2 and The Times-Picayune, February 24, 1949, p. 13)
In the early years of the 20th century, Augusta and Kate Jourdan settled in the Saint-Mande district of Paris. They traveled to Egypt from where Augusta wrote essays of their adventures, which were published in The Daily Picayune in June 1908. Both woman died in France and their corporal remains were interred in the Metairie Cemetery with their parents.(The Daily Picayune, June 21 and June 228, 1908 and The Times-Picayune, February 24, 1949, p. 13 and November 7, 1952, p. 2)
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe acquired this beautiful home from her siblings in July 1930. It was sold to Cecile Brodeur Saxon (1893-1980), by Mary C. O’Keefe in August 1933. Mrs. Saxon was the mother of Rose Annette Saxon (1924-1998) who in March 1944 married Miss O'Keefe's nephew, Lt. Jeremiah J. O'Keefe III (b. 1923), a young USMCR fighter pilot, at Camp Pendleton, Ocean Side, California.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 63 p. 524-525 and Deed Bk. 66, pp. 46-48 and The Daily Herald, March 13, 1944, p. 7)
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe’s great niece, Susan M. O’Keefe Snyder (b. 1952) and her spouse, Christopher T. Snyder, acquired the “O’Keefe Castle” in March 1982. In early 1997, Paul Campbell, general contractor, and Carl Germany, architect, were hired by the Snyders to undertake a major interior renovation of their historic home. With the heavens watching and the luck of the Irush, the Snyder home was spared the wrath of Karina in August 2005.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 730, p. 116)
The 1909 Neoclassical Mansion [circa 1940]
It is believed that the 1909 Jeremiah J. O’Keefe home at present day 911 Porter was modeled on that of the Dr. Case-H.F. Russell edifice, which stood on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and Porter Street until it was demolished in the 1930s.(The Jackson County Times, September 29, 1934 and J.K. Lemon, 1993)
In 1909, Jerry O'Keefe built a large family home behind the O’Keefe boarding house. This 2 1/2 story mansion of Beaux-Arts "polite" design, Corinthian columns, and wide galleries has become an iconic symbol of the O'Keefe family prosperity and financial calamity. Built on the colonial style with massive pillars, at a cost approaching $10,000, the Jerry O’Keefe mansion was lauded in 1909, as a handsome addition to the numerous beautiful edifices situated in Ocean Springs.(The Ocean Springs News, November 27, 1909, p. 1)
In 1964, Miss Mary Cahill O’Keefe who at this time was domiciled on Porter Street two houses east of her childhood home related her memories of the 1909 O’Keefe home place as follows: “as having beautiful lawns, and tennis courts and as the scene of many gay young parties. With the four children of Jeremiah [O’Keefe] the house was filled with young people and the tennis courts were a popular place. The house was originally surrounded by a picket fence and with wonderful oak trees and green lawns, the marvelously attractive Colonial house and all, it was a real beauty spot.”(The Ocean Springs News, August 6, 1964, p. 3)
Boarding House
In 1909-1910, with the new O’Keefe family residence completed on West Porter, the old, wooden, O’Keefe boarding house was sold in July 1910 to Samuel Backous (1855-1921), a farmer from Indiana, who had recently returned to Ocean Springs from Texarkana, Texas. Mr. Backous and his wife had sold their Texas farm, and planned to reside at Ocean Springs permanently. In September 1907, they had purchased the NW/4, NW/4 of Section 29, T7S-R8W from E.E. Clements of Buncombe County, North Carolina.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 32, pp. 616-617 and The Ocean Springs News, July 23, 1910)
The O’Keefe boarding house was moved to the Backous place in 1910. The upper story was removed. It is speculated that it was transported over the shell roads of Ocean Springs using a method popular at this time: When one wished to move a house, he called his neighbors together and organized a hauling bee or halerie. With a dozen yoke or oxen and three wagons, they soon had the house underway with no difficulty. First they took the beds off two wagons, and in place of the regular coupling poles they used long logs perhaps thirty feet long. They jacked up the house then ran poles under it. Next they chained them up to the two front pair of wheels, thus supporting the house, and it was ready to roll. They hitched five or six yoke of oxen to each of the wagons, and away they went across the open prairie.(Post, 1974, p. )
The Backous family developed their twenty-acre site on Old County Road, now Government Street, into a farm and pecan orchard, and probably utilized the boarding house as a home. Only the first floor of the old structure was relocated to present day 2122 Government Street where it became the residence of Mary Anne Lightsey Clark, the widow of Alvah Clark (1918-1990). The Clark home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, as an individual listing. It remains in the Clark family.(Bellande, 1994, p. 65 and Kemp Associates Ltd., 1996, p. 15)
William F. 'Willy' Dale (1899-1990)-Willy Dale has been described as a “hard working, good businessman and mechanical wizard”. He was a passionate fisherman and speedboat racer. Here circa 1927, Willy is shown with two drum that he caught in Biloxi Bay near Gulf Hills.[Courtesy of H. Randy Randazzo-Arlington, Virginia]
Willy Dale
Unfortunately, what has become Ocean Springs’ “architectural jewel”, the former 1909, Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) home at present day 911 Porter Street was lost by his heirs during the Great Depression, when it was repossessed in December 1938, by the Home Owners Loan Corporation, a federal government corporation. The family had a mortgage balance of $5612.17 on their prized residence, when it was sold by this governmental agency to William F. Dale in December 1939, for $3850.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 71, pp. 580-581 and Bk. 74, pp. 158-160)
William Frederic Dale (1899-1990) was born March 4, 1899, at Ocean Springs. He was known in the community as Willy Dale. His parents were George William Dale (1872-1953) and Harriet ‘Hattie’ Rose Seymour (1876-1956), the daughter of Narcisse Seymour (1849-1931) and Carolyn V. Krohn (1847-1895). They were married on December 9, 1897 at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. George W. Dale was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church on June 27, 1897, several months before his marriage to Miss Seymour.(Lepre, 1991, p. 78)
Mechanical genius
As a young man Willy Dale learned to repair automobiles. In May 1926, he went into business as the Dale Motor Company. He opened a 3500 square-foot garage on West Porter, in a structure, which was once the locus of the J.J. O’Keefe Livery Stable. Dale’s garage was of the most modern on the entire coast. Dale's machines and tools were mostly electrically powered, state of the art for the period. Among his inventory of apparatuses were: the electrical valve resurfacing and reseating tool; electrical riveting; counter-sinking machine for relining brakes; cylinder hones; aligning gauges for front wheels; acetylene welding and cutting torch; weaver wrecker for hauling in disabled vehicles; air pump; Weaver tire change stand; Humpy-Cooper re-babbiting machines and other appurtenances applicable to automobile repair. At this time Willy Dale was the local Chevrolet dealer. He also sold Texaco gasoline, oil, and greases and his Porter Street auto service business.(The Jackson County Times, June 12, 1926)
It appears that Willy Dale must have initially rented the “O’Keefe Livery Stable Lot”, east of the O’Keefe home on West Porter because in August 1927, he obtained a lease from the O’Keefe family on the tract where he operated his garage and sold Texaco products. Mr. Dale later vended Shell gasoline here.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 70, pp. 196-200)
Motorboat Racing
Willy Dale was a passionate man and motorboat racing and fishing were his salient avocations. His Ocean Wave and Ocean Kid were the only competitive speedboats at Ocean Springs. These watercraft were powered by a Lockwood Motor, since Willy’s Dale Motor Company was the agent for Johnson and Lockwood outboard motors. Willy raced his boats very successfully in the late 1920s at most of the Gulf Coast regattas as this was a very popular sporting event at this time.
During the W.F. Dale ownership from 1939 to 1986, the O’Keefe home at 911 Porter Street was used primarily as a restaurant and lounge although it was once leased to Perkinston Junior College. In the spring of 1941, Willy Dale hired Clarence Kornman (1890-1973) of Biloxi to move the former O'Keefe residence back 32 feet from its former location. Mr. Dale planned to convert the structure into an apartment house with additional space for a restaurant and another business.(The Daily Herald, March 3, 1941, p. 6)
On August 31, 1959, college classes began in the former O’Keefe home and Dale’s Restaurant. The regional junior college offered seventeen evening classes and one morning class in practical nursing, which included a simulated twelve-bed hospital. Subjects available for prospective scholars to enroll in the evening curriculum were: English, English literature, algebra, trigonometry; general business, accounting; shorthand, general psychology; sociology, American government, world history, personal health, speech, music appreciation and introduction to teaching. Admission to the Perkinston classes was open to high school graduates or mature individuals demonstrating the ability to utilize the material offered by the lecturer.(The Ocean Springs News, May 27, 1959, p. 1 and August 27, 1959, p. 1)
One of the great success stories of Ocean Springs was the return of the O’Keefe family residence on Porter Street to the family. When they lost it in the late 1930s, the J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe Jr. family relocated to Biloxi and resided on Fayard Street behind the O’Keefe Funeral Parlor at 601 West Howard Avenue. A young Jeremiah J. “Jerry” O’Keefe III (b. 1923) and his sister, Alice O’Keefe Sebastian (1922-2011), vowed that someday, they would reclaim their former home in Ocean Springs.(Alice O’Keefe Sebastian, September 13, 1999 and The Ocean Springs Record, July 3, 1986, p. 2, July 10, 1986, p. 2, and December 3, 1987, p. 1)
This was accomplished in July 1986, when the W.F. Dale family sold the O’Keefe mansion to Gulf National Life, an O’Keefe family corporation. The O’Keefe family held a ‘homecoming party’ and celebrated with music, food and friends at their ‘new home’ in Ocean Springs on July 2, 1986. At the O’Keefe fete long time owner, Willy Dale, commented in regards to his almost fifty year ownership of the property: “The first day was fun and the last day was fun.” J.J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe III responded: “Mr. Dale has taken real good care of this property for us.”(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 863, p. 159 and The Sun Herald, July 3, 1986, p. A-1)
The Egan Doors-were a wedding gift to Jerry O’Keefe (1860-1911) from Jefferson Davis Egan (1864-1907), his childhood friend. From 1938 until 1971, the O’Keefe cut-glass doors remained at Ocean Springs in Miss Mary C. O’Keefe’s cottage, which was located on West Porter between Dale’s Garage and the W.S. Van Cleave Store, now the locus of Five Seasons, a health store. After Miss O’Keefe’s domicile was demolished to erect the Villa Maria in the early 1970s, the doors were stored in Biloxi. They were installed on the O’Keefe mansion during its restoration, which was completed in December 1987.
An adjunct to this tale is that of the fabulous, cut-glass portals on the O’Keefe mansion that had been constructed by Jefferson Davis Egan (1864-1907), the son of Irish immigrants John J. Egan (1827-1875) and Julia Egan (1833-1907), as a wedding gift for his childhood friend, Jerry O’Keefe (1860-1911). From 1938 until 1971, the O’Keefe cut-glass doors remained at Ocean Springs in Miss Mary C. O’Keefe’s cottage, which was located on West Porter between Dale’s Garage and the W.S. Van Cleave Store, now the locus of Five Seasons, a health store. After Miss O’Keefe’s domicile was demolished to erect the Villa Maria in the early 1970s, the doors were stored in Biloxi. They were installed on the O’Keefe mansion during its restoration, which was completed in December 1987.(Ellison, 1991, p. 67, Alice O’Keefe Sebastian, September 13, 1999 and The Ocean Springs Record, December 3, 1987, p. 1)
The 1909 J.J. O’Keefe home on Porter Street was restored under the supervision of Lloyd J. Vogt (1941-2002), a Biloxi and New Orleans architect, and Maria C. Bargas, architect at Ocean Springs, worked on the historical certification for the structure’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places. It was opened in early December 1987, after a $1 million dollar restoration. The edifice became the funeral parlor for Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, which it has continued to do so to the present day.(The Sun Herald, July 3, 1986, p. A-1and The Ocean Springs Record, December 3, 1987, p. 1)
The Entrepreneurial O’Keefe Brothers
At Ocean Springs, from about 1913 and throughout the 1920s, the O’Keefe Brothers, John A.W. O’Keefe, J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II, and J.H. ‘Jodie’ O’Keefe, continued aggressively in their entrepreneurial projects. In addition to the funeral parlor, they were involved in a Ford automobile dealership, livery and drayage, coal delivery, construction materials, gasoline retailing, and a taxi and limousine service.
‘White House’ Tract
The locus of many of the O’Keefe Brothers commercial activities in Ocean Springs were centered on their valuable commercial lot situated on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Street opposite the L&N Depot. In February 1906, Jeremiah J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe (1860-1911), their father, acquired the ‘White House’ property from Mary Artemise Rodriguez Marie (1840-1912), the widow of Antonio Marie (1832-1885), a Spanish, immigrant mariner and pioneer settler of Bayou Puerto, now Gulf Hills. The consideration was $1100 for the tract which had one hundred-seventy feet on Robinson Street between Cash Alley and Washington Avenue and ran south two hundred twenty-five feet.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 35, p. 642)
The White House tract was located just east of the Commercial Hotel, which was situated on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Street. It had been erected by R obert A. VanCleave (1840-1908) in 1880. This event was noted in the Pascagoula newspaper as: Van Cleave's new hotel on the depot grounds is going steadily forward to a speedy completion and gives employment to a number of workmen. He seems to believe in the right way of doing things - that is employing home folks when he has work to be done.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 16, 1880, p. 3)
The first person to develop the White House tract was Charles Ernest Schmidt (1851-1886) and Laura Coyle Schmidt (1857-1931), his spouse. In February and August 1877, they acquired this land from E.W. and Mary T. Clark of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Charles E. Schmidt was born in New Orleans of Ernst Schmidt and Euphrosine Schoser, immigrants from Baden, German. Charles E. Schmidt came to Ocean Springs and met Laura Coyle, the daughter of an immigrant, Menorcan father, Francisco Coyle (1813-1891) and Magdalene Ougatte Pons (1813-1904). They married in October 1874 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Their son, Francis Ernest Schmidt (1877-1954), later owned a bakery on Washington Avenue from 1901-1938, and served as Ward One Alderman (1915-1922 and 1925-1929) and Mayor of Ocean Springs from 1935-1938. A son of F.E. Schmidt, Charles Ernest Schmidt (1904-1988), would write Ocean Springs French Beachhead (1972), the first and only comprehensive history of the city, and also serve as Mayor (1961-1965). Two other sons, Frank O. Schmidt (1902-1975) and Harry J. Schmidt (1905-1996) would become prominent physicians on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.(Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 3, pp. 103-106 and Lepre, 1991, p. 303)
The journal du jour, The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, had the following items published between 1879 and 1881 concerning the Schmidt’s White House: Mr. Charles E. Schmidt, commonly called "Handsome Charlie" has opened a retail family grocery store and says he will sell goods as cheap as anybody. Schmidt keeps almost everything good to eat in his store and at his other establishment (White House) everything good to drink.(November 7, 1879).
When you go to Ocean Springs call at the White House and see Charlie and Frank.(November 7, 1879).
Last Saturday in the early evening, the kitchen of the White House caught fire. Proprietor Charles E. Schmidt, had help from friends in battling the blaze. Postmaster VanCleave brought two garden and house sprinklers.(November 26, 1879).
The White House is the place to get liquid refreshments.(February 4, 1881, p. 3).
White House and the Vahle & Egan Livery-situated on the south side of Robinson Street opposite the L&N Depot, these buildings and land were owned by Mary A. Rodriguez Marie (1840-1912) after Charles E. Schmidt (1851-1886) built the White House. The Vahle & Egan Livery burned in early December 1900, the same evening that the Ocean Springs Drug Store on Washington Avenue and Porter Street was torched by alleged arsons. Casper Vahle (1869-1922) and Herman Nill (1863-1904), his brother-in-law, and proprietor of the Ocean Springs Drug Store, soon departed Ocean Springs to commence commercial enterprises at Biloxi and then Gulfport-then a new port town rapidly developing west of Mississippi City. J.J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe acquired the White House tract from Madame Marie in 1906 and demolished the White House in 1911. The O’Keefe Brothers would develop this tract and acquire adjacent land between 1913 and the late 1920s. The White House is the structure east of the Vahle & Egan Livery.[from Along the Gulf, Dyer, 1895]
In August 1881, Charles E. Schmidt made the decision to sell the White House. He advertised it in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star of September 2, 1881 as follows:
FOR SALE
White House Billiard and Beer Saloon
With fixtures is offered for sale at a great bargain. The White House is opposite and near the depot. Apply to Chas. E. Schmidt
In November 1881, the Schmidt family sold the White House to Antonio Marie for $1200. After Antonio Marie died intestate in December 1885, Madame Marie began leasing the White House. In October 1887, she entered into a two year contractual agreement with John Vogt Miller. The rent for the first four months was set at $5.00 per month, and $8.00 per month for the remaining twenty months. Mr. Vogt expected Madame Marie to repair the doors, windows, and blinds of the building.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 6, p. 19 and Bk. 11, pp. 10-12)
Madame Marie allowed Herr Vogt the use of the following articles in her building: 20 beer glasses, 8 chairs, 1 baseball club and deer horns, 2 round tables, 1 large mirror, 2 plaster images, 1 marble top wash stand (damaged), 1 ice stand, and 1 beer closet ( 1 door off).
By December 1892, the Vahle family, formerly of New Orleans, took a long lease on the White House property and built a livery stable here just west of the White House. Casper Vahle (1869-1922), the proprietor, oversaw the erection of the 1200 square-foot barn. In March 1894, Richard Egan (1858-1896) joined Casper Vahle to form Vahle & Egan.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 28, 1892, p. 3)
In 1895, Charles L. Dyer in Along the Gulf stated that while visiting Ocean Springs: The firm of Vahle & Egan furnished us with carriages upon all occasions and we were rather surprised to find in a town of this size such a finely equipped livery stable. Messrs. Casper Vahle and Richard Egan are both young enterprising, energetic business men and have built up a fine trade since their partnership, which commenced in March, 1894. Previous to this, both members of the firm had conducted livery stables of their own. They have a number of fine driving horses and several speedy matched pairs and a number of carriages to select from, among which are tally-hos, three and two-seated surries, buggies, wagonettes, transfer wagons, and they also have several teams for heavy hauling.
After the untimely death of Richard Egan in 1896, the business appears to have dissolved as Soden & Illing were operating a livery at this location in 1898. By 1900, Mrs. Marie had moved to Biloxi. In December of that year, she entered into another lease agreement with Casper Vahle. This lease was for five years, January 1901 to January 1906, and called for a $5.00 per month rental. Vahle must have decided to purchase the White House from Artemise Marie as the deed records of Jackson County indicate Mrs. A. Marie of Biloxi sold "the frame building known as the "White House" and a certain parcel of land, situated on the south side and opposite the L&N Railroad depot" to Casper Vahle on December 12, 1900.(Jackson Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 22, pp. 208-209)
The Fire
Casper Vahle and Herman Nill (1863-1904), his brother-in-law, and owner of the Ocean Springs Drug Store, on the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Porter Street, were victimized by vandals in early December 1900. The Pascagoula Democrat-Star of December 7, 1900 reported its demise in "Ocean Springs Locals" as follows: The most distressing scene witnessed in our town for a long time was the burning of the Ocean Springs Drug Store and Vahle's Livery Stable Monday night. The fire was discovered about midnight by Walter Davis the night operator for the Cumberland Telephone Exchange, which was on the second floor of the drug building. The fire alarm being given the two companies responded immediately and by heroic efforts saved the Illing House, A. Switzer's Store and Mrs. M.A. Case's property from similar fate. The flames spread so rapidly that nothing was saved from the drug store, and had it not been for the rain during the evening, which made the housetops wet several other buildings would probably been lost. Mr. Herman Nill, proprietor of the drug store and his family were in New Orleans at the time and the place was temporarily in charge of Dr. E.A. Riggs, who lost everything in his office which was also a room in the building. The drug store was insured for $3,900 in the Home Insurance Company, of New York, probably half its value with the stock. There was no insurance on the livery stable. The telephone exchange was completely destroyed, but will be installed again as soon as possible.
Caspar Vahle and Herman Nill and his family left Ocean Springs shortly after the conflagrations and settled at Gulfport. On February 10, 1906, Madame Marie sold the White House property to Jeremiah J. ‘Jerry’ O'Keefe (1860-1911).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 35, p. 642)
Several years later Jerry O 'Keefe demolished the White House on Robertson Street. It had apparently deteriorated with age and neglect. Its demise was related in The Ocean Springs News of August 19, 1911: The dilapidated old lady that has stood for years opposite the depot-antiquated relic of byegone days- is now being torn down by the owner, Jerry O'Keefe. The old structure was at one time one of the principal business places of the town. It was known as the White House, and was a hotel and barroom. Old residents tell of great doings at the old tavern. Of late years it has fallen into decay and has not been inhabited for a long time. Something more substantial and ornamental will doubtless be built in its place.
Ocean Springs Livery Stable and Ford Agency
By July 1914, John and Ben O’Keefe were local agents for the Ford automobile and Prest-o-lite, an exchangeable acetylene gas tank for the running lights of an automobile. The O’Keefe Brothers through their Ocean Springs Livery Stable provided transportation at Ocean Springs. In their stable of motor cars was a Cadillac touring car and large enough to accommodate seven passengers in comfort. They advertised in the local journal as follows:
J. O’KEEFE
The Ocean Springs Livery Stable
UNDERTAKING
Modern Automobile Service
Fine cars, careful drivers, reasonable charges. Ford agents. Prest-o-Lite tanks refilled. All orders promptly attended to.
Telephone 46
(The Jackson County Times, September 26, 1914, p. 1)
They sold rural mail carriers, Walter Armstrong (1878-1945) and Fred Newcomb (1880-1932), their Ford automobiles. Mr. Armstrong delivered the US mail to the Larue-Latimer communities while Newcomb handled the East Beach-Fontainebleau-Vancleave route.(The Ocean Springs News, August 1, 1914)
The O’Keefe Brothers sold their Ford agency to W.B. Hollingsworth who had come to Ocean Springs in March 1915, from South Bend, Indiana. Mr. Hollingsworth rented the John B. Honor place on Front Beach for one year. In November 1915, Orey Young & Son bought out the Hollingsworth Garage and Ford Agency.(The Ocean Springs News, November 4, 1915, p. 1)
In October 1915, Fred Davidson (1885-1915+), a native of Illinois and the son of Jerome T. Davidson (1845-1918) and Jessie Montgomery Davison (1859-pre-1930), bought the Buick, Overland, and Hudson agencies from W.B. Hollingsworth who returned to the Hoosier State. The Davidson family acquired present day 420 Martin Avenue, the Mestier-Sheehan House, in February 1917. At this time there were fifty-two automobiles at Ocean Springs. Dr. O.L. Bailey (1870-1938) had bought nine since 1906.(The Ocean Springs News, October 11, 1915, p. 5)
O’Keefe Brothers Commercial Hotel Tract
Jerry O’Keefe and sons owned a large tract on Robinson Street and later the northeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Street in the years between 1906 and 1944. Here they operated a Ford automobile dealership, livery and drayage service, coal delivery business, sold and transported construction materials, gasoline retailing, and operated a taxi and limousine service.
In December 1953, Wendell Palfrey (1896-1956) constructed a 2100 square-foot, Arkansas tile, building on a portion of this land, which he leased to the U.S. Postal Service. The building was later the location of the Salmagundi Gifts shop, which closed in January 2014. Salmagundi was founded circa 1963 by Lois Marye Robertson Raum (1926-1967) and Pam Smith of Pascagoula in the Farmers and Merchants Bank Building on Washington Avenue. The business later moved across the street into the former US Post Office on the southeast corner of Robinson and Washington. Jeannie Steveson, the last proprietor, acquired the business from Mary and Bob Costa circa 1991.(The Ocean Springs Gazette, January 16, 2014, p. 1)
Commercial Hotel tract-Salmagundi Gifts
[view south from L&N tracks down Washington Avenue between 1913 and 1920]
Van Cleave-Commercial Hotel [1880-1920]-Robert Adrian Van Cleave (1840-1908), was a founding father of the Town of Ocean Springs. He arrived at Ocean Springs in 1867 from Yazoo County, Mississippi with his new bride, Elizabeth R. Sheppard (1842-1912). She was the step-daughter of entrepreneur George A. Cox (1812-1887). With Mr. Cox, who came to Ocean Springs in the early 1850s, Van Cleave established a store on Bluff Creek to trade with the charcoal burners in that area. This commercial venture led to the development of the present day village of Vancleave. The hotel was called the Commercial Hotel when it was destroyed in a large conflagration on Early in the early morning of October 26, 1920. H.F. Russell, a protégé of Van Cleave, sold the hotel tract to Ben O'Keefe and Jody O'Keefe on May 18, 1921 for $1500. J.K. Lemon Jr. (1914-1998) remembers as a boy that circa 1925 the O'Keefe brothers had a livery stable, automobile service station, and a taxi service on Robinson Avenue. The former hotel lot was utilized as a parking area.
The Commercial Hotel tract was situated on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robertson Street, just west of the O’Keefe ‘White House’ parcel which had been acquired in February 1906. The Commercial Hotel was erected in 1880 by R.A. Van Cleave (1840-1908) and was destroyed by fire in the early the morning of October 26, 1920. After flames were discovered in the Commercial Hotel, immediately fire alarms consisting of fire bells, pistols, and engine whistles were sounded. Unfortunately the entire structure was consumed by fire in only a few minutes. Guest on the second floor made a hasty departure into the cool autumn darkness. Although winds were light, firemen had difficulty securing a convenient water supply, and the building was quickly lost to the conflagration. The Farmers and Merchants Bank Building opposite the inn on the west side of Washington Avenue had window damage from the intense heat originating from the hotel fire. Although the structure was fully covered by fire insurance, H.F. Russell (1858-1940), the owner, stated that he would not rebuild on the site. Commencing with the Ocean Springs Hotel in 1905, and the Shanahan House in 1919, the Commercial Hotel became the third Ocean Springs hotel to be lost to fire in these early years of the Twentieth Century.(The Jackson County Times, October 30, 1920, p. 1)
H.F. Russell sold the vacant Commercial Hotel lot on May 18, 1921 to Jeremiah J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II (1894-1954) and Joseph H. “Jody” O’Keefe (1897-1932) for $1500. This acquisition now gave the O’Keefe brothers one hundred-ten feet on Washington Avenue and approximately three hundred front feet on Robinson Avenue opposite the L&N Depot. Unarguably, a most advantageous location for business and commerce. J.K. Lemon Jr. (1914-1998) remembers as a boy circa 1925 that Ben O'Keefe had a livery stable, automobile service station, and a taxi service on Robinson Avenue. The former hotel lot was utilized as a parking area.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 50, p. 400)
J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II held the Commercial Hotel property on Washington Avenue until October 1944, when he conveyed it to Isabel Hodges (1902-1981). Here in December 1953, Wendell Palfrey (1896-1956) constructed on a 2100 square-foot, Arkansas tile, building which he leased to the U.S. Postal Service. The lot and structure cost $27,500. It was completed by E.T. Hoffis, general contractor, in late April 1954, and turned to Oscar T. Davis (1894-1963), Postmaster of Ocean Springs, in June 1954. The new post office had its main entrance on Washington Avenue and a side portal on Robinson Street. Congressman William Meyers Colmer (1890-1980) was the primary speaker at the late April dedication of the new post office.(Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 106, p. 120 and 140, pp. 484-488 and The Gulf Coast Times, December 10, 1953 and January 13, 1954, p. 14, and April 28, 1954, p. 1)
The old U.S. Post Office-Palfrey structure is extant at 922 Washington Avenue as Poppy’s, a unique gift boutique which was formerly located on West Porter. Salmagundi, under the proprietorship of Jeanne and Jack Stevenson, natives of Mobile, operated here from about 1991 until they closed the portals in January 2014.(The Ocean Springs Record, October 6, 2005, p. A4 and The Ocean Springs Gazette, January 16, 2014, p. 1)
O’Keefe Transfer Company
After acquiring the Commercial Hotel tract the O’Keefe Brothers promptly built their office and garage fronting on Washington Avenue in late June 1921. The building was one-story and 2500-square feet in area.(The Daily Herald, June 23, 1921, p. 5)
In July 1923, the O’Keefe brothers were awarded a contract for hauling materials for the construction of that portion of US Highway No. 90, “The Old Spanish Trail”, known locally as “The Million Dollar Highway”, between Moss Point and the Mississippi-Alabama state line. They had just acquired six Ford trucks, which had been specially built for heavy duty tasks.(The Jackson County Times, July 7, 1923, p. 5)
In late August 1927, the O’Keefe’s formally opened their new Liberty Pep Gasoline pumps at their filling stations. As an inducement for their clientele to use the new petroleum fuel, they gave one gallon of motor oil free with each five gallons of petrol purchased.(The Jackson County Times, Local and Personal, August 27, 1927)
O’Keefe Service Station-In 1925, J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II (1894-1954) acquired a lot on the NW/C of Government Street and Bellande Avenue. A gasoline service station was erected here which was leased to Liberty Oil, Standard Oil of Kentucky, and sold to Wofford Oil. In this vintage made by George H. Granitz (1909-1981) from the McLeod Lodge F&AM building, one can observe the former O’Keefe structure being utilized by George T. Rehage (1878-1937), a native of NOLA. Mr. Rehage was a tailor and operated a dry cleaning business here. At 1011 Desoto [center right], one can observed the home of W.E. ‘Ed’ Wilson (1873-1926) and Ida Fayard Smith Wilson (1884-1978) and the Wilson Cash and Carry store just east of their residency. The Texaco gasoline pump on the north side of Government is probably that of Philip J. Wieder (1887-1985).[Courtesy of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs]In late August 1927, the O’Keefe’s formally opened their new Liberty Pep Gasoline pumps at their filling stations. As an inducement for their clientele to use the new petroleum fuel, they gave one gallon of motor oil free with each five gallons of petrol purchased.(The Jackson County Times, Local and Personal, August 27, 1927)
The O’Keefe’s also supplied construction materials in the form of cement, lime, plaster, gravel and sand for the erection of the 1927 Ocean Springs Public School on Government Street. On October 9th, 1999, a historical marker was dedicated on the former school grounds in honor of Miss Mary Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1981), the sister of the O’Keefe Brothers and former school superintendent, for whom the building is now named.(The Jackson County Times, September 10, 1927)
ct0ber 1934.jpg)
601 West Howard Avenue
O’Keefe Funeral Parlor-Situated at 601 West Howard Avenue, opposite Nativity BVM Catholic Church, J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe II (1894-1954) acquired the Frank Voivedich residence in March 1923. On June 4, 1923, Mr. O’Keefe commenced his funeral business in Biloxi, which had been started by J.J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe (1864-1911) , his father at Ocean Springs circa 1890. The O’Keefe Funeral Home was demolished in 1960 to erect a modern commercial building, which was leased to Goodyear who operated a tire sales and automobile repair business here for many years. The O’Keefe family sold their large land holding on Howard Avenue, Fayard and Thomas Streets in May 1994.
O'Keefe Funeral Service-Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home
In March 1923, J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe (1894-1954) acquired for $6800 the Frank Voivedich and Josephine Fayard Voivedich property at 601 West Howard Avenue and Fayard Street, opposite Nativity BVM Catholic Church. The tract had 84 feet on West Howard Avenue and ran south on Fayard Street for 122 feet. By early June 1923, the Frank Voivedich residence had been refurbished and transformed into the O’Keefe Funeral Service, a modern funeral parlor equipped to do a general undertaking business and conduct funerals. Ben O’Keefe planned to continue his large business interests in Ocean Springs and had Joseph ‘Jody’ O’Keefe, his brother, assisting him there.(Harrison Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 135, p. 351 and The Jackson County Times, May 19, 1923, p. 5 and June 16, 1923, p. 5)
The O’Keefe Brothers commercial activities increased dramatically in June 1923 when they received the contract to haul materials to build the last section of US Highway No. 90 through Jackson County from Moss Point to the Alabama state line. They acquired six large, specially constructed Ford trucks for the work.(The Jackson County Times, July 7, 1923, p. 5)
In May 1957, J.J. ‘Jerry’ O’Keefe III acquired the “Bradford Funeral Home and all property, ambulances, etc.” from Paul S. Bradford and Ruth Gates Bradford. The merger of the Bradford Funeral Home and O’Keefe Funeral Service was not completed until July 1960. The company now called Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Service was situated at the former Bradford funeral parlor on East Howard Avenue where improvements and additional parking had been acquired on the north side of the street.(Harrison Co., Ms. Land Deed Bk. 422, pp. 317-326)
In 1960, the former O'Keefe Funeral parlor at 601 West Howard Avenue was demolished and a 6500 square-ft., Goodyear Service Center was built on its former location. In addition to selling new tire, the Goodyear enterprise did front end alignments and wheel balancing, as well as replacing mufflers and tail pipes. General Electric appliances were also sold.(The Daily Herald, June 17, 1960, p. 2 and November 2, 1960, p. 12)
Mrs. Theresa ‘Tess’ Slattery O’Keefe made a 15-year lease with Goodyear in May 1971 and the building and land were sold in May 1994 to James E. Sablich et ux by Tess O’Keefe and sons, Dr. John B. O’Keefe and Joseph Ben O’Keefe.(Harrison Co., Ms. 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 21, p. 271 and Bk. 273, p. 204)
In 1964, Bradford-O’Keefe built the Ben O’Keefe Chapel at Ocean Springs. It was located on the northwest corner of Government Street and Pine Drive. The chapel was later closed, but became the temporary City Public Library in 1994-1995. In August 1997, the structure was dedicated as the New Hope Center, a joint venture between the Gulf Coast YMCA and the O'Keefe Foundation.(The Ocean Springs News, August 6, 1964, p. 3 and The Ocean Springs Record, August 7, 1997, p. 1)
1929 Buyout
Shortly after the October 1929 Wall Street Crash, Ben O’Keefe acquired the interest of his siblings in the O’Keefe Funeral Service of Biloxi which had opened on June 4, 1923 at 601 West Howard Avenue opposite the Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church and the O’Keefe Transfer and gasoline filling station enterprise on the southeast corner of Washington Avenue and Robinson Street at Ocean Springs. Ben O’Keefe assumed about $28,000 in mortgages and other debt. He also gave up his rights, title and interest to several tracts of land at Ocean Springs and New Orleans. Among them were: the J.J. O’Keefe family home at present day 911 Porter; the ‘O’Keefe Castle’, also called the-‘Saxon House’ and ‘Seven Gables’, present day 318 Jackson Avenue; the old livery stable on Porter Street; the White House tract on Robertson Street; and the Mary C. O’Keefe domicile on Porter Street, which was sold in February 1970 to the Catholic Charities Housing Association in to erect the Villa Maria.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 63, pp. 511-515 and Bk. 371, p. 506)
This vintage image was very probably executed at Biloxi, Mississippi between 1937 and 1940. The event is also unknown but was of a major importance as it is composed of the Governor of Mississippi, the head of the Mississippi National Guard, the elected municipal leadership of Biloxi and three Harrison County Board of Supervisors. [L-R: Biloxi City Commissioner John A. Swanzy (1881-1965); Governor Hugh Lawson White (1881-1965); unknown; Beat I Supervisor Walter L. Nixon Sr. (1895-1960); unknown; Adjutant General John W.A. O’Keefe (1891-1985); Biloxi City Commissioner F.A. Tucei (1889-1954); and Mayor Louis J. Braun (1890-1951). John W.A. O’Keefe elected Mayor of Biloxi in August 1934 to succeed R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972). Mayor O’Keefe announced in early February 1936, that he would resign as Biloxi’s Mayor on February 10, to take the position of adjutant general of the State of Mississippi. He had been selected for the position in November 1935, by elect, Governor Hugh L. White.
John A. W. O’Keefe
John Aloysius William O’ Keefe (1891-1985) was born at New Orleans on February 24, 1891, the son of Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Alice Cahill O’Keefe (1864-1921). At this time, the O’Keefe family was domiciled in the O’Keefe Boarding House’ on the northeast corner of Porter Street and Jackson Avenue at Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The O’Keefe family had settled here in the late 1850s, when Irish immigrants, Edward "Ned" O'Keefe (1815-1874), a native of Bincher Parish, Tipperary County, Ireland, and Mary Tracy O’Keefe (1832-1895), acquired land on the northeast corner of Porter and Rayburn.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 7, p. 272 and Lepre, 1991, p. 165)
Education
John A. O’Keefe attended local schools and the Jesuit College at New Orleans. There is a high degree of certitude that he attended the Lynch Academy, a private school at Ocean Springs, operated by James Lynch (1852-1935), an Irish immigrant and merchant. This is corroborated by the 1900 Federal Census, which notes that “John A. O’Keefe is a student residing with his parents and siblings on Porter Street.”(1900 Jackson County, Mississippi Federal Census T623 812, p. 2B, ED 45)
Mr. Lynch’s school was situated on the northwest corner of Porter and Jackson Avenue, opposite the J.J. O’Keefe home at present day 911 Porter. In early December 1896, James Lynch advertised his private school in The Ocean Wave as follows:
Preparatory School
To the general school instructions already offered, I will add a course of elementary classics and French, Algebra and Geometry, Stenography and Typewriting, as a preparatory for college or commercial studies. For particulars apply to James Lynch, Jackson Avenue-Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
John A. O’Keefe’s sister, Mary Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1980), who would establish herself as an excellent educator of the French and English languages in the school systems of Shreveport and Monroe, Louisiana, and at Biloxi, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was an attendee of the Lynch Academy. Miss O’ Keefe became Superintendent of public schools at Ocean Springs in 1929, and held this position until 1945. She was also the first woman appointed to the Board of Trustees of Perkinston Junior College.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1945, p. 3, c. 6 and Charles L. Sullivan, October 28, 2006)
By 1901, John A. W. O’Keefe was in New Orleans and under the tutelage of the Jesuits. He was promoted from first sergeant to first lieutenant in the Jesuit Cadets. Young O’Keefe received his A.B. degree from the College of the Immaculate Conception at New Orleans. In 1911, the College of the Immaculate Conception of New Orleans was divided into Loyola University and Jesuit High School. John A.W. O’Keefe graduated from Tulane University in 1911. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, December 3, 1901 and The Daily Herald, 50th Anniversary Souvenir Golden Jubilee, 1934, p. 50)
Family
John A. O’Keefe married Amelia “Nicki” Castanera (1905-2000), the daughter of Captain Frank B. Castanera (1870-1934) and Amelia Desporte (1880-1953), in December 1929. Amelia Castenera was the Queen of Les Masques, a Biloxi Mardi Gras krewe, in 1927, and taught school at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 12, 1927, p. 1)
In 1937, John and Nicki O’Keefe adopted a Jackson, Mississippi born baby girl and named her Patricia Mary O’Keefe (1937-2009). Patricia M. O’Keefe was born on September 27, 1937. She was a graduate of the Immaculate Seminary at Washington D.C. and a 1959 graduate of Chestnut Hill College at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Patricia married Ensign Badger Conley Smith III on July 4, 1959 in the Walter Reed Memorial Chapel at Washington D.C. Ensign Smith had graduated from St. John's College, Washington D.C. and the US Naval Academy in 1959.(The Daily Herald, July 8, 1959, p. 8)
Patricia Mary O'Keefe married Frank Obrimski in May 1965. She worked for the Library of Congress for fifteen years. Patricia died on September 20, 2009 at Garrett Park, Maryland. She and Frank Obrimski were the parents of Margaret Obrimski Bonacorda and Sharon Obrimski Portillo.(The History of Jackson Co. Ms., 1989, p. 302 and The Sun Herald, October 4, 2009)
The O’Keefe’s Troubled Thirties
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Joseph H. ‘Jody’ O’Keefe (1897-1932)
Jody O’Keefe worked as a sugar chemist primarily in Cuba, although he had worked at a sugar beet factory in Mt. Clemons, Michigan in the fall of 1927. At the time of his demise on August 1, 1932, he was the assistant superintendent of the Matanzas Sugar Company at Matanzas, Cuba. Jody O’Keefe fractured several neck vertebrae in a diving accident while swimming in Matanzas Bay. His older brother, John A.W. O’Keefe (1891-1985), was also a sugar chemist in his early life. Ocean Springs produced several more sugar chemists, Louis Jean-Baptise Mestier (1883-1954) and Eugene W. Illing (1895-1978).[L-R: Jeremiah J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe (1894-1954), top row; Jody O’Keefe [sitting], Mary Cahill O’Keefe (1893-1981), and John W. O’Keefe (1891-1985).[Courtesy of Maureen O’Keefe Ward]
Jodie’s Death
The O’Keefe family like many other Americans faced the Depression with determination and hope. Several years after the infamous October 1929 stock market crash, their brother, Joseph Hyacinth “Jodie” O’Keefe (1897-1932), died on August 1, 1932, from neck and cervical injuries incurred while springboard diving at Matanzas Bay, Cuba. Miss O’Keefe and her New Orleans friends, Mrs. J.T. Nix, Rosary Nix, and James T. Nix, had just visited Jodie at Matanzas, where he was a sugar chemist and assistant manager of the Matanzas Sugar Company. They were on a Caribbean cruise and the vessel had stopped in Havana for a few days.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1932, p. 1)
Joseph Hyacinth O’Keefe (1897-1932) was born at New Orleans on February 13, 1897, the son of Jeremiah J. O’Keefe (1860-1911) and Alice Cahill (1864-1921). Joseph H. O’Keefe was called “Jody”. He was a graduate sugar chemist from Loyola University at New Orleans. Young O’Keefe began his career in the sugar industry in 1920, with most of his technical work at sugarhouses in Cuba. When the sugar season ended in the Caribbean tropics, he would return to Ocean Springs to work in operated family enterprise.(History of JXCO, Ms., 1989, p. 302)
Prior to entering the sugar refining business, young Jodie O’Keefe was employed by a large oil company in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. In June 1918, he returned to the family home at present day 911 Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs from this assignment in the Shreveport area of North Louisiana.(The Jackson County Times, June 15, 1918, p. 5)
In May 1923, Jody was helping Ben with his business interests at Ocean Springs. Ben had bought an old home in Biloxi on West Howard Avenue opposite the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary to open a modern funeral parlor.(The Jackson County Times, May 19, 1923, p. 5)
In 1925, Jodie O’Keefe worked in Cuba until mid-July, when he returned to Ocean Springs. He was the assistant superintendent of two sugar refineries. Cuba produced more than 5,000,000 tons of sugar this year.(The Jackson County Times, July 18,1925, p. 3)
In April 1927, J.H. O’Keefe returned from Central Espana of the Matanzas Sugar Company in Cuba. He had been here since December 1926, as first assistant superintendent of the refinery. O’Keefe reported that sugar production was down, but the price for the commodity was sufficient to make the industry profitable.(The Daily Herald, April 19, 1927, p. 9)
Jody traveled widely in his profession and in October 1927, went to the northern climes of Michigan where he was employed at a large sugar beet factory in Mt. Clemens, northeast of Detroit. O’Keefe returned from Michigan in December 1927.(The Jackson County Times, October 9, 1927, p. 2 and December 27, 1927, p. 5)
John W. A. O’Keefe flew to Havana, Cuba via Atlanta-Miami to recover his brother’s corpse. He accompanied Jody’s corporal remains on its return to America via New Orleans. They sailed from Cuba aboard the United Fruit Company’s freighter, Cataga.(The Daily Herald, August 5, 1932, p. 2)
Jodie H. O’Keefe’s funeral was held on August 9, 1932 in Ocean Springs. It was one of the largest ever held on the Mississippi coast. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church by Father Joseph H. Chauvin (1867-1959) with assistance from four Biloxi priests: Fathers O’ Sullivan, McGlade, Maloney, and Mulrooney. Hundreds were in attendance. In respect for Ben O’Keefe, Jody’s brother, funeral directors from Coast cities and Mobile conducted the funeral services. Arthur Lang of Gulfport was in charge. He was assisted by: H.A. Fails, Moss Point; Calvin Dees, Perkinston; and Joseph Thompson and James Duffee of Mobile.(The Daily Herald, August 9, 1932, p. 2)
Jody O’Keefe’s corporal remains were carried to the Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs on August 9, 1932 for interment.(The Daily Herald, August 9, 1932, p. 2)
CWA and the O’Keefe Airfield
While in business at Biloxi, John W. A. O’Keefe continued his involvement in the military. At this time he held the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps reserves. In April 1932, Captain O’Keefe was sent to the Air Corps headquarters in New York for two weeks duty.(The Daily Herald, April 11, 1932, p. 2)
In 1933, John W. A. O’Keefe was appointed Civil Works Administration aeronautics advisor for Mississippi. The CWA was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’ to combat the lethargic American economy of the Depression. It also was an economic failure and was disbanded by April 1934. In March 1934, John A.W. O’Keefe had retired as the Grand Knight of the Biloxi Council Knights of Columbus relating that his active position as CWA aeronautics advisor and his third term as Grand Knight, as salient reasons.(The Daily Herald, March 20, 1934, p. 5)
In November 1934, the town of Newton, Mississippi and the Newton County American Legion Post dedicated their new $12,000 airport in honor of Major John A.W. O’Keefe, former CWA aeronautics adviser for Mississippi. The event was highlighted by a visiting U.S. Army Air Corps aircraft from Maxwell Field, Alabama National Guard planes from Birmingham, and eighteen commercial southeastern United States, including a tri-motor airship. Mayor John Summers of Newton made the presentation to Major O’Keefe. U.S. Senator Byron ‘Pat’ Harrison (1881-1941) also spoke at the dedication. The Newton County airfield is no longer called O’Keefe Field. It is now known as James H. Easom Field. It is located at 266 O’Keefe Road one mile southeast of. Newton, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 13, 1934)
Biloxi Mayor
John A.W. O’Keefe was elected Mayor of Biloxi in July 1934 to succeed incumbent Mayor Robert Hart Chinn (1888-1972), called Hart Chinn. Chinn had born on April 9, 1888 at Vandalia, Audrain County, Missouri the son of James Buchanan ‘Buck’ Chinn (1857-1912) and Martha Ella Hart (1857-1938). In 1890, Buck Chinn came to Biloxi to start the Biloxi Milling Company with fellow Missourians, E.G. Burklin, R.D. Chinn and Mr. Brewton. In April 1893, the Biloxi Milling Company commenced operations making flour and meal.(The Biloxi Herald, January 7, 1893, p. 8 and April 22, 1893, p. 1)
R. Hart Chinn
R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972), called Hart, was unarguably the most controversial and belligerent politician ever to serve the people of Biloxi. He was first elected Mayor of Biloxi after Mayor John J. Kennedy (1875-1949) resigned from office in June 1933 to become Comptroller of Customs at New Orleans. Mr. Chinn became Biloxi’s Mayor by winning the August 25, 1933 general election. Incumbent Mayor Chinn lost his reelection bid to John W.A. O’Keefe (1891-1985) in August 1934. After Mayor O’Keefe resigned in February 1936 to become Mississippi’s Adjutant General. Hart Chinn lost to Louis J. Braun (1890-1951) in the April 1936 election to replace Mayor O’Keefe who had relocated to Jackson, Mississippi. Hart Chinn did serve another term as Biloxi’s Mayor in the early 1950s.
After a brief military career during WW I, Lt. Hart Chinn returned to Biloxi where he made his livelihood as manager of the Foster-Fountain Packing Company. He married Mrs. Vera L. Dukate Bond (1886-1977) on November 11, 1918 at Camp Sherman, Ohio.(The Daily Herald, November 14, 1918)
Vera Dukate was the daughter ofWilliam K. M. Dukate (1852-1916), a native of Fredericksburg, Washington County, Indiana and Linda Rose Lienhard (1859-1939), born in Harrison County, Mississippi, the daughter of Peter J. Lienhard (1812-1873), a Swiss immigrant, and Malinda B. Seaman (1826-1890). Linda Rose and Mr. Dukate had married in her mother’s residence at Biloxi, Mississippi on April 27, 1878. The Dukate children were: Elbert L. Dukate (1881-1943) m. Corrine Desporte (1882-1973); Eula T. Dukate (1882-1894); Vera L. Dukate (1886-1977) m. Brantley A. Bond (1880-1966) and R. Hart Chinn (1888-1972); Leola May Dukate (1888-1967) m. William L. Ewing (1888-1967); Irma Dukate (1890-1974) m. Daniel J. Gorenflo (1888-1965); and Beulah L. Dukate (1900-1983) m. Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972).(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 3, 1878, p. 3 and Lepre, 1991, p. 99)
Vera Dukate Bond was the mother of two daughters: Vera Leola Bond (1909-1989) m. Leslie Baltar Grant (1908-1986) and Whillamene Linda Bond (1911-1998) m. Hawthorne Eddy.
In July 1933, Mayor John Kennedy (1875-1949) of Biloxi resigned his position to accept the post of Comptroller of Customs, New Orleans, Louisiana for the Gulf District, which included Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. His recommendation for this Federal position had come from U.S. Senator Byron Patton ‘Pat” Harrison (1881-1941) of Gulfport, Mississippi and appointment by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945). R. Hart Chinn was elected Mayor of Biloxi at the August 25, 1933 general election. In the Democratic primary held earlier, Mayor Chinn ran against Walter H. ‘Skeet’ Hunt (1887-1960) and Dr. George F. Carroll (1884-1962).
During Chinn’s brief first tenure as Mayor of Biloxi, he became involved in a heated argument on August 22, 1934 at a Biloxi City Council meeting with City Commissioner John A. Swanzy (1881-1965). R. Hart Chinn struck Mr. Swanzy in the head with a paperweight. Mayor Chinn and William Parks, his secretary, was also involved in the altercation with Commissioner Swanzy. R. Hart Chinn was charged with assault and battery with intent to kill by the Harrison County grand jury.(The Daily Herald, August 22, 1934, p. , August 24, 1934, p. 1, and October 3, 1934, p. 1)
O’Keefe’s Mayoral campaign
The 1934 Biloxi Mayoral election was held at Biloxi on July 17, 1934. John W. A. O’Keefe ran against R. Hart Chinn, Mayor incumbent, and defeated him by three hundred fifty-six votes. There were 2029 total votes cast in the Mayoral election. John W. A. O’Keefe had campaigned with enthusiasm and based his candidacy on five issues: reduction of taxes; industrial development to spur employment; harmony between elected officials for the greater good of Biloxi; hard work and endeavor; and honesty in the office of Mayor. Mr. O’Keefe related to the electorate that he would not waste time with trite conversation, but would toil diligently to place Biloxi where it belongs. He promised if elected that: “you’ll find Biloxi a better place to live in four years.” (The Daily Herald, July 18, 1934, p. 1, July 10, 1934, p. 1, and July 14, 1934, p. 1)
Mayoral candidate O’Keefe was not meek on the stump. He criticized his opponent at several public forums. Repeatedly future Mayor O’Keefe related that Mr. Chinn was often absent from his office and that Chinn had attempted to obfuscate the election by introducing issues with other men, communities, and States. O’Keefe was alluding to the rumor running amok at Biloxi that Senator Huey P. Long of Louisiana was involved behind the scenes in the Biloxi mayoral race. The Louisiana Conservation Commission had an office in Biloxi at this time and it was alleged that they supported R. Hart Chinn. When asked about this, Huey Long stated that he didn’t even know that Louisiana had a Conservation Office in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, July 12, 1934, p. 1)
Washington Nationals arrive at Biloxi in 1935-This vintage image was made in the winter of 1935 at the L&N Depot at Biloxi, Mississippi. BiloxI Mayor elect John A.W. O’Keefe and City Commissioners F. A. Tucei and John A. Swanzy are welcoming Clark Griffith (1869-1955), president and owner, of the Washington Nationals of the American League. The Nationals held their spring baseball training at Biloxi for several years during the early 1930s. Clark Griffith arrived here in mid-February to complete arrangements for the opening of the 1935 baseball spring training session. [L-R: Mayor John W. A. O'Keefe (1891-1985); Frederick A. Tucei (1889-1954), City Commissioner; Clark C. Griffith (1869-1955), owner Washington Nationals; John A. Swanzy (1881-1965), City Commissioner. Image by Anthony V. Ragusin (1902-1997) from the Ray L. Bellande Historical Imagery Archives and The Daily Herald, February 19, 1935, p.
City Commissioners
With John A.W. O’Keefe, the Biloxi voters elected two City Commissioners John A. Swanzy (1881-1965), a longtime incumbent, and F.A. Tucei (1889-1954), a political newcomer. Mr. Swanzy swept into office in the first primary.(The Daily Herald, August 14, 1934, p. 1)
Captain Castanera expires
The summer heat and intensity of the Mayoral election were stilling boiling in Biloxi when Nicki C. O’Keefe lost her father on August 21, 1934. Captain Frank B. Castanera (1870-1934) had been born in Pascagoula, Mississippi and received a Jesuit education at Spring Hill College in Mobile. He settled at Biloxi in 1893 and organized the Biloxi and Ship Island Tow Boat Company in February 1897 with J.B. Roberts. The steam tug Biloxi built by the Taltavull Shipyard for Frank B. Castanera was used in the towing operations along the Mississippi coast. Circa 1900, he was in the retail lumber and general supply business in Biloxi. In 1905, he was appointed a member of the Ship Island Bar Pilots' Association, and served as a pilot between Ship Island and Gulfport until the commencement of World War I.(The Daily Herald, August 21, 1934, p. 1)
During the Great War, he offered his services to the Government as a member of the U.S. Shipping Board. While at sea duty in the post-War years, Castanera met with a many adventures on the seas. Two notable events at this time of his life reported in the Biloxi News of April 25, 1926, were the saving of the life of an ill seaman by radio diagnosis with a land based physician, and the rescue of the abandoned Norwegian steamer Johanne Dybwad in the stormy North Atlantic.(The Biloxi News, April 25, 1926, p. 1 and May 2, 1926, p. 7)
Captain Frank B. Castanera had married Amelia Desporte (1880-1953) at Biloxi on June 30, 1897. In addition to Amelia C. ‘Nicki’ O’Keefe, their other children were: Eugene Ernest Castanera (1898-1932); Ursula C. Provensal (1900-1991) married Sidney W. Provensal (1888-1977); Delauney Castanera (1903-1935) married Louise Tremmel; and Theodore Castanera (1905-1978) married Bessie Welch (1914-1989).(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 11, p. 211)
The Biloxi Battler-John A. O’Keefe
In August 1934, John A. O’Keefe had been elected Mayor of Biloxi defeating incumbent R. Hart Chinn by a wide margin. When time came for the watch to change at the Biloxi City Hall in early January 1935, Mayor Chinn refused to leave office claiming that O’Keefe and the other newly elected city councilmen, John A. Swanzy and F.A. Tucei (1889-1954), were not qualified electors as they had been late in paying city taxes. Chinn also alleged that John W. A. O’Keefe was a registered voter in both Jackson and Harrison Counties.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1935, p. 3)
A few minutes past mid-night on January 7, 1935, Mayor-elect O’Keefe and his cabinet took the oath of office administered by Judge George B. Wink on Biloxi’s Point Cadet. Immediately thereafter, Mayor O’Keefe, who at the time was a Major in the Mississippi National Guard commanding the 3rd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery, and his armed followers took the Biloxi City Hall by force, ousting Chinn supporters among them Police Chief George Bills. Mayor O’Keefe brought a cot with him and slept in his office during the crisis week.(The Daily Herald, January 7, 1935, p. 1 and p. 3)
The O’Keefe contingent soon discovered that R. Hart Chinn had absconded with the city books and records making it nearly impossible to manage the daily operations of the municipality. Chinn excused this act, as he believed that he was protecting them from the O’Keefe led mob that he had heard would invade City Hall in the early morning hours of January 7th. When Chinn refused a court order to return Biloxi’s records, he was cited for contempt of court. The net result of this chaos at Biloxi, which lasted about two weeks, was that Chinn was fined $100 and ordered to pay court costs.(The Daily Herald, January 24, 1935, p. 1)
Car wreck
In early March 1935, Mayor O’Keefe, spouse Nicki C. O’Keefe, Amelia Desporte Castanera (1880-1953), his mother-in-law, and Dorothy Daspit (1908-1937+), an Ocean Springs school teacher and native of Houma, Louisiana, were traveling west to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras celebration. While driving the beach road through Pass Christian, the steering mechanism of Mayor O’Keefe’s automobile failed and the vehicle struck a tree. Nicki C. O’Keefe broke her hip-bone while her mother and Mayor O’Keefe suffered cuts and bruises. Miss Daspit was not seriously harmed in the accident.(The Jackson County Times, March 9, 1935, p.1)
Resignation-Adjutant General
With the inauguration of Hugh Lawson White (1881-1965) in January 1936 as the Governor of Mississippi, John A. O'Keefe became Adjutant General of Mississippi. The Governor-elect had promised Mayor O’Keefe this position in his administration for his influence and political support during his campaign for the office to lead the people of Mississippi. Mayor O’Keefe’s appointment as Adjutant General was confirmed by the Mississippi Senate in executive session on January 22, 1936, although he did not announce his retirement as Biloxi’s Mayor until February 10, 1936 to lead Mississippi’s 2000 National Guardsmen. His salary as Adjutant General was $2700 per year. John W.A. O’Keefe succeeded Thomas Grayson, also a Biloxian, and an appointee of Governor Mike Connor. O’Keefe and family found an apartment on West Capitol Street in Jackson. (The Daily Herald, October 17, 1935, p. 2, and The Daily Herald, November 8, 1935, January 22, 1936, p. 1 and The Jackson County Times, February 1, 1936, p. 1)
In August 1936, Adjutant General O’Keefe and 2175 officers and troops of the 155th Infantry-Mississippi, the 156thInfantry-Louisiana, the 106th Quartermasters Regiment-Mississippi and other Louisiana National Guard units spent two weeks training at Camp Beauregard near Alexandria, Louisiana. The medical detachment from Biloxi was led by Lt. Eldon L. Bolton, MD (1910-1990), the quartermasters unit from Ocean Springs was in charge of Lt. Walter Holloway, and Company M out of Gulfport with Captain Glenn Rutledge in command were also encamped. (The Daily Herald, August 24, 1936, p. 2)
In September 1939, Adjutant General O’Keefe was Grand Marshal of the Mississippi delegation in the National American Legion parade at Chicago. In August, Ben Hilbun, of Laurel, Mississippi and the newly elected American Legion state commander, had made the first announcement of General O’Keefe’s selection as Grand Marshal for the Illinois event.(The Jackson County Times, August 5, 1939, p. 1)
Marion Lurline Schrieber Hall (b. 1920), called Lurline, our guest contributor today, was reared on East Porter Street near Vancleave Avenue by her parents, Joseph Louis “Dode” Schrieber (1873-1951) and Etta Augusta Clark (1888-1979). Lurline is pictured with the oyster boxes that her father built for Biloxi’s seafood factories in the 1920s. Dode Schrieber was an interesting man. He was multi-talented and made his livelihood at various times as a carpenter, boat builder, and oysterman. Dode Schrieber made an amazing contribution to the chronology of Ocean Springs in the fall of 1949, when he was interviewed in the twilight of his life by Captain Ellis Handy (1891-1963), then a writer for The Gulf Coast Times. Captain Handy’s column “Know Your Neighbor” was published between July 1949 and November 1949. It included interviews with some of Ocean Springs’ most notables: Antonio John Catchot (1864-1954); John Edward Catchot (1897-1987); Henry L. Girot (1886-1953); John W.C. Mitchell (1871-1952); Alfred Peter Moran (1897-1967); Fred J. Ryan (1886-1969), and George Washington Smith (1857-1953). The VanCleave, Bradford, Davis, and many more pioneer families and individuals were highlighted by Mr. Handy. In addition to details of his own Schrieber-Letzler family, Dode Schrieber related much about the unpublished events of the mid and late 19th Century chronology of Ocean Springs. For any local genealogist or history buff, the Handy and Schrieber reports are a must!Marion Lurline Schrieber Hall (b. 1920), now a resident of East Letohatchie, Alabama, attended the Ocean Springs public school in the 1920s and 1930s graduating with the OSHS Class of 1937. Her personal recollections of Miss Mary Cahill O’Keefe, her former teacher and principal follows:
Mary O’Keffe, a home-town girl, became the principal circa 1930, of Ocean Springs High School. This was a complete surprise since there had never been a female head of the school. Mr. Chandler resigned when I was in the fifth grade and we not only had to get used to a lady at the helm, but a strict lady. She let it be known from the beginning that she would stand for no foolishness-she gave us rules to follow and we knew we had to live by them. She showed no favoritism but expected courtesy from each of us and we knew exactly what she expected from us. Miss O’Keefe was always fair but stern.
During the time my class was in the eighth grade, which was during the tight financial years of the Depression, we only had school for eight months of the year due to the shortage of money. The teachers agreed to the eight-month term, and we compressed nine months of learning into eight.
Mary O’Keefe, who was known in Ocean Springs as “Mamie”, had to take on a few teaching chores herself. She taught our English class and always addressed us as ‘my dear child’. Her first instructions to us were: “When I call the roll, you are to answer ‘prepared’ or ‘unprepared’. If you answer ‘unprepared’, I will expect an acceptable reason. I will not accept excuses. I will accept reasons and they must be good ones”.
Rest assured you could count the ‘unprepared’ responses with the fingers of her one hand. Her next admonition to us was not to say ‘yes, Mame’ or ‘no, Mame’ when addressing her. We were requested to say, “yes, Miss O’Keefe” or “no, Miss O’Keefe”. Even when reprimanding us, Miss O’Keefe spoke to her students as ‘my dear child’.
Each day at noon when we were dismissed for lunch, Miss O’ Keefe stood at the foot of the stairs-sometimes at the girls’ stairs and at other occasions the boys’ stairwell. This was to discourage the stomping of feet as we descended. We never knew which stairway she would select and even the high school boys refrained from loud stomping. Yes, the sexes were segregated, even on the playgrounds. One had to ask permission from the teacher on playground duty to cross over an imaginary boundary separating the sexes- even if a ball was accidentally sent crossed the “barrier”. This form of segregation was enforced primarily to prevent larger boys from unintentionally running into smaller females and possibly inflicting bodily injury.
Miss O’ Keefe captained a taut ship. During the Depression, Ocean Springs High School was never removed from the list of accredited schools and colleges. She provided the curriculum that would enable her students to attend college or make a livelihood of ones choosing after graduation. She operated the school in a most outstanding manner steering her students on a straight course with caring, yet with authority. Someone once said that Miss O’Keefe was trying to excel in order to prove that a local girl was capable of managing an exceptional school even though many people thought that a female was incapable of doing it.
During the years that Miss O’Keefe was our valued mentor, her brother was killed in a diving accident. For a year she wore mourning black in fall and winter and white and lavender in spring and summer. Mrs. Weyerstall made her clothes and they were lovely. This was her outward expression to us for her deep love for her departed brother, “Jody”.
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe was a lady who demanded respect and she returned respect if it was earned. She had the best interests of her students at heart and worked continuously to obtain the very best for Ocean Springs High School. To name our old school building for her would certainly be an appropriate and deserving tribute.
Lynch Academy and marker-The Lynch Academy, a private school, was located on the northwest corner of Jackson Avenue and Porter Street. James Lynch (1852-1935), an Irish schoolmaster, lived here, taught school, and also managed a dry goods and grocery store. Mr. Lynch served as an Alderman and later Town Clerk from 1917-1929. In the image, note the US Highway 90 sign. In September 2006, workmen in the employ of Brad Lemon, a resident of 509 Ward Avenue discovered a small concrete marker with the designation: LYNCH ACADEMY 1890-1916 inscribed into its surface. The Lemon house was built circa 1928 by P.J. Wieder (1887-1985). It is not known who made the Lynch Academy marker or how it got to the Wieder-Lemon home on Ward Avenue.
Early Education
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe attended St. Alphonsus School and the Lynch Academy, both located on Jackson Avenue in Ocean Springs. The Lynch Academy was located on the northwest corner of Porter and Jackson directly across the street from the O’Keefe residence. James Lynch (1852-1935), the school master, was himself Irish, probably a native of County Cavan, Eire.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1945, p. 3, The Jackson County Times, July 6, 1935 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, August 27, 1897)
Former Mayor and local historian, Charles Ernest ‘Uncle Ernie’ Schmidt (1904-1988), paints a vivid image in his description of Master Lynch’s teaching methods, which follows:
His curriculum was grounded in the fundamentals of language and ciphering, that is, reading, writing, parsing, and constant drilling tables; addition, multiplication and division, up to the 19th. Informality was the order. When a lesson was learned, it was “heard”. If satisfactory, the pupil was advanced; if not he was set down to study it again.
Discipline carried over from a past age; a slap on the head with a closed book restored order. The old man’s explosive expletives were something to be avoided. A wrong answer as to the product of 13 times 16 would draw a thunderous “balderdash”, or if the pupil failed completely, he would likely be assessed as a “confounded mope”.(Schmidt, 1972, p. 69)
May 29, 1904, was a special day in the spiritual life of Mary C. O’Keefe. She and other young contemporaries received the Roman Catholic sacrament of Holy Communion at the St. Alphonsus Church on Jackson Avenue. Among those in her Holy Communion class were: Henry Beaugez, Moses Beaugez (1891-1973), Deo Bertuccini (1893-1979), Paul Bertuccini, Leila Catchot, Lena Eglin Gilbert (1890-1928); Elizabeth Joachim, John King, Josephine Mon, Ella Ryan, Blanche von Rosambeau (1892-1982), Gertrude Soden McGregor (1893-1987), Mamie Starks (b. 1891), Tom Starks (1892-1917), George Van Court, and Alice White (1890-1960).(The Progress, May 28, 1904, p. 4)
Miss O’Keefe completed her high school education at St. Mary’s Dominican Academy at New Orleans. Her brother, John A. O’Keefe (1891-1985), was attending Jesuit High School concurrently. He was appointed Captain of Company D-Jesuit Cadets in December 1905.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 3, 1905 and December 8, 1905)
John A. O’Keefe would go on to a distinguished career in politics and the military. He served the city of Biloxi as its Mayor in 1935, before being appointed as Adjutant General of Mississippi by Governor Hugh Lawson White. (The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 3, 1905 and December 8, 1905 and The Daily Herald, September 16, 1985, p. A-2)
At the Dominican Academy graduation exercises in late June 1910, Miss O’Keefe was awarded five gold medals for excellence in various academic disciplines. She matriculated to Sophie Newcomb College at New Orleans in the fall of 1910, and after taking a private examination was admitted to the sophomore class.(The Ocean Springs News, October 15, 1910, p. 4 and June 25, 1910)
Miss O’Keefe graduated from Newcomb College in 1913. In 1917, she was voted president of her 1913 class for life.(The Jackson County Times, July 7, 1917)
A Peripatetic Career-North Louisiana (1913-1923)
After her stellar academic accomplishments in the scholastic halls of New Orleans’ finest educational institutions, Miss Mary C. O’Keefe went to Shreveport, Louisiana to teach French at the high school level. She spent the summer of 1914, at Ocean Springs, and departed in September 1914 to resume her position as Professor of French in the Central High School.(The Ocean Springs News, September 26, 1914)
At this time, it was extremely common for single schoolteachers to room and board with local families. At Shreveport, Miss O’Keefe found shelter on Fairfield Avenue with the Roman Catholic family of John B. Slattery (1844-1927), a prominent attorney and widower. His spouse, Mary Ellen Herron, a native of Wisconsin, had expired in 1899. They were the parents of four sons and two daughters.(Alice O’Keefe Sebastian, September 13, 1999)
Although Mr. Slattery’s daughter, Teresa “Tess” Josephine Slattery (1894-1995), had met Jeremiah ‘Ben’ Joseph O’Keefe II (1894-1954) while on a seashore summer holiday to visit Mary C. O’Keefe at Ocean Springs in 1919, it was his journey to Shreveport for the Thanksgiving holiday of the following year that sealed their fate. At Ocean Springs, Ben had been the steady escort of the widow Carrie Johnson Garrard (1886-1968), but he was smitten with Miss Slattery, and they were wedded at Shreveport’s St. John Berchman’s Roman Catholic Church in April 1921. Mary C. O’Keefe was the maid of honor in her brother’s wedding. She appropriately carried Killarney roses.(Alice O’Keefe Sebastian, September 13, 1999 and The Jackson County Times, September 20, 1919, and May 7, 1921, p. 3)
Mary Cahill O’Keefe-This image was made for The Biloxi Beacon, the 1924 Biloxi High School Annual. Miss O’Keefe’s career as a foreign language instructor began at Shreveport, Louisiana in 1913 and she retired from her profession while at Ocean Springs in April 1945, as Superintendent of Education. During her tenure as School Superintendent at Ocean Springs, Miss O’Keefe instilled in the community the value of excellence in education, and raised the level of learning to a higher standard, as well as being an inspiration to her students to excel in their chosen vocations after graduation. In Mary Cahill O’Keefe’s beloved memory, the 1927 Ocean Springs Public School was named the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education, fondly called the “Mary C”, in December 1998, by the City of Ocean Springs. A Mississippi Historical Marker for this purpose was dedicated on the former school grounds on October 9, 1999.
Shreveport Years
Until the summer of 1918, Miss O’Keefe continued her educational career at Shreveport, routinely spending her summer and Christmas holidays at Ocean Springs. (The Ocean Springs News, December 30, 1915, The Jackson County Times, September 15, 1917, and January 5, 1918)
In 1918, however, she passed the Civil Service examination and spent that summer working in government service at Washington D.C. Miss O’ Keefe returned from Washington to Ocean Springs in early September 1918. Again she went dutifully to Shreveport to teach French that fall.(The Jackson County Times, May 25, 1918, p. 5 and September 7, 1918, p. 5)
The academic year of 1918-1919 also brought Miss O’Keefe a new wrinkle. In addition to her French language classes, she coached the girls’ basketball team. 1919 was also the memorable year that Miss Tess Slattery from Shreveport came home with Mary C. O’Keefe for a summer holiday at the seashore in Ocean Springs. They returned to Shreveport in September 1919.(The Jackson County Times, April 5, 1919, May 31, 1919 and September 20, 1919)
Monroe, Louisiana (1921-1922)
Miss O’Keefe left her position as Head of the Modern Language Department in the Shreveport, Louisiana school system, after the 1921-1922 academic year. During the late spring of 1921, she attended the annual alumni reunions of Newcomb College and St. Mary’s Dominican Academy. Miss O’Keefe was elected president of her Dominican Academy high school class. She reported to Monroe, Louisiana in October 1922, to teach French at the high school there. She returned to Biloxi in June 1923, for her annual summer holiday.(The Daily Herald, October 21, 1922, p. 5 and June 23, 1923, p. 5 and The Jackson County Times, June 18, 1921, p. 3)
Biloxi, Mississippi (1923-1926)
Miss O’Keefe did not return to Monroe, Louisiana in the fall of 1923. Evidently, this assignment wasn’t agreeable as she commenced the 1923-1924 school year at the Biloxi Central High School on September 10, 1923. She had been elected to teach French to the students here.(The Jackson County Times, June 16, 1923, p. 5 and September 15, 1923, p. 5)
In early June 1924, Miss O’ Keefe departed Ocean Springs for a globe-trotting summer of adventure, discovery and learning. She visited friends at Washington D.C. and New York before embarking for the Continent via ocean liner from Montreal. Dr. Margaret Bowden had feted her with a luncheon at the Pickwick Club in New Orleans before leaving America in late August.(The Jackson County Times, June 14, 1924)
In Europe, Mary Cahill O’Keefe spent several weeks in the larger European capital cities, London, Rome, Paris and Brussels, took a trip along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea by motorcar, visited the battlefields of France, and had an audience with Pope Pius XI. In addition to visiting all the cities and points of interest on the Continent, it is believed that Miss O’Keefe took courses in French at the Sorbonne while in Paris.(The Jackson County Times, August 30, 1924, p. 5 and The Daily Herald, September 5, 1924, p. 3)
After the 1924-1925 school term had ended, Miss Mary C. O’ Keefe and Margaret Dacey, who taught girls’ physical education at Biloxi High School, left the Mississippi Gulf Coast in June 1925, for Chicago, where they were joined by Miss Cunningham. The Biloxi educators were guests of the Edgewater Beach Hotel in the Windy City. From Chicago, Miss O’Keefe and Miss Dacey went to Detroit and Niagara Falls before arriving at New York City to attend Columbia University. Miss O’Keefe returned home to Ocean Springs from Columbia in late August better prepared to teach languages at Biloxi High School in the fall.(The Jackson County Times, June 20, 1925, July 4, 1925, p. 1, and August 29, 1925, p. 3)
Although she was rated as one of the best instructors in the school, Miss O’Keefe resigned her position at Biloxi High School in January 1926. She cited health reasons for her leaving the classroom. Her tenure here in the modern languages department had been for three and one-half years.(The Jackson County Times, January 29, 1926, p. 2)
By July 1926, Mary C. O’Keefe’s health had been restored sufficiently for her to travel to Chicago for two weeks to attend the Eucharistic Congress. She was a guest at a reception in honor of the crown prince and princess of Sweden.(The Jackson County Times, July 10, 1926)
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe’s Cottage
Located on the north side of West Porter Street between Jackson Avenue and Washington Avenue, Miss O’Keefe acquired this structure with acreage in August 1925 with her three brother, John A.W. O’Keefe, J.H. ‘Jody’ O’Keefe, and J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe. They conveyed the cottage and other tracts to her sole ownership in July 1930. Miss O’Keefe’s Cottage was a memorable venue for her great nieces and great nephews and many eclectic friends. Memories of it were evoked by Maureen O’Keefe Ward as follows: The words “Aunt Mary” immediately conjure up specific and rich memories-approaching her neat white picket fence which wasn’t so high that it scared a child, walking up onto her tiny front screen porch and immediately confronting her colorful Blackbeard figurines by the Andersons (the historical significance of which Aunt Mary was always happy to dramatize with great verve); and then entering through the front door into the wonderland of her small, but beautifully appointed, white frame house. Aunt Mary and her petite house were always in perfect order-from antique wicker furniture covered in cozy pillows, to elderly oriental rugs topped by glass-front cabinets filled with jewel-like demitasse cups and saucers gathered patiently on her world travels, to the paintings and lovely Della Robia sculpture on the walls, through to her tiny dining room, kitchen and bedroom.
She loved to host my sisters and me at tea parties during which we got to select our favorite cup and saucer from which to sip. Sitting around her dining room, we would nibble and drink and converse with our best manners on display. Without ever needing to ask, Aunt Mary always called forth our most perfect behavior (we didn’t want to risk her displeasure).
Miss O’Keefe’s Cottage (1925-1971)
In August 1925, Mary C. O’Keefe, J.J. “Ben” O’Keefe (1894-1954), Joseph H. ‘Jody’ O’Keefe (1897-1932), and John A.W. O’Keefe (1891-1985) acquired for $1200, a lot and improvements fronting on West Porter from Daniel Dick (1900-1971). This was the site of Miss O’Keefe’s cottage where she would reside for the next forty-six years.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 56, pp. 349-350)
The Mary C. O’Keefe’s cottage was situated primarily on Lot 3 of the Seidenstricker Tract in Lot 12 of Block 27 of the Culmseig Map of Ocean Springs (1854). This lovely oak-shaded site was located on the north side of West Porter between Jackson Avenue and Washington Avenue. Miss O’Keefe’s .523-acre, irregularly-dimensioned, lot had a front of 94 feet on Porter and went north 262 feet on the eastside and had 143 feet on the western perimeter. It is postulated that Miss O’Keefe’s cottage was erected here in the late 19th Century, probably by the Herman Nill family of New Orleans who had purchased this tract from A.G. Tebo (1848-1929) in March 1891.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 17, p. 355)
Caroline Vahle Nill (1862-1949) and Herman Nill (1863-1904) had sold this property to Sallie Grayson Orrell (1866-1948) in January 1903, for $1200. The Vahles had built a two-and one-half story building on their lot on the NW corner of Washington and Porter in 1893. Here Mr. Nill ran a drugstore and let offices to local doctors. In what was an apparent arson, local vandals destroyed Nill’s building in December 1900. By 1903, the Nill family had relocated to Gulfport, Mississippi.(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 25, p. 521, The Ocean Springs Record, July 22, 1993, p. 18, July 29, 1993, p. 17, and August 5, 1993)
Sallie Grayson Orrell was the daughter of Judge Thomas W. Grayson (1825-1904) and Anne Hyde Grayson (1832-1906). Her father was the fourth Mayor of Ocean Springs [1897-1898]. Sallie married John C. Orrell Jr. (1862-1931) in November 1889. He was the son of John C. Orrell (1830-1917), a North Carolinian, who established the turpentine industry in western Jackson County during Reconstruction. By 1900, J.C. Orrell Jr. was a baggage master for the L&N Railroad and rearing three daughters, Lucille Orrell (1893-1910+), Lillian Orrell (1895-1931), and Irene Orrell (1898-1920+), on Porter Street. The J.C. Orrell Jr. family left Ocean Springs for 208 State Street in Mobile before 1917, as they were residing here when his father died in November 1917.(The Mobile Press Register, December 1, 1917, p. 8)
Mrs. Sallie G. Orrell conveyed their Porter Street cottage to Daniel Dick (1900-1971) for $1200 in August 1924. Mr. Dick was born at Ocean Springs, the son of Eugene Dick (1868-1918) and Mary Cecile Seymour (1869-1953). Eugene married Marie E. Starns (1901-1971), the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Starns of Bogalusa, Louisiana.Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 54, pp. 181-182 and The Daily Herald, December 16, 1933, p. 2)
It was from Daniel Dick that the Nill-Orrell house was acquired by Mary C. O’Keefe, Ben O’Keefe, John A. O’Keefe, and Jody O’Keefe for $1200 in August 1925. Mr. Dick left Ocean Springs and made his livelihood at Los Banos, Merced County, California. His brother, Carl “Mexi” Dick (1909-2000), resided in San Ramon, California where he expired on September 22, 2000.
In July 1930, Mary C. O’Keefe acquired three parcels of land at Ocean Springs, from her brothers, J.A. O’Keefe, J.H. O’Keefe, and J.J. “Ben” O’Keefe. The cottage property on West Porter was included in this sale. Miss O’Keefe had to assume a mortgage of $1250 held by Miss Josephine Friar (1883-1958).(Jackson Co., Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 5649, Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 63, pp. 524-525, and Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed BK. 56, pp. 349-350)
Miss O’Keefe sold her Porter Street cottage to the Catholic Charities Housing Association in February 1970. It was removed when The Villa Maria was erected in mid-town Ocean Springs between April 1970 and September 1971.(Jackson Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 371, p. 506)
Villa Maria-Considered the Coast’s first skyscraper and still one of the tallest buildings on the Mississippi Coast, the Villa Maria is located on West Porter Street in Ocean Springs. This 198 unit, 13-story, $2.5 million dollar, apartment complex was erected by the Catholic Charities Housing Association commencing in April 1970 and being completed in September 1971. The ribbon cutting was held on November 28, 1971. Structures along Washington Avenue and West Porter Street were demolished to erect the structure. Miss Mary C. O’Keefe sold her cottage on West Porter to Catholic Charities and moved into the Villa Maria. She expired here on January 22, 1980.
Ocean Springs (1927-1930)
Miss O’Keefe joined the faculty of the new Ocean Springs Public School in the fall of 1927. She taught English her first year at the facility for $115.00 per month or $1035.00 per year.(The Jackson County Times, September 24, 1927, p. 1)
Although Mary C. O’Keefe never married, she led an active social life and appeared to be peripatetic by nature. She had family and friends in New Orleans and traveled there often for parties, football games, and the Mardi Gras season. The year 1928 wasn’t one of her better ones, as in late February, Miss O’Keefe was badly bruised and shaken up in a car accident on her way to New Orleans to view the Carnival. Her car had skidded in loose gravel and overturned. Miss O’Keefe’s friends, Pierre F. Donnes Jr. (1878-1938) and Louise [sic] Donnes (1885-1938) also received minor injuries.(The Daily Herald, February 28, 1928, p. 4 and The Jackson County Times, February 25, 1928)
Pierre F. Donnes Jr. was a New Orleans born architect and yacht designer. He built a home in Gulf Hills at present day 6200 Ridge Road, which is extant and generally remembered as the Warren Jackson (1886-1972) home since it remained in the Jackson family from September 1936 until October 1973.
In June, Mary C. O’Keefe was recovering from an appendectomy at Hotel Dieu in the Crescent City.(The Jackson County Times, June 23, 1928, p. 2)
In the spring of 1929, Mary O’ Keefe was elected Superintendent of the Ocean Springs Public Schools. She was to succeed Professor Sterling Chandler at the commencement of the fall semester.(The Jackson County Times, March 16, 1929, p. 3)
Prior to the new school term, Miss O’Keefe and Miss Salome Bailey (later Watkins), the daughter of Dr. O.L. Bailey attended for several weeks, a lecture course at Columbia University in New York City. Miss Bailey went initially to visit with relatives in Atlanta and met O’Keefe en route to New York.(The Jackson County Times, August 24, 1929)
New Homes
Another woe of the 1930s for the O’Keefe family, as previously mentioned, was the loss of their family homestead, the 1909 O’Keefe mansion on Porter Street in Ocean Springs. It was forfeited to a government mortgage agency in December 1938.
In March 1923, Ben O’Keefe acquired the Frank Voivedich property on West Howard Avenue and Fayard Street. He planned to make commercial use of this tract during the summer. Mr. O’Keefe was operating a funeral parlor and burial business building in Ocean Springs.(The Daily Herald, March 27, 1923, p. 2)
Ben and Tess O’Keefe and their family, Alice Mary O’ Keefe Sebastian (1922-2011), Jeremiah J. “Jerry” O’Keefe III (b. 1923), Dr. John B. O’Keefe (1925-200), and Joseph B. O’Keefe (1930-1999), relocated to Biloxi when Mrs. Tess O’Keefe acquired a home and lot on Fayard Street from Josephine Fayard Voivedich (1862-1940) in July 1937. This residence was in the rear of the O’Keefe Funeral Parlor at 601 West Howard Avenue. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 216, pp. 29-30)
During the final year of WW II, Ben and Tess O’Keefe and young Ben, moved into the old Hopkins place at 823 West Beach Boulevard. Mrs. O’Keefe acquired this home on a 2.3 acre tract on the east side of Hopkins Boulevard and fronting the Mississippi Sound for $20,000, in February 1945, from Dr. Ralph Hopkins of New Orleans.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 273, pp. 29-30)
In July 1945, the Main Street Methodist Church of Biloxi purchased about one acre of land north of the O’Keefe home for a new sanctuary. In early March 1948, Dr. B.Z. Welch, chairman of the Main Street Methodist Church building committee, announced plans for a new sanctuary on Hopkins Boulevard. Carl Matthes was named architect. In early January 1949, ground was broken to erect the new $200,000 Methodist Church on Hopkins Boulevard.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 276, pp. 569-570 and The Daily Herald, March 1, 1948, p. 2 and January 7, 1949, p. 2)
In November 1960, several years after J.J. ‘Ben’ O’Keefe expired in his Biloxi beach front domicile, Mrs. Tess O’Keefe and her son, Dr. John B. O’Keefe, sold 823 West Beach Boulevard to Gulf Towers Inc. By early November, Gulf Towers, a ten-story, $2 million, apartment building at 824 Central Beach Boulevard, was ready to break ground. Barlow and Plunkett designed the structure for Gulf Towers Inc. lead operated by Charles Crisler Jr., a Jackson attorney, and Jerry J. O'Keefe, a Biloxi businessman. Howie Construction of Jackson, Mississippi was the general contractor.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 471, pp. 57-58 and The Daily Herald, November 5, 1960, p. 1)
After the Villa Maria was opened on West Porter Street in September 1971, Miss O’Keefe moved there and was a resident until her demise in January 1980.
Ocean Springs (1931-1945)
It would appear that Miss O’Keefe’ didn’t let the Depression years at Ocean Springs interfere with her social life and summer holiday travel. She went abroad in the summer of 1931 with Vera Malter Nix (1891-1979), the wife of Dr. James T. Nix (1887-1945), and her daughter, Rosary Nix Hartel (1914-2000). They were accompanied by Miss Mildred van Kamp of Augusta, Georgia. As previously related, Mary C. O’Keefe cruised the Caribbean Sea with her dear friends, the Nix family, of New Orleans in the summer of 1932, and visited her brother, Jodie O’Keefe (1897-1932), at Matanzas, Cuba, shortly before his demise.(The Daily Herald, Times, August 11, 1931, p. 2 and August 2, 1932, p. 1)
The following information summarizes some of Mary C. O’Keefe’s activities during the captioned years.
1934
In January 1934, Miss O’Keefe attended the ball and supper dance of the Athenians Mardi Gras organization at New Orleans.(The Jackson County Times, February 3, 1934)
In April 1934, she went to two plays at New Orleans during her weekend visit with friends.(The Jackson County Times, April 21, 1934)
1935
Miss O’Keefe was the guest of Dr. James Thomas Nix and Mrs. Spouse of New Orleans. She assisted in the receiving line at a Yuletide dance given at the New Orleans Country Club for their daughter, Miss Rosary Nix. Miss Alice O’Keefe, her young niece, accompanied Miss O’Keefe to the Nix soiree.(The Jackson County Times, December 28, 1935)
1936
In July 1936, Mary C. O’Keefe left Ocean Springs and spent her summer vacation traveling. Her initial stop was at Jackson, Mississippi where she visited with her brother, Major John A. O’ Keefe. From Mississippi, Miss O’Keefe stopped at Winnetka, Illinois to see Mrs. F.B. Thomas. The culmination of this journey was Montreal where she was the guest of Mrs. E. Valliquette. (The Jackson County Times, July 25, 1936)
1939
Miss O’Keefe was the director of the first 1699 Iberville Landing celebration at Ocean Springs which was held in conjunction with the Coast wide pageant of March 17-19, 1939. Miss Elinor Wright (1913-1953), the niece of H.L. Hunt, Dallas oil tycoon, and who would later married Orwin J. Scharr (1914-2002), researched and wrote the script for the Iberville Landing. Other members of the planning committee for this event were: Iola F. Davidson (1883-1963), Gertrude W. McClure (d. 1971), Henrietta M. Gladney (1900-1978), Virginia T. Lee (1901-1986), A.P. Moran (1897-1967), and Mayor Charles Bennett (1884-1971).(The Jackson County Times, January 28, 1939, p. 1)
1940
In March 1940, Miss O’Keefe was honored with membership in Delta Kappa Gamma, a national honorary educational fraternity. A salient qualification for membership in Delta Kappa Gamma was extraordinary achievements in the field of education. Miss O’Keefe had demonstrated outstanding leadership as during her short tenure as School Superintendent, the Ocean Springs Public School had: increased enrollment; the elementary school had been reclassified from B to A; the high school had become fully accredited; and the school district had also been enlarged. At this time, Mary C. O’Keefe held memberships and offices in the following organizations: Jackson County Teachers Association, vice-president; Harrison-Stone-Jackson Junior College, trustee; Jackson County High School Accrediting Commission, member; Examining Board of Jackson County, member; Newcomb Alumnae Coast Club, president; Junior Red Cross of Jackson County, chairman.(The Jackson County Times, March 30, 1940, p. 4)
Miss O’ Keefe spoke to the Ocean Springs Rotary Club in November 1940.(The Jackson County Times, November 16, 1940, p. 1)
1942
When Miss Rosary Nix (1914-2000) was betrothed to Stephen C. Hartel (1904-2003), a New Orleans attorney, in July 1942, Miss O’Keefe was invited to the nuptial ceremony and was the houseguest of Dr. James T. Nix and Vera M. Nix, her parents. The Nix’s edifice was situated at 1407 South Carrollton in the Crescent City. Rosary was a graduate of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Barat College at Lake Forest, Illinois, and had attended Newcomb College and Columbia University. She had been the Queen of Osiris and Nereus and a maid in several of the larger New Orleans’ carnival organizations.(The Times-Picayune, July 1, 1942, p. 19)
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Sibley S. Wall (1905-1963)
Following the retirement of Miss Mary Cahill O’Keefe in July 1945, the OS School Board hired Mr. S.S. Wall. Silbey S. Wall (1905-1963) was a native of Decatur, Newton County, Mississippi. Mr. Wall came to Ocean Springs in the fall of 1945 from Pascagoula where he had been since 1942. He was a graduate of Mississippi Southern College and had coached and was previously Superintendent at Beulah-Hubbard, now Newton County High School, and Vancleave High School. Superintendent Wall resigned in 1950 to accept position with the New York Life Insurance Company. S.S. Wall was succeeded as Ocean Springs School Superintendent by the following: Nolan E. Taconi [1950-1971]; Allen T. Curry [1971-1990]; Dewey L. Herring [1990-1999]; Anna P. Hurt [1999-2006]; Robert Hirsch [2006-2012]; and Bonita Coleman-Potter [2012-present day].
1943
Ocean Springs’ School Superintendent Mary Cahill O’Keefe and brother, Colonel John O’Keefe (1891-1985), went to the Pensacola Naval Air Station to attend the graduation of their nephew, Lt. J.J. “Jerry” O’Keefe III (b. 1923), naval aviator.(The Jackson County Times, July 3, 1943)
USMC Lt. Jerry O’Keefe learned well in flight training, as on his first combat mission in the South Pacific theatre during WWII, he destroyed five Japanese aircraft. It should be noted that Jerry O’Keefe’s father, J.J. “Ben” O’Keefe II (1894-1954), was also a Marine. He left Ocean Springs for New Orleans in late July 1918, with Jasper Colligan (1899-1951+) to join other recruits bound for basic training at an eastern camp. Ben’s departure left Joseph H. “Jodie” O’Keefe (1897-1932) in charge of the family businesses, livery and undertaking. In addition, Jerry O’Keefe’s son, J.J. “Jody” O’Keefe IV (1946-2007), served in the USMC from 1964-1967.(The Jackson County Times, April 28, 1945, p. 1, July 27, 1918, and The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, 1989, p. 303)
1945
Mary C. O’ Keefe resigned from her position as Superintendent of the Ocean Springs public schools prior to the fall session of the 1945-1946 school term. Under her sixteen-year administration, the public school of Ocean Springs, maintained high academic standards, and reached new levels of proficiency. The elementary section advanced from a B to an A classification, the high school became fully accredited, and pupil enrollment increased by 33 per cent. In the near future, Miss O’ Keefe planned to work on a part time basis in the local school system.(The Daily Herald, April 6, 1945, p. 3)
Prior to her retirement from the field of education, Miss O’Keefe was recognized on May 22, 1945, by her faculty and students. She sat in the high school auditorium while the student body sang “Good Morning to Miss O’Keefe”. Gifts of flowers, photographs of the schools achievement during her administration, and others from the band and faculty were bestowed on her. Miss O’Keefe spoke briefly to her pupils saying, “that she had always wished to sit and enjoy a program in the auditorium, and at last was realizing that desire.” After thanking everyone for their gifts, she concluded her comments with “the greatest gifts of all were carried in her heart, place there by pupils whom she had taught.”(The Jackson County Times, May 26, 1945, p. 4 and The Daily Herald, May 28, 1945, p. 8)
In June 1945, Miss Jessie Boyd (1881-1963), who was a life friend of Miss O’Keefe, and career Red Cross relief worker, was feted by her loyal friends at a buffet supper held at the Gulf Hills Country Club. Mary C. O’Keefe presented Miss Boyd with several savings bonds as gifts from the guests who included: Miss Ethel Rice (1887-1969), Mr. and Mrs. George Young, Miss Bernadine Wulff (1899-1992), Mrs. Ed (Clothilde Bailey) Campbell (1901-1995), Mrs. Chester Davis, Mrs. John Knippie, and Mrs. John (Vera Wulff) Cook (1906-1992).(The Jackson County Times, June 16, 1945, p. 1)
Mary C. O’Keefe was succeeded as Superintendent of the Ocean Springs public school by Sibley S. Wall (1905-1963), a native of Decatur, Newton County, Mississippi. Mr. Wall came to Ocean Springs from Pascagoula. He was a graduate of Mississippi Southern College and had coached and was previously Superintendent at Beulah-Hubbard, now Newton County High School, and Vancleave High School.(The Jackson County Times, July 28, 1945, p. 1)
Retirement Years (1946-1980)
Miss Mary C. O’Keefe’s retirement years are presented from information casually observed in local journals of the captioned interval as follows:
1947
In June, Miss Mary C. O’Keefe returned to Ocean Springs after a delightful visit with Colonel John A. O’Keefe at Bethesda, Maryland, Mrs. L. MacWeeney, of Rye, New York, and Mrs. John Knipple in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (The Jackson County Times, Local and Personal, June 7, 1947, p. 8)
1950-1952
Miss O’Keefe entertained family and friends from New Orleans, Shreveport, and Biloxi at Gulf Hills with a luncheon. The young children of the visiting families were sent to the Dude Ranch to ride horses.(The Gulf Coast Times, August 25, 1950, p. 8)
In the fall of 1950, Miss O’Keefe spent two months in the East visiting relatives and friends at Bethesda, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. In Maryland, she stayed with Colonel John O’Keefe’s family and at Washington D.C. Miss Helen Bliss. At Philadelphia, Miss O’Keefe was entertained by John and Ena Knippel. Mrs. Knippel was the supervisor of music in the public school of Philadelphia.(The Gulf Coast Times, December 15, 1950, p. 1)
Mary C. O’Keefe went to the Sugar Bowl game at New Orleans with the Ben O’Keefe family of Biloxi. Kentucky (10-1) led by Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant defeated No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners (10-0) by the score of 13-7. Miss Mary stayed over for a short visit with her dear friend, Vera Malter Nix.(The Gulf Coast Times, January 12, 1951)
In February 1951, Miss O’Keefe traveled to Bethesda, Maryland to visit Colonel John O’Keefe, her brother. He had just had a serious eye operation.(The Gulf Coast Times, February 22, 1951.
In November 1952, a tea was given for Miss Ann O’Neil. (The Gulf Coast Times, November 27, 1952, p. 6)
Jeffrey H. O’Keefe
Jeffrey H. O’Keefe, called Jeff, was a great nephew of Miss Mary Cahill O’Keefe and with his siblings, Maureen O’Keefe Ward and Jeremiah J. “Jody” O’Keefe IV (1946-2007), shared some of their recollections of “Aunt Mary” with the author. Miss O’Keefe has been posthumously recognized as Mississippi’s first female school superintendent and also memorialized by having the 1927 Ocean Springs Public School renamed the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education in her honor. Miss O’Keefe had a profound positive influence on her students and many credit their successful marriages and careers to her strict discipline, and high ethical and academic standards.
1957
Miss O’Keefe broke a bone in her left foot resulting from a fall. Her foot was placed in a cast.(The Ocean Springs News, January 24, 1957)
1959-1962
Miss O’Keefe came out of retirement for a few years and taught French at the Sacred Heart Academy in Biloxi. She is remembered during this interval by her great niece, Maureen O’Keefe Ward, as “always dressed very elegantly, with touches of lace here and there, or a beautiful pin on her lapel, spiffy spectator pumps, and stockings”.(Maureen O. Ward, September 9, 1998)
1970
Miss O’Keefe sold her cottage property on West Porter to the Catholic Charities Housing Association on February 20, 1970. The Villa Maria, a seven-story building which houses a retirement community, was built north of her property. Construction commenced here in April 1970.(Jackson County, Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 371, p. 506 and The Ocean Springs Record, April 16, 1970, p. 1)
1980
Mary C. O’Keefe was living in the Villa Maria at time of demise on January 22, 1980. Her corporal remains were cremated and interred in the O’Keefe family burial plot at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ocean Springs. Miss O’Keefe’s obituary relates that she was a former President of Jackson County Teachers Association and former member of the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College. Her university associations included being an alumna of Dominican and Newcomb Colleges of New Orleans, a member of the Iota Chapter of Delta Epsilon Sigma Alpha and Delta Kappa Gamma of which she was a charter member of the Zeta chapter. Miss O’Keefe worshiped at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church where she was also a member of the Altar Society.(The Ocean Springs Record, January 24, 1980, p. 3)
Family Remembrances
Several of Miss O’Keefe’s great nephews and a great niece now submit their childhood recollections of their wonderful “Aunt Mary” or “Tante Marie”, as she might have preferred being the unabashed Francophile that she was.
J.J. “Jody” O’Keefe IV (1946-2007)
I remember that as a child we used to visit Aunt Mary at her home on Porter Street. She had a very exquisite collection of demi-tasse cups and saucers. She loved to make us café au lait. We would usually sit on her porch and sip it while she would tell us stories about Jean Lafitte, Bluebeard, and other pirates and stories about other fascinating or exciting characters. She also taught us to sing “Frere Jacques” in French, “Hickory, Dickory, Dock”, and other nursery songs. Once she invited me to lunch with one of her friends at Allman’s Restaurant at the foot of the old Ocean Springs-Biloxi Bridge. She embarrassed the hell out of me because she and her friend both kept commenting throughout lunch about ‘how pretty I was” and “how long and beautiful my eyelashes were”-not good news or well accepted by a boy about five or six years of age!! (September 4, 1999)
Jeffery H. O’Keefe(b. 1956)
My memories of Aunt Mary differ drastically from other folks. I have heard that she ruled with an iron fist at the school. I remember going to her house where the Villa Maria’s asphalt parking lot is today. She was always so pleasant and loved to visit. Aunt Mary had those cut glass doors, which now hang on the funeral home, on the front of her house for many years. She had some beautiful antiques in her home.(September 2, 1999)
Maureen O’Keefe Ward (b. 1945)
The words “Aunt Mary” immediately conjure up specific and rich memories-approaching her neat white picket fence which wasn’t so high that it scared a child, walking up onto her tiny front screen porch and immediately confronting her colorful Blackbeard figurines by the Andersons (the historical significance of which Aunt Mary was always happy to dramatize with great verve); and then entering through the front door into the wonderland of her small, but beautifully appointed, white frame house. Aunt Mary and her petite house were always in perfect order-from antique wicker furniture covered in cozy pillows, to elderly oriental rugs topped by glass-front cabinets filled with jewel-like demitasse cups and saucers gathered patiently on her world travels, to the paintings and lovely Della Robia sculpture on the walls, through to her tiny dining room, kitchen and bedroom.
She loved to host my sisters and me at tea parties during which we got to select our favorite cup and saucer from which to sip. Sitting around her dining room, we would nibble and drink and converse with our best manners on display. Without ever needing to ask, Aunt Mary always called forth our most perfect behavior (we didn’t want to risk her displeasure).
During summertime, when our many Shreveport cousins came to visit, she’d invite two or three tables of us to her house for an afternoon of canasta and iced tea or lemonade and cookies. In addition to expecting proper manners, she thought the well-trained great niece ought to know how to play bridge, canasta, hearts-ye gods—even battle, go fish, and old maid. She taught us carefully and joined the raucous, girlish fun as we mastered her tutelage.
In later years, I got to know her as a formal teacher. She taught my Sacred Heart classmates and me French for several years, trilling her rrrr’s with great gusto and openly admiring Charles de Gaulle and everything “Francais”. Since we were typical young teenyboppers, though, I imagine that her majestic figure, perfect posture, fine clothes and blue-white hair made a far more lasting impression on us than her French vocabulary and culture lessons.
I was very sad when her home was torn down to make way for Villa Maria, though Aunt Mary apparently was at peace with the move and cheerfully adorned her two rooms there with furnishings from the old house. Our routine during those years was to drive over each Sunday at noon, deliver a plate of our warm dinner to her and chat awhile, at least on the days when she didn’t come across to Biloxi and join in the family meal.
We were sad when she developed shingles and difficulty breathing and started mentioning to our mother that she was ready to “go home”, making it clear that she wasn’t describing her apartment at Villa Maria. I’m sure Tante Marie is elegantly adorning heaven now and having teas with Mama, Ceci, and Nannaw from time to time.(September 5, 1999)
[to be continued]
Jordan
Jordan ray Sun, 06/22/2014 - 14:55- 49 views
Pablo
Pablo ray Fri, 09/13/2013 - 12:55PABLO
Joseph Pablo (1833-1905) was a native of Spain and an 1848 immigrant. Circa 1864, he married Anna Sanz (1850-1911), an 1851 Spanish immigrant. It appears that this couple married at New Orleans circa 1864 and had eight children born at New Orleans before 1900 of which six were living at this time: Josephine Pablo (1868-1938); Joseph Pablo (1869-1932?) m. Amelia Campos (1877-1919); Michael Pablo (1872-1904); Richard Pablo (1882-1902); John Pablo (1884-1947); Angel or Agnes (1888-1902); and Clarence Joseph Pablo (1904-1908).
Children
Josephine Pablo(1868-1938) was born at New Orleans on December 5, 1868. She never married and expired at 418 Copp Street, her residence in Biloxi, on March 11, 1938.
Joseph Pablo
Joseph Pablo (1869-1932?) was born at New Orleans on August 20, 1869. He married Amelia Campos (1877-1919), the daughter of Bernardo Campos (1842-1892) and Marie L. Morano (1851-1917). Their children were Noreta Lucile Pablo (1901-1994) m. Philip P. Dellinger and Earl ‘Blackie’ Pablo (1910-1985) m. Madeline Borries (1912-1999).
Noreta Lucile Pablo (1901-1994) married Philip Paul Dellenger (1899-1979) in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 27, 1921. Their children were: Noreta L. Dellenger (1922-2009) m. Jack V. Besst; Philip P. Dellenger Jr. (1924-2009) m. Edith Jane Kennedy (1924-2012); Leonard Dellenger (b. 1927); Kenneth M. Dellenger Sr. (1929-2009) m. Joy Wyndham (1930-1993); Stanley C. Dellenger (b. 1932) m. Mary Evelyn Anglada.
Joseph Pablo may have become ill, as there is a 'Joe Pablo' in the 1930 Federal Census similar to Joseph Pablo of Biloxi domiciled as a patient and orderly at the US Marine Hospital in Carville, Iberville Parish, Louisiana. He died here on December 29, 1932.(1930 Iberville Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R795, p. 1B, ED 15)
Michael Pablo
Michael 'Mike' Pablo(1872-1904) was born at New Orleans in January 1872. He came to Biloxi with his family circa 1889. Mike Pablo after an illness of several weeks died on October 20, 1904 at the age of 32 years and 9 months. His funeral was from the family home at 435 East Howard Avenue.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 21, 1904, p. 5)
Richard Pablo
Richard Pablo (1882-1902) was born at New Orleans on July 14, 1882. On August 19, 1902, he was found dead at his home on Howard Avenue. Richard passed from heart failure believed to have been cuased by a bout with typhoid fever.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 19, 1902, p. 6)
John Pablo
John Pablo
John Pablo (1884-1947) was born at New Orleans on September 19, 1884. He made his livelihood in Biloxi as a sign painter and artist. John never married and lived with Josephine Pablo, his spinster sister, at 418 Copp Street. Mr. Pablo passed on February 25, 1947 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi Cemetery by the O'Keefe Parlors after services at Nativity B.V.M Catholic Church. John was a member of the Woodmen of the World and was survived by Noreta L. Dellinger, a niece, and Earl Pablo, a nephew.(The Daily Herald, February 26, 1947, p. 5)
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Clarence J. Pablo
Clarence Joseph Pablo (1904-1908) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi in 1904. He expired in his childhood on November 21, 1908. The funeral was held at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pablo, at 407 West Water Street.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 21, 1908)
REFERENCES:
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, April 26, 1900.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, July 18, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, July 19, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Found dead”, August 19, 1902.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Necrology-Joseph Pablo Sr.”, March 28, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Generous Officers”, June 24, 1905.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Clarence Joseph Pablo”, November 21, 1908.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Anna Pablo”, December 23, 1911.
The Daily Herald, “Emily Compas [sic]”, January 6, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Pablo dies”, March 11, 1938.
The Daily Herald, “John Pablo dies”, February 26, 1947.
The Sun Herald, “Noreta Lucile Dellenger”, October 14, 1994.
The Sun Herald, “Philip Paul Dellenger”, June 29, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Kenneth M. Dellenger Sr.”, July 12, 2009.
The Sun Herald, “Edith K. Dellenger”, November 26, 2012.
The Sun Herald, “”,
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Pringle Family
Pringle Family ray Tue, 07/30/2013 - 07:41PRINGLE FAMILY
Lee V. Pringle
Lee Vernon Pringle (1866-1938) was a native of Semmes Chapel, Mobile County, Alabama. He was born February 28, 1866, the son of Frank M. Pringle and Corinia Yonge (1845-1920). L.V. Pringle came to Biloxi in 1908, probably from Latonia, Jackson County, Mississippi where he was associated with the Latonia Turpentine Company and Union Naval Stores of Mobile. These organizations were naval stores manufacturers and dealers in general merchandise. In 1901, Pringle served as postmaster at Latonia, which is about 12 miles northwest of Semmes Chapel, Alabama.
Mr. Pringle invented a turpentine cup, which was manufactured by the Pringle Cup Company in Daisy, Tennessee. In 1902, the Chattanooga Pottery Company of Daisy, Tennessee was formed by the Consolidated Naval Stores Company, to manufacture clay cups. Consolidated Naval Stores was formed by the merger of seven Florida and Georgia factorage houses also in 1902. They had offices in Savannah, Jacksonville, and Pensacola. It is very probable that the Pringle Cup Company was a name only and that the clay cups were manufactured by the Chattanooga Pottery Company.
It is interesting to note that in October 1912, The Daily Herald, reported that D.G. Zeigler, proprietor of the Petrous Manufacturing Company, was erecting factory on Lee Street in Biloxi near the L&N Railroad tracks. Zeigler planned to make turpentine cups at his plant.(The Daily Herald, October 16, 1912, p. 8)
L.V. Pringle was elected president of the Turpentine and Resin Association of New Orleans in January 1918.(The Daily Herald, January 26, 1918, p. 3)
In addition to his naval stores operations in Mississippi, Mr. Pringle had turpentine and rosin operations in Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. He was vice-president of the Gillican-Chipley Company of New Orleans for fifteen years and held the same position with the Pringle-Gay Turpentine Company. L.V. Pringle also had his own real estate company and held large personal land holdings.
Lee V. Pringle married Victoria Voltz (1885-1935). She was born at Perdido, Florida, the daughter of Robert M. Voltz and Elizabeth King of Selma and Montgomery, Alabama respectively. The Pringles had six children: Lee Vernon Pringle Jr. (1902-1974) m. Harriet Kistner (1903-1994); Robert H. Pringle (1904-1981) m. Gladys A. (19-1970); Thomas N. Pringle (1906-1970) m. Elizabeth Murphy Moorman (1917-1982) m. C. Ashmead Biddulph (1907-1992); Victor Boyd Pringle (1909-1977) m. Margaret Woodley (1911-1997); Vivian Pringle (1912-1992) m. Archibald Clinton Hewes (1904-1978); James W. Pringle (1914-1971)m. Jane Kempe Wood (1917-1977); and Jackson Pringle (1919-1920). ((The Daily Herald, may 6, 1935, p. 3)
Lee V. Pringle expired on October 8, 1938. He and many family members are interred at the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, October 9, 1938, p. 3)
Ford Agency
Pringle-Reagan 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)
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 E. Pringle Jr. (1909-1957), and Dewey R. Reagan.(Harrison Co., Ms. Charter Bk. 52, p. 123and 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)
Children
Lee V. Pringle Jr.
Born on October 23, 1902, at Latonia, Jackson County, Mississippi, Lee Vernon Pringle Jr. (1902-1974) was the son of L.V. Pringle (1866-1938) and Victoria Voltz (1885-1935). The Pringle family had its roots at Semmes Chapel, Mobile County, Alabama. Circa 1908, they arrived in Biloxi, probably relocating from Latonia, a small turpentine camp situated in northeast Jackson County. At this sylvan village, Mr. L.V. Pringle, Sr. was associated with the Latonia Turpentine Company and Union Naval Stores of Mobile. In 1901, he was postmaster at Latonia. The other L.V. Pringle, Sr. children were: Robert H. Pringle, Thomas N. Pringle, Victor Pringle, Vivian P. Hewes, and Jackson Pringle (1919-1920).
Circa 1934, Lee Vernon Pringle, Jr.came to Ocean Springs from Biloxi to commence The Ocean Springs Feed Store in the Wieder building on Government Street. He resided with his wife, Harriet Kistner Pringle (1903-1994), and sons, Lee V. Pringle III (1927-1996) and Charles K. Pringle, at 50 General Pershing Avenue in Ocean Springs. Pringle had been employed in Biloxi at the Pringle-Reagan Motor Company on Howard Avenue.
The Pringle feed business at Ocean Springs lasted about seven years. In 1942, L.V. Pringle, Jr. returned to Biloxi and became president of the Pringle-Reagan Motor Company. At Biloxi, the family resided at 1077 Howard Avenue.
Victor B. Pringle
Victor B. Pringle Jr.
Frank E. Pringle
Frank Ernest Pringle (1872-1925) was born at Semmes Chapel, Mobile County, Alabama on August 18, 1872. His parents were Frank M. Pringle and Corinia Yonge (1845-1920). He came to Biloxi in 1908. F.E. Pringle was in the turpentine business in Harrison and Jackson Counties. He was president of the Jackson Naval Stores Company. In 1913, they were headquartered in the Bolton Building at Biloxi. George F. Mason served the organization as vice-president while A. Hadley was secretary-treasurer.(Biloxi City Directory 1913-1914, p. 154)
F.E. Pringle was highly lauded in May 1916, for the celerity in which he rebuilt the Jackson Naval Stores still at Florala. The fire still, located near the Florala Post Office, had been completely destroyed in a conflagration. Pringle brought in equipment and supplies from other company operations as well as sending damaged machinery to Mobile for repair. The Daily Herald of Biloxi said of Mr. Pringle's efforts, "this is the quickest work of its kind ever seen among turpentine producers in this section" (The Daily Herald, May 30, 1916, p. 8).
F.E. Pringle developed the Pringle Subdivison at North Biloxi, now D'Iberville, which he acquired in February 1913. In 1922, he sold 2.12 acres at North Biloxi for the Methodist Church on Race Track Road.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 106, p. 285 and Bk. 130, p. 181).
F.E. Pringle married Dellie M. Orso (1881-1927), the daughter of Joseph A. Orso and Mittie Williams of Alabama. Mrs. Pringle was a native of Malcolm, Alabama. The F.E. Pringles had eight children: Esther Lucille Pringle (1902-1926); Mattie Corrine Pringle (1902-1982) m. Thomas Colson ; Ernestine Pringle (1907-1981) m. Wallace Drew jr. (1901-1971); Cora 'Coca' Mittey Pringle m. Gill Chinn ? and Mack H. Griffin (1912-2000); Mittie May Pringle m. Grady A. Horton; Frank Ernest Pringle Jr. (1909-1957) m. Edna Grueling (1908-1941) and Bertha Marie Egan (19-1983); Woodrow W. Pringle (1914-1963) m. Evelyn Burdine; and Roland Ward Pringle (1919-1972).
F.E. Pringle expired on November 26, 1925. His corporal remains are interred in the Biloxi Cemetery. Dellie Pringle passed on March 19, 1927 at her domicile at 520 Seal Avenue.(The Daily Herald, November 27, 1925, p. 1 and March 19, 1927, p. 1)
REFERENCES:
Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 8549, 'The Estate of F.E. Pringle'-August 1925.
Journals
The Daily Herald, "L.V. instead of F.E. Pringle", January 26, 1918.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi youth [Victor B. Pringle]accidentally shot”, November 28, 1909, p. 1.
The Daily Herald,“Victor Boyd Pringle improved”, November 29, 1909, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Death Takes F.E. Pringle", November 27, 1925.
The Daily Herald,“Miss [Esther]Pringle dies”, February 26, 1926,
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. F.E. Pringle taken by death", March 19, 1927.
The Daily Herald, "J.F. Payne goes to his reward", October 18, 1929, p. 1.
The Daily Herald,“Victor Pringle now lawyer”, June7, 1933, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Pringle dies at Biloxi", May 6, 1935, p. 1.
The Daily Herald,“Pringle-Reagan Co. buy Ford Agency”, June 2, 1935, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Ford Dealers Entertain”, July 1, 1935, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Now it is turpentine”, July 31, 1936, p. 7.
The Daily Herald, "L.V. Pringle, Sr. dies at Biloxi home after long illness", October 9, 1938, p. 3.
The Daily Herald,“Ford Dealers entertain”, Jul 1, 1935, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“L.V. Pringle, Sr. dies at Biloxi home”, October 9, 1938, p. 3.
The Daily Herald,“Biloxi Ford Company has anniversary”, May 31, 1940, p. 6.
The Daily Herald,“Tom Pringle Sr. dies, funeral rites Tuesday”, October 5, 1970.
The Daily Herald,“James W. Pringle”, May 31, 1971, p. 2.
The Daily Herald,“Victor Pringle Sr. dies”, October 31, 1977, p. 2.
The Sun Herald,“Harriet K. Pringle”, November 15, 1994, p. A2.
The Sun Herald,“Margret Woodley Pringle”, April 3, 1997, p. C2.
The Sun Herald,“Mack H. Griffin”, November 2000.
The Sun Herald,“Victor Boyd Pringle Jr.”, May 27, 2009.
- 825 views
Querens Family
Querens Family
1_0.JPG)
FREDERICK C. QUERENS JR.
Ritch Family
Ritch FamilyISRAEL S.N. RITCH
The Beginning
1850
The family of Israel S.N. Ritch (1817-1858+) arrived at Biloxi, Mississippi in the late 1840s. Israel S.N. Ritch, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife, Priscilla Pebukst (1816-1905), of Norfolk, Virginia, settled here, probably coming from Alabama. They acquired their first land in the village of Biloxi, almost an acre, on Lameuse Street, in October 1848, from Arne Bernard, the son-in-law of Robert Delauney. Mr. Ritch paid $280 for the tract. For the next 124 years, a member of the Ritch family would reside on the original family homestead at 211 Lameuse Street. (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 5, p. 118)
From Federal Census data, local journals, and funeral home records, it can be ascertained with a high degree of certitude that Mrs. Priscilla Ritch had been married previously, probably in North Carolina, to Thomas E. James. At Biloxi, in 1850, Israel S.N. Ritch made his livelihood as a carpenter, an occupation that he would pursue until his demise. In addition to their baby, Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+), there were three adolescents, all shown as Alabama natives, but probably born in North Carolina: Mary F. James (1838-1850+), Elizabeth C. James Miller Mohan (1838-1914), and Thomas James (1842-1860+), residing in the Ritch household. The family has real estate valued at $500. (Guice, 1972, p. 41)
The Property of Priscilla Ritch
In March 1851, Priscilla Ritch made an affidavit to the County Clerk declaring her separate property from her husbands.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 5, pp. 491-492) She listed the following real property:
1860
By 1860, it appears that Israel Ritch has passed on. The widow, Priscilla Ritch, is head of the household and owns real estate valued at $300. She has given birth to James Monroe Ritch (1852-1919) at Biloxi, and Jacob M. Ritch (1858-1876), in Louisiana, probably New Orleans. Others living with Mrs. Ritch are Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+), Thomas (James) Ritch (1842-1860+), and Elizabeth James Miller (1838-1914).(Guice, 1981, p. 10)
Elizabeth James Miller had married Joseph Miller in June 1859, at Harrison County, Mississippi. (Guice, 1981 p. 10)
1870
In 1870, Priscilla Ritch is keeping house and owns real estate valued at $400. Her sons, James Monroe Ritch and Jacob Ritch, are living with her. Also in the under the Ritch roof is the Black family of Kentucky born, Henry Lewis (1834-1870+), which includes: Kitty Lewis (1856-1870+), Nancy Lewis (1867-1870+), and Elizabeth Lewis (b. 1870).(Guice, 1981, p. 21)
1880
In 1880, Priscilla Ritch is living in Biloxi with her son, James Monroe Ritch, who is a laborer.(Carvin, 1981, p. 42)
1900
P. Ritch 12/1816, Va. Va. Va. Seventeen children-two alive Elizabeth C. Mohan March 1838, Alabama, Ga., Va. Seven children- 2 alive.
The Children of Israel Ritch and Priscilla Ritch
I. Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+)
Joseph Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. No further information.
II. James Monroe Ritch (1852-1919)
James Monroe Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 22, 1852. There is a high probability that he had an illegitimate child, James Rich (1879-1912) with Josephine Taltavull. (Bradford-O’Keefe Bk. 3, p. 227)
ames Monroe Ritch married Mary Ann Flanagan (1853-1934) at New Orleans on December 24, 1884. She was born October 23, 1853, at New Orleans, the daughter of two Irish immigrants, James Flanagan and ? Walsh. The Ritch family moved to Biloxi after the wedding.(The Daily Herald, June 25, 1934, p. 5 and Bradford-O’Keefe Bk. 21, p. 248)
The children of James Monroe Ritch and Mary Ann Flanagan were: John Martin Ritch (1886-1930), Thomas Enoch Joseph Ritch (1889-1947), Mary Alma Ritch (1890-1964), and Priscilla Ritch (1893-1972).
James Monroe Ritch was a member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge. Was buried in the Old Biloxi Cemetery under the auspices of the Methodist Church.(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1919, p. 4 and August 11, 1919, p. 4)
The Children of James Monroe Ritch and Mary Ann Flanagan Ritch
John Martin Rich (1886-1930)
Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 24, 1886.
Thomas Enoch Joseph Rich (1889-1947)
Enoch Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 11, 1889. Graduated from Biloxi High School and earned a scholarship to Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Virginia. Ritch served as a private in the U.S. Army with the 6th Division of the 53rd Infantry in WWI. He relocated to Michigan after WWI. He expired at Douglas, Michigan on August 14, 1947. Buried Ritch family plot Old Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August ?, 1947, p. 6)
Mary Alma Ritch (1890-1964)
Mary Alma Ritch was born September 29, 1890, at Biloxi, Mississippi. Attended a summer normal at Chicago in August 1919. In August 1950, she and her sister, Prisicilla, attended the reading institute at George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. Also the Peabody Demonstration School for workshops and classes. From Nashville, they visited Asheville North Carolina and South Carolina.(The Daily Herald, August 15, 1950, p. 9)
Mary Alma Ritch died on April 14, 1964.
The 1898 Back Bay (Main Street) School
GOOD LAND PLAT OF North Main Street of July 1893.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 29, pp. 340-341)
Located on the west side of Main Street between Bradford Street and Bayview Avenue. In August 1893, W.F. Gorenflo was adjudicated two parcels of land on Main Street by the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi. The future Back Bay school site was situated on the tract, which was described as: 550 feet north-south on the west side of Main Street and 76 feet east-west, bounded on the north and west by the Estate of F. Moran, on the south by Gaspard Didier, and on the west by Main Street. (HARCO, Ms. Minute Bk. 4, p. 529)
The land for the Back Bay school was donated by William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932). The building was erected with funds provided by William K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) and donated to the City on September 6, 1898. A school in this section of Biloxi was desperately needed and sincerely appreciated by the Back Bay residents.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 7, 1898, p. 4)
In early October 1898, Mrs. S. Booth was the first teacher assigned to the Back Bay school. The new furniture for the structure had not arrived and old seats were temporarily installed in school.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 2, 1898, p. 8) Attendance at the commencement of the school in October 1898, was forty-seven students.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 5, 1898, p. 8)
The City of Biloxi sold the Back Bay Ward school to Bishop R.O. Gerow, Bishop of the Natchez Diocese, for $250 in August 1929. In the deed the structure is described as “The Gorenflo School”. The sale included all fixtures, attachments, pluming, lighting, etc.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 182, pp. 510-511)
In September 1926, prior to the sale, the Roman Catholic Parish of St. John’s commenced utilizing the building for a parochial school. It was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from their Reynoir Street convent. This marked the fourth Roman Catholic school in Biloxi, as the Sacred heart School and Academy, Our Mother of Sorrows, and St. Michael’s had opened previously. A fifth, St. Theresa’s, was to be built shortly.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1926, p. 2)
1910
Miss Alma Ritch began her teaching career in September 1910, at the Back Bay School. She was one of four new instructors in the Biloxi School System. Her salary was $40 per month. Miss Ritch taught first and second grade. At this time, Miss Winnie Gorenflo was the Principal. Miss Ethel Dismukes, the other instructor, taught art.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1910, p. 4)
1915
In September 1915, faculty consisted of Miss Katie Henley, principal, and Miss Alma Ritch, Ione Dulion, and Caroline Gilbert.(The Daily Herald, September 3, 1915, p. 1)
1921
In September 1921, faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal, Miss Priscilla Ritch, Miss Grace Hightower, Miss Ione Dulion, and Miss Veronica Lacaze.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1921, p. 1)
The Gorenflo School
The approximate 6.5 acres that would become the site of the 1924 Gorenflo School on Lameuse Street was once the John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) homestead. 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. Called Back Bay Elementary School. Its area of educational responsibility included: All north of the L&N Railroad from Caillavet to Lee Street, including the east side of Caillavet and the west side of Lee; north of Division bounded by Caillavet and Seal.
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)
1925
Faculty-Miss Alma Ritch, principal, 1st grade; Evelyn McShane, 1st and 2nd grade; Prisicilla Ritch, 2nd and 3rd grades; Lizette Mackie, 3rd and 4th grades; Veronica LaCaze, penmanship, spelling, physical education, and music for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Mrs. H.H. Roof, arithmetic, geography, hygiene, and civics for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades; Mary Will Dent, English and history for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.(The Daily Herald, August 31, 1925, p. 3)
Priscilla Ritch (1893-1972)
Priscilla Ritch was born April 9, 1893, at Biloxi, Mississippi.
In July 1912, she and Florence Holley attended the summer normal at Wiggins, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, July 16, 1912, p. 8)
Attended a summer normal at Chicago in 1919. In August 1950, she and her sister, Prisicilla, attended the reading institute at George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville. Also the Peabody Demonstration School for workshops and classes. From Nashville, they visited Asheville North Carolina and South Carolina.(The Daily Herald, August 15, 1950, p. 9)
Miss Priscilla Ritch died on October 18, 1972
The Will
Miss Ritch wrote her will on August 6, 1971. It was filed for probate on October 20, 1972 with Albert Mallard and W.J. Wadlington as co-executors.
Land Sale
In February 1974, Albert Mallard sold the Biloxi Development Commission-Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Biloxi, the Ritch homestead at 211 and 213 Lameuse Street, for $41,000. The lots had 60 feet on Lameuse Street and 170 feet westward.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 46, pp. 266-267) Another lot in the same area was vended by Mallard also to the Biloxi Development Commission.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 46, p. 268)
III. Jacob M. Ritch (1858-1876)
Jacob M. Ritch died in 1876. Buried in the Old Biloxi Cemetery. No further information.
REFERENCES:
Books
Earnest A. Carvin, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1880 Census, (Mississippi Coast History & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1981)
Julia C. Guice, et al, Harrison County, Mississippi Marriages (1841-1899), (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-19??).
Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1850 Census, (Mississippi Coast History & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1972)
Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1870 Census, (Community Development Department of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi: 1981)
Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1860 Census, (Community Development Department of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi: 1982)
W.W.A. Smith, Biloxi City Directory, Volume I, 1905, (The Biloxi Daily Herald Printry: Biloxi, Mississippi-1905)
Chancery Court Records
The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 615, “W.F. Gorenflo v. Gaspard Didier et al”, August 1893.
The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1934, “The Estate of Prisicilla Ritch”, 1905.
The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Will Book 3, “The Will of Priscilla Ritch”, February 1905, p. 68
The Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd Judicial District Chancery Court Cause No. 2753, “The Estate of Priscilla Ritch”, October 1972.
Journals
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s Public School”, September 7, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Teachers Assigned”, October 2, 1898.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Public Schools”, October 5, 1898.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Schools Open September 12”, September 3, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Schools Will Open Monday”, September 9, 1910.
The Daily Herald, “Local News Paragraph of Interest”, July 16, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “James Ritch Dead”, December 23, 1912.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mohan Drops Dead On Street”, November 17, 1914.
The Daily Herald, “List of Teachers for City Schools of Biloxi is Out”, September 3, 1915, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, “Antoine-Rich Marriage”, September 17, 1918.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Landmark Passes Away”, August 7, 1919.
The Daily Herald, “Ritch Buried”, August 11, 1919.
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, “Martin Ritch Buried”, August 15, 1930.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary Ann Ritch Dies”, June 25, 1934.
The Daily Herald, “Thomas E.J. Ritch Dies”, August , 1947.
The Daily Herald, "Misses Ritch return", August 15, 1950.
The Daily Herald, “Retired School Principal Is Taken By Death”, April 14, 1964.
The Daily Herald, “Miss Priscilla Ritch”, October 19, 1972.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local Paragraphs” (Mohan), May 14, 1880.
Sablich Family
Sablich Family ray Sat, 11/16/2013 - 14:19SABLICH
Julius Joseph Sablich(1872-1947), sometimes known as “Zudie Hightower”, was born at New Orleans on . He married Alphonsine Roux or Rouez (1874-1960), a native of Alabama, on May 16, 1894 at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. Their children were: Edward Sablich (b. 1889); Leona Sablich; Aline Lucinda Sablich (1895-1977); Julius Joseph Sablich Jr. (1896-1972) m. Mary Amelia Louise Jalanivich (1900-1991); Marie Louise Sablich (1898-) m. Lawrence Runfalo (1886-1956); William ‘Willie’ Joseph Sablich (1899-1979) m. Alphonsine Cannette; Loretta Alphonsine Sablich (1901-1992) m. Nosery Mark Abraham (1898-1969); George Joseph Sablich (1902-965) m. Irma Augusta Williams (1903-1987); and Joseph J. Sablich (1907-1922).(Lepre, 1991, p. 289)
Julius J. Sablich
Julius Joseph Sablich(1896-1972) was born at Biloxi on . He married Mary Amelia Louise Jalanivich (1900-1991), the daughter of Luca Jalanivich (1861-1902) and Manuella Morrano Jalanivich (1858-1929), at Nativity BVM Catholic Church on June 5, 1918. John Matthew Jalanivich (1895-1967), her brother, walked Miss Jalanivich to the altar. Other members of the wedding party were: Edward Caillavet, groomsman, Fay Bellande, Emile Fallo and Ewell St. Amant, ushers; Althea Wentzell, flower girl, and Sidney McDonnell Jr., ring bearer; and Miss Sablich.(The Daily Herald, June 6, 1918, p. 3 and Lepre, 1991, p. 289)
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Nosery Mark Abraham (1898-1969)
Loretta A. Sablich
Loretta Alphonsine Sablich (1901-1992) was born at Biloxi on August 17, 1901. On April 7, 1926, she married Nosery Mark Abraham (1898-1969), the son of William Abraham (1863-1941) and Virginia Abraham (b. 1873), both immigrants from Syria.(The Daily Herald, April 8, 1926, p.
Nosery M. Abraham was born at Mount Lebanon, Syria on January 25, 1898. His parents and sister Virginia Abraham (b. 1897) came to America in 1901 and 1902 respectively. Nosery joined them in 1909 or 1910 at Ocean Springs, Mississippi where his parents made their livelihood as fruit merchants on Washington Avenue. Mr. Abraham became an American citizen on August 20, 1917 in the Federal Court at Biloxi, Mississippi.(1910 Jackson County, Mississippi Federal CensusThe Daily Herald, August 21, 1917, p. 1)
Superior Seafood Company
Nosery M. Abraham moved to Biloxi in 1926 and by 1930 was the proprietor of the Superior Seafood Company. By 1933, he was employing seventy people during the oyster season and shipping fresh seafood via three trucks to seafood dealers in Mississippi and Louisiana. His trucks went as far north as Oxford, Mississippi and west to Monroe, Louisiana.(The Daily Herald, October 14, 1933, p. 2 and
Children
Nosery M. Abraham and Loretta A. Sablich Abraham were the parents of two sons: Nosery Mark Abraham Jr. (1927-2011) and Joseph Edward Abraham (1929-1976) m. Jo Ann St. Pe’.(The Sun Herald, September 4, 2011)
Joseph J. Sablich
Joseph J. Sablich (1907-1922) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 50th Anniversary Souvenir, Golden Jubilee Number, Biographical and Historical 1884-1934, "Nosery M. Abraham", (The Daily Herald: Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi-1934).
Jerome Lepre,
The Daily Herald, ‘Sablich-Jalanovich[sic]’, June 6, 1918.
The Daily Herald, ‘Foreigners are made Citizens’, August 21, 1917.
The Daily Herald, ‘Sablich-Cannett [sic]’, December 10, 1920.
The Daily Herald, ‘Expects more oysters’, October 14, 1933.
The Daily Herald, ‘Julius Sablich dies at Biloxi’, April 30, 1947.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Alphonsine Sablich dies at Biloxi’, , 1960.
The New Orleans Item, ‘Biloxi boy [Joseph Sablich] dies from gunshot wound Sunday’, November 30, 1922.
The Sun Herald, ‘Mrs. Irma Sablich’, November 4, 1987.
The Sun Herald,‘N. Mark Abraham’,September 4, 2011.
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Santini Family
Santini Family
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
SANTINI FAMILY
The Santini family of Biloxi, Mississippi originated at New Orleans with Joseph Santini (1817-1874), a native of Trieste, Italy. Here Mr. Santini married Margaretha Muller (1828-1931), a native of Gutenberg, Bavaria, Germany. They were the parents of seven children: Gabriel Santini (1855-1890) m. Otelia McCue (1856-1884); Marie Josephine Ursuline ''Marietta" Santini (1856-1929); Joseph Santini (b. 1859); Josephine A. Santini (1860-1966); Rosetta Santini (1863-1949) m. Emmett S. Donnell (1853-1917); and Gabrielle Mathilde Santini (1868-1869).
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
JOSEPH SANTINI
Joseph Santini made his living at New Orleans as the proprietor of a coffee house. At this time, a coffee house was a saloon or bar room. The Joseph Santini coffee house was located on Gravier Street and called the Jewel of the South which he operated from 1833 until 1869. He is mentioned in many publications concerning the origin of mixed drinks. An example follows: Sometime around 1850, one Joseph Santini took over management of the bar and restaurant at New Orleans’ City Exchange, right in the heart of the French Quarter. There he invented the Crusta, a fancy variation that introduced citrus juice into the list of things that could go into a drink. This stayed purely a local drink until Jerry Thomas—who must have met Santini and/or had his drinks when he was in the Crescent City in the 1850s—put the Crusta in his book. This isn’t to say the Crusta was a huge hit. It was always a cult drink—one with few but fanatic devotees. But it planted a seed. That seed would remain dormant until the 1890s, when suddenly everyone started putting lemon juice, lime juice, even orange juice into their cocktails. From the Crusta, evolution brings us the Sidecar—and life without Sidecars would be very dreary indeed. If Santini hadn’t done it first, they still might have done it anyway, but at least they had someone in the dark backward of time shining a flashlight for them to show the way. Mr. Santini, we salute you. [The Times-Picayune, October 18, 1987, p. 101 and cocktailconfidential.latimesmagazine.com/]
Joseph Santini retired from the Jewel of the South in January 1869. He conveyed his coffee house to George B. Ittman. Mr. Santini related to his regular customers that: “He (Ittman) will keep he old saloon in splendid style, and with the best liquors andwines, so as to respond to the old reputation of this establishment.”(The Daily Picayune, January 24, 1869, p. 4)Joseph Santini provided excellent education opportunities for his children and offered incentives and awards for the scholars in the schools that his children attended. Gabriel Santini was a law graduate of Washington & Lee University at Lexington, Virginia. Marietta Santini attended the Locquet Institute, a private school for the privileged young ladies of the Crescent City, and located at 253 St. Charles Avenue. Marietta and Josephine Santini matriculated to the Virginia Female Institute at Staunton, Virginia and graduated in July 1872.(The Daily Picayune, July 30, 1872, p. 2)
At the Locquet Institute, Joseph Santini provided the Santini medals to the students that excelled in French and elocution. In May 1869, Miss Marietta Santini was awarded the palm of excellence in the preparatory department, but she declined to compete for her father’s medals. Mr. Santini was sincerely appreciated by the young ladies of the Locquet Institute as they gave him a set of gold cuff links. They were engraved with an open book on one side and the word ‘education’ on the other. Joseph Santini was described by the Institute’s staff as ‘unweary in his efforts to promote zeal in scholastic pursuits.’(The Daily Picayune, May 1, 1869, p. 1 and May 29, 1869, p. 1)
Joseph Santini died at Saint Christian, Basses-Pyrenees, France on August 11, 1874. Marietta Santini, his young daughter was with him at the time. She was studying music in Europe. Mr. Santini’s corporal remains did not reach NOLA until mid-October 1874. He funeral was held in the Crescent City on October 18, 1874 and his body interred at St. Louis No. 3 on Esplanade.(The Daily Picayune, August 12, 1874, p. 4 and October 17, 1874, p. 4)
BILOXI LANDS
Joseph Santini acquired land at Biloxi in December 1867 from Henry T. Lonsdale (1808-1869) and Jane Lonsdale (1817-1884) for $8000. The Lonsdale family was domiciled at NOLA where Mr. Lonsdale, a New Yorker, was a merchant. 170 feet on Gulf between Dr. A. Byrenheidt property and John B. Byrne and about a mile to the north.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 10, p. 351)
SANTINI HOUSE
[860 West Beach-sketch by Ray L. Bellande 1996]
SANTINI HOUSE
The Joseph Santini was situated at 860 West Beach in Biloxi. It has been described as an American Cottage. It is believed that the Santini House was erected circa 1837 by John Bligh Byrne of New Orleans. When it was conveyed to Henry
The Santini homestead on West Beach was conveyed for $7000 in November 1939 by Josephine A. Santini and Rosetta Santini Donnell to Mrs. Gus Hotstream (Mary Franz) and John Hotstream (1917-1998), her son. The Santini lot at this time had about 57 feet on the Gulf and ran north for about 634 feet. The Santini sisters were domiciled at Columbus, Lowndes Co., Mississippi at this time.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 230, p. 122 and Bk. 255, p. 315)
SANTINI ADDITION
In June 1897, the Heirs of Joseph Santini platted the Santini Addition subdivision in Biloxi, Mississippi. It was situated on the north side of the tracks of the L&N Railroad and ran north for about . Present day Santini Street formed the eastern perimeter of the land subdivision.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Plat Bk. 2, p. 4)
On the south side of the L&N Railroad tracks opposite the Santini Addition subdivision, the Heirs of Joseph Santini owned three small lots that ran about 333 feet south to Pass Christian Street [West Howard Avenue] and had a 179-foot front on Biloxi’s salient east-west artery. E.W. Morrill surveyed these lots and Lot 1 was sold to Peter M. Gillen in October 1891 for $250.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 27, p. 184)
SANTINI CHILDREN
Family records
[courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
GABRIEL SANTINI
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
Gabriel Santini (1855-1890) was born at NOLA on July 5, 1855. He was a very intelligent and artistically and musically talented man. Garbriel Santini studied the law at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He graduated in 1872 and was awarded the Robinson Prize Medal. Returning to New Orleans, Gabriel studied law at Tulane and graduated in 1874. By 1880, Gabriel Santini had passed the Virginia bar and was practicing law at Richmond, Virginia. (Tulane University Law School in 1874. (Source: Tulane University Catalogue, 1887-88)
Gabriel married Otelia McCue (1856-1884), the daughter of Judge John Howard McCue and Signora C.E. Wells of Augusta and Nelson Counties, Virginia. They were the parents of Norita Santini (1874-1932). Norita was reared at Biloxi by Margaretha Santini, her grandmother, and spinster aunts. She attended college at the Industrial Institute and College, the precursor to M.S.C.W., at Columbus, Mississippi in 1893. Norita Santini would marry William Henry Martin (1874-1938), an attorney, at Woodstock, Virginia in April 1901.(1880 Henrico Co., Virginia Federal Census R 1371, p. 43, ED 82 and The Biloxi Herald, July 1, 1893, p. 8 and The Daily Picayune, April 21, 1901, p. 16; Santini Family Bible and McCue family records-courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-November 2013); and Catalogue of the Officers and Alumni of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, 1749-1888)
Norita Santini Martin and W.H. Martin lived at Leesburg, Loudoun Co., Virginia where they reared two sons: William H. Martin II (1912-1989) and George M. Martin (1916-2001). George M. Martin was the City Attorney at Leesburg, Virginia for many years. The corporal remains of Norita Santini Martin and her family were interred in the Union Cemetery at Leesburg, Virginia.(1930 Loudoun Co., Virginia Federal Census R 2448, p. 15B, ED 8)
Gabriel Santini left the legal field and began a career as a thespian and chanteur in light opera and theatre at New Orleans with R.D. McLean & Marie Prescott, a tragedy combination. He had traveled to San Antonio, Texas with the Herbert Marsdon Troupe as leading man, but abandoned there when the musical company failed financially. Gabriel found work with the San Antonio theatre and was employed there when he died on New Year’s Day 1890. His corporal remains were sent to NOLA for internment.(The Biloxi Herald, January 4, 1890, p. 4 and The Daily Picayune, January 3, 1890, p. 4)
Marie Josephine Ursuline Santini
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
Marie Josephine Ursuline Santini (1856-1929) was known as Marietta Santini. She was born September 15, 1856. Marietta never married and expired in 1929 per a letter from Catherine Donnell that was sent to me by the Dunays before the Santini house was destroyed in 2005. (Dianan Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts-November 2013)
JOSEPHINE A. SANTINI
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
Miss Josephine Santini taught public school at Biloxi. When the school opened in October 1890, she was first assistant to J. Linn Ladd, the principal. His salary was $100 per month while Josephine made $45 per month. The other educators and their salaries were: Mrs. S. Booth-$40 per month; Edna Holley-$35 per month; and Mollie Rodenburg-$35 per month.(The Biloxi Herald, November 8, 1890, p. 4)
By January 1892, Miss Santini was teaching piano to Kindergarten children of Biloxi. At the Philomathian Society of Biloxi acquired a Dunham piano from Philip Werlein of NOLA on generous terms. The Philomathian Society had furnished the school with 400 books valued at not leas than $300. In addition, their museum which included the Girardin Collection was valued at more than $1000.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 16, 1892, p. 4)
ROSETTA SANTINI
[image courtesy of Diana Martin Lehman-Needham, Massachusetts]
Rosetta Santini (1863-1949) was born at NOLA in October 1863. She married Captain Emmett S. Donnell (1853-1917) of Columbus, Mississippi at her mother’s residence on West Beach at Biloxi, Mississippi on January 26, 1895. The Donnells had four children: Margaretha Donnell (1896-1975) m. James T. Matthews (1890-1981); Catherine Donnell (1898-1992); Rosetta Josephine Donnell (1901-1903); and Emmett ‘Jack’ S. Donnell II (1903-1990). The Donnell family resided on Military Road in Columbus, Mississippi.(The Biloxi Herald, February 3, 1895, p. 4 and 1900 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census T623_818. P. 22B, ED 53) Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census and 1930 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census)
Captain Emmett S. Donnell (1853-1917) was born in Arkansas in November 1853 to Captain William Preston Donnell (1824-1873), who served with the 12th Arkansas Infantry in the War of Rebellion (1861-1865). Emmett S. Donnell’s mother had passed probably at his birth and his father remarried Mary E. Austin (1817-1883). The Donnel family relocated from Arkansas to Columbus, Mississippi where E.S. Donnell made his livelihood as a policeman, furniture maker, city marshal, and was Captain of the Columbus militia. Captain E.S. Donnell also served the citizens of Columbus as their Mayor on two occasions. He died at Columbus, Mississippi on April 23, 1917. Rosetta Santini Donnell expired at Columbus May 3, 1949. The corporal remains of entire the E.S. Donnell family were interred in the Friendship Cemetery at Columbus, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, April 28, 1917, p. 3; 1880 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal census R655, p. 17, ED 98, 1910 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census T624_750, p. 9A, ED 43; 1920 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census T625_885, p. 4B, ED 44; and 1930 Lowndes Co., Mississippi Federal Census R1157, p. 8B, ED 11)
REFERENCES:
The Buildings of Biloxi an Architectural Survey, (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-1976).
JOURNALS
The Biloxi Herald, “Death of Gabriel Santini”, January 4, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, November 8, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “County Legislature”, December 6, 1890.
The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, January 16, 1892.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Donnell-Santini”, February 3, 1895.
The Biloxi Daily Herald,“”, April 6, 1901.
The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, May 26, 1903.
The Daily Herald, “Capt. Donnell dead”, April 28, 1917.
The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Santini celebrates 99th birthday”, May 28, 1927.
The Daily Herald, “Old citizens dies”, June 13, 1931.
The Daily Picayune, “Opening of the Washington Hotel”, April 5, 1842.
The Daily Picayune, “Commencement Exercises”, July 30, 1872.
The Daily Picayune, “Death of Joseph Santini”, August 12, 1874.
The Daily Picayune, “Funeral Notice”, October 17, 1874.
The Daily Picayune, “At Biloxi, Miss.”, April 21, 1901.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, December 19, 1929.
The Times-Picayune, “Deaths”, June 13, 1931.
The Times-Picayune, “Former Orleanian 103 years old dies”, June 13, 1931.
The Times-Picayune, “Saloon Society kept the old city hopping”, October 18, 1987.
Communications
November 2013
Dear Mr. Bellande,
My name is Diana Martin Lehman and I am the great-great-granddaughter of Joseph Santini, founder of the Santini family of New Orleans and Biloxi. I have done some fairly extensive research on the family over the years, and want to compliment you on the excellent and well-researched article you have posted. Howver, the article contains a few inaccuracies and omissions that merit correction:
--Gabriel Santini (my great-grandfather) married Otelia (not Ophelia) McCue, the daughter of Judge John Howard McCue and Signora C.E. Wills of Augusta and Nelson Counties, VA. (Sources: Santini Family Bible, McCue Family Record)
--Gabriel Santini graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA, in 1872, where he was recipient of the Robinson Prize Medal. (Source: Catalogue of the Officers and Alumni of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, 1749-1888)
--Gabriel Santini graduated from Tulane University Law School in 1874. (Source: Tulane University Catalogue, 1887-88)
I can provide you with pdfs from the University catalogs (both are available for download from Google Books).
--There is no record of a Marie Santini as a member of this family in any of the documents I have found, including the Family Bible (which is in my possession).
I plan to order the LDS microfilm of Joseph Santini's 200-page will and estate documents sometime in the near future (Orleans Parish Civil District Court, docket #12793, LDS film #1503233). It is possible these documents will provide clues to his origins and continued business dealings in France and Italy. Family tradition holds that he had to leave Europe (he arrived in New Orleans on the Bark Amelia on 25 Feb 1845, having departed from Trieste) because of some threat from the "Black Hand." Family tradition also maintains that his family had something to do with Napoleon Bonaparte. Interestingly, Napoleon's most loyal servant was Jean-Noel Santini, a fellow Corsican who spent his final years as chief attendant to Napoleon's tomb at Les Invalides in Paris.
I have an interesting picture of Gabriel and other members of the family standing in front of the house ca 1872 that I could be of historical interest. Please let me know if you want me to email it to you.
Sincerely,
Diana Martin Lehman
November 2013
Hi Ray,
On more closely examining the photo I sent you of the Santini house, I've come to the conclusion that it was probably taken sometime around 1880 rather than 1872. The child sitting on the lawn to the right is probably my grandmother Norita Santini Martin, who was born in 1874. She looks to be about 6 or 7 years old in the picture. The woman standing directly behind her may be her mother and my great-grandmother Otelia McCue Santini (b. 1853, d. 1884), though I see little resemblance to photos I have of Otelia. In addition, Gabriel Santini looks older than 20 in this picture, probably closer to 30.
November 2013
Hi Ray,
Attached are scans I made (and tweaked in Photoshop) of old photos from my grandmother's album. I'd guess that the picture of Gabriel Santini and sisters and other household members in front of the Biloxi house was taken around 1872, when Gabriel was about 20. He didn't marry my great-grandmother Otelia McCue until 1874, and there's no evidence of her in the picture. I also included scans of portraits of Joseph, Gabriel, Rosetta, Josephine, and Marietta Santini in case you want to use them for the article.
The references for Gabriel's education are as follows:
1872, graduation from Washington and Lee University: Catalogue of the Officers and Alumni of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia, 1749-1888. (Lexington, VA: Board of Trustees, Washington and Lee University, 1888), p. 164. https://archive.org/download/catalogueofoffic00washrich/catalogueofoffic00washrich.pdf(accessed 11/16/2013).
1874, graduation from Tulane University Law School: Tulane University Catalogue, 1887-'88. Graduates of the Law School. (New Orleans, LA: Tulane University, 1888), p. 90. Scan of copy from the Library of the University of Michigan, downloaded from Google Books 1/21/2008.
I wish I had been able to visit Biloxi to see the house before it was destroyed by Katrina. Is the impression I get from Google Street View correct that it has been replaced by some sort of enormous hotel complex? While I'm sure that the reconstruction is good for the economy of Biloxi, it's still sad to see so much history obliterated and replaced by a Las Vegas-style structure.
Many thanks to you for your web site and your efforts to preserve the area's history.
Diana
November 2013
Hi Ray,
Thank you so much for the newspaper story about my great-great grandmother's 99th birthday. I had always assumed that Joseph Santini met and married her in Europe, so the story of her immigration with two brothers was quite a revelation. Now I need to locate a record of her marriage to Joseph around 1850-51.
The Santini Family page on your web site looks very good, but I have a couple of requests.
The picture of Gabriel Santini isn't centered on the page, whereas the other pictures are. Would it be possible to realign it and the caption?
Also, the Marie Santini who married John Courrege was not a family member, so could you delete the sentence about her? The Marie Josephine Ursuline Santini who was b. 15 Sep 1856 (see attached) was Marietta Santini, whose picture I sent you. She was never married and died in 1929 per a letter from Catherine Donnell that was sent to me by the Dunays before the Santini house was destroyed in 2005. According to Catherine Donnell's letter, Marietta's sister Josephine Santini died in 1966 at the age of 105!
I'm attaching an image of the Bible Record with the birth dates for the children of Joseph Santini in case you wanted to add that information to the entries on them.
Thanks for everything, Diana
- 946 views
Seymour Family
Seymour Family
EARLY
Although the Seymour family has been in this area since Colonial times, there is not much published information on this clan. Brother Jerome Lepre of New Orleans et al have been working several years on The Seymour Family, another cog in his Gulf Coasthave been working several years on The Seymour Family, another cog in his Gulf Coast Genealogy series titled, Early Mississippi Coast Families. Brother Lepre has already written thirteen early Mississippi Coast family history books,Cannette-Moore-Fayard-LaFontaine-Graveline (1983), The Despau Family (1984), The Caillavet Family (1984), The Saujon Family (1984), The Carriere Family (1985), The Ignacio Sierra Family(1987), The Delaunay Family (1988), The Krohn Family (1989), The Santa Cruz Family (1990),The Trochesset Family (1991), The Fountain Family (1992), The Meaut Family (1995), and The Seymour Family (2001), which have proven to be invaluable to local genealogical researchers.
In addition, Brother Lepre has provided researchers important references works, such as: Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Volume I (1991), Catholic Church Records of Biloxi, Volume II, (1995), Catholic Church Records of Biloxi, Volume III, (1995), and Index to the Records of Old Mobile-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 1704-1891, (1992).
This essay is not meant to compete with Brother Jerome Lepre and his cohorts or other
An admonition to
Other researchers known to this writer who have published on the Seymour family are Ellen E. Kuehn, "Seymour Family", Annette R. Seymour, "Seymour Family" and "John Chester Seymour and Annette Raley", and Betty Clark Rodgers, "Lazarus Seymour and Nancy Seaman", all published in The History of Jackson County, Mississippi (1989). Pauline H. Entrekin wrote "The Seymore Family Tree" for The Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society Journal
(Volume 20, No. 2) in June 1984. The
The author has utilized these and other common genealogical sources to create this essay. The Chancery Court Land Deed Records of Jackson and
The genesis of the large
July 1995, Brother Lepre published an article, "Solution To A Mystery? LeBlanc-White-Moore-Zamora-Seymour", in The
Jerome Lepre relates that the man we know today as St. Cyr Seymour is referred to in various Catholic Church documents as St. Cyr LeBlanc, St. Cyr White, Jose St. Cyr, St. Cyr Zamora, Jose Zamora, and Joseph S. Moore. The name on his tombstone in Section B of the
Regardless of this ubiquitous nomenclature from LeBlanc to
In June 1808, St. Cyr Seymour married Marie-Josephe Ryan, the daughter of Jean Ryan and Marie Gargaret at St. Mary's Church on
Seymour (1811-1887), Lazarus Seymour (1816-1902), Narcisse Seymour (b. 1818), Victoria Seymour Fayard (1819-1904), Josephine Seymour Fayard (c. 1825-1852), and St. Cyr Seymour II (1827-1903).
The homestead of St. Cyr Seymour is clearly defined in the American State Papers and the early land records of the Chancery Court of Jackson County, Mississippi. In January 1816, William Crawford, Land Commissioner for the District East of the
The Joseph S. Moore Claim, No. 161, consisting of 640 acres in Section 5, T8S-R7W, Jackson County, Mississippi
Claim No. 161 was confirmed by an Act of Congress in March 1819. It was surveyed in 1827-1828 by Thomas Bilbo, Deputy Surveyor. The
Francois Rillieux and Jean-Baptise Baudrau dit Graveline and his heirs, very early settlers of the general
French Canadian adventurer, Jean-Baptiste Baudrau (1671-1761), called Graveline, who came to Fort Maurepas, at present day Ocean Springs, of the Louisiana Colony with d'Iberville (1661-1706) in 1700, remained and settled permanently in what became in December 1812, Jackson County of the Mississippi Territory. Today, his descendants from daughter, Magdeline, and her spouse, Pierre Paquet, number in the thousands. Graveline's granddaughter, Catherine-Louise Baudreau (1742-1806+), wedded Joseph Bosarge (1733-1794), a native of
Another early settler in the
The Charles C. Russell claim lies for the most part on the east side of a small, unnamed bayou which should fittingly be called St. Cyr or Seymour Bayou. Although low topographically, this land is suitable for habitation. The
A Federal land patent was issued on November 22, 1895, to St. Cyr Seymour, his legal representatives, and heirs on 480 acres in Section 5, T8S-R7W. The heirs of Charles C. Russell received their Federal land patent on October 9, 1895, on 160 acres in the E/2 of the E/2 of Section 5, T8S-R7W.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. Bk. 242, pp. 457-459 and Bk. 17, p. 151)
The
“he has generously risked so many times for the service of his majesty, first in expeditions in which he took part in Canada against the Iroquois, where he always distinguished himself, as well as in the journeys that were made there by sea to take Hudson's Bay and ravage the coasts of Newfoundland, and since he has been in Louisiana in the difficult journeys he has undertaken, both to manage certain Indian nations for us and to suppress the insolence of several others, having marched at the head of the militia, of which he is the oldest captain, whenever we have formed an army to fight them.”
Graveline, one of the first voyagers from Canada who came here for the settlement of the colony, at which he has worked steadily, both by the frequent voyages which he made to France to contract and conduct people here and by the voyages he has made to Vera Cruz and Havana in order to open commerce there and to have transported to this country the first purebred horned livestock seen here.(Rowland, et al, 1984)
When Thomas Hutchins (1730-1789), Surveyor-General of the
There are still a few inhabitants at
Hutchins had first come to the area in 1772, when he was a young lieutenant in the British Navy at
Possibly one of the earliest corroborations of the Seymour link to cattle is the 1827 Tax Roll of Jackson County, which indicates that St. Cyr Seymour was residing at Belle Fontaine and possessed 300 cattle ($4 per head) and 8 horses (valued at $300) worth $1500. By 1856, the county tax rolls indicate that the widow Seymour, Marie-Josephe Ryan, and her four sons still owned over 300 cattle and seven slaves. Many of St. Cyr Seymour's descendants became well-known stockmen and butchers in towns along the
When the children of St. Cyr Seymour and Marie-Joseph Ryan became of marriageable age, one could speculate that the sparse population in the Belle Fontaine-Fontainebleau area and the probable desire to select spouses of the Roman Catholic faith led their children to seek mates in other areas of the county. At this time, their particular environs near Fontainebleau were inhabited for the most part by strongly Protestant families, such as those of William Ramsay, Daniel H. Ramsay (1814-1867) and Daniel Webb.
To understand population distributions at this time, one can observe the 1840 Federal Census for
Here in the early 1800s, on the eastern shore of the
The Fourniers came to Ocean Springs from the Bayou La Batre area of coastal
In December 1849, Andre Fournier III (1809-1878) also acquired land at Ocean Springs. His tract consisted of 160 acres in the SW/4 of Section 19, T7S-R8W. This tract is east of Martin Avenue projected north along the range line between Range 8W and Range 9W to Fort Bayou, and includes all land south of Fort Bayou to Government Street projected to the range line. The eastern perimeter of the Fournier parcel is a line from
Here, this entrepreneur from
From the Andre Fournier II family at
As we will see, the children of St. Cyr Seymour and Marie-Josephe Ryan eventually moved to the western side of
Before leaving the original St. Cyr Seymour settlement at
We will probably never know precisely why the family of St. Cyr Seymour abandoned their home place north of
Another consideration in the
The Year 1860 saw three storms affect the
Pascagoula.(Sullivan-?) The third tempest hit
One can only imagine the effects of a tidal surge, emerging swiftly through the churning waters of
Regardless of all suppositions, it is known from the land deed records, land rolls, and tax rolls of the Chancery Courts of Jackson and Harrison Counties, that the six surviving heirs of St. Cyr Seymour, one daughter, Josephine S. Fayard, had expired childless in February 1852, began selling their legacy at
In December 1868, the first
In January 1876, Narcisse Fayard (1825-1896) and his wife, Victoria Seymour (1819-1904), sold their 1/6 interest to Alfred E. Lewis (1812-1885) for $50.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Book 3, pp. 74-75)
Jean-Baptiste Seymour sold for $100 his interest, which was described as one-half in the "Joseph S. Moore grant" to his son, Moses Seymour, in August 1887.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, p. 32) He must have acquired the interests of his brothers, Pierre Seymour and St. Cyr II. These conveyances were lost or destroyed, as they were never recorded in the Chancery Court post-1875.
Lazarus Seymour and Martha Fayard for $100 conveyed to Delmas and Emily Seymour their 1/6 interest in February 1890.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 10, p. 547) Delmas Seymour was the son of Jean-Baptise Seymour. The heirs of St. Cyr Seymour II claimed that he never sold his 1/6 interest in his father's
From depositions given in Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 3336, "H.F. Russell v. Calvin Seymour, et al", March 1914, the following information was revealed concerning the
H.F. Russell (1858-1940), the plaintiff in the case, testified that D.P. Russell, called Doc Russell, and the father of M.D. Russell, was the agent for the owners in the 1890s. Between 1895 and 1901, the virgin timber was cut or worked off the property by the timber crews of Doc Russell.
Richmond Spradley (1847-1900+) became the tenant for then proprietors, Moses L. Pervin and Wilson. Spradley lived in a frame and log house with his wife, Elizabeth (1833-1900+), and son, Elias (1878-1900+). Their country house was located on the middle bayou near the center of Section 5. Here Spradley cultivated a garden and burned charcoal to make his livelihood. He left the land in 1906, when his wife became ill. Others who worked on the land were John Webb (1854-1900+) and A.B. Spradley (1874-1900+).
Thomas E. Ramsay (1845-1934), who owned the
"raised some mighty fine sugar cane and potatoes".
John Webb testified to the Chancery Court that D.P. Russell lived on the
From testimony given in Cause No. 3336, H.F. Russell v. Calvin Seymour, et al, one could conclude that the homestead of St. Cyr Seymour was located in the SE/4 of the NW/4 of Section 5, T8S-R7W. Here the tenant, situated near a navigable bayou and protected from the hurricane prone shores of the Mississippi Sound to the south, was ideally situated to take advantage of the fecund waters of
Today, this area of
A second unit consisting of twenty lots was added in Section 19, T8S-R7W, on the John Baptiste Beaudreaux (sic) Claim, in August 1978.(JXCO, Ms. Land Plat Book 16, p. 3) In the same general area, Graveline Pointe Subdivision, is now being developed by James Reeves Development, Inc. of
The Reverend Herbert Mullin and Monsignor Geofrey O'Connell, Roman Catholic Irish priests, acquired this land in April 1944, from Charles S. Gerth of New Orleans.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 87, pp. 491-492) Here with the assistance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart from Bay St. Louis, they developed Camp Graveline at Graveline Point just west of where "St. Cyr Bayou" enters Graveline Lake.
According to Bob Mahoney of
Camp Graveline was owned by the Sisters of Mercy from May 1958 until March 1961, when it was quitclaimed to Father Mullin, et al.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 185, pp. 357-359) It is believed that Camp Graveline ceased to function as a summer holiday resort in the late 1950s, and was subsequently a victim of Hurricane Camille in August 1969. The Creare Corporation purchased it from the Catholic priests, Mullin and O'Connell, in June 1969.( JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 357, p. 467)
We are now ready to investigate the migration of the children of St. Cyr Seymour and Marie-Josephe Ryan from the primal
North of the "Big Ridge" on the east side of the
It is interesting to note that this general locale was the childhood home of their mother, Marie-Josephe Seymour, nee Ryan. She was reared on the Jean Ryan settlement about two to three miles south, in the vicinity of present day Bayou Porteaux-Gulf Hills. It was a homecoming for her.
EDWARD SEYMOUR SETTLEMENT-LATIMER/LARUE
Edward Seymour (1809-1898), the eldest of the
The
10 acres of improved land, 400 acres of unimproved land, cash value of farm $300. Stock included 4 horses, 1 mule, 30 milch cows, 4 working oxen, 10 other cattle, and 38 swine valued at $850.
By 1856, the tax rolls have Edward Seymour in possession of 80 cattle and one slave.
It cannot be ascertained with a high degree of certitude when Edward Seymour and family left the
Edward Seymour and his wife reared a large family consisting of the following children: Raymour Seymour (1829-1911), Elizabeth Richard (1836-1905), Suzanne Dupree (b. 1839), Lewis Seymour (b. 1939), Antoine Seymour (b. 1840), Joseph Edward Seymour (b. 1842), Josephine "Coriene" Cates (1843-1929), and Clement Fayard Seymour (1846-1915).
Some corroboration for the relocation of Edward Seymour to the Latimer area, is given in 1867. At this time, his mother Marie-Josephe or Mary Seymour purchased 160 acres in the north half of Section 26, T6S-R9W from the State of Mississippi.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Book 22, p. 368) Also, at the same time, his, son, Clement Seymour, son-in-law, Fred Dupree (1833-1911), and grandson, Edward Richard, bought the SE/4 of Section 26, T6S-R9W from the State of
In 1872, Edward Seymour sold his land in the Latimer area to Clement Seymour and St. Cyr Seymour II. It appears from the land assessment records of
Annette Raley Seymour, the wife of John Chester Seymour (b. 1929), relates in the "Seymour Family" in The History of Jackson County, Mississippi (1989), that "Edwour
The
At the same time, his brother, Clement Seymour, and son, Albert Jackson Seymour (1867-1951), received Federal patents, also on lands in T5S-R9W. Clement received the NW/4 and SW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 10, while Albert got 160 acres in Section 11.
PIERRE SEYMOUR SETTLEMENT-FORT BAYOU
Pierre Seymour (1810-1888) married Louise Fournier, the daughter of Andre Fournier and Catherine Bouzage circa 1833. Their known children are: Joseph Lazarus Seymour (1835-1920), William Seymour (1837-1908), Clo Seymour (b. 1842), Louisa S. Garlotte (1838-1916), Adele S. Bullock (1844-1913), Sherrod Seymour (1846-1928), May Seymour (b. 1847), and John Peter Seymour (1852-1938).
The early tax rolls of
Like his brothers, Pierre Seymour owned cattle. In 1843, he was assessed with 40 bovines. By 1856, his herd had grown to 50 beef cattle. In the 1860 Federal census,
There is a high degree of certitude that Pierre Seymour and his family settled on the north shore of
Topographically, this habitat is very similar to the original
By 1875, Pierre Seymour owned about 300 acres of land in Section 17 and several tracts to the south in Section 20, T7S-R8W. The Pierre Seymour family cemetery developed in the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 20.
It appears that several of the children of Pierre and Louise Fournier found settlements near their primal haunts on
Ina Goff Clarke, a descendant of Peter Sherrod Seymour (1870-1934), remembers that as a child, in the 1930s, she was brought to the "William Seymour place". It was located just west of the
Today, the former lands of Pierre Seymour in Section 17 and Section 20, T7S-R8W are for the most part owned by the heirs of J. Duncan Moran (1925-1995) and his brother, Alfred R. Moran (1930-1981). With the exception of the Woodfield Subdivion and the Windsor Park Subdivision on the northeast and southwest perimeters respectively, and
It is believed that these Pierre Seymour lands came into the Moran family through their grandparents, May V. Minor (1866-1910) and H.F. Russell (1858-1940), who acquired much real estate in
An excerpt from this conveyance reads as follows:
"it is understood and agreed by all parties interested in this deed that the one acre here in conveyed is to be used as a family cemetery only. It is also understood and agreed that the said heirs and their family shall have the right to go to and from said cemetery through the NE/4 of the NE/4 at any time that they may deem necessary".
JEAN-BAPTISTE SEYMOUR SETTLEMENT-OCEAN SPRINGS
Jean-Baptise Seymour (1812-1887) married Marie Fournier (1817-1890) circa 1835. She was born at Ocean Springs, after the Andre Fournier family had relocated post-1813, from the Bayou La Batre area of
Before arriving at Ocean Springs, Jean-Baptiste Seymour resided at
Jean-Baptiste Seymour and Marie Fournier reared a large family in
It is not known with a high degree of certitude, when Jean-Baptiste Seymour and family quit the
Before Jean-Baptise Seymour expired on October 14, 1887, he began selling his land at Ocean Springs to his children and others. In October 1875, Thomas Cochran (1852-1883) purchased all of Jean-Baptiste Seymour's land north of
Moses Seymour
Son, Moses Seymour (1838-1893), was the first sibling of the family to acquire land in the
From his obituary, it appears Moses Seymour was a resident of
At Pasacagoula, 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: Hilda Seymour (b. 1897), Mildred Seymour (b. 1899), Lois Seymour(b. 1901), Hulbert Seymour (b. 1903), Norman Seymour (b. 1905), Blanche Seymour (b. 1907), and Bernard Seymour (b. 1910).
Robert F. Seymour also appears to have settled at
Narcisse J. Seymour
Narcisse J. Seymour (1849-1931) was the next of the children to acquire land from his parents in the Jean-Baptiste Seymour strip. In September 1879, he purchased a lot on the south side of
Narcisse Seymour acquired other lands in the immediate area. In April 1881, he bought Lots 1-3 in Block 41 (Culmseig Map of 1854) from Edward Clark of
Narcisse Seymour acquired additional lands on
Narcisse Seymour and his family had a large impact on the economic history of Ocean Springs. They with Antonio Catchot (1828-1885) and his son, Joseph "Joe Tony" Catchot (1858-1919), were early leaders of the fledgling commercial seafood industry at Ocean Springs. Fresh seafood and
Narcisse had married Amelia Kendall (1840-ca 1873), the daughter of Louis Kendall (1822-1894) and Celestine Ryan (1829-1894), circa 1868. She had been reared on
After the untimely death of his wife, Narcisse Seymour married in September 1873, Caroline V. Krohn (1847-1895), the daughter of Henry A. Krohn (1811-1850+) and Marie Solitelle Cuevas (Quave) (1807-1860+). His sister, Zeolide Seymour, had married her brother, John H. Krohn (1831-1912).
The children of Narcisse and Caroline Krohn were: Raymond Seymour (b. 1874), Charles Hugh Seymour (1876-1913), Harriet S. Dale (1877-1956), John R. Seymour (1879-1938), Alice S. Bellman (1880-1957), Benjamin Seymour (1882-1904), J. Frank Seymour (1884-1933), Wilhemine
Seymour (1886-1889), Carrie S. Ames (1889-1979), George J. Seymour (b. 1889), and Leona A. Seymour (1891-1900).
Mrs. Narcisse Seymour acquired property on
$2000 to local realtor, F.E. Lee (1874-1932), in January 1926, as a result of Jackson County Chancery Court Cause No. 4633, Narcisse Seymour v. Mrs. Eugene Dick, et al. This parcel was contiguous with the earlier land acquisitions of Narcisse Seymour along
gave the family over 450 feet fronting on Calhoun east of
Seafood
Near the turn of the Century, Narcisse Seymour (1949-1931) and some of his children and their spouses continued to acquire land on the east side of Dewey Avenue between Calhoun and LaFontaine which comprises ten lots in Block 41 (Culmseig Map of 1854). They and their kindred
families, the Beaugezs, Bellmans, and Dicks, made their livelihoods in the seafood industry as fishermen and oystermen. Their neighborhood on the east side of
Avenue is now a more appropriate historic appellation for the present thoroughfare.
In time, several local seafood enterprises, some of regional distinction, arose from the incipient organization of Narcisse Seymour & Son, which was established in the 1890s. They were: Hugh C. Seymour, VanCourt & Seymour (D.B. VanCourt and J.R. Seymour), The Eagle Point Oyster Company (Phillip M. Bellman), J.R. Seymour Fish & Oyster Company, The Seymour Brothers (Bennie and Oscar Seymour), The Grace Seymour Crab Plant, and J&L Seafood (John H.
Seymour and
As previously mentioned, Narcisse Seymour had acquired Lots 1-3 of Block 41, in 1881. Lot 1 of Block 41 commenced on the southeast corner of Calhoun and Dewey while
of Block 41 was on the northeast corner of LaFontaine and Dewey. Through the years, the Narcisse Seymour clan and affiliated families have had transactions on all lots on Dewey south of
The chronology of the various
In February 1885, Narcisse Seymour sold
Before his demise in 1904, Ben Dick had sold
It is interesting to note that in the Federal Census of 1900, a Henry Seymour (b. 1873), possibly the son of Henry Seymour (1844-1924), is married to a Lizzie ? Slater (b. 1870), a native of
Narcisse Seymour conveyed
Charlotte Franco Cochran (1864-1939) sold
LOT 4 and
In June 1902, John R. Seymour (1879-1938) acquired Lot 4 and Lot 5-Block 41, from Bartholmew Morere of
Narcisse Seymour acquired
Narcisse Seymour acquired
On the west side of
Delmas Seymour
Continuing with the disbursement of the Jean-Baptise Seymour tract at Ocean Springs, a son, Delmas Seymour (1863-1912) acquired the southern most 350 feet of the
Delmas Seymour (1863-1912) was born in July 1863. He married Emma Bosarge in April 1884. They divorced in December 1886. Delmas then wedded Emily Morin Forstall (1864-1922), the daughter of Felix Morin and Emily Bernard. She had four children by a prior marriage: George Forstall, Marie Forstall Groue (b. 1877), Amanda F. Kelly (b. 1878), and Georgine F. Voivedich (1880-1964). Delmas Seymour and family moved to
Brothers, Jean-Baptiste Beaugez (1857-1913) and Alphonse M. Beaugez (1860-1942), were sold two lots in the
It is interesting to note that apparently the only direct descendant of Jean-Baptiste Seymour to presently reside on the J.B. Seymour tract at Ocean Springs is Oswald P. Beaugez. Mr. Beaugez, the grandson of Caroline Seymour and Alphonse Beaugez, resides at
After the death of Jean-Baptiste Seymour in October 1887, his widow, Marie Fournier, sold May V. Russell (1866-1910), the wife of H.F. Russell (1858-1940), a 1.2-acre tract north of
The children of Theodore Borries and Marie Eliza Seymour were: Clara B. Ramon (1875-1957), Charles Borries (1878-1957+), John Borries, Marie Eugenie Borries (b. 1883), and Agnes Borries (1890-1920+). In 1920, Mr. Borries made his livelihood as a butcher in
John Seymour
The final disposition of the original Jean-Baptiste Seymour tract occurred in September 1890, when his heirs sold their brother, Jean Seymour (1843-1903+), an approximate one acre lot north of Mrs. Russell's tract. It was midway between Porter and Calhoun and south of his mother's house. Jean or John Seymour married Armina Miller (1852-1929) in February 1871. Some of their children were: George Seymour (1873-1950), James Seymour (1887-1948), Adolph Seymour (d. 1951), and Alphonse Seymour.(The Jackson County Times, May 7, 1948, p. 1)
Their son, George Seymour (1873-1950), and his spouse, Josephine Cox (1878-1927), reared a large family at Ocean Springs. Jean Seymour served with the 3rd Mississippi, Company A and Company E, during the Civil War.
Henry Seymour
It is unknown why Henry Seymour (1844-1924) was the only son of Jean-Batiste Seymour who did not acquire land in the original Seymour Tract. He was also a veteran of the Civil war having served with the 3rd Mississippi, CO A Live Oak Rifles. It is believed that Henry Seymour married circa 1871, Armentine Ladner, who he divorced in December 13, 1886. Their may have been three children from this union: Evelina Seymour (b. ca 1871), Emilia Anna Seymour (b. 1873) and John Seymour (b. 1875).
The daughters of Jean-Baptise Seymour and Marie Fournier, Zeolide and Louise Seymour married local men. In July 1854, Zeolide Seymour (1836-1898) married John Henry Krohn (1831-1912), the son of John Henry Augustus Krohn (1802-1853) of
John H. Krohn owned large tracts of valuable lumber and naval stores lands in Sections 28 and 29, T6S-R9W, and Sections 25 and 36 in T6S-R10W, respectively northeast and north of
Amelia S. Krohn married Albert M. Eglin (1852-1891), an Alsatian émigré, in October 1873. They settled on the west side of
Louise Seymour
In May 1883, Louise Seymour (1855-1939) married Justin Meaut (1847-1923) and relocated to
At present, the author has very little familial information on Cecelia Seymour Mathieu (1850-1903+) and Mary Seymour Borries (1853-1900). Anyone willing to share their knowledge of these children of Jean-Baptiste Seymour and Marie Fournier would be appreciated.
Jean-Baptiste Seymour expired on October 14, 1887. His remains are interred near those of his father, St. Cyr Seymour, in Section B-Lot 24 of the
LAZARUS SEYMOUR-NORTH
Lazarus Seymour (1816-1902) was born on April 18, 1816, at
In his obituary of April 29, 1902, it relates that Lazarus Seymour relocated to
In November 1866, Peter Lienhard sold an additional two acre-tract west of Lazarus Seymour to Lazarus Seymour (1835-1920), a son of Peter Seymour (1810-1872+), who is often referred to as Lazarus Seymour Jr. for $600. Lazarus Seymour Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth Seymour (1842-1917), the daughter of Lazarus Seymour and Nancy Ann Seaman, sold this tract in June 1870, to his father-in-law, Lazarus Seymour, for $1000. It can get familial confusing.
Here on the north shore of the Back Bay of Biloxi and later at
Mrs. Seymour's (old lady Seymour) account indicates that she purchased 1 sack of salt ($1.50), 1 bbl. of flour ($7.00), 5 yards of hicory ($.75) and 2 1/2 yards of cottonade ($.30) in 1858-1859. It is believed that she was residing at Latimer during this period.
During this ante-bellum time, Ramon John Quave (1851-1908), the son of Pierre Quave (1826-1862), ran the ferry from Back Bay to
Lazarus Seymour fathered four children with Nancy Seaman: Elizabeth Seymour (1846-1917), Edmund Seymour (1848-1925), Pliny Seymour (1852-1902), and Edward Seymour
(1854-1944). His children with Elizabeth Martha Fayard were: Celestine Seymour (1858-1902+), Josephine S. Quave (1859-1934), Celina Boney (1861-1902+), Rosa S. Boney (1863-1929+), Pierre Ernest Seymour (1865-1891), Marie Eliza Seymour (1867-1928), Cecile S. Lepre (1869-1929), Moses (Maurice) Seymour (1872-1928), John Adolphe Seymour (1873-1896), Louis Seymour (1875-1916), and Lillian Esperance Seymour (1883-1899). Edmund Seymour and Pliny Seymour became butchers like their father, Lazarus, while Edward Seymour was a storekeeper at
Lazarus Seymour remained active as a stock raiser until his final days. In his Estate, HARCO Chancery Court Cause No. 1421, it reveals that he owned 566 sheep and 124 head of cattle at the time of his demise in late April 1902. Mr. Seymour was also possessed of several lots in
Lazarus Post Office
Joseph Lazarus Seymour (1835-1920), the son of Pierre Seymour and Louise Fournier, who was also called Lazarus Seymour Jr., and resided at Back Bay from about 1870, until his demise in September 16, 1920, married Elizabeth Seymour (1846-1917), the daughter of Lazarus Seymour and Nancy Ann Seaman. It is not know with any degree of certitude if the US Post Office here which was called "Lazarus" (1901-1907) and "Seymour" (1907-1911), was named for Lazarus, the son of St. Cyr Seymour, or his nephew, Lazarus, the son of Pierre. Edgar P. Seymour (1880-1943), a grandson of Lazarus Seymour (1816-1902), was the postmaster at "Lazarus" from 1901 to 1905. He was succeeded by Mary Quave Young (1853-1928), the wife of Captain William Young (1849-1911).
Lazarus Seymour Jr. was the father of Albert Seymour (b. 1873) and Oscar Seymour (b. 1882). His daughters were: Catherine
Lazarus Seymour Jr. left ‘Laurel Hill’, in his estate consisting of 120 acres in Jackson County, Mississippi and described as the E/2 of NW/4 and the SW/4 of the NE/4 of Section 34, T6S-R9W. His heirs sold this property to Edgar P. Seymour and Adolph Hunt in May 1921 for $2000.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 25, 1905, p. 5)
ST. CYR SEYMOUR II SETTLEMENT-LATIMER AREA
St. Cyr Seymour II (1827-1903) was born in August 1827, at
On November 25, 1874, St. Cyr Seymour married Victoire Delaunay (1848-1883), the daughter of Robert Delaunay and Clare Ladner. Their known family was: Morris Leger Seymour (1875-1941), Leon Seymour (1876-1959), Ernest Adolph Seymour (1878-1963), Mary Olevia Scarborough (1879-1960), Robert Seymour (1881-1952), and Victoria S. Fayard (1883-1914+).
St. Cyr Seymour II expired on October 15, 1903. His obituary states that he lived 72 years at his present home "across
The 1875 Land Roll Book of Jackson County, Mississippi indicates that St. Cyr Seymour II owned 1600 acres of land in T6S-R9W of western
The 1902 Land Roll Book of Jackson County, Mississippi demonstrates that near the time of his demise, St. Cyr Seymour II had reduced his land holdings in western
It would appear from this information that the homestead of St. Cyr Seymour II was located near the center of the NE/4 of Section 27, T6S-R9W. This site is on a narrow topographic ridge, which strikes northwest-southeast. It reaches a maximum elevation of fifty-two feet above sea level. The southeast corner of this tract is transected by the
Before the Sacred Heart Mission of the Roman Catholic Church was opened in
In December 1908, Commissioner F.H. Lewis sold the St. Cyr Seymour II place to Willie P. Ramsay (1870-1963), for $320. Mr. Ramsay served the people of
The St. Cyr Seymour II estate property remained in the W.P. Ramsay family until November 1989, when current Beat Four Supervisor, Tommy Broadnax, inherited it from Miss Thelma Z. Ramsay (1899-1989). Mr. Broadnax is presently erecting a home here. There are no cultural remains of the Seymour or Ramsay occupation on this tract today.
ST. CYR SEYMOUR II
St. Cyr Seymour II (1827-1903) was born in August 1827, the son of St. Cyr Seymour (1788-1845) and Marie-Josephe Ryan. She was the daughter of Jean Ryan and Marie Gargaret. St. Cyr Seymour II was born at
St. Cyr Seymour II survived two spouses. His first wife was an English lady, Anna McCarty (1839-1872), with whom the following issue are known: Calvin Seymour (1850-1922), Coralie Seymour Cannette (1852-1920), Zeolide S. Delaunay (1854-1929), Cora Seymour (1857-1860+), St. Cyr Seymour, III (1859-1912), Octavie Seymour (b. 1861), Pierre Seymour (b. 1863), Beauregard Seymour (b. 1866), and Margaret Ann Seymour Scarbrough? (b. 1868).
After the demise of Anna McCarty, St. Cyr Seymour II married on November 25, 1874, Victoire Delaunay (1848-1883), the daughter of Robert Delaunay and Clare Ladner. Their known family was: Morris L. Seymour (1875-1941), Leon Seymour (1876-1959), Ernest Adolph Seymour (1878-1963), Marie Olivia Seymour (1879-1900+), Robert Seymour (1881-1952), and Victoire Seymour (1883-1900+). St. Cyr Seymour II expired on October 15, 1903. His obituary states that he lived 72 years at his present home "across Back Bay", married twice and had fourteen children.(2) His remains are interred in the Seymour Cemetery located in the W/2 of the SE/4 of the SE/4 of Section 13, T6S-R9W, two miles southeast of the Latimer Community. (3)
The 1875 Land Roll Book of Jackson County, Mississippi indicates that St. Cyr Seymour II owned 1600 acres of land in T6S-R9W of western
W/2 of the SW/4, SE/4 of the SE/4 of Section 23 (280 acres); NW/4 of the NE/4, SE/4 of the SW/4, and the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 35 (120 acres); NE/4 of the SW/4, SE/4 of the SW/4 of Section 34 (80 acres); and the NE/4, W/2 of the NW/4, NE/4 of the SE/4, and the NW/4 of the SE/4 of Section 27 (320 acres).(4)
The 1902 Land Roll Book of Jackson County, Mississippi demonstrates that near the time of his demise, St. Cyr Seymour II had reduced his land holdings in T6S-R9W to 240 acres. These parcels were: the NE/4 of the NE/4 of Section 26 (40 acres) and the NE/4 and the SW/4 of the SW/4 of Section 27 (200 acres).(5)
It would appear from this information that the home site of St. Cyr Seymour II was located near the center of the NE/4 of Section 27, T6S-R9W. This site is on a narrow topographic ridge, which strikes northwest-southeast. It reaches a maximum elevation of fifty-two feet above sea level. The southeast corner of this tract is transected by the
The eldest
Calvin Seymour and Elizabeth Mulholland settled in Section 13, T6S-R9W, where they reared a large family. The
REFERENCES:
Mary Louise Adkinson, et al, 1991. Bouzage-Bosarge Family, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), pp. 53-54.
Jay Higginbotham, 1967.
The History of
Thomas Hutchins, 1784. An Historical Narrative and Topographical Description of
Lepre, Jerome, 1983.
Lepre, Jerome, 1995.
Robert R. Rea, 1990.
Dunbar Rowland and A.G. Sanders, revised and edited by Pat Galloway, 1984.
C.E. Schmidt, 1972, Ocean Springs French Beachhead, (Lewis Printing Services-Pascagoula, Mississippi-1972), p. 29.
Charles L. Sullivan, Hurricanes of The
USGS Topographic Maps, "Ocean Springs" (1954), Gautier and Gautier South. Scale 1" represents 2000 feet).
Chancery Court Causes
Stiglets Family
Stiglets Family ray Wed, 05/15/2013 - 11:22STIGLETS LANDING
Harrison County, Mississippi
Stiglets Landing was a small trading post and ferry landing located on the Biloxi River in Section 32, T6S-R9W about five miles from the upper reaches of Biloxi Bay southwest of the Woolmarket community. It was founded by Joseph Marion Stiglets (1852-1924) on the site of the old Powell-Hester-Saffold ferry landing in November 1884, when he bought most of the SE/4 of the SW/4 and the S/2 of the NE/4 of SW/4 of Section 32 (acres) from Dr. David M. Dunlap of Ocean Springs, Jackson County, Mississippi for $900.(1)
Dr. Dunlap (1803-1884+) was born at South Carolina. He practiced medicine at Ocean Springs from the early 1870s, until about the time he sold his Biloxi River property to Stiglets. Dunlap was married to Mary T. Dunlap (b. 1830) of Georgia. They had at least three children: James Dunlap (1858-1884+), Mary or Matty Dunlap (b. 1864), and Edward Dunlap (1868-1884+).
It is interesting to note that Dr. Dunlap had purchased the river property from Thomas W. Grayson (1825-1904) and his wife, Anne Hyde (1832-1906), in January 1882 for $2500.(2) At the same time, Dr. Dunlap sold Thomas W. Grayson a tract of land comprising over three acres in the heart of Ocean Springs bounded by Washington Avenue and Jackson Avenue between Porter and Desoto (Lots 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8 of Block 27-Culmseig Map of 1854). Here the Dunlaps had erected a large edifice.
Thomas W. Grayson is believed to have operated a mercantile store on his Biloxi River landing site before moving to Jackson County. At Ocean Springs, Grayson became a Justice of the Peace and also served the citizens there as mayor from 1897 to 1898.
Joseph M. Stiglets was the son of Austrian immigrant (Trieste, Italy), Vincent Stiglets (1805-1893), and Felicite Ladner (1824-1896). Vincent Stiglets had immigrated to the United States before 1850. He made his livelihood as a ship carpenter. Vincent Stiglets built trading schooners at his boatyard located at Stonewall, Mississippi. Some of his vessels were the: ?? check with Rusty Barnes.
The other eleven children of Vincent and Felicite Stiglets were: Thomas A. Stiglets (1842-1880+), Christian (b. 1843), Ellen S. Richard (1846-1914), Vincent Stiglets, Jr. (1850), Moses Stiglets (1853-1947), John A. Stiglets (1855-1930), Ursan Stiglets (1857-1887), Felicite S.
Bennett (1859-1930), Mary S. Peterson (1862-1907), Nora S. Kahler (1865-1943), and Anna Taltavull (1867-1941). Most of this family is interred at the Coalville Cemetery at Woolmarket.
Joseph M. Stiglets married Melissa H. Stewart (1857-1926) on February 5, 1879. Their children were: Margaret Olivia Stiglets (1881-1976), Marion Stiglets (b. 1883), Elizabeth Caralyn Stiglets (1885-1971), Elva Stiglets Kimball (1888-1980), infant boy Stigletts (1890-1890), Winnie Stiglets (1892-1910), Maud Stiglets (b. 1893), and Lu Rovena Stiglets Martin (1897-1997).
Anectdotal stories relate that Captain Stiglets deepened the lagoon in front of his home to the Biloxi River. Here he constructed docking facilities and a warehouse for his five coastal trading schooners. At the peak of the lumber and wool industry in the Woolmarket area, Stiglets employed more than five-hundred men in logging and shipping.
The Stiglets Landing site remained in the family for many years. As late as 1957, two of Captain Stiglet's daughters lived in the old homeplace on the Biloxi River.
Joseph Marion Stiglets (1852-1924) married Melissa H. Stewart (1857-1926) on February 5, 1879. He was the son of Vincent Stiglets and Felicite Ladner. Captain Stiglets bought the Thomas W. Grayson house and landing site on the Biloxi River at Woolmarket after the Civil War. Here he deepened the lagoon to the river as a landing for his five trading schooners. Stiglets at the height of the lumber and wool boom in the area employed over 500 men in logging and shipping.
Their children were: Clara S. Cox , Margaret Olivia Stiglets (1881-1976), Marion S. Beasely (1883-1961), Elizabeth Caralyn Stiglets (1885-1971), Elva S. Kimball (1888-1980), infant boy (1890-1890), Winnie (1892-1910), Maud (1893), and Lula Martin (1895-1997).
JOHN A. STIGLETS
John Alva Stiglets (1855-1930) married Victoria Richards (1866-1947) on February 26, 1885. She was the daughter of Moses Victor Richards (1837-1925) and Martha Annie Bennett Fayard (1841-1917), the widow of David Fayard.
Their children: Rose Ida Krebs (1886-1929), Isabella Pugh (1888-1960), John Alva (1890-1969), Leone Pearl Bass (1892-1968), Mathilda Gladys Henderson (1895-), and Althea Agnes Arnold (1897-1987).
Rose Ida Stiglets married Ray Flechas Krebs (1892-1972) of Pascagoula on November 12, 1913. Children: Victor Ray Krebs and John Edward Krebs (1916-1973).
In 1900, John Stiglets was a day laborer. John Stiglets died December 3, 1930. Victoria Stiglets died July 26, 1947.
BRISCOE STIGLETS
Vincent Stiglets, Jr. may have been called Briscoe Stiglets (1864). He married Caldonia Watson in October 1891. He married Mary Deveraux (1872) in August 1898. A schooner captain in 1900. Children: Missouri Stiglets (1893), and Harry Jason Stiglets (1896-1976), and James Stiglets (1900).
MOSES STIGLETS
Moses Stiglets (1868-1947) married Emily Watson. He was a schooner captain in 1900. Children: Eddie (b. 1889), Wiley Stiglets (1891-1935), Jesse Stiglets (1891-1932), Andrew Stiglets (1894-1963), and Ola Stiglets (1896-1982).
MATTHEW STIGLETTS
Matthew Stiglets (1815-1860+) was born at Austria. Probably brother of Vincent Stiglets (1810-1880+). Wife, Antonia Getzon (1815), also Austrian born. Children: Matthew, Jr. (1842), Johanna (1848), and Catherine (1860). Came to U.S. after 1848.
REFERENCES:
1. Harrison County, Ms. Land Deed Book 20, p. 231.
2. ------------------------------ Book 18, pp. 350-351.
Mississippi Gulf Coast: Yesterday and Today (1699-1937),(Gulport Printing Company: Gulfport, Mississippi-1937), pp. 136-137.
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, "John Edward Krebs", (Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula-1989), pp. 250-251.
John A. Stiglets Family Collection-Biloxi Public Library, History and Genealogy Archives, Murella H. Powell, curator.
The Daily Herald, "Coastlore", August 1, 1976.
The Mobile Press Register, "Stiglet's Landing Was Active Scene Of Much Trading", May 19, 1957.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Sous Les Chenes", November 10, 1994.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Sous Les Chenes", May 18, 1995, p. 22.
The Sun Herald, "Lu Rovena Stiglets Martin", February 5, 1997, p. C-2.
US CENSUS-Harrison County, Mississippi (1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1900).
U.S. CENSUS-Jackson County, Mississippi (1900)
ROSWELL S. KIMBALL
(1886-1948)
Roswell Sidney Kimball (1886-1948) was born at Scriven County, Georgia. He married Elva Stiglets (1888-1980) circa 1917. She was the daughter of Joseph M. Stiglets (1853-1924) and Melissa H. Stewart (1857-1926) of Woolmarket who married February 5, 1879. Mrs. Kimball's siblings were: Margaret Olivia Stiglets (1881-1976), Marion Stiglets (b. 1883), Elizabeth Caralyn Stiglets (1885-1976), infant son (1890-1890), Winnie Stiglets (1892-1910), Maud Stiglets (b. 1893), and Lulu Stiglets Martin (1895-1995).
Joseph M. Stiglets owned a lumber mill and schooner landing, Stiglets Landing, near Woolmarket on the Biloxi River. He was the son of Vincent Stiglets (1810-1893) and Felicity Ladner (1830-1896). His father was born at Austria, and made his livelihood as a ship carpenter.
Roswell Kimball came to the Mississippi coast in 1913. Before he moved to Gautier in the 1930s, Kimball operated a commissary store at a turpentine still at Hilda, Mississippi. Hilda, a small community west of Gautier, was the site of the Lyon Consolidated School. The school took students from Gautier, Martin's Bluff, and Fontainebleau.
At Gautier, Kimball bought the general store of Horace Hinds who relocated to Gulfport. The R.S. Kimball Store was located near the L&N depot and U.S. Post Office. The L&N Railroad owned the land and building. In the early 1940s, Kimball sold the store to P.J. Ziegler. Later the
L&N demolished the building.
Kimball moved to Ocean Springs in March 1942, when Mrs. Elva Kimball purchased Lot 1 of the Iberville Subdivision from David M. Davis.(1) She bought Lot 2 in April 1948 from Davis.(2) They lived in the old W.B. Schmidt house at 227 Beach Drive. Kimball was a pulp wood agent for International Paper Company at Moss Point. Home damaged in Camille.
One son, Roswell S. Kimball, Jr. (1921-1995). Graduated from Biloxi High School in 1938. He also worked as a pulp wood agent for IP, and owned the Kimball Timber Company of Biloxi. Never married. When his mother died in 1980, Kimball inherited the house.(3)
R.S. kimball was a Master Mason and member of the McLeod Lodge No. 424. He was also a 32nd degree Mason of the Gulfport Scottish Rite Bodies. Member of the Joppa Temple Shrine and past chairman of the board of the Sunkist Country Club.
Roswell S. Kimball, Jr. died on April 18, 1995. Remains interred at Coalville Cemetery at Woolmarket.
REFERENCES:
1. Jackson County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 79, pp. 406-407.
2. ------------------------------------- Book 100, pp. 431-432.
3. Jackson County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 40, 293, "The Estate of Elva S. Kimball", (August 14, 1941).
The History of Jackson County, Mississippi, "Lyon Rural Consolidated Separate School District", (Jackson County Genealogical Society: Pascagoula, Mississippi-1989), p. 49-50.
The Jackson County Times, "Roswell Kimball Obit", October 8, 1948, p. 1.
The Ocean Springs Record, "Roswell S. Kimball", April 27, 1995, p. .
Personal Communication:
James LeBatard (Gautier, Mississippi)-August 1995.
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Taltavull Family
Taltavull FamilyTHE EARLY TALTAVULL FAMILY
of The
The family name Taltavull has been spelled many ways in the Federal Census and the Roman Catholic Church records of the
In the 1850 Federal Census of Harrison County, Mississippi, there were two Spanish immigrants, Nicholas Tataole and Bernard Tartarie, living at
The genealogy of the Catchot family extracted from the Catholic Church records of the Archives of the Diocese of Menorca at Ciudadela, Menorca by archivist, Father Fernando Marti, for Ray L. Bellande in September 1991, indicate that Antonio Catchot Morla, the half-brother of Jose Catchot Neto, who was the father of the Catchot brothers of Ocean Springs, married Magdalena Taltavull Guivernau in 1819. Her parents were Jose Taltavull and Apolonia Guivernau.
The appearance of the names Taltavull and Catchot on the
NICHOLAS TALTAVULL (1830-1900+)
Nicholas Taltavull was born in January 1830, probably at
In November 1867, Nicholas Taltavull bought a 5.2-acre tract in
As early as April 1878, Nicholas Taltavull was associated with Rafael Sancho in the bakery business at
Sancho & Taltavull
Confectionery & Bakery
There is now attached to this establishment
An elegant soda water and ice cream saloon
The Public is respectfully invited to give us a call. All orders for Balls, Parties, Soirees, etc. attended to on short notice, and at moderate prices.
(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, May 31, 1878, p. 1)
In October 1902, C. Taltavull filed a law suit, Cause No. 1494, in the Harrison County Chancery Court against her husband because he had sold their homestead, which was described as a lot with 120 feet on Back Bay Avenue and 250 feet on Reynoir Street, to Bernard Marigny of
The judge awarded Adelle C. Taltavull $250 in back alimony, $50 for attorney fees, and a monthly alimony of $20. Mrs. Nicholas Taltavull died at
REFERENCES:
Harrison
Nap L. Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, (
Mississippi-1987, p. 587.
The Daily Herald, "Former Biloxi Lady Died at
The
THE CHILDREN of NICHOLAS TALTAVULL and
1. MARIE TALTAVULL (1850-1911) married Ramon T. Balius (1845-1912) on August 16, 1869. He was the son of Ramon Balius and Cecile Fayard. Balius served with Company E, 3rd Mississippi Infantry from September 1863 until February 1865. Their children were: Mrs. R. Pickett, Mrs. C.C. Holliman, Mrs. Seymour Desporte, Ernest Balius, Herman Balius, and John Balius. The family resided on
REFERENCE:
Nap L. Cassibry, The Ladner Odyssey, (Miss. Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1987), p. 672.
2. MARGARET TALTAVULL (1852-1880+) married Edmond Seymour (1848-1925) on May 19, 1874. They parented two children: Regina Seymour (1874-1880+) and Selina Seymour (1879-1880+). Margaret worked as a seamstress in 1880. They probably divorced as he married Virginia Young on May 18, 1875. Edmond Seymour and Virginia Young had a large family at
REFERENCES:
Nap Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1987), p. 805.
FRANK TALTAVAUL (1853-1920)
3. FRANCIS TALTAVULL (1853-1920) married on June 5, 1900, Anna Stiglets (1867-1941), the daughter of ship carpenter, Vincent Stiglets (1805-1893) and Felicite Ladner (1824-1896), of Stonewall,
REFERENCE:
The Daily Herald, "Frank Taltavull Was A Respected Citizen", November 29, 1920, p. 3, c. 2.
4. ELIZABETH TALTAVULL (1857-1926) was born at
EFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Elizabeth Taltavull Obit", December 6, 1926, p. 2, c. 3.
Bradford O'Keefe Burial Book 15, "Elizabeth Taltavull", p. 27.
5. CECILE TALTAVULL (1860-1874+) was baptized on March 27, 1874, at the Nativity of the BVM at
REFERENCES:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Vol. 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 333.
6. ROSA TALTAVULL (b. 1861) was born January 7, 1861? She was baptized at the Nativity of the BVM at
REFERENCE:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 334.
7. PETER TALTAVULL (1868-1884) was born on February 15, 1864. He bought a lot on the east side of
No further information.
REFERENCES:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Vol. 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 333.
8. JOSEPHINE TALTAVULL (1856-1923+) married Celestine Fayard Jr. (1859-1923), son of Celestine Fayard and Euphemie Ladner on September 18, 1883. They resided at
REFERENCES:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of
Nap Cassibry, The Ladner Odyssey, (Miss. Coast Historical & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1987), p. 365.
The Daily Herald, "
Personal Communication:
Tracy B. McDonald-November 1996.
9. CLARA TALTAVULL (1868-1889+) was born on May 1, 1868. She was baptized on February 21, 1882 at the Nativity of the BVM in
REFERENCE:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 334.
10. NICHOLAS TALTAVULL (1869-1931) was born at
REFERENCES:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 333.
The Daily Herald, "Nick Taltavull Dies", March 6, 1931, p. 3.
11. PAULINE N. TALTAVULL was born February 15, 1873 and baptized on June 12, 1873
at the Nativity of the BVM in
REFERENCE:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 333.
BERNARD TALTAVULL
Bernard Taltavull (1829-1870+) married Marie Louise Moran (1834-died before 1873), the daughter of Joseph Moran III and Virginia Fayard, on April 12, 1850. Children: Mary T. Rousseau (b. 1853) and Francis Taltavull (1851-1930). Family lore says that he brought the family to
REFERENCES:
Nap L. Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1987), p. 142, and p. 667.
Personal Communication:
Jane T. Smith-November 1996.
THE CHILDREN of BERNARD TALTAVULL and MARIE LOUISE MORAN
1. MARY LOUISE TALTAVULL was born on October 1, 1853. She married Daniel Rousseau (b. 1842) on July 31, 1873. He was the son of Joseph Rousseau and Arthemise Ladner. Their children were: Frederick Daniel Rousseau (b. 1875) who married Laura Ryan in December 1895, Joseph Bernard Rousseau (b. 1876), and Charles Francis Rousseau (b. 1878).
REFERENCES:
Nap L. Cassibry II, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1987), pp. 666-667, and p. 847.
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995), p. 349.
2. FRANCIS A. TALTAVULL (1851-1930) married Mary Margaret Bertheaud (1860-1904) on March 19, 1879. She was the daughter of Benjamin Bertheaud (d. pre 1866) and Anna Marie Abbley (1842-1917). The Bertheauds were married by Justice of the Peace, Berry Wells (1812-1876), on October 23, 1858, in
In 1880, Francis and Margaret Taltavull were residing at
Frank Taltavull learned the Spanish language and the art of shipbuilding from his father, Bernard, on the shores of
In March 1880, Frank Taltavull bought a tract of land in a State tax sale for $3.20. It was formerly owned by William Sylvester. The land was located on the north
Frank Taltavull advertised his business in The Biloxi Herald of October 5, 1893 as follows:
F. Taltavull practical Ship Carpenter and Boat Builder
Vessels built, hauled out and repaired on short notice and at reasonable prices. The yard is supplied with all the modern appliances necessary to do first class work, and vessels also hauled out by steam.(p. 4, c. 3)
The October 1893 Hurricane washed away Taltavull's shipyard on
In May 1894, the new, 18-foot catboat, Rosina, built by Mr. Taltavull was for sale by Wallace Montross of the Montross Hotel. Asking price $65.(The Biloxi Herald, May 26, 1894, p. 8)
Two Frank Taltavull built vessels, the schooner, A. Gerdes and Brother, and the steam tug, Julius Elbert, became involved on May 29, 1901. Captain Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918) was in command of the schooner in the
In 1905, the Taltavull & Rerecich Shipyard is in operation at
Frank Taltavull was beset with eye disease in his old age. Described as “paralysis of the eye”, he visited an eye specialist at
Mrs. Taltavull died on July 12, 1904. Mr. Frank Taltavull passed on January 6, 1930. Remains of both are interred at the
REFERENCES:
Charles Dyer, Along The Gulf, "
Brother Jerome Lepre, The
The
Biloxi Cemetery Records Book E, "Francis Taltavull Sr.", (microfilm: Biloxi Public Library), p. 214.
The Biloxi Herald, "Launching of the new schooner, Emma R. Clemens", March 19, 1892, p. 4.
The
The
The
The
The
The Daily Herald, "Casimero Reresich Obit", February 8, 1918, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, “Returns From
Personal Communication:
Rusty Barnes-November 1996.
Jane Taltavull Smith-November 1996.
2A. MARY AGNES TALTAVULL (1880-1966) was born at
Captain William Ernest Moran, called Naneece, and his family resided at
The Moran children were: Voyle Moran (1905-1997), Margaret M. Bullard (1907-1995), Naomi M. Porter (b. ?-1992), Nita M. Saucier (1912-1996+), and
Captain Moran died on June 27, 1930. Mrs. Moran expired on October 14, 1966. Both are interred at the
REFERENCES:
Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Records Book 19, "Captain Wm.Ernest Moran", p. 56.
Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Records Book 50, "Mary Agnes Moran", p. 62.
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume 1, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 333.
The
The Daily Herald, "Captain Moran Dies After Short Illness", June 28, 1930, p. 1, c. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Mary A. Moran", October 19, 1966, p. 2, c. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Voyle Moran", September 28, 1997, p.
Personal Communication:
Tessie M. Tootle-November 1996
2B. WILLIAM BERNARD TALTAVULL (1882-1948) was born February 6, 1882 at
The Scotts were English. Mrs. Scott was born Jane Sheppard in 1842, at
From the union of William Bernard Taltavull and Elsie L. Maxwell, two daughters were born: Jane T. Smith (b. 1911) and Mary Edna T. Gillis (1919-1996).
Ship carpenter
William Bernard Taltavull was known as Bernard. He was educated in the
During the September 1906 Hurricane, Bernard Taltavull’s shipyard on Back Bay suffered $400 damage.(The Daily Herald,, September 28, 1906, p. 2)
Seafood
In 1912, Bernard Taltavull announced that he would open an oyster business on the beach at
Biloxi Canning Company
In February 1925, the Biloxi Canning Company was chartered. The incorporators were: Elsie Taltavull, Bernard Taltavull, and W.J. Wadlington. In 1934, the factory had forty boats of which two-thirds were utilized for oystering and the remainder to catch shrimp. At the height of the packing season, the Biloxi Canning Company employed 200 boatmen and 300 factory workers. Some employees were furnished free housing and water. This custom was phased out in the late 1930s. (
In 1934, the Taltavull family resided at
In May 1943, Bernard Taltavull sold the Biloxi Canning Company to Roy Rosalis (1909-1984) and Virgilio dos
In addition, the act of sale included the following power boats and schooners: Bride, H.E. Gumbel, Geraldine F., Zenia, Winnie Davis, Galle-Kelly, Golden Hope, Kanuga, Anais, Ida T., Lucky Lindy, Coca Cola Girl, Hulda Velma, Gertrude B., Ferda, Dauntless, I. Heidenheim, Anna Eve, Oxalis, Silver Pearl, Knox, and Teddy F.
Bernard Taltavull Shrimp and Oyster Company
In September 1944, Mr. Taltavull commenced a modern packing operation on
After WW II, the health of Bernard Taltavull began to fail. At this time, the management of the factory was assumed by his daughter, Jane T. Smith, and son-in-law, W.W. "Buddy" Gillis. The September 1947 Hurricane brought five feet of water into the Taltavull factory. Ironically, three of Taltavull boats, Bobby C., Jeanne, and Mary Ann Gillis were blown westward onto the roadway of the Biloxi Canning Company, formerly owned by Bernard Taltavull.
Mr. Taltavull expired on January 22, 1948. His wife passed on March 20, 1962. Both are buried at the
The Bernard Taltavull factory was sold to Precision Drawn Steel of Camden County, New Jersey on August 21, 1968, by Jane T. Smith and Edna May T. Gillis for $116,000.(Harrison County, Ms. Deed of Trust Book 530, p. 331)
2B1. Jane Margaret Taltavull (1911-2003) was born at
2B2. Mary Edna Taltavull (1919-1996) was born at
The Gillis children were: Mary Ann McDougall (c. 1942), Pam Gillis Snyder (b. May 21, 1947), and Jane P. Gillis (1947-1947). Jane, named for her aunt, Jane T. Smith, expired a week after her birth on May 21, 1947. Mary Edna T. Gillis died February 7, 1996. Buried at the
REFERENCES:
Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Book 32C, "Bernard Taltavull", p. 492.
Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, "
Golden Jubilee Number, The Daily Herald, (1884-1934)- Fiftieth Anniversary Souvenir, "Biloxi Canning Company", (The Daily Herald: Gulfport, Mississippi-1934), p. 82.
The
The
The Daily Herald,, "Aftermath of Great Storm", September 28, 1906, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, “Bernard Taltavul (sic) To Engage In Oyster Business”, October 15, 1912.
The Daily Herald, "Taltavull Plant Starts Operations", September 15, 1944, p. 7.
The Daily Herald, "One Life Lost, Heavy Damage Done at
The Sun Herald, "William 'Buddy' Gillis", October 19, 2008.
Personal Communication:
Jane T. Smith-November 1996
2C. FRANCIS ALPHONSE TALTAVULL (1883-1950) was born on July 19, 1883 at
It was appropriate that Francis A. Taltavull marry the daughter of a ship carpenter as that was the profession linked with the Taltavull family since Bernard Taltavull arrived at Back Bay (D'Iberville), probably from
In the 1920s, Frank was the proprietor of a grocery store at
REFERENCES:
The
The Daily Herald, "Brander Funeral This Afternoon", June 16, 1913, p. 8, c. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Death Claims Mrs. Brander", March 18, 1925, p. 1, c. 8.
2D. ALPHONSINE TALTAVULL (1885-1885?)-was born on February 16, 1885 at
REFERENCE:
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of
2E. MARGARET PAMELA TALTAVULL (1887-1948) was born on August 20, 1887 at
Joe and Margaret Taltavull moved to
REFERENCES:
Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Book 32C, "Margaret T. Venus", p. 498.
Bradford-O'Keefe Burial Book 32C, "Joseph Venus", p. 41.
Brother Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of
The Daily Herald, "Venus-Taltavull", November 26, 1908, p. 1, c. 6.
The Daily Herald, "Joe Venus, Jr. Birth", December 27, 1909, p. 8. c. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Venus Male Birth", July 8, 1911, p. 8, c. 1.
JAMES TALTAVULL
James Taltavull (ca 1832-1881+) lived at Ocean Springs. He was probably a brother or cousin of Nicholas and Bernard Taltavull. He was married to Anna Vaguevizas. Their children were: Mary T. Manent (b. circa 1850-1868+) and Antonia Taltavull (1862-?).
There are several land transactions at Ocean Springs in July 1881, concerning this family.
In July 1881, James Taltaral (sic) et al bought land from Antoine Ryan.(JXCO Land Deed Bk. 5, pp. 209-210)
In July 1881, James and Anna Taltavull sold a tract of land in Section 37, T7S-R8W to Francisco Coyle (1813-1891), a Spanish immigrant. Francisco Coyle was married to Magdalene Ougatte Pons (1813-1904). She immigrated to the
Mr. Coyle owned a restaurant at Ocean Springs in 1857.(The New Orleans Daily Crescent, June 2, 1857, p. 1)
A. MARY A. TALTAVULL (c. 1850-1868+) married Anthony Manent, son of Vincent Manent and Mary Prats, at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at Ocean Springs on May 2, 1868. No further information.(Lepre, Vol. I, 1991, pp. 332-333)
B. ANTONIA TALTAVULL born October 6, 1862. No further information. Interestingly, there is an Antonia Tartabou, daughter of Antonio Tartabou and Pamela Cajechas, who married Albert Tournier at the Church of the Annunciation in Kiln, Mississippi on September 20, 1892.(Lepre, Vol. II, 1991, p. 248)
One Antonio Tartavole married to Pamela Calagias/Callagas has two children, Estelle Tartavole (b. 1877) and Michael Stephen Tartavole (b. 1884), baptized at Our Lady of the Gulf in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.(Lepre, Vol. III, 1991, p. 349)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), p. 332 and p. 333.
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume II, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995), p. 248.
Jerome Jerome, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume III, (Diocese of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1995), p. 349.
The
RECENT
Alvina LaFrance Tartavoulle
September 21, 1923--September 7, 2013
Alvina Claire LaFrance Tartavoulle (1923-2013), age 89 years, of Waveland, Mississippi passed away Saturday, September 7, 2013 in Kiln, Mississippi. Mrs. Tartavoulle was a lifetime resident of Hancock County and a member of St. Clare Catholic Church. She was a wonderful person who will be missed by all.She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Tartavoulle, parents, Jules and Fannie LaFrance Sr.; four brothers, Jules, Jr, Lester, Charles, and Edgar LaFrance and two sisters, Adelaide Herring and Leona Fayard. Survived by her niece and caregiver, Debbie Smith and one sister, Lillian Lott both of Bay St. Louis, MS. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12 noon Monday, September 9, 2013 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at noon at St. Clare Catholic Church in Waveland, Mississippi with intombment at Bayou Caddy Cemetery in Ansley, Mississippi.[The Sun Herald, September 8, 2013]
Toche Family
Toche Family
JOHN C. TOCHE
Born at Mobile between 1828 and 1840.(Act 844, p. 223)
WILLIAM F. TOCHE (1862-1937)
Born in Mississippi, the son of Joseph P. Toche of France, and Mary Anderson of Alabama. W.F. Toche married Mary Gary Toche (1858-1934), a native of Mississippi. Parents Alabama and North Carolina. Children: Laura Toche (1878-1940) m. Gideon 'Git' Tillman (1872-1925); Elizabeth Toche (1882-1978) m. Hall Peter Madsen (1879-1918) and Harry Samuel Struchen (1891-1977); Victor Toche (1887-1962) m. Norma Rapon (1885-1918) and Myrtle Spicer; and Emily Toche (1890-1970) m. Charles Ryan (1883-1939).
Children
Laura Toche
[The Daily Herald, July 26, 1940, p. 5 and The Daily Herald, April 2, 1925, p. 3]
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Gideon Tillman dead', April 2, 1925, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, 'Mrs. Tillman dies', July 26, 1940, p. 5.
The Daily Herald, 'Oscar Tillman', January 20, 1964, p. 2.
The Jackson County Times, 'Prominent Building Contractor dead', April 4, 1925.
Elizabeth Toche
Elizabeth Toche was born December 28, 1882 to William F. Toche (1853-1937) and Mary Gary (1854-1934). She married Hall Peter Madsen (1879-1918). Their children were: Hal Peter Madsen (1902-1971), Helen M. McDaniel Belton (1906-1988), Ruth M. Mullin (1912-1999), and Murrell Vera M. Beckham (1916-1938).
Mrs. Elizabeth Madsen’s father, William Toche, was a house painter. In November 1896, he painted the interior of the Methodist Church free of charge. His service was given to the Ladies Aid Society.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, November 20, 1896, p. 3)
Peter Madsen was an interesting man. He made his living as a pecan grafter and worked in the field of herpetology. Mr. Madsen’s labors often involved travel to set up pecan orchards in other regions. It is believed that the pecan culture brought him as far as South Texas. From his Dewey Avenue home, Pete Madsen would also capture poisonous snakes, “milk” their venom, and sell it to pharmaceutical laboratories for anti-toxins. He would often place a “pet” reptile in his shopping bag when he went to Albert Gottsche’s or another local merchant. Madsen’s “snake-in-the-bag” act was an excellent repellent for would be thieves!(Trixie M. Urie, February 5, 2001)
In addition to her maternal and household duties, Elizabeth T. Madsen, like her violin playing brother, Victor Toche (1886-1962), was also musically inclined. She and Ethel T. Dalgo Manuel (1896-1978) played piano at Illing’s Airdome Theatre before talking movies were in vogue. Mrs. Madsen and Victor Toche would on occasions “jam” together.(Ibid.)
Victor Toche, like his father, a house painter, became a well-known Gulf Coast musician. In December 1924, he competed in a fiddling contest at Biloxi where he played “The Mocking Bird”. Clearly the audiences’ choice for first prize, Mr. Toche lost to an old Civil War veteran from Beauvoir, in what was clearly a sympathy vote from the judges.(The Jackson County Times, December 13, 1924, p. 5)
In January 1916, Peter Madsen and his spouse sold land their land to J. Lillian Miles Russell (1890-1929), the spouse of H.F. Russell (1858-1940) for $500.00.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 42, pp. 167-168) This transaction amounted to a loan as they reacquired it from Mrs. Russell in January 1919, for $650.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 46, p. 304)
Hall Peter Madsen expired on November 3, 1918. At the time, he was employed with the Dierks-Blodgett shipyard at Pascagoula. Mr. Madsen had been stricken with the Spanish influenza. He returned to work to soon and relapsed with pneumonia, which took his young life.(The Jackson County Times, November 9, 1918, p. 5)
Mrs. Elizabeth Madsen remarried at Gulfport, in February 1928, to Harry Samuel Struchen (1891-1977), a native of Fairview, Pennsylvania. Mr. Struchen had found Ocean Springs with the skating troupe of Eugene F. Mullin (1896-1974), who would wed his stepdaughter, Ruth Madsen (1912-1999). In the early 1940s, after the Mullins’ skating entourage ceased their seasonal traveling circuit, Struchen worked as a seaman aboard iron ore carriers plying the chilly waters of the Great Lakes. Before retirement, he labored as a concrete finisher on the Gulf Coast. Harry S. Struchen passed on January 19, 1977. Mrs. Elizabeth Madsen Struchen expired on September 13, 1978.(The Jackson County Times, February 18, 1928, p. 5, The Daily Herald, January 20, 1977, p. A-2 and September 14, 1978, p. A-2 and Trixie M. Urie, February 5, 2001)
Victor Toche
Victor Toche, 76 year old blind lifelong resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi was found dead at his Forest Hills residence about 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, 1962. The police department reported that Josephine Hayden Toche (1925-2010), his daughter-in-law, found the body shortly after his demise. Victor had been in residence with Alvin A. Toche, his son, for several years.
An inquest was held at the police station by Jackson County Corner J. Leslie Nelson and the jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes. Bailiff at the inquest was Constable Roy Tootle and jurors were: Bernard Beaugez, Leonard Allen, Shirod Miller, Raymond Cox, Louis Noble and Penny Cates.
Victor Toche (1887-1962), a house painter and violin player, married Norma Rapon (1885-1918), a Louisiana native. Widowed in 1920: Children: Irma B. Toche (1910-1929), Alvin A. Toche (1916-1983), and Norma Toche (b. 1918).
Victor married Myrtle Spicer and had three daughters: Molla Marion Toche m. Curtis Ladnier, Robert A. Reeder and Anthony Anselmo Jr. (1916-1981); Gladys L. Toche m. Frank B. De Costa (1921-2014); and Thelma Louise Toche m. Willard Bridges (1915-1991).
In June 1937, Myrtle Spicer Toche was granted a divorce from Victor Toche in Jackson County, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, June 17, 1937, p. 3)
Mr. Toche was survived by his son and four daughters: Mrs. J.H. McGee and Thelma Louise Toche (1927-2013) m. Willard Bridges (1915-1991), both of Kentwood, Louisiana; Mrs. Tony Anselmo of Biloxi; and Mrs. Frank B. DeCosta of California; two sisters, Elizabeth Toche Madsen Struchen (1882-1978) m. Hall Peter Madsen (1879-1918) and Harry Samuel Struchen (1891-1977); and Emily Toche (1890-1970), wife of Charles Ryan (1883-1939), both of Ocean Springs.
The funeral was held from the J. Ben O'Keefe Memorial Chapel with internment in Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Chancellor grants three divorces in Jackson County', June 17, 1937, p. 3.
The Daily Herald, 'Victor Toche', December 14, 1962, p. 2.
The Jackson County Times, 'Local and Personal', December 13, 1924.
Children of Victor Toche
Alvin A. Toche (1916-1983)-born at Ocean Springs on January 15, 1916. Worked as a public school maintenance man. Married Josephine H. Toche (1925-). Children: Shirley F. Toche m. Bill Parker and had three children - Linda K. Parker, Susanne Parker and Charolette Parker; Alvin J. Toche (1947-1984) m. Genevieve R. Bullock and had three children: Tonya M. Toche (b. 1974) m. Jason A. Howard (b. 1972); Jeremy L. Toche and Kimberly Toche (b. 1978); Frederick M. Toche m. Virginia G. 'Trudy' Newman and had two children: Trudy Toche Jr. and Jennifer Toche; Charles M. "Peanut" Toche m. Linda Jo Taranto and had three children: Charles Toche Jr., Billy Wayne Toche and Samantha Toche; Bufford Walter Toche m. Cecelia 'Cindy' Dollene Driver and had two children: Brandee L. Toche and Leslee J. Toche.
___________________________
Emily Toche
Emily Toche (1890-1970) was born August 8, 1890. She married Charles Ryan (1883-1939). Children: Mickey Ryan; Oral Mae Ryan m. Anthony B. Senseney (1928-1997);
_________________________________
CAPTAIN JOSEPH A. TOCHE (1848-1908)
Joseph A. Toche, a sailor, was born at Mobile, Alabama and baptized at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception(Act. 464, p. 154). His father was from France and mother an Alabamian. Circa 1869, he married Caroline Mathieu (1830-1895), the widow of John ? Westbrook. She was born on February 25, 1830 at Louisville, Kentucky. Her parents were from Italy and France respectively. Niece of Joseph Tosso, the well-known composer. At Ocean Springs, a midwife, and mother of seven children. Died February 13, 1895 at home of her son, Edwin M. Westbrook. Buried Bellande Cemetery.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, February 13, 1895)
Caroline Mathieu's children with John Westbrook were: Martha Westbrook (1851-1919) who married Leonard Fayard (1847-1923); Edwin M. Westbrook (1858-1913) who married Hattie Clark; Henry R. Westbrook (1860-1938) who married Francis J. Hadley (b. 1860); and Viola Westbrook (b. 1865) who married John Bourgeois. Her children with Captain Joseph A. Toche were: Mary Adele Toche (b. 1870 at NOLA) and Joseph A. Toche Jr. (1872-1960).
The Joseph A. Toche family moved to Biloxi in 1879. They were residing at 211 Myrtle Street in Biloxi, when Mr. Toche passed on January 19, 1908. He had been a foreman at the Barataria Canning Company until July 1907, when he was forced to retire because of illness.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, January 20, 1908, p. 1)
CHILDREN
Mary A. Toche
Mary Adele Toche was born February 26, 1870, at New Orleans, Louisiana. No further information.
Joseph A. Toche II
Joseph A. Toche IIJ(1872-1960) married Angelina Labash (1878-1893+) in August 1893. Married Olivia Ryan (1872-1953), the daughter of Calvin Ryan and Pauline Anderson in 1895. Children: Lillie Agnes Toche Ellzey Cruso (1896), Wesley Joseph Toche (1898-1971), Caroline Pauline Toche (1899-pre 1910), John Adolphe Toche (1900-1988), Mary Olivia Toche (1902-1917), Henry Marcellas Toche (1904-1985), Calvin Toche (1907-1984), Tabitha 'Doody' T. James (1912-2014), and Joseph Toche (b. 1917). Joseph A. Toche expired on February 29, 1960.
Children
Lillie Agnes Toche (1896-1968) was born on March 14, 1896, at New Orleans. Married John Samuel Ellzey (ca 1893-1969) at Biloxi in August 1914. One child: Eugene Ellzey (b. 1915). Divorced Mr. Ellzey and married William Charles Cruso (1893-1975) in March 1919. Nine children.
Joseph Wesley Toche (1897-1971) was born on November 23, 1897, at New Orleans. Married Anita Sonnier (1906-1949), the daughter of Julian Sonnier and Amee’ Hebert. Married Doris Maxine Fletcher (1910-1971), native of Nashville, Tennessee. Shop foreman for Cruso Canning Company. Seven children: J. Wesley Toche Jr., John Wallace Toche (1926-1976), Curtis Anthony Toche (1931-2006), J. Eugene Toche (1937-1998), Robert Conner (stepson?), Anita T. Ferrill, Ruby T. Buchanan, Mrs. Elston Johnson. J. Wesley Toche died May 1, 1971 and Doris Fletcher Toche on October 21, 1971. J. Wesley Toche and Doris Fletcher Toche buried Southern Memorial Park at Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, May 2, 1971, p. A-2 and The Ocean Springs Record, October 28, 1971, p. 2)
Anita Sonnier Toche died June 24, 1949.
J. Wesley Toche Jr. married Bernice Marie Thibodeaux (1922-2006), a native of Erath, Louisiana in 1945. She was the daughter of Cestia and Emily Thibodeaux. They were the parents of: Gary James Toche married Judy Breaux; Wesley Toche III married Susan Cochran; and Kathleen Toche married Thomas E. Roberts.(The Sun Herald, February 23, 2006, p. A6)
Joseph Wesley Toche III married Susan Cochran, the daughter of Edward Henry Cochran Sr. and Mary Fountain Cochran. Kathryn Emiline Toche, their daughter, married Michael Sean O'Grady, the son of Thomas L. O'Grady and Bernadette Cavalier O'Grady, on November 24, 2007 at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral at Biloxi. Aimee Rebecca Toche , another daughter, married Robert Benjamin Jordan on June 13, 2009 at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, November 4, 2007, p. F12 and May 24, 2009, p. F11)
Curtis Anthony Toche (1931-12/3/2006) married Phyllis Fay Strong (1933-8/2-2008), the daughter of Rupert Strong (1901-1989) and Clara Griffin (1908-1990), circa 1950. Children: Curtis 'Bo' Anthony Toche Jr. married Patricia ?; Paulette Toche married Paul Baudry; Perry Stephen Toche Sr. married Janis Lynn Baldwin and Beverly McKee; Donna Toche married Buck Neel; Gayle Toche married Pat Gray; Danny Ray Toche Sr. married Melina Sue Moss; Anne Michele Barhanovich; and Julie Lynn Clark; and Terri Toche married Kenny Hollomon.(The Sun Herald, December 5, 2006, p. A9 and The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, August 14, 2008, p. A5)
Caroline Pauline Toche (1899-pre-1910)-the daughter of Joseph A. Toche and Olevia Ryan was born July 13, 1899. No further information.
John Adaulph Toche (1900-1988) was born at Biloxi on October 9, 1900, the son of Joseph A. Toche (1872-1960) and Olevia Ryan (1872-1953). In November 1922, he married Mary Martinez (1905-1977), the daughter of William Martinez (1877-1930), a Spanish immigrant and Theresa E. Stevens (1889-1965) of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Made his livelihood as a boat builder. Children: Marie Cecile Toche (1924-1925), Pauline T. Alfonso, Iona T. Couture, Theresa T. Fountain, Joseph Adolphe Toche, John Anthony Toche, William Rogers Toche (1932-1982). Died October 16, 1988. Buried at Biloxi City Cemetery. (The Ocean Springs Record, November 22, 1972, p. 7 and The Ocean Springs Record, October 20, 1988, p. 3)
Adaulph Toche and his father, Joseph A. Toche II, were ship carpenters at Biloxi in 1920, when the family resided on Myrtle Street. Adaulph's grandfather, Captain Joseph A. Toche (1848-1908) a native of Mobile, had been a foreman at the Barataria Canning Company until July 1907, when he was forced to retire because of illness.
It is interesting to note that Joseph A. Toche had married the Widow Westbrook, Caroline Mathieu (1830-1895) of Louisville, Kentucky, circa 1869. Caroline M. Westbrook was the mother of: Martha V. Westbrook (1851-1919) who married Leonard Fayard (1847-1923); Edwin M. Westbrook (1858-1913) who married Harriette Clark (1857-1927); Henry R. Westbrook (1860-1938) who married Francis J. Hadley (b. 1860); and Viola Westbrook (b. 1865) who married John Bourgeois. Her children with Captain Joseph A. Toche were: Mary Adele Toche (b. 1870) and Joseph A. Toche II (1872-1960). The Joseph A. Toche family moved to Biloxi in 1879. They were residing at 211 Myrtle Street in Biloxi, when Mr. Toche passed on January 19, 1908.
At the age of thirty-four, Adaulph Toche commenced his own boatyard on the Biloxi Channel adjacent to the DeJean Packing Company. This is Grand Casino country to you recent arrivals. Here until 1955, he built wooden fishing boats for the Sekul, Mavar, Cruso, Dubaz, and Leckich and Fayard canneries. In 1937, Mr. Toche also constructed the Pan American Clipper, the Ship Island tour boat.
Annoyed with renting boat yard space at Biloxi and unable to purchase a suitable waterfront site, Adaulph Toche acquired 18.54 acres on Old Fort Bayou in Sections 14 and 23, T7S-R8W, for $10,500 from Stanford Williams in August 1955. Here with his sons, he commenced Toche Boat Builders and platted the Toche Subdivision. By the 1960s, the Toches called themselves Toche Enterprises, Inc. and were operating a hardware store, lumberyard, and variety center in addition to boat construction and repair.
The Toche family primarily built wooden vessels until after Hurricane Camille (1969), when steel-hulled fishing boats came into vogue. In fact the last ten vessels constructed at the facility before it closed in 1976, were ten, steel-hulled, refrigerated fishing boats for foreign investors. Five went to Korea and five to Venezuela.
After Jim Vickers acquired the Toche facility in 1976, it has had several owners, among them: Coastal Shipbuilding (1979-1983), and Galmer Inc. (1984-1985). Warren Strayham has owned the former Toche boatyard since December 1986, and currently leases it to Michael Toche, the grandson of Adaulph Toche. Michael Toche continues an almost one hundred year old family tradition-building quality, seaworthy vessels for world.
J. Adaulph Toche expired on October 16, 1988. His corporal remains were sent to the Biloxi Cemetery for burial.
CHILDREN
John Anthony Toche
Mary Olivia Toche (1902-1917)-was born at Biloxi. Died on July 28, 1917, at 211 Myrtle Street in Biloxi. Buried in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, July 28, 1917, p. 3)
Henry Marcellas Toche (1904-1985) was born March 19, 1904, at Biloxi. Married Dorothy "Dimples" Elizabeth Terry (1912-1968). Three children: H.M. Toche Jr.; Dorothy T. Fink (1938-2006) married Irvin Fink; and Mena O. Andrews. M. Marcellas Toche died April 3, 1985. Buried Southern Memorial Park at Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, March 17, 2006, p. A8)
Calvin Toche (1905-1984)-Born December 23, 1905, at Biloxi. Married Alma Leola Weldon (d. 3-18-1980) on June 15, 1930. Cavin Toche lived at Crockett, California where he was a boat builder at the Mare Island Naval Yard. Died on March 13, 1984. Buried at Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, June 16, 1930, p. 2)
Tabitha Ione Toche James (1912-2014)-Married Richard E. James in August 1941. Three children. Died March 31, 2014 at Spring, Texas.(The Sun Herald, April 4, 2014)
Joseph A. Toche III (1917-)-Married Bernice Marie Thibodeaux in March 1944 at Biloxi. Three children: Joseph A. Toche.
The Toche Subdivision
Location: Sections 14 and 23, T7S-R8W
Platted on August 20, 1955, JXCO, Ms. Plat Book 2, p. 90 and November 25, 1955, Plat Book 2, p. 93.
Replatted-November 1956, Bk. 162, pp. 197-198.
The Toche Family (Catholic Records)
Mrs. Toche-died February 13, 1895.(SA)
Caroline Pauline Toche-born July 13, 1899. Father Joseph Toche, mother Olivia Ryan.(BVM)
John Adolphe Toche-born November 9, 1900. Father Joseph Toche, mother, Olevia Ryan.(BVM)
Joseph Toche married Angelina Labash (1878-1893+), the daughter of John Labash (1848-1915) and Adeline Labash (1857-1900+) on August 9, 1893.(BVM)
Lillie Elizabeth Toche-born March 5, 1897. Father, Joseph A. Toche, mother Sarah E. Daley.(BVM)
Mary Adele Toche-born February 26, 1870. Father Joseph Toche, mother Caroline Mathew (sic).(SA)
John C. Toche (Baptism 1828-1840)-CIC-Mobile.
Joseph A. Toche (Baptism 1847-1851)-CIC-Mobile.
The Toche Family (Social Security Death Index)
Alvin Toche (1916-1983)-born January 5, 1916, died April 1983. OS
Alvin Toche (1947-1984)-born October 20, 1947, died June 1984.
Doris Toche (1920-1989)-born October 23, 1920, died May 29, 1989. OS (Biloxi Cemetery)
Henry Toche (1904-1985)-born March 19, 1904, died April 1985. Biloxi
John Toche (1900-1988)-born November 9, 1900, died October 16, 1988. OS
John Toche (1926-1976)-born August 13, 1926, died August 1976. Biloxi
Joseph Toche (1937-1998)-born January 24, 1937, died March 15, 1998.
Mary Toche (1905-1977)-born June 3, 1905, died April 1977. OS
Mildred Toche (1929-1993)-born April 25, 1929, died August 14, 1993. Biloxi
Wesley Toche (1897-1971)-born November 23, 1897, died May 1971. Biloxi
William Toche (1932-1982)-born April 1, 1932, died May 1982. OS
Harrison County Marriages
Joseph Toche married Angelina LaBash on 8-9-1893.
Joseph Toche married Georgie Swing on 11-22-1895.
Mary Torche married Frank Tucker on 11-19-1893.
Margaret Mary Toche married James Albert Parker on November 24, 1973.
Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Books
Anita Toche (1906-1949)-born November 22,1906, the daughter of Jullian Sonnier and Amee’ Hebert. Died June 24, 1949. Bk. 0, p. 0.
Irma Toche (?-1929)-born ?. Died May 29, 1929. Bk. 15, p. 298.
Joseph A. Toche (1872-1960)-born August 27, 1872, the son of Joseph Toche and Caroline Mathieu. Died February 29, 1960. Bk. 42, p. 325.
Mary Toche (1856-1934)-born 1856, the daughter of Adner Gary and Martha McClendon. Died August 3, 1934. Bk. 21, p. 266.
Mary Olivia Toche (1902-1917)-born September 16, 1902, daughter of Joseph Toche and Mary Olivia Ryan. Died July 28, 1917. Bk. 7, p. 36.
Olivia Ryan Toche (1872-1953)-born November 29, 1872, the daughter of Calvin Ryan and Pauline Anderson. Died February 20, 1953. Bk. 35, p. 33.
William F. Toche (1857-1937)-born 1857, the son of Joseph P. Toche and Mary Anderson. Died November 18, 1937. Bk. 25, p. 163.
Evergreen Cemetery
THE TOCHE SHIPYARD
At the age of thirty-four, J. Adaulph Toche (1900-1988) commenced his own boatyard on the Biloxi Channel adjacent to the DeJean Packing Company. This is Grand Casino country to you recent arrivals. Here until 1955, he built wooden fishing boats for the Sekul, Mavar, Cruso, Dubaz, and Leckich and Fayard canneries. In 1937, Mr. Toche also constructed the Pan American Clipper, the Ship Island tour boat.
Annoyed with renting boat yard space at Biloxi and unable to purchase a suitable waterfront site, Adaulph Toche acquired 18.54 acres on Old Fort Bayou in Sections 14 and 23, T7S-R8W, for $10,500 from Stanford Williams in August 1955. Here with his sons, he commenced Toche Boat Builders and platted the Toche Subdivision. By the 1960s, the Toches called themselves Toche Enterprises, Inc. and were operating a hardware store, lumberyard, and variety center in addition to boat construction and repair.
The Toche family primarily built wooden vessels until after Hurricane Camille (1969), when steel-hulled fishing boats came into vogue. In fact the last ten vessels constructed at the facility before it closed in 1976, were ten, steel-hulled, refrigerated fishing boats for foreign investors. Five went to Korea and five to Venezuela.
After Jim Vickers acquired the Toche facility in 1976, it has had several owners, among them: Coastal Shipbuilding (1979-1983), and Galmer Inc. (1984-1985). Warren Strayham has owned the former Toche boatyard since December 1986, and currently leases it to Michael Toche, the grandson of Adaulph Toche. Michael Toche continues an almost one hundred year old family tradition-building quality, seaworthy vessels for world.
J. Adaulph Toche expired on October 16, 1988. His corporal remains were sent to the Biloxi Cemetery for burial.
Time Line
Location: 18. 54 acres + located on Old Fort Bayou in SE/4 of section 14 and the NE/4 of Section 23, T7S-R8W
1944
In June 1944, Florence Sauer of Wayne County, Michigan, the widow of Lorenz Sauer Jr., et al to Stanford and Jessie S. Williams.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 87, pp. 50-51)
1955
In August 1955, Stanford A. Williams to J. Adaulph Toche (1900-1988) two parcels for $10,500,(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 151, p. 332).
Parcel One-All of the SE/4,SE/4 of Section 14, T7S-R8W south of Old Fort Bayou.
Parcel Two-Irregular shaped tract in the NE/4 of Section 23, T7S-R8W, containing 18.957 acres bounded on the southeast by the OS-Vancleave road.
Toche Subdivision-platted on August 20, 1955, JXCO, Ms. Plat Book 2, p. 90 and November 25, 1955, Plat Book 2, p. 93.
1956
Toche Boat Builders and Repair Yard, Inc. chartered in Jackson County, Mississippi in June 1956. Four hundred shares of stock with a par value of $100 per share. Incorporators: John Adaulph Toche; Joseph Adaulph Toche; William Rogers Toche; and John Anthony Toche.(JXCO, Ms. Charter Bk. 3, pp. 93-98)
Captain Frank, a 56-foot Florida type shrimp boat was the first vessel built at the new Toche Boatyard in Ocean Springs.(The Daily Herald, February 25, 1959, p. s24)
Toche Subdivision replatted on November 5, 1956. Owners listed as: John Adolph Toche, John Anthony Toche, William Rogers Toche, Elsie Seymour Toche, Arlene Seymour Toche, Joseph Adolph Toche, Aline Ryan Toche, Pauline Toche Alfonso, and Walter T. Alfonso.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 162, pp. 197-198)
1958
In December 1958, Toche Boat Builders borrowed money from P.M. Bank.(JXCO, Ms. Deed of Trust Bk. 119, pp. 380-384).
John Duncan Moran of Jardel Inc. acquired for taxes in September 1958. Conveyed in September 1965 to J.A. Toche, John Anthony Toche, Joseph A. Toche, and William Rogers Toche.(Bk. 280, p. 334)
1959
Toche Boatyard on Old Fort Bayou in Ocean Springs was the only boatyard operating a Travel Lift. This dynamic hoist could lift vessels up to 50 tons and 80 feet in length and allowed the Toche yard to service up to 35 boats at one time.(The Daily Herald, February 25, 1959, p. 24)
1960s
Toche Enterprises, Inc. formed. Consisted of Toche Boat Builders, Toche Hardware, Toche Variety Center, and Toche Lumber & Supply Company.
1965
In September 1965, Jardel Inc. to J.A. Toche, John Anthony Toche, Joseph A. Toche, and William Rogers Toche.(Bk. 280, p. 334)
1968
1968 payroll was approximately $275,000 with about 80 employees (75% residents of Jxco).(letter march 17, 1969, to Eddie Khayat from William R. Toche Sr.)
1969
In March 1969, Toche Boat Builders had the following vessels under construction: ten steel shrimp trawlers; one steel lugger-type supply boat; 2 wooden shrimp trawlers; and one wooden party boat-Coast Guard approved. At this time, vice-president of the company, William Rogers Toche Sr., wrote an appeal to Edward Khayat, president of the JXCO, Mississippi Board of Supervisors to have the mouth of Old Fort Bayou and particular sections of the water course deepened to accommodate vessels with a draft of 10.5 to 11 feet. Toche indicated that larger vessels could be built on Old Fort Bayou and potential industries might develop here if a permanent marked channel was constructed.(letter dated March 17, 1969, to Eddie Khayat from William R. Toche Sr.)
1971
In July, Toche was completing the Misty Dawn, a 200 ton, 103-foot long clam boat, for a client on the Atlanic seaboard. This was the largest vessel that Toche had ever built. The yard has three shrimp boats under construction.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 8, 1971, p. 1)
1975
In July 1975, Toche Enterprises delivered five steel-hulled refrigerated fishing boats to the Venezuelan government. The vessels were 75-feet long and of 100 tons displacement. A Swedish consultant, Captain Sten Sylvander, hired by the Venezuelans lauded the Toche boats as “the best fishing boats ever bought by Venezuela.”(The Daily Herald, July 23, 1975, p. B-!)
1978
Jim Vickers running Toche Industries. The company had been in bankruptcy court, since April 1978. In the summer of 1978, Vickers defied an order by the US Corps of Engineers to cease and desist from dredging Old Fort Bayou in order to launch, Lady Elda, a 121-foot vessel. He defied the Corps order and pulled the boat through the bayou, which caused environmental damage. Vickers also dumped the spoil on the banks of the pristine stream. He was fined for his actions. Avondale Shipyard of New Orleans sued Toche Industries for payment of $606,000 for materials that it had furnished Vickers. The Wholesale Supply Company also sued in the amount of $34,890 for unsatisfied liens on four boats under construction at the boatyard. Toche was never fined by the Corps of Engineers.(The Ocean Springs Record, September 14, 1978, p. 3 and October 26, 1978, p. 1)
1979
Bankruptcy judge sold Toche Industries to Coastal Shipbuilding in March 1979, for $611,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 643, p. 284)
1983
In October 1983, Albert Prevot of Coastal Shipbuilding to 1st Mississippi National Bank for $450,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 774, p. 452)
1984
In May 1984, 1st Mississippi National Bank to Galmer Inc.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 791, p. 327)
1985
In April 1985, Trustee to 1st Mississippi National Bank for $400,000.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 821, p. 518)
1986
In December 1986, 1st Mississippi National Bank to Warren L. Strayham et ux.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 875, p. 436)
1994
In November 1994, Special Commissioner’s Deed to Warren L. Strayham on Lots 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1052, pp. 300-301).
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Toche Boat Builders operate only Travel Lift on Gulf Coast", February 25, 1959, p. s24.
The Daily Herald, Purchase of fishing vessels may open relations with Venezuela”, July 23, 1975.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Toche (Vickers) Industries in Bankruptcy Court”, September 14, 1978.
The Ocean Springs Record, “Toche never fined by Corps of Engineers", October 26, 1978, p. 1.
Tucei Family
Tucei Family
TRECCHINA
THE TUCEI FAMILY FROM ITALY TO MISSISSIPPI
The Family of Biagio Antonio TUCCI (1854-1932)
FORWARD
F. Walker, Jr. and June Parker Tucei
708 Fairfield Ave.
Gretna, Louisiana
December 1, 1999
To my children, brothers and their children, first cousins and other interested descendants of Biagio Antonio Tucci,
In September of this year, June and I had the pleasure of visiting our motherland for a month. We started in Venice and ended up in Sicily. Along the way we visited many of the historic sites of Italy, including , Portofino, Lucca, Florence, San Gimmino, Pompeii, Rome, Amalfi coast, Trecchina (the birth place of my great grandfather), Reggio, Lipari Island (the birthplace of June’s grandmother), Taormina and many others.
Over the past several months I have attempted to document the genealogy of the Tucei family and record, for the benefit of ourselves and our descendants, information on our “roots”. Enclosed for your information is the product of that effort along with a couple of pictures of Terchina and pictures of Biagio and Isabelle. I apologize in advance for misspellings, incorrect dates and facts. Any facts or antidotes about the family that you may have would be appreciated. Please take a minute, drop me a note and I’ll make sure the correction/addition is included in the next update.
I hope each of you have a Happy Holiday Season. Remember if Biagio hadn’t come to this country in 1875, we would all be residents of Italy or maybe France (now you have to read my narrative of the history of the Tucei family).
Best Wishes,
Signed
June and Walker
TUCEI [TUCCI]
Biagio Tucei
Biagio Tucei (1854-1932), called Bless and Blaise Tucei, was born December 9, 1854 at Trecchina, Italy to Vincenzo Tucci and Serafina Grisi.
Siblings
Biagio Tucei had several siblings also immigrate to the United States. Among those who left records at Biloxi, Mississippi were: Joseph Salvador Tucei (1859-1938) m. Ellen Colbet and Catherine Tucei (1866- 1939) m. Joseph V. Lawrence (1867-1952).(Lepre, 1991, pp. 342-343)
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Joseph S. Tucei
Joseph Salvador Tucei was born December 24, 1859 at Naples, Italy. He married Ellen Colbet in Harrison County, Mississippi on October 28, 1886. They were the parents of four children: Joseph W. Tucei (1888); Maria Stella Tucei (1887-1938+); Maria Theresa Tucei (1893-1893); and Josephine Tucei (1890-1938+).
Shoe Repair
[from The Biloxi Herald, July 4, 1891, p. 4]
In October 1921, Joseph S. Tucei relocated his shoe repair shop from 120 East Howard Avenue to 127 East Howard Avenue.(The Daily Herald, October 21, 1921, p. 4)
______________________________________________________________
Catherine Tucei
Catherine Tucei (18-1939) was born at Naples, Italy. She married Joseph V. Lawrence (1867-1952). Children: Mary Lawrence (1894-1953) m. James Oatis Coleman (1886-1961) and Joseph V. Lawrence Jr. (1902-1975) m. Margaret Mavar. Joseph V. Lawrence was in the shoe repair business at Biloxi.
Children
Mary Lawrence (1894-1953) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on 1894. She married James Oatis Coleman (1886-1961) in Harrison County, Mississippi on July 7, 1917. J.O. Coleman was a Kentucky native and the agent for Gulf Refining Company at Biloxi. Children: Nina Coleman (b. 1919) m. Mr. West and Wealthia Coleman (b. 1931) m. Weldon A. Lafferty (1930-2005).
J. O. Coleman had a successful military career attaining the rank of and participating with the American Expeditionary Force in France during WW I. Returning to his family at Biloxi, he worked with his father-in-law in the shoe business as Guarantee Shoes. Circa 1935, J.O. Coleman acquired the business and sold it in September 1947 to David Rosenblum. Mr. Rosenblum changed the name of the business to David’s.(The Daily Herald, September 29, 1947, p. 5)
In the 1940s, Mary and James O. Coleman divorced
Joseph V. Lawrence Jr. (1902-1975) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on . He married Margaret Mavar on October 19, 1929 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of two sons: Joseph J. Lawrence m. and Gregory Mavar Lawrence m. Kathleen Kirsh.
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History of the Tucei Family in the United States
(Prepared by F. Walker Tucei, Jr., November 22, 1999)
Biagio Antonio Tucci (1854-1932) immigrated to the United States in 1875 from Bordeaux, France. He was born on December 9, 1854 in Trecchina, Italy to Vincenzo Tucce and Serafina Grisi. He was their first born. They had at least five other children besides Biagio. At least three of them, including Biagio came to the U.S. The other children were Joseph A. (came to the U.S. in 18??), Catherine (came to the U.S. in 18??), Pipino, Seraphino and Terichine (Trease). This information was given to me in the mid 1960’s by my grandfather, Vincent Joseph Aloysious Tucci. There may have been a seventh child, a daughter by the name of Maria Giovanna Tucci (see letter of John Peter Tucei dated August 10, 1986). My grandfather did not mention Maria Giovanna during our visit. If Maria Giovanna was not a daughter of Vincenzo and Serafina, she could have been an unmarried sister of Vincenzo who lived in Trecchina. We may never know.
On September 23, 1999, June and I visited Trechina, Italy which is a small and very beautiful town nestled in the hills of southern Italy about 200 kilometer (125 miles) south of Naples. To get to Trecchina you take autostrade A3 (interstate A3) south from Naples to the first exit to Maratea. Travel west towards Maratea on highway SS 585 about 17 ½ kilometers to the exit sign for Trecchina, which is about half way between the autostrade and Maratea. Once you exit SS 585, Trecchina is another five kilometers. Interestingly, I was never able to find a map that had the City of Trecchina on it, but it is there. To give one an idea as to the size of Trecchina, the telephone book for the region (I think that may be the county) is about one-half inch thick, and each town has its separate section. The City of Trecchina had two pages of phone listing in the book.
While in Trecchina, we went to the Municipla (City Hall) and although we spoke no Italian and they spoke almost no English, we were able to communicate our desire to see the “Official Birth Record” for Biagio. It is recorded in handwriting and is in perfect condition. The book is much like a ledger (maybe 12 inches wide and 18 inches long). The manager of the office took the ledger off the top of a wooden book shelf and was able to locate the entry in a matter seconds. We also saw the official record of the marriage of Vincenzo and Serafina on December 27, 1851. The record of their marriage is three pages long and includes the official notices of intent to marry and is signed by all the witnesses to the marriage. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take a copy of these records as they informed us it is illegal to copy “Official Records” in Italy. We did take photos of the pages recording his birth and the marriage, but the pictures aren’t very good. We did obtain a certified record of the birth of Biagio and his parents’ marriage.
While in Trecchina, we also visited San Michele Arcangelo Catholic Church (St. Michael the Archangel) in the town square. Since it is the only church in the city of Trechina, I presume this is where Biagio was baptized and his parents were married. There was no one at the church that we could talk with and we were told by the people in the City Hall that the pastor (Dom. Guido Barbella) wouldn’t be available until after 6 PM. Unfortunately, we had to leave prior to getting the opportunity to inquire of the Pastor regarding the records the church may have on the Tucci family. A plaque in the church has some reference to Biagio (we have a photo of it), but aren’t sure what it says. I understand that the cathedral for the diocese is in Maratea and it is named St. Biaggio’s. I was told by someone that Biagio was named after the patron Saint for the region and that may be true in light of these facts.
The phone book for Trecchina contained no Tucci’s or Grisi’s. In John Peter’s letter, referred to above, he mentions meeting an old lady that remembered the Tucci’s and said they had moved a number of years ago. She thought they may have gone to largo Negro, which is east of Trecchina and in the region.
As an aside, June and I had lunch at a little restaurant on the outskirts of Trecchina by the name of Ristorante VALLE DEL NOCE di GIOVANNA TORTORELLA and it was very good.
I was told by my grandfather that Biagio never returned to Italy because he “skipped” the country owing a debt and if he had returned he would have been jailed. In a letter from Bless Rusk, dated August 3, 1991, he mentions that Biagio was "sold into bondage" by his father for five years to a man in Florence to satisfy a debt of his father's. The letter also said that in the second year of his servitude he ran away to Bordeaux, France and stayed there two or three years. This all ties together to what I was told by my grandfather. It also explains a couple of other pieces of information.
Although it has long been believed that Vincenzo Tucci was not from Trecchina, this is apparently not true as the translation of the “official record” of is and Serafina’s marriage states that they were both born in Trecchina. If only I could have read Italian, I would have had the clerks in the office attempt to locate their birth records and any other information on the Tucci surname that may be contained in the records in Trecchina. The Tucci surname is rather common in the Tuscany area of Italy which includes Florence. I had suspected that Vincenzo was originally from that area which would have explained why he had a debt to someone from Florence, but that theory no longer holds water.
The surname Tucci is pronounced – To Chee – in Italian. It is my understanding that in French the “ci” is pronounced as an “e”. Therefore the current pronunciation. Also, most Italians who immigrated to the U.S. came to this country through Ellis Island in New York. As we know Biagio came in through New Orleans, which was the port of entry for most of the French that immigrated to the U.S. Since he was coming from France rather than Italy, which seems like a logical explanation. These two pieces of information were obtained from Domenico Salomon, the son-in-law of John Peter, during our visits with John Peter’s family in Rome on September 11 and 18, 1999. Apparently Solomon had spent some time talking to John Peter, before he became ill, about the family history and genealogy.
As to why, how and when the spelling of the surname got changed from "TUCCI" to "TUCEI" there are two different stories. I was told by my grandfather, and this has been confirmed by my father, that when Biagio entered the country the immigration authorities thought the second "c" as an "e" and that is how the immigration papers were prepared. One day I hope to locate these records which should confirm if this theory is correct. The other story, which is from my discussions with Bless Rusk on August 29, 1999 and Domenico Salomon in Rome on September 11, 1999, is that Biagio had a sign made for his shoe shop in Biloxi and the sign maker made a mistake in the spelling of the surname. Biagio never had it corrected and thereafter used the current spelling. There are two things for sure; first, in the official records in Trecchina his surname is spelled TUCCI, and second, anytime you encounter the spelling “TUCEI” you know that person is a descendant of Biagio and is a blood relative.
The tombstone on Biagio’s grave in Biloxi, reads “Blaise Tucei; Born December 9, 1855; Died January 21, 1932. Technically, this has three errors. First, the name of Blaise, which was pronounced Bless, should be Biagio. When and why his first name was changed from Biagio to Blaise is also subject to speculation. It is probably that this occurred while he was in France, as Blaise is a French derivative of Biagio. Second, the birth year of 1855 should be 1854. Finally, the surname of Tucei should be Tucci as this was never officially change to “Tucei” to the best of my knowledge, but so be it, we are all Tucei’s.
Biagio was never naturalized as a U.S. citizen so there is nothing that could be learned about the spelling from that source. His brother, Joseph, who came to the U.S. after Biagio and also lived in Biloxi, did become a naturalized citizen (May 17, 1894) and for whatever reason Biagio never forgave him for doing so. This is according to Bless Rusk
As mentioned before, Biagio came to this country through New Orleans. Why, how, and when he sent to Biloxi to live is not known. We do know that he had a successful shoe shop on Howard Ave. in Biloxi and that he wan his brother, Joseph, were among the 74 original investors, on April 2, 1896, in what is now Peoples Financial Corp. (The Peoples Bank).
I have been told several stories about him. One in particular may be of interest. Apparently, in order to get leather for his shoe shop, he would walk the railroad tracks from Biloxi to New Orleans to purchase his leather. Then he would take the train back to Biloxi.
Biagio married Isabelle E. Lawrence in Biloxi on January 4, 1879. Isabelle was born in Biloxi on October 27, 1857 but her family was originally from Meaone, Spain. As mentioned before, Biagio’s sister Catherine also immigrated to the U.S. She married Isabelle’s brother, Joseph Lawrence, on September 20, 1890. There for the descendants of Biagio and Catherine are double cousins. The genealogy of the Lawrence family has been documented by Chris J. Lawrence, Jr. and I have a copy of it.
Biagio A. Tucci
Biagio Antonio Tucci was born on 9 December 1854 in Trecchina, Italy. Biagio immigrated to the United States in 1875 from Bordeaux France. It was said that Biagio was "sold into bondage" by his father for five years to a man in Florence to satisfy a debt of his father's. It was also said that in the second year of his servitude he ran away to Bordeaux, France and stayed there two or three years. Biagio never returned to Italy because he "skipped “the country owing a debt and if he had returned he would have been jailed. We do know that Biagio came into the U.S. through New Orleans. Biagio had a successful shoe shop on Howard Ave. in Biloxi and his brother, Joseph, were among the 74 original investors, on 2 April 1896, in what is now Peoples Financial Corp. (The Peoples Bank).
Biagio married Isabelle E. Lawrence in Biloxi on January 4, 1879. Isabelle was born in Biloxi on October 27, 1857 but her family was originally from Meaone, Spain.
Biagio died on 21 January 1932 at the age of 77 years in Biloxi, Mississippi.
BiagioTucei's Properties at Biloxi
West Howard Avenue
[from Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Book 17, p. 546 on August 18, 1879]
Tucei Building
The Tucei Building was erected on Pass Christian Road, later called Howard Avenue, in downtown Biloxi, Mississippi sometime after August 1879, when Biagio Tucei acquired a lot measuring 37 feet by 100 feet from Franco Coyle and Madeline Pons Coyle of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The consideration was $250.[Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Land Deed Book 17, p. 546]
The two Sanborn insurance maps below depict the Tucei Building in 1909 and 1914 respectively. In 1909, the Elks Club was housed on the second floor and the first floor was vacant.
Sanborn Map-1909 Saborn Map-1914
Children of Biagio and Isabelle Tucci
Vincent Joseph Aloysius Tucei was born on 28 December 1879 in Biloxi. He died on 24 July 1970 in Biloxi.
Seraphine A. Tucei [Westbrook] was born on 25 November 1881 in Biloxi. She passed at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on 8 September, 1977 married to Fred L. Westbrook (1889-1963).
Marainne Laurette Tucei was born on 23 October 1883 in Biloxi. She died on 9 December 1883 in Biloxi.
Theresa Lilia Tucei was born on 27 October 1885 in Biloxi. She died on 2 May 1923 in Biloxi.
Joseph Bless Tucei was born on 16 September 1886 in Biloxi. He died on 7 February 1976 in Biloxi.
Fredrick Alois Tucei was born on 6 September 1880 in Biloxi. He died on 20 March 1954 in Biloxi.
Mary Belle Tucei was born on 20 February 1892 in Biloxi.
Christopher Anthony Tucei was born on 13 August 1894 in Biloxi. He died on2 September 1949 in Biloxi.
Augustine Rose Tucei was born on 1 August 1898 in Biloxi. She died on 3 August 1928 in Biloxi.
John Peter Tucei was born on 10 July 1900 in Biloxi. He died on 3 August 1982 in Biloxi.
Children of Biagio Tucei and Isabella Lawrence
VINCENT J.A. TUCEI
Vincent J. A. Tucei
Vincent Joseph Aloysius Tucei (1879-1970) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on December 28, 1879. He married Alice Walker and they were the parents of four sons: Vincent Joseph Aloysius Tucei Jr. (1916-2007) m. Lorraine Nellums (1921-2001); Ferdinand Walker Tucei (1918-2000) m. Irene Collins (1918-2014); Blaise A. Tucei (1920-1978); and James G. Tucei (1922-1988) m. Alma E. Hall (1922-2008).
Home
The home of Vincent J.A. Tucei and Alice Walker Tucei was situated at 517 Seal Avenue. The following is an abstract of their property.
517 Seal Avenue-Biloxi, Mississippi
Lot 14-Seal’s Subdivision-100 feet on Seal Avenue and 142 feet deep.
The Seal’s Subdivision was platted March 13, 1897 by Roderick Seal.[see Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd JD Plat Bk. 1, p. 8]
Seal’s was created north of the Gulf View Subdivision and also north of the L&N Railroad. It was composed of three blocks and 42 lots and was 27 ½ arpents north to south and 1 ¾ arpents east to west. An extension of Seal Avenue fifty-feet wide was cut through Seal’s Subdivision to Division Street.[see Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 35, p. 2 of October 15, 1896 for transactions between Roderick Seal and Florian Seal and George W. Wilkes]
1914
In May 1914, Roy Chinn and spouse convey for $400 Lot 14 to Theresa Lilly Tucei.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 110, p. 95)
1915
In June 1915, Vincent J.A. Tucei permitted a 5-room residence on Seal Avenue estimated to cost $1500.(The Daily Herald, June 21, 1915, p. 2)
1916
In March 1916, Theresa Lilly Tucei sold Lot 14 for $400 to Alice Walker Tucei.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 115, p. 377)
1923
In April 1923, Alice Walker Tucei sold Lot 14 to Biaggio Tucei and Bella Lawrence Tucei for $7500.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 137, p. 558)
1941
In April 1941, Bella Lawrence Tucei conveyed Lot 14 to Alice Walker Tucei for $1000.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Land Deed Bk. 238, p. 121)
1973
In January 1973, James G. Tucei, Vincent J. A. Tucei Jr. and F. Walker Tucei conveyed Lot 14 to William F. Hubbell and Helen Harvey Hubbell.(Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Land Deed Bk. 35, p. 9)
Children
Vincent J.A. Tucei Jr. and Lorraine N. Tucei
Vincent Joseph Aloysius Tucei Jr. (1916-2007) was born March 1, 1916 at Biloxi, Mississippi. On December 16, 1944, in Escambia County, Florida, he married Lorraine Nellums (1921-2001), a native of Muscogee, Florida, and the daughter of Louis E. Nellums (1886-1945) and Evadne M. Nellums (1897-1987). At the time of their marriage, Lorraine was a graduate of Pensacola High School and employed as the secretary at the Penscacola Vocational while Vincent was with the Civil Service at Penscacola NAS where he had been since 1939.(The Daily Herald, November 22, 1944, p. 10)
Vincent J. A. Tucei Jr. (1916-2007), age 91 years, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2007 in Pensacola. He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 1, 1916. Vincent moved to Pensacola in 1939 where he was employed with Civil Service for 34 years at the Naval Air Station. He also served with the Army Air Corps in WWII.
After retiring, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, spending time with his grandchildren, and was very active with the Mystic Springs Airstream Trailer Club. Mr. Tucei was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Nellums Tucei; his parents, Vincent J. A. Tucei Sr. and Alice Walker Tucei; his brothers, F. Walker Tucei Sr.; Blaise A. Tucei; and James G. Tucei.
He is survived by his sons, Vincent L. Tucei (Elaine), Terry J. Tucei, a daughter, Jane Tucei Weaver (Randy) of Pensacola; 4 grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Tucei of Pensacola, Nathan (Faith) Tucei, Jeffrey Tucei of Jacksonville, Amanda (Joshua) Warren of Helena, Al; and a great-grandson, Benjamin Warren of Helena, Al.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 10th, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with burial at Bayview Memorial Park.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Father Doug Halsema officiating. Pallbearers will be Christopher Tucei, Nathan Tucei, Jeffrey Tucei, Joshua Warren, Walker Tucei, and Tom Osborne. Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, March 10, 2007]
Children
Vincent L. Tucei
Vincent L. Tucei (b. 1949) was born at Pensacola, Florida on June 14, 1949. He married Elaine ?
Terry J. Tucei
Jane Tucei
Jane Tucei married Randy Weaver
Ferdinand W. Tucei
Ferdinand Walker Tucei (1918-2000) was born July 5, 1918. He married Irene Collins (1918-2014), the daughter of George Collins and Irene Marion Collins.
F. Walker Tucei Sr. (1918-2000), age 82 years, died Wednesday, November 22, 2000, in Biloxi. Walker was a life long resident of Biloxi. He was a retired Director of The Peoples Financial Corporation, a director of The Peoples Bank, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Professional Drug Company of Biloxi. Walker retired in December of 1994 as Executive Vice-President of The Peoples Bank where he had been employed for 53 years. He began his career at The Peoples Bank as an assistant bookkeeper in July 1941.
Prior to his employment with the bank, he worked for Margaret's Gulf Coast Candy, the Old Biloxi Hotel and as an agent for the F.A. Tucei Insurance Agency. He was a member of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral his entire life and had served as President of the Parish Council and on the Finance and Administration committee. He had previously been active as a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, the East Harrison County Lions Club, Biloxi Rotary Club, Camp Wilkes, Inc., the Boy Scouts of America, the Order of Mithras Carnival organization and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Walker was a graduate of Biloxi High School and the LSU School of Banking.
Walker Tucei was a gentleman and a loving, devoted husband and father. He was blessed with three families: his church family, his natural family, and his work family. All were a source of much love and great joy. His family and friends are very grateful that his life will serve always as an exemplary role model in all phases of life.
Walker was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent J.A. Tucei, and Alice Walker Tucei; and two brothers, Blaise A. Tucei and James C. Tucei.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Irene Collins Tucei; four sons, F. Walker Tucei Jr. and his wife, June Parker Tuceiof Gretna, Louisiana; Robert M. Tucei and his wife, Joy of Biloxi; Thomas E. Tucei and his wife Rita of Picayune, Mississippi; Alan L. Tucei and his wife Renee of Danville, Calififornia; a brother, Vincent J.A. Tucei and his wife Loraine of Pensacola, Florida. Thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, Deneen Tucei O'Connor and her husband Kip; Marian Tucei Clark, and her husband Tim; Michelle Tucei Mannino and her husband Joey; Shannon Tucei Abraham and her husband, William; Renee Tucei Tremmel, and her husband, Burt; Thomas Tucei Jr.; Kristine Tucei Barnello and her husband, Joey; Karen Tucei, Kim Tucei Tresch and her husband Kenny; Brian Tucei, Linda Tucei, Megan Tucei, Laura Tucei; a step grandchild, Meredith Cash; six great-grandchildren, Bailey O'Connor, Paul Clarke, Joey Barnello, Brittany Barnello, Madeline Barnello, Kenny Tresch Jr.; and a step great-grandchild, Christopher O'Connor.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 25, 2000, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Burial will be in Southern Memorial Cemetery. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.
Irene C. Tucei
Irene Collins Tucei (1918-2014) of Biloxi passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. She was 95 years of age. Mrs. Tucei was born January 10, 1918. She was in numerous carnival organizations, including the Krewe of Billikins and Gulf Coast Carnival Association. Mrs. Tucei was a lifelong member of The Nativity BVM Cathedral and spent many years as a member of the Parent Teacher Association for Nativity School. She also was a member of the Biloxi Garden Club. At an early age she was assistant to her father and uncle at their contracting business, Collins Brothers Construction Co. Her full time career was raising four active sons who all became successful businessmen. She will be greatly missed by her sons and their wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, George J. Collins Sr. and Irene Marion Collins; her husband, F. Walker Tucei Sr.; her son, F. Walker Tucei Jr.; her granddaughter, Karyn Tucei, her grandson, Paul Tucei and her brothers, George J. Collins Jr. and Harry J. Collins.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law; June Tucei, wife of F. Walker Tucei, Jr.of New Orleans; Bob (Joy Barhanovich Cash) Tucei of Biloxi, Mississippi; Tommy (Rita Lee Fitzgerald) Tucei Sr. of Picayune, Mississippi; and Alan (Renee) Tucei of Westport, Connecticut; and her 12 grandchildren, Deneen (Kip) O'Connor, Marian (Tim) Clarke, Michelle (Joey) Mannino, Shannon (William) Abraham, Renee Tremmel, Tommy (Toni) Tucei Jr, Kristine (Joe) Barnello, Kim (Kenny) Tresch, Brian Tucei, Linda (Gregory) Robinson, Laura Tucei, and Megan Tucei.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the Life and Loving Memory of Irene Collins Tucei will be held at 12 noon on Friday, January 10, 2014 (her 96th birthday) at the Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral at 870 Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Graveside service will follow at Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, January 9, 2014)
Children
F. Walker Tucei Jr. (1942-2009) was born June 28, 1944 at Biloxi, Mississippi. On September 8, 1962, he married June E. Parker, the daughter of August H. Parker (1900-1983) and Irma Miller Parker (1907-2002). In Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of a son, Paul Tucei, and three daughters: Marian Elizabeth Tucei m. Timothy Allen Clarke; Deneen Patricia Tucei m. Kip O’Conner and Michelle Marie Tucei m. Joseph Mannino. F. Walker Tucei expired on July 14, 2009 at Gretna, Louisiana from brain cancer. His corporal remains were interred at Southern Memorial Park in Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, July 16, 2009 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 122, p. 404)
Robert M. Tucei
Robert 'Bobby' Mark Tucei was born December 8, 1946 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Sydney Mae Jones, the daughter of . The
2nd marriage
Robert Mark Tucei was born December 8, 1946 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Billie Joy Barhonovich Cash (b. October 5, 1947), the daughter of Steven W. Barhonovich (1914-1991) and Eula Seymour Weeks (1916-1988), on November 1, 1997 in Harrison County, Mississippi.(Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 49, p. 261)
Thomas E. Tucei
Thomas Eugene Tucei was born November 5, 1949 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Rita Lee Fitzgerald on August 30, 1969 in Harrison County, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 9, 1949, p. 9 and Harrison County, Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 2, p. 77)
Alan L. Tucei
Alan L. Tucei was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 8, 1956. He married Renee L. Nichols in Harris County Texas on August 17, 1979.
Blaise A. Tucei
Blaise Antoni Tucei (1920-1978) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 27, 1920. He was a life-long invalid and expired at 111 Azalea Drive at Biloxi on February 26, 1978. His internment was in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 1978, p. 2)
James G. Tucei
James G. Tucei and Alma Hall Tucei
James 'Jimmie' G. Tucei (1922-1988) was born on May 27, 1922 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He made his livelihood as a building contractor in Mobile and Pensacola. Mr. Tucei was a veteran of WW II serving with the US Army. He worshiped at the Christ United Methodist Church.
Jimmie married Alma E. Hall (1922-2008) and they were the parents of three children: James Charles Tucei of Snehomish, Washington; Alice Tucei Swartz of Woodenville, Washington; and Mary K. Tucei Farlon of Mobile, Alabama.
Jimmie Tucei died on March 8, 1988 and Alma Hall Tucei on June 20, 2008. Their burials were in the Gonzales Methodist Church Cemetery at Catonment, Flordia. Smith & Sons' Memorial Chapel of Pensacola. Florida served the family.
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SERAPHINE A. TUCEI
F.L. Westbrook and Seraphine Tucei Westbrook
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Seraphine A. Tucei (1881-1977) was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on November 25, 1881. She married Fred L. Westbrook (1889-1963), the son of Edwin Martin Westbrook (1858-1913) and Harriet Amelia Clark (1857-1927) at Biloxi in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 7, 1916. They had one son, Frederick L. Westbrook Jr. (1919-2001), and resided at 709 Church Street in Ocean Springs.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 48]
Frederick L. Westbrook Sr. (1889-1963) and Frederick L. Westbrook Jr. (1919-2001)
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
709 Church Street
[L-R: east elevation and west elevation]
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Frederick L. Westbrook Sr. (1889-1963) was the day operator for the L&N Railroad at the Biloxi station in 1913. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. In June 1915, Rural Route 2, a new rural postal route was announced by the Ocean Springs Post Office. There were one hundred-fifty families on the circuit with the number soon expected by Postmaster McClure to increase to two hundred. In July 1915, twenty-nine people applied for the Rural Route 2 position at testing sites in Biloxi and Pascagoula. Locals from Vancleave and Ocean Springs who took this postal exam were Charles H. Mr. Bransford (1868-1947), the former Postmaster; John B. Bransford; George T. Rehage (1878-1937); Ralph M. Spaulding (1876-1959); Fred Lewis (1862-1933); Fred L. Westbrook (1889-1963); Tim Regan; Billy Mitchell; John Wadlow; and Paul Bertuccini (b. 1893).( The Ocean Springs News, June 17, 1915, p. 1, July 1, 1915, p. 1, and July 29, 1915, p. 1)
Fred L. Westbrook Sr. won the position scoring 87.1 on the postal examination. His appointment as a carrier on R.F.D. No. 2 was announced publicly in early February 1916. Fred started the job in late January. In the fall of 1917, The Jackson County Times announced that F.L. Westbrook, Route 2 carrier, increased his daily delivery schedule to six days each week. Prior to this, he delivered only three days per week.(The Ocean Springs News, February 3, 1916, p. 1 and The Jackson County Times, October 20, 1917)
Fred L. Westbrook Sr. retired from the US Postal Service on in early December 1959 after 43 years and ten months of service as a rural mail carrier. He related that he traveled over 30,000 miles each year. His longest route was about 95 miles. It began in Ocean Springs went to East Beach, Fontainebleau, Vancleave and thirty-five miles further. This route was split in 1952, but still required seventy miles of driving because of the increased population in rural areas. (The Daily Herald, December 2, 1959, p. 2)
Fred L. Westbrook, Sr. was very active at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where he served as president of the Holy Name Society and on the building committee. He was a member of the Order of the Alhambra, Knights of Columbus (third and fourth degree), and Sacred Heart League. After Mr. Westbrook's demise, the local Knights of Columbus chapter, which was commenced by his son, Fred, was named the Fred L. Westbrook, Sr. Council No. 5654. Their building is located at 621 Washington Avenue.
Seraphine Tucei Westbrook expired at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on 8 September 1977. Fred preceded her in death passing on 25 December 1963. They internment was in Evergreen Cemetery at Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
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MARY ANNA TUCEI
Mary Anna Tucei (1883-1883) was born October 23, 1883 and died December 9, 1883.(Lepre, 1991, p. 343)
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LILLY T. TUCEI
Lilly Theresa Tucei (1885-1923) was born October 27, 1884* to Bless [Biaggio] Tucei (1850-1932) and Bella Lawrence (1858-1942). She was baptized 'Teresa Lilia Tucei' at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church on December 15, 1884.(Lepre, 1991, p. 344)
John A. Swanzy
Lilly Theresa Tucei and John A. Swanzy (1881-1968) were married by the Reverend Father Keenan on January 4, 1922 in the rectory of Nativity B.V.M Catholic Church. Their witnesses were Bernadette Lamm and Frederick Aloise Tucei (1889-1954), her brother. The wedding party went to the Splendid Cafe in Gulfport to celebrate the blessed occasion. The newly weds were at home at 1712 West Howard Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mr. Swanzy was a contractor and the Biloxi Street Commissioner.(The Daily Herald, January 5, 1922, p. 4)
Lilly Tucei Swanzy died at Biloxi on February 5, 1923. She had been an illness of one week. She was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi. Mrs. Swanzy was educated at the Sacred Heart School. Her affiliations included: the Children of Mary, Catholic Daughters of America and the Sacred Heart League. Lilly was survived by her spouse; her parents; three sisters: Saraphine Tucei Westbrook of Ocean Springs; Mrs. E.A. Jones of Bayou LaBatre, Alabama; and Mrs. C.R. Rusk of Biloxi; five brothers: Vincent Tucei; J.A. Tucei; Joseph B. Tucei; Frederick A. Tucei (1889-1954); Christopher A. Tucei; and J. Peter Tucei, all of Biloxi. Mrs. Swanzy's funeral was under the auspices of the Bradford Funeral Parlors with a Requiem Mass at Nativity B.V.M Catholic Church followed by internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, February 5, 1923)
*Mrs. Swanzy's birth year does not agree with Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church records.
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JOSEPH B. TUCEI
Joseph B. Tucei
[Courtesy of Claire Tucei Breal-February 2016]
Joseph Bless Tucei (1887-1976) was born October 16, 1887. He married Nancy Parillo (1890-1983). Children: Joseph B. Tucei Jr. (1913-1972); Lillie Catherine Tucei (1916-2004) m. Frederick Benjamin Dick Jr. (1915-1969); Fred A. Tucei (b. 1918) m. Hazel Myrtis Lopez (1920-2004); Alma Elizabeth Tucei (1921-2008) m. James Henry Cook (1920-1997); Valmae J. Tucei (1924-2013) m. James Eugene Howarth (1922-1980); Inez Rose Tucei (1926-2015) m. Lawrence C. Taylor (1928-1995); Harry Vernon Tucei (1928-2014) m. Alice Leona Culliton (1931-1993); and Claire Beatrice Tucei (b. 1932) m. Floyd L. Breal (19-1980).
Children
Joseph B. Tucei Jr.
Lillie C. Tucei
Lillie Catherine Tucei (1916-2004), age 89 years of Ocean Springs, Mississippi died Sunday, May 23, 2004, in Ocean Springs. Mrs. Dick was a native of Biloxi and lifelong resident of the Coast. She was a 1933 graduate of Sacred Heart High School where she was class valedictorian. She also played basketball and was an all-state guard. Mrs. Dick was employed with Balius Floor Covering for 45 years as office manager and bookkeeper. She held this position until her death. She was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1244 Ladies Auxiliary and Back Bay Fire Ladies.
Mrs. Dick was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Benjamin Dick, Jr., her parents, Joseph and Nancy Tucei and a brother, Joseph B. Tucei, Jr.
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Claire Dick Rosonet and her husband, Rick, of Ocean Springs; a grandson, David A. Holloway of Madison, Mississippi; a granddaughter, Erinn Catherine Holloway-Schauwecher and her husband, Timothy, of San Diego, California; two great granddaughters, Carney Catherine Holloway and Anna Claire Holloway of Madison, Mississippi; one great granddaughter due in June, Lily Claire Schauwecher; four sisters, Alma Cook, Valmae Howarth and Claire Breal of Biloxi and Inez Taylor of Bedford, Texas; two brothers, Fred Tucei of Gautier and Harry Tucei of Tulsa, OK. She was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who she was very close to.
An 11 a.m. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 26, 2004, at St. Johns Catholic Church in Biloxi where friends may visit from 9 a.m. till service time. Interment will follow in Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, May 26, 2004)
Fred A. Tucei Jr.
Alma E. Tucei
Alma Elizabeth Tucei (1921-2008), age 87 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Living in Biloxi all her life, Alma was a long time member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and a devout Catholic. She graduated from Biloxi High School; she was a past band mother, past president of the PTA and a member of the Neighborhood Club for over 50 years.
Valmae J. Tucei
Valmae T. Howarth (1924-2013), age 89 years, of Biloxi, Mississippi, died Friday, November 1, 2013, in Biloxi. She was born at Biloxi on March 19, 1924. Valmae J. Tucei married James Eugene Howarth in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 10, 1944.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 65, p. 631]
Mrs. Howarth was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi and was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. She retired from First Federal Savings and Loan and was formerly employed in civil service at Keesler Air Force Base. Mrs. Howarth enjoyed sports, was a member of the Golden Age Club and the Tripoli Club and was a volunteer at her church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. "Slug" Howarth, parents, Joseph and Nancy Parillo Tucei, brother, J.B. Tucei and sisters, Lillie T. Dick and Alma T. Cook.
Survivors include sons, James E. "Jimmy" (Gloria) Howarth and Robert "Bobby" (Leslie) Howarth, four grandchildren, Christine Howarth (Ken) Henderson of Naperville, IL, Jennifer Howarth (Rhett) Taylor, of Biloxi, MS, Michael Howarth of Biloxi, MS and Shelby Howarth (Bucky) Lott of Purvis, MS, four great-grandchildren, Kenny and Ally Henderson and Riana and Makenzie Taylor, brothers, Fred Tucei, of Gautier, MS, Harry Tucei of Tulsa, OK and sisters, Inez Taylor of St. Charles, MO and Claire Breal of Biloxi, MS and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 and a Mass of Christian Burial, all at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Southern Memorial Park. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.[The Sun Herald, November 4, 2013]
Inez R. Tucei
Inez Rose Tucei (1926-2015), age 88 years of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015. Mrs. Taylor is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Lawrence C. Taylor; her parents, Joseph and Nancy Parillo Tucei; her brothers, JB Tucei, Jr. and Harry V. Tucei; her sisters, Lillie Dick, Alma Cook, and Valmae Howarth; and her grandson, Scott Thomas Douthit.
Inez was survived by her children, Deborah (Debi) Green and Terrance (Terry) and Amanda Taylor; her grandchildren, (Debi) Alicea Hermeyer and Ashley Douthit, (Terry) Janelle Taylor, Jeffrey Chase Gilley, Terrance (T-Jay) Taylor, Jr., Clayton Taylor, and Tanner Taylor; her great grandchildren, (Debi) Madelyn Hermeyer, Annabelle Rose Walsh, and Audrey Taylor Becker; her brother, Fred Tucei of Gautier, Mississippi; her sister, Claire Breal of Biloxi, MS; and many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Taylor was a resident of St. Charles, Missouri but was a native of Biloxi, Mississippi. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1945 and later retired from the US Government - Civil Service where she was a payroll clerk. She loved dancing, bowling, sewing, playing bingo, crafts and she was also a devout Catholic.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 26, 2105, at 11 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi, is serving the family.(The Sun Herald, January 21, 2015)
Harry V. Tucei
Harry Vernon Tucei (1928-2014), age 86 years, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born June 4, 1928 in Biloxi to Joseph Bless Tucei and Nancy Parrillo Tucei. Harry graduated from Notre Dame High School in Biloxi and attended Mississippi State University. He joined the Navy in 1946. After his honorable discharge, Harry attended the University of Tulsa and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology in 1955. After working on survey and seismic crews, he hired on at Home Stake Oil & Gas in Tulsa, OK. He retired from Home Stake as Vice President and Chief Geologist in 1993 after more than 35 years of service. On August 3, 1955, Harry married Alice Leona Culliton in Tulsa and they remained married until her death in 1993. He was a long time parishioner of the Church of the Madalene and a member of the Tumbleweeds Square Dancers and Tulsa Mountain Cloggers. Harry was a docent at Gilcrease Museum and he delivered Meals on Wheels. Harry enjoyed gardening and was an avid collector of World War II memorabilia with a special interest in aviation. Harry is survived by his loving companion of more than 20 years, Bunny Mason Tipton, daughter Diane and husband Don Armijo of Katy, TX, sons Joe of Virginia Beach, VA and Mark of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren Ryan and Derek Armijo, Peyton and Ava Tucei, Brittany Tucei, great-grandson Gregory Christian, brother Fred Tucei of Gautier, MS, and sisters Inez Taylor of St. Charles, MO and Claire Breal of Biloxi, MS, and numerous nephews and nieces. Family and friends may honor Harry's memory with contributions to USO.org or WoundedWarriorProject.org. On September 23, 2014, funeral services were in Tulsa, OK, at the Church of the Madalene. Interment with military honors followed at Calvary Cemetery.(The Sun Herald, September 28, 2014)
Claire B. Tucei
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FREDERICK A. TUCEI
Ed Tucei [center] with Adjutant General John A. O'Keefe and Mayor Edward Braun
Frederic “Ed” Aloise Tucei (1889-1954) was born September 9, 1889 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
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CHRISTOPHER A. TUCEI
Christopher A. Tucei
[Courtesy of Claire Tucei Breal-February 2016]
Christopher 'Chris' Anthony Tucei was born August 13, 1894. Christopher A. Tucei (1894-1949) married Corrine Capuano (1904-1962) in Harrison Co., Mississippi on September 7, 1921.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 33, p. 356]
Chris Tucei enlisted in the US Army on May 3, 1918 as a private in the 141 Aero Squadron and was honorably discharged on July 16, 1919. Mr. Tucei passed at the Biloxi VA Hospital on
Corrine Capuano was born at New Orleans on February 1, 1904 to Jennie Coci Capuano (1863-1941). She expired on July 25, 1962 at her Biloxi residence, 430 Bohn Street. Corrine was survived by her brother, Philip Joseph Capuano (1907-1968), and two sisters, Mrs. Sidney Manuel of Billoxi and Mrs. Warren Betzer of NOLA.(The Daily Herald, July 26, 1962, p. 2)
The corporal remains of Chris and Corrine C. Tucei were entombed in the Capuano tomb in the 6th Addition [north side of the CSX Railroad tracks] of the Biloxi Cemetery.
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AUGUSTINE R. TUCEI
Augustine R. Tucei
Augustine Rose Tucei (1897-1928) was born August 1, 1897. She married Clement Roy Rusk (1894-1965) in Harrison County, Mississippi on June 25, 1916. Augustine had graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1914 with high honors.
Clement Roy Rusk
Augustine and Clement were the parents of six children: Bless Roy Rusk (1917-2011) m. Bernita Norma Sorenson (1917-2013); Elizabeth Rusk m. Leo Anderson and Mr. Wells; Rita Clementine Rusk (1920-2014) m. Herbert Coleman Stevens (1915-1959); Agatha “Lean” Rusk (1922-2008) m. Jack Morris Minckler (1917-1992); Joseph W. Rusk (1923-2011) m. Delores J. Boynton (1929-2009); and Mary Theresa Rusk m. John “Jack” Edward Tardy.
Rusk Home at 725 West Howard Avenue
[image made February 2016 by Ray L. Bellande]
Children
Bless R. Rusk
Bless Roy Rusk (1917-2011) died June 28, 2011, at the age of 94 years in The Sterling House of Peoria, Arizona. He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1935 and from Ole Miss with a BS in Pharmacy. He was in Glider Training in Spencer, Iowa, where he met Bernita and they married in Albuquerque, N.M., while he was in the service.
Bless was a decorated 2nd Lt and WWII Glider Pilot and served in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he was a medical service representative for Eli Lilly and Company working out of Fort Dodge, Iowa. He operated drug stores in Marshalltown and Webster City, Iowa, prior to owning and operating Rusk Drug and Jewelry in Algona for 20 plus years, with Bernita by his side in the family business. They also owned a second store in Estherville, Iowa, for a period of time.
Bless and Bernita moved to the Gulf Coast where he was a hospital pharmacist at the Singing River Hospital in Ocean Springs for eight years. He retired and then studied art and voice and became a qualified boat captain and operated a deep sea fishing boat. He also served as an officer in several coast art associations. They moved to an acreage in rural Van Cleave, Miss., where he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and golfing as well as painting in his art studio.
In 1994 they relocated to Conroy, Iowa, to be closer to family. In 1996 they moved to Chanute, where they lived until 2007 when they moved to the Phoenix area.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Agatha (Lean) Minckler and brother, Joseph Rusk.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Bernita, of Peoria; son Gary Rusk, and daughter, Cheryl Orr, Surprise, Ariz.; sisters: Elizabeth Wells, Rita Stevens, and Mary and Jack Tardy; sister-in-law, Arlene Tyler; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and 21 nieces and nephews.
Funeral will be 8 a.m. today, July 1, at Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City, Ariz. Burial to take place at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix.
Memorials can be made to Highway Christian Hospice of Phoenix, Ariz., or the American Lutheran Church of Sun City, Ariz. [The Chanute Tribune, (Kansas) - Thursday, June 30, 2011]
Bernita Norma Sorensen Rusk
Bernita N. Sorensen Rusk (1917-2013) died January 1, 2013, at the age of 95 years at Amethyst Gardens Retirement Community in Peoria, Arizona. She was born in rural Ruthven, Iowa. She was baptized and attended Sunday School and church with her family at the South Walnut Lutheran Church, rural Graettinger, Iowa. She earned her high school diploma as an adult. She went on to take several college classes.
She married her husband, Bless R. Rusk, when he was in the Air Force during WWII. They were married 68 years, until his death at age 94 years in 2011. They were members of the American Lutheran Church of Sun City, Ariz.
She was a homemaker for a number of years raising their two children. Then she was co-owner and bookkeeper with her spouse in the family business of Rusk Drug and Jewelry in Algona, Iowa for 20 plus years until their retirement to the Gulf Coast. While living in Ocean Springs, Missississippi, she was head of a campaign to eliminate litter and received an award from the mayor for her efforts.
At the age of 70, she became the literacy coordinator for the Jackson County Literacy Council, in Vancleave, Miss., where she trained volunteers and matched them with adults who needed tutoring to learn to read and write.¬ She had been a Laubaugh Volunteer Tutor for 20 years herself through the Lutheran Church program. She was also active in the Ocean Springs Garden Club and Lutheran Church Women. The couple moved to an acreage in rural Van Cleave, Miss., where they enjoyed gardening and were active in their church and community.
In 1994, they relocated to Conroy, Iowa, to be closer to family. In 1996, they moved to Chanute, where they lived until 2007, when they moved to the Phoenix area.
She is survived by one son, Gary Rusk, Surprise, Ariz., and one daughter, Cheryl Mintle Orr, Surprise, Ariz.; one sister, Arlene Tyler, Maxwell, Iowa, and three sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Wells, Seminole, Florida; Rita Stevens, Baton Rouge, La.; and Mary and Jack Tardy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and 40 nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, Bless R. Rusk, her parents, Knud and Thora Sorensen, sisters, Florence Nichtern, and Margaret Thim, and one brother, Harvey Sorensen.
Funeral service will be Monday, Jan. 7 with visitation at 8:30 a.m. and service at 9 a.m. at Sunland Memorial Park, Sun City, Ariz. Burial will be in the National Memorial Cemetery, Phoenix, Ariz.[The Chanute [Kansas] Tribune, January 4, 2013]
Elizabeth E. Rusk
Elizabeth E. Rusk was born in 1917. She married Leo Anderson on January 14, 1940 in the rectory of NBVM Catholic Church at Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi. Leo was born at Leshara, Nebraska the son of Nels Anderson, a native of Sweden, and Bertha Anderson from Ohio. Leo was employed as a bookkeeper at Gulfport, Mississippi with the Pan-Am bulk station owned by Pat Harrison Jr.(The Daily Herald, January 16, 1940, p. 5 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 50, p. 470)
In October 1942, Leo Anderson left Biloxi for San Diego, California for basic training in the US Navy reserves. He had enlisted at New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, October 1, 1942, p. 11)
Elizabeth married William Benedict Wells in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 13, 1952. At the time she was employed with the Peoples Bank and a member of Les Femmes carnival club. Mr. Wells was a native of New Milford, Connecticut and employed with the Wadlington Radio Company at Biloxi. He had left the military while stationed at KAFB. The newly weds were at home at 537 Porter Avenue in Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, September 27, 1952, p,5 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 90, p. 548)
Mrs. Elizabeth Rusk Anderson married William Benedict Wells in Harrison County, Mississippi on September 13, 1952. She filed for divorce from him in September 1955.[The Daily Herald, September 27, 1955, p. 2]
Rita C. Rusk
Rita Clementine Rusk (1920-2004), age 93 years, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014, at her home in Baton Rouge. She was born on July 6, 1920 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Rita is survived by two sons, Lamar Stevens of Baton Rouge and Charles Earl Stevens of Denham Springs; a daughter, Betty Bowers of Baton Rouge; two daughters-in-law, Gloria Stevens of Baton Rouge and Jodi Stevens of Denham Springs; five grandchildren, Chris Bowers, Todd Bowers, Anna Marie Barnett, Melissa McCabe and Brooke Stevens; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Coleman Stevens (1915-1959); her parents, Roy Clement Rusk and Augustine Rose Tucci Rusk; and one grandchild.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, April 15, at Ponemah Cemetery at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Clay Norwood officiating. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.[The Daily News [Bogalusa, Louisiana], April 15, 2014]
Agatha Rusk
Agatha 'Lean' Rusk (1922-2008)
Jack Morris Minckler (1917-1992) died on Dec. 5, 1992, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was 75, a native of Lissie, Texas, and resident of Bogalusa. He was a U.S. Air Force Gunnery Instructor during World War II and was a retired theatre owner. At his wishes, he was cremated. Survived by wife, Agatha Rusk Minckler, Bogalusa; two daughters, Jacqueline M. Minckler, Bogalusa, and Celeste Minckler Fleming, Marianna, Fla.; four sons, Gordon C. Minckler, Carierre, Miss., Harold Miller Minckler, Henleyfield, Miss., Roy Rusk Minckler, Houston, Texas, and Dr. David Morris Minckler, Baton Rouge; a sister, Mary Emma Minckler, San Diego, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Harold M. and Beulah Wood Minckler. Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., in charge of arrangements.[The Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), December 7, 1992]
Joseph W. Rusk
Joseph Willard Rusk (1923-2011) was born October 13, 1923 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Joe was a World War II veteran having served in the US Navy as a gunner’s mate on the USS Wilhoite. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he served in the Naval Reserves in Biloxi, Mississippi. Joe co-owned and later purchased the AG Food Center from his father-in-law, Orville Boynton, and managed it for many years. After selling AG Food Center, Joe worked in the meat department at Randalls. He then went to Sears and worked in the automotive department until his retirement. He and his wife also worked for 10 years at Design Two for their daughter, Kathy Walters.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Willard Rusk (1923-2011), age 87 years, resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa since 1960, passed away Monday, February 14, 2011.
Mr. Rusk is survived by his children, Alan (Jan) Rusk, Kathy (Tom) Walters, and Lori (Steve) Beckman; grandchildren, Jeff (Kim) Walters, Nick (Becky) Walters, Chip Walters and his fiance Sara Kamp, Joshua (Shannon) Rusk, Joey (Tracey) Rusk, Anna Rusk and her friend Bart Jeseritz, Michaela Beckman, Luke Beckman, and Sammy Rusk; great grandsons, Nathaniel Rusk, Isaac, and Logan Rusk; step-grandsons, Lucas Still, Jordan Still, and Calob Still; and step-great grandson, Zander Still. He is also survived by a brother, Bless (Bernita) Rusk; sisters, Mary (Jack) Tardy, Elizabeth Wells, and Rita Stevens; sister-in-law, Sandy Beukelman; a niece, Molly (Dan) Lopez and nephew, Todd (Mindy) Beukelman, and many more nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, of 60 years, Delores J. Boynton Rusk (1929-2009), in 2009; his sister Lean Minckler; brother-in-law Dave Beukelman and by his parents.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Thursday at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel with his son Rev. Al Rusk officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery in Webster City, Iowa with full military honors conducted by the VFW Post #1856 and the United States Navy. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.
Mary Theresa Rusk married John 'Jack' Edward Tardy in Harrison County, Mississippi on February 1, 1948.[Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB Bk. 76, p. 309]
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JOHN P. TUCEI
John P. Tucei and Julia Sterne Tucei
John Peter Tucei (1900-1982) was born July 10, 1900 at Biloxi, Mississippi. He married Julia Franklin Sterne (1904-1994), the daughter of William T. Sterne (1876-1951) and Julia F. Treloar (1879-1970), on October 1, 1921 in Harrison County, Mississippi. They were the parents of six children: John P. Tucei Jr. (1922-2002); Mary Elaine Tucei (1923-2007) m. Elmer Mabry; William Edward Tucei (1925-2011) m. Margaret Driscoll; Julia Tucei (1927-2010) m. John C. Mills; Lawrence P. Tucei (1930-2013) m. Willie Eakin; and Franklin D. Tucei (1933-2013) m. Rachel Iona Smith (1936-1997) m. Gerald Praetorius (b. 1949)
Julia F. Sterne
Julia Franklin Sterne Tucei (1904-1994), age 89 years and the wife of John Peter Tucei Sr., died at Biloxi, Mississippi on August 29, 1994. Julia was the daughter of William Theodore Sterne and Julia Franklina Treloar and the granddaughter of John Wesley Treloar and Marie Josephine Delvaille. John Peter Tucie and Julia Franklin Sterne, both of Biloxi, were married on Saturday evening, 1 Oct 1921, at 8 o'clock p.m., in the Biloxi home of the Rev. Father Joseph Milot.(The Daily Herald, October 4, 1921).
Julia was the mother of John Peter Tucei Jr., Mary Elaine Tucei Mabry, Julia Tucei Mills, Edward Tucei, Lawrence P. Tucei, and Franklin D. Tucei. Her siblings were: Anna Josephine Sterne Bridges, and the late Theodore W. Sterne, Jessie Beatrice Sterne, Jennie Johnston Sterne, and Irma Clara Sterne.(The Sun Herald, August 31, 1994 and September 1, 1994)
Children
John P. Tucei Jr.
John Peter Tucei Jr. (1922-2002) was born on February 23, 1922 at Biloxi, Mississippi.
Mary E. Tucei
Mary Elaine Tucei Mabry (1923-2007), age 83 years, of the Latimer Community, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2007, in Biloxi where she was born on July 5, 1923. She married Elmer George Mabry (1921-1984), the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mabry, in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 1, 1939.[Harrison Co., Mississipi Bk. 59, p. 369]
Mrs. Mabry was a veteran nurse at Howard Memorial Hospital and a long-standing member of St. John's Episcopal Church. She loved to garden and cook for her family and to play games and cards.
Mrs. Mabry was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Elmer G. Mabry (1921-1984), a brother, John Tucei, Jr. and her parents, John and Julia Tucei. Survivors include her six daughters, Mary (Bill) Caldwell (b. 1941), Andrea (Donald) Chatham, and Karen (Ken) Taliancich, all of Latimer, Leslie Kathlene Webb (b. 1947) of Bay St. Louis, Teri (Ed) Neuman of Hurley, and Julia (Rodney) Quave of Latimer, three sons, Gerald (Pam) Mabry of Perkinston, Glenn Mabry, and Robert (Renee) Mabry of Latimer, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one sister, Julia Mills of Latimer, and three brothers, Edward Tucei of Seabeck, Washington, Lawrence Tucei of Gautier, and Franklin Tucei of Ocean Springs.
On Friday, April 27, 2007, there will be a 2 p.m. service at St. John's Episcopal Church on Porter Avenue in Ocean Springs. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1-2 p.m. Burial will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(Sun Herald, April 26, 2007)
William E. Tucei
William E. Tucei and Margaret E. Driscoll Tucei
William Edward Tucei (1925-2011), age 85 years, of Seabeck, Washington, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Edward was born in Biloxi, Mississippi. on December 24, 1925. He was a retired Navy Veteran, QM1, serving in WWII and the Korean Conflict and was a patriotic American. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Margaret E. Tucei, brother, John Tucei Jr., two sisters, Mary E. Mabry and Julia I. Mills and parents, John and Julia Tucei. Survivors include two daughters, Margaret E. Tucei and Patricia (Bill) Slater, all of Seabeck, Washington, ten grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Lawrence Tucei of Gautier, Mississippi and Franklin D. Tucei of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, numerous nieces and nephews and a very dear friend, Shannon Gilly. On Tuesday, September 13, 2011, there will be an 11 a.m. graveside service in Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, August 11, 2011)
Julia Tucei
Julia Tucei
Julia Tucei Mills (1927-2010), age 82 years, of North Biloxi, Mississippi, died Friday, September 17, 2010, in Ocean Springs. Julia was born on November 25, 1927 at Biloxi, Mississippi and remained a lifelong resident of the Coast. She was a seamstress and employed with E.R. Moore Garment Company in Ocean Springs and a member of the Episcopal Church of The Redeemer.
Julia married John Cannon Mills (1920-1999), the son of George Alvin Mills (1882-1962) and Almedia Abigail Lewis Mills (1881-1959) of Mobile, Alabama in Harrison County, Mississippi on December 8, 1944. At the time, John C. Mills was an aviation cadet in the US Army Air Corps stationed at Kingman Army Air Base in Arizona.(The Daily Herald, December 12, 1944, p. 9 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 66 p. 611)
Mrs. Mills was preceded in death by her husband, John Cannon Mills Sr.; sons, John Cannon Mills Jr. and Gregory Wayne Mills (1951-2008); parents, John Peter and Julia Sterne Tucei; sister, Mary Elaine Mabry; and brother, John P. Tucei, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Susan (Amos) Mann of Wills Point, Texas, and Beverly Mills of Biloxi; daughters-in-law, Millie Mills of Perkinston and Jeanie Harloe Mills of Biloxi; brothers, William Edward Tucei of Washington State, Lawrence P. Tucei, Sr. of Gautier, and Franklin Tucei Sr. of Ocean Springs; seven grandchildren, Melissa, Rhonda, De'a, Greg Jr., Steven, Donn, and Lynzie; and eight great-grandchildren. Mother's love filled our home and the shine in her eyes lit up each room.
She was kind and patient and was generous to all. She was the backbone of the family, had strong shoulders and never let anything get her down because God is her Father, Jesus her savior, and the Holy Spirit her friend. Graveside services will be Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. (The Sun Herald on September 20, 2010)
Lawrence P. Tucei
Lawrence P. Tucei
Lawrence Paul Tucei Sr., (1930-2013), age 82 years, of Gautier, Mississippi died April 11, 2013 in Ocean Springs. Mr. Tucei was a Biloxi boy born there on 1930 during the Great Depression. He went to Biloxi elementary, Junior High and Biloxi Senior High School from which he graduated in May 1950. Mr. Tucei had three brothers and two sisters and he was the second youngest.
Lawrence joined the Mississippi National Guard in 1950 and served almost two years. His unit, Battery C of the 115th Artillery Batallion was activated on May 1, 1951. The unit had a reunion at Biloxi in 2004. Lawrence then joined the US Army and served 20 years and 5 months at several duty stations. He went to Korea after hostilities had ceased and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Mr. Tucei retired from the military in mid-1971 to Gautier, Mississippi where he acquired a home and remained the remainder of his life. Here he lived a simple life working for Mississippi Chemical for about a year. He then had a tour with Liberty National Insurance for several years before completing his employment with Chuck's Texaco at Pascagoula, Mississippi.
In 1955, while stationed in Maryland, Lawrence married Willie Eakin. They had three sons: Lawrence P. Tucei Jr.; Mark Tucei; and Brian Tucei.
Mr. Tucei was a friendly, affable and gregarious individual who loved his family and people in general. He was a responsible and dependable family man who enjoyed to hunt and fish. Lawrence enjoyed sessions with his brothers where they would reminensce of their youth at Biloxi and especially the times they would sleep on the beach.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, John Peter Tucei Sr. and Julia Sterne Tucei; brothers, John Peter Tucei Jr.; Edward Tucei; and sisters, Elaine Tucei Mabry; and Julia Tucei Mills. He is survivied by his spouse of 58 years; three sons: Larry Tucei, Mark Tucei, and Brian Tucei; granddaughter, Danielle Wickstrom Tucei; and great grandsons, Colen and Carter; and brother Franklin D. Tucei; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Tucei's life was celebrated on April 19, 2013, at the Bradford-O'Keefe Chapel on Howard Avenue in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Franklin D. Tucei
Franklin ‘Frank’ Delvaille Tucei Sr. (1933-2013), age 80 years, died December 2, 2013. He was born on May 24, 1933 in Biloxi, Mississippi and was a lifelong resident of the Coast. Frank served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Battery "C"-115 Gun BN of Camp Stewart, Georgia. He was a member of Masonic Magnolia Lodge 120. He married Rachel Iona Smith (1936-1997), the daughter of William Owen Smith and Bessie Barnes. After their divorce, Rachel married Gerard F. Praetorius (b. 1949) of New Orleans in Harrison County, Mississippi in April 1978. She expired on March 4, 1997.
Franklin retired from Sherwin Williams as an accountant and retired as a carpenter from Ingalls Shipyard. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia Tucei; sons, Franklin D. Tucei Jr. (1960-2013) and an infant son; and siblings, John Tucei, Jr., Elaine Mabry, Julia Mills, Lawrence Tucei and William Tucei. Franklin is survived by his daughters, Mona Teresa Tucei Seymour (b. 1956), Julia Dubose, Lenora Lee Fisher (b. 1959) and Gina (Mark) Gambill; his son, John (Debbie) Tucei; daughter-in-law, Darlene Tucei; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Bradford-O'Keefe, Howard Avenue is in charge of arrangements.(The Sun Herald, December 4, 2013)
REFERENCES:
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, Volume I, (Catholic Dioceses of Biloxi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991).
F. Walker Tucei Jr., History of the Tucei in the United States, [Tucei: Gretna, Lousiana-1999]
Journals
The Chanute [Kansas] Tribune, ‘Roy Bless Rusk’, June 30, 2011.
The Chanute [Kansas] Tribune, ‘Bernita N. Sorenson Rusk’, January 4, 2013.
The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Lady [Antoinette Chiapella Tucei] dies suddenly”, May 14, 1914.
The Daily Herald, ‘Rusk-Tucei’, June 26, 1916,
The Daily Herald, ‘Coleman-Lawrence’, July 9, 1917,
The Daily Herald, 'Swanzy-Tucei', January 5, 1922.
The Daily Herald, 'Death claims noble Biloxian', February 5, 1923.
The Daily Herald, 'Card of Thanks', February 8, 1923.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Rusk died last night’, August 4, 1928.
The Daily Herald, 'Bless Tucei dies at Biloxi home', January 23, 1932, p. 1.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. Joseph Lawrence dies’, January 13, 1939, p. 6.
The Daily Herald, 'Anderson-Rusk’, January 16, 1940.
The Daily Herald, 'Mabry-Tucei’, August 24, 1940.
The Daily Herald, 'V.J. Tucei engaged', November 22, 1944.
The Daily herald, 'Mills-Tucei', December 12, 1944.
The Daily Herald, ‘Rosenblum buys Guarantee Store’, September 29, 1947.
The Daily Herald, 'Tardy-Rusk’, February 2, 1948.
The Daily Herald, 'Tucei [Thomas Eugene] Birth’, November 9, 1949.
The Daily Herald, 'Christopher Tucei dies', August 10, 1949, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, ‘Breal-Tucei’, June 13, 1951.
The Daily Herald, ‘Mrs. [Mary Lawrence] Coleman dies’, June 23, 1953.
The Daily Herald, ‘Coleman funeral’, June 26, 1953.
The Daily Herald, ‘F.A. Tucei former City Commissioner dies at Biloxi home’, June 13, 1954.
The Daily Herald, ‘Blaise Tucei’, February , 1978
The Sun Herald, 'James G. Tucei', March 10, 1988, p. A-4.
The Sun Herald, ‘F. Walker Tucei Sr.’, November 24, 2000.
The Sun Herald, ‘Lillie Catherine Tucei Dick’, May 26, 2004.
The Sun Herald, ‘Vincent J.A. Tucei Jr.’, March 10, 2007.
The Sun Herald, 'Valmae T, Howarth', November 4, 2013
The Sun Herald, ‘Irene C. Tucei’, January 9, 2014.
The Sun Herald, 'Harry V. Tucei', September 28, 2014.
The Sun Herald, 'Inez R. Taylor', September 28, 2015.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[James Oatis] Coleman’, December 4, 1961.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[F. Walker Tucei Jr.] Tucei’, July 16, 2009.
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Uchello Family
Uchello Family ray Tue, 02/11/2014 - 08:46
-Greenwood-February 2014..jpg)
Greenwood Cemetery-New Orleans
[image made February 2014-Ray L. Bellande]
UCHELLO
The Uchello family at Gretna and New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi originated at San Giuseppe Jato in Palermo Province, Sicily with the immigration of Calogero Uchello (1860-1943) and Maria Pattalaro (1873-1951) to New Orleans, Louisiana after 1900. The Uchello family initially settled in and around Gretna, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, where they were industrious and successful truck farmers. During the Prohibition Era some of the Uchello sons became involved in the illicit movement of spirituous alcohol in Louisiana and Mississippi. In later years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gaetano ‘Guy’ N. Uchello (1895-1962) , Salvador F. ‘Sam’ Uchello (1908-1996) and Louis C. Uchello were involved in illegal casino style gambling in several night clubs on the ‘Biloxi strip’.
Calogero Uchello was born in Palermo Province, Sicily on March 8, 1861. He married Maria Pattalaro (1871-1951) in Sicily. She was the daughter of Anthony Pattalaro and Rosalie Dana. Here siblings were: Joseph Pattalaro; Salvadore Pattalaro; Mrs. Joseph Lamia; and Archipreir Calogero Pattalaro.
In Palermo Province, Sicily, the following children were born to this holy union: Julian S. Uchello (1891-1967); Anthony S. Uchello (1893-1962); Gaetno ‘Guy’ Nick Uchello (1895-1962); Rosina ‘Rosa’ Uchello Loria Higgins Wilgus (1894-1974); and Joseph P. Uchello (1900-1953).
Arriving in Louisiana about 1902, Calogero and Maria P. Uchello had their ‘American family’ born at Gretna, Louisiana and consisting of: Salvador Francis "Sam" Uchello (1908-1996); Louis Carl Uchello (1909-1996); and Florence Uchello Ernst (1915-1985).
Maria Patallaro
Maria Patallaro, resident of 1895 Gentilly Road and wife of Calogeri Uchello, expired at Hotel Dieu on September 1, 1951. She was born in Italy to Anthony Patallaro and Rosalie Dana and had been a resident of the New Orleans area since 1907. Mrs. Uchello's funeral was under the auspices of Lamana-Panna-Fallo with services at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church followed by internment at Greenwood Cemetery.(The Times-Picayune, September 2, 1951, p. 2)
CHILDREN
Julian S. Uchello
Julian Sam Uchello (1891-1967) was born at Palermo Province, Sicily on May 17, 1891. He married Rosalie Cortese (1898-1951) and Bessie Marie Molizon [Molaison] Gaubert (1902-1989) who he married in Harrison County, Mississippi on March 12, 1955. Julian died on November 10, 1967. His internment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Algiers, Louisiana.(Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 100,, p. 552 and The Times-Picayune, November 12, 1967, p. 2)
Rosalie Cortese Uchello(1898-1951) age 53 years, native of Palermo Province, Sicily, expired at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans on January 17, 1951. She had lived at Algiers, Louisiana since 1905. Mrs. Uchello was survived by Julian S. Uchello (1891-1967), her spouse; and children: Mary Uchello (1916-1986) m. Salvadore D'Arcangelo (1914-1994); Carl John Uchello (1923-1962) m. Madeline Hooper (1923-1962); and Rosalie Uchello m. William E. Cloutet (1926-2001). The funeral of Mrs. Uchello was under the auspices of the E.J. Mothe Funeral Home of Algiers, Louisiana. Her services were at Holy Name of of St. Mary Catholic Church with internment in the St. Bartholomew Cemetery at Algiers, Louisiana.(The Times- Picayune, January 19, 1951, p. 2)
Bessie Molizon Gaubert Uchello, a homemaker, died Saturday at West Jefferson Medical Center. She was 87 years of age. Mrs. Uchello was born in St. James Parish, Louisiana and lived in Marrero, Louisiana for 70 years. Survivors include a son, Roy Gaubert; a daughter, Earline Guidry; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. A Mass will be said today at Westside Funeral Home, 5101 West Bank Expressway. Burial will be in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Cemetery in Westwego.(The Times-Picayune, June 6, 1989, p. B-6)
Anthony S. Uchello
Anthony S. Uchello (1893-1962) was born in Palermo Province, Sicily. He married Jenneive ‘Jennie’ Lagattuta (1902-1938), the daughter of Nicolo Lagattuta (1864-1918) , an Italian immigrant truck farmer, and Antonia Gaituso or Guttuso (b. 1871). Anthony and Jennie were the parents of Carlo A. Uchello (1923-2006) m. Lucille Manalle (1925-2006).
Jennie Lagattuta Uchello expired on September 1, 1938 while a resident of 6142 St. Claude Avenue. She was survived by her son; four brothers, Anthony Lagattuta (1895-1967), John Lagattuta (1905-2000), Vincent L. Lagattuta (1908-1981) and Joseph A. Lagattuta (1913-1997); sisters, Mrs. [Mary] Sylvester DiLeo (1891-1957); Mrs. [Josephine] Salvatore Bonomo (d. 1971); Mrs. Joseph Caruso; and Mrs. [Laura] Anthony Paul Badalamenti (1911-1979). Internment was in St. Roch Cemetery preceded by services under the auspices of P.J. McMahon & Sons at St. Maurice Catholic Church.(The Times-Picayune, September 2, 1938)
Anthony S. Uchello passed on September 5, 1962. He was survived by his son, and three grandchildren: Carlo A. Uchello Jr; Ann Marie Uchello Gibbs; and Anthony Uchello. The funeral of Mr. Uchello was directed by Leitz-Eagan Fineral Home with services at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church followed by entombed in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, September 7, 1962, Section I, p. 2 and The Times-Picayune, May 10, 2006 and May 20, 2006)
Rosina Uchello
Rosina ‘Rosa’ Uchello (1894-1974) was born July 7, 1894 at Palermo Province, Sicily. She arrived at Gretna, Louisiana about 1912 and married Anthony Loria (1892-1951), a native of Poggioreale, Trapani Province, Sicily. Children: Anthony J. Loria Sr. (1914-1999); Carl J. Loria (1917-1984) m. Rosie Lee Hebert; Joseph Loria; and Anna Maria Loria Chabe Bassen (1920-1979) m. Duane D. Bassen (1928-1994).
Rosa later married George Higgins and lastly Edward Alvin Wilgus (1899-1954), a native of Essex County, Delaware.
Rosa expired at Gretna, Louisiana on November 9, 1974. She was survived by three children: Anna Marie Bassen of Chula Vista, California; Anthony J. Loria Sr. and Carl J. Loria; two sisters, Mrs. Rosalie Clesi of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Harold [Florence] Ernst; and two brothers, Sam Uchello and Louis Uchello of Biloxi, Mississippi; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her funeral was conducted by Mothe Funeral Home of Algiers, Louisiana and after services at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church her corporal remains were entombed at Lake Lawn Mausoleum as were those of Edward A. Wilgus.(The Times-Picayune, November 12, 1974)
Gaetano N. Uchello
Gaetano ‘Guy’ Nick Uchello (1895-1962) was born on November 11, 1895 at Palermo Province, Sicily. He married Agnes Rouse (1925-1995), the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.G. Rouse of Lucedale, Mississippi. They were the parents of three children: Guy Carlos Uchello (1952-2011) m. Mary Angela Feranda; Paul Nick Uchello m. Kristine Marie Howard; and Dianne Marie Uchello (1959-2007) m. Gary Reed Walters and Kevin Lee Anderson.
Guy Uchello died at Gulfport, Mississippi on December 27, 1962. He was survived by three brothers: Julian S. Uchello (1891-1967) at Algiers, Louisiana; Sam F. Uchello (1908-1996) and Louis C. Uchello (1909-1996) of Biloxi; and three sisters, Rosalie Uchello Clesi (1897-1988) of Dallas, Texas, Rosina Uchello Loria Higgins Wilgus (1894-1974) and Florence Uchello Ernst (1915-1985), both of Gretna, Louisiana.(The Times-Picayune, December 27, 1962, p. 2)
Joseph P. Uchello
Joseph Peter Uchello(1900-1953) was born July 8, 1900 at Saint Joseph’s in Palermo Province, Italy to Calogero Uchello (1860-1943) and Maria Pattalara (1873-1951). He married Mildred Brunies (1903-1990), the daughter of Herman Brunies (1872-1956) and Elizabeth Heil (1874-1930). Joseph and Mildred were the parents of two children: Infant Uchell0 (1930-1930) and Elizabeth Uchello m. John W. Ballagh (1931-1963).
Joseph P. Uchello was naturalized on January 7, 1926. He lived at 225 Newton Street in Gretna, Louisiana. Joseph expired here on February 20, 1953. Mildred lived until April 14, 1990. They and their infant son were interred in the Brunies tomb at the Hook and Ladder Cemetery in Gretna, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.(The Times-Picayune, February 22, 1953)
Salvador F. Uchello
Salvador Francis "Sam" Uchello (1908-1996) was born November 20, 1908 at Gretna, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. He married Helene Giamfocaro (1911-1974), a native of New Orleans. They had one child, Samuel ‘Sammy’ Francis Uchello Jr. (b. circa 1948) m. in August 1970 at Rockville, Maryland to Elizabeth Anne Nagel and in January 1985 m.Kathleen Taylor in Brevard County, Florida.(The Times-Picayune, August 22, 1970, Section IV, pp. 5-6)
Mr. Sam F. Uchello had been a resident of Biloxi, Mississippi since 1946. He had lived at New Orleans and Pass Christian, Mississippi before 1940. Sam was a member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church and was a veteran of World War II serving with the US Coast Guard. He was an owner of the Gay Paree with Guy Uchello (1895-1962), his brother, and others. The Gay Paree was a night club and "casino" on the "Biloxi strip" on US Highway No. 90.(The Times-Picayune, December 1, 1961, Sec. III, p. 21 and The Sun Herald, February 21, 1996, p. C-2)
Almost a decade after his wife passed on April 23, 1974, Sam married Annie Bell Denson in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 14, 1984. He expired at Biloxi on February 19, 1996 and his corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi National Cemetery. (Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court 2nd JD MRB 27, p. 382)
Annie Bell Denson Uchello (1925-2004), native of Stone County, Mississippi, was assaulted in her home and expired from her injuries at Biloxi on February 29, 2004. She had been the wife of James Adron Denson (1921-2000) and lived at Mantachie, Itawamba County, Mississippi. Annie came to Biloxi in 1980 and married Salvador 'Sam' F. Uchello Jr. (1907-1996) in Harrison County, Mississippi on January 24, 1984. He passed on February 22, 1996.(The Sun Herald, March 2, 2004, p. A1 and p. A5 and Harrison Co., Mississippi 2nd JD Circuit Court MRB 27, p. 382)
 and Helen C. (1912-1997).jpg)
Southern Memorial Park-Biloxi, Mississippi
Louis C. Uchello
Louis Carl Uchello (1909-1996), a native of Gretna, Louisiana, was the son of Italian immigrant farmers, who moved to the Coast more than 60 years ago and became a self-made businessman. Mr. Uchello first opened The Grove nightclub at the corner of DeBuys Road and U.S. 90, and later opened the Harbor Light Restaurant, which was destroyed by Hurricane Camille. He built the Sun Tan Motel, still in operation today on U.S. 90.(The Sun Herald, July 28, 1996)
Louis Carl Uchello married Helen St. Pe' (1912-1997), a native of Gretna, Louisiana and the daughter of Edgar Frank St. Pe’ (1885-1945) and Jeanne Legendre St. Pe’ (1883-1945+).
Helen St. Pe' Uchello died Sunday May 25, 1997 at Biloxi, Mississippi. She was born at Gretna, Louisiana to Edgar Frank St. Pe' (1885-1945) and Jeanne Legendre St. Pe' (1883-1945+), the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Octave Legendre. The St. Pe' family lived at 312 Amelia Street in Gretna until Mr. St. Pe' moved to Atlanta and later Nashville, Tennessee in the food industry. In 1940, the St. Pe's settled in Baton Rouge where Edgar F. St. Pe' established WK Foods. In his early career, he had worked as a chemist at the Southern Cotton Oil Company at Gretna, Louisiana.
Helen lived in Biloxi for more than 60 years. She was a member of Nativity BVM Catholic Church, a Red Cross Volunteer and a member of the Italian American Society's Ladies Auxiliary.
Helen St. Pe' Uchello was preceded in death by Louis Carl Uchello Sr.; her parents, Edgar Frank St. Pe' and Jeanne Legendre St. Pe'; and two brothers, Allan St. Pe' (1911-1949) and Roland St. Pe' (1916-1996).
Mrs. Uchello was survived by Louis Carl Uchello Jr. (1932-2002), a son; Jocelyn Uchello Turnbough, a daughter; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Resurrection was said for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Uchello at Nativity BVM Catholic Church followed by internment in the Biloxi [sic] Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home of Biloxi directed her funeral service.
Children
Louis Carl Uchello Jr.(1932-2002) m. Johnnie Louis Brister (1932 -1990) and Dorothy Stewart Crapo (b. 1930), the widow of Leo Kempton Crapo (1928-1975), and Jocelyn Uchello m. Mr. Turnbough.
Children
Louis Carl Uchello III married Tammy Joann Nix (1958-1991) in Harrison County, Mississippi onJuly 26, 1980. One son, Christopher Uchello. Tammy died on March 30, 1991 at Gulfport, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, April 1, 1991, p. C-2)
Florence Uchello
Florence Uchello(1915-1985) was born at Gretna, Louisiana on August 26, 1914. In April 1937, she married Harold Leo Ernst (1911-1987), the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ernst. Florence passed on February 3, 1985. Her corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans.(The Times-Picayune, February 4, 1985, p. A-29)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, 'Helene Uchello', April 24, 1974.
The Sun Herald, ‘Johnnie Brister Uchello’, October , 1990
The Sun Herald, 'Tammy Uchello Nix', April 1, 1991.
The Sun Herald, 'Agnes R. Uchello', January 5, 1995.
The Sun Herald, 'Salvador F. "Sam" Uchello', February 21, 1996.
The Sun Herald, 'Louis C. Uchello', July 28, 1996.
The Sun Herald, 'Helen St. Pe' Uchello', May 29, 1997.
The Sun Herald, 'Annie Denson Uchello', July 28, 2002.
The Sun Herald, 'Louis C. Uchello Jr.', October 13, 2002.
The Sun Herald, 'Elderly woman killed in assault at Biloxi home', March 2, 2004, p. A1.
The Sun Herald, 'Annie Denson Uchello', March 2, 2004, p. A5.
The Sun Herald, 'Dianne Marie [Uchello] Anderson', August 9, 2007, p. A4.
The Times-Picayune, 'St. Bernard News Notes', June 29, 1918.
The Times-Picayune, 'Over the River', May 2, 1937.
The Times-Picayune, 'Injury at saloon sends victim to Charity Hospital', June 15, 1938.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Jennie Lagattuta] Uchello', September 2, 1938.
The Times-Picayune, '[Caligero] Uchello', December 30, 1943.
The Times-Picayune, ''Mrs. Rosalie Cortese Uchello, January 19, 1951.
The Times-Picayune, '[Maria Pattalaro] Uchello', September 2, 1951.
The Times-Picayune, '[Joseph Peter] Uchello', February 22, 1953.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Edward Alvin] Wilgus’, June 13, 1954.
The Times-Picayune, 'Action against gaming asked', December 1, 1961.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Anthony S.] Uchello’, September 7, 1962.
The Times-Picayune, 'Carl John Uchello', December 20, 1962, Section I, p. 20
The Times-Picayune, '[Julian S.]Uchello', November 12, 1967.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Bessie Molizon] Uchello’, , 1970.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Rosa Uchello] Wilgus’, November 12, 1974.
Times-Picayune, 'Ernst', February 4, 1985.
The Times-Picayune, '[Rosalie Uchello]D'Arcangelo', April 24, 1986, p. A-31.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Bessie Molizon] Uchello’, June 6, 1989.
The Times-Picayune, 'Cloutet', May 8, 2001.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Carlo A.] Uchello’, May 10, 2006.
The Times-Picayune, ‘[Lucille Manalle] Uchello’, May 20, 2006.
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Westbrook Family
Westbrook Family ray Wed, 08/06/2014 - 09:08THE EDWIN M. WESTBROOK HOUSE and FAMILY
Edward M. Westbrook (1858-1913)
The Edwin Martin Westbrook House was located on the west side of Washington Avenue between the present day Lovelace Drug Store and the Blossman Building. Older citizens get nostalgic recalling when this lovely Queen Anne cottage was neighbored by the A.C. Gottsche Store and the Bailey Drug Store.
The Westbrook family is certainly one of the oldest at Ocean Springs. John Westbrook, possibly from England, married Felicite LaFontaine, the daughter of Louis Auguste LaFontaine and Catherine Bourgeois, the founding family of Ocean Springs. Some of John Westbrook's progeny were Lucian Westbrook (1842-1896) who married Cecelia Kendall (1848-1913), the daughter of Celestine Ryan (1828-1864+) and Louis Kendall (c. 1830-1894), and Louise Felicite Westbrook (b. circa 1836) who married Rene' Ryan in August 1850.
Edwin Martin Westbrook (1858-1913), who built his home on Washington Avenue, circa 1897, was born at Louisiana, probably New Orleans. His relationship to John Westbrook and Felicity LaFontaine is not presently known to this researcher, but they appear to be disputably unrelated. Information on E.M. Westbrook's father is sparse, but his name is believed to have been John Westbrook. His mother, Caroline Mathieu (1830-1895), a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and a midwife at Ocean Springs, was widowed circa 1870. She remarried Captain Joseph Toche (b. 1848), who was probably born at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Toche's father was a French immigrant. Caroline's children with John Westbrook were: Louis Charles Westbrook (1847-1921)* m. Henrietta Alvarez (1861-1895); William Westbrook*; Martha Westbrook (1851-1919) who married Leonard Fayard (1847-1923); Edwin M. Westbrook (1858-1913); Henry R. Westbrook (1860-1938) who married Francis J. Hadley (b. 1860); and Viola Westbrook (b. 1865) who married John Bourgeois. Her children with Joseph Toche were Adele Toche (b. 1870) and Joseph Toche, Jr. (1873-1960).
* e-mail to Ray L. Bellande from Dawna Graham Westbrook on January 20, 2010:
Louis Charles Westbrook (Aug. 9, 1847 - Nov. 6, 1921). This is my husbands great grandfather. I have a copy of his death certificate showing John and Caroline as his parents. There are numerous newspaper articles mentioning his daughters visiting their cousins (Edwin Westbrook family) in Ocean Springs. He was married 3 times but all of his children were born to his 2nd wife Henrietta Alvarez (1861 - Oct 31, 1895) of New Orleans. As a young man he moved to New Orleans. He eventually moved to Bay St. Louis and then Biloxi. Six of his 8 children died in early adulthood from TB and one daughter from malaria. They are all buried in the Biloxi Cemetery. His only child that lived out a full life was Henrietta (1893 - 1985). Henrietta married Herman Francis Kelly (1888 - 1946). The Westbrook descendants of Louis were through his daughter Theresa (1887- 1919). She had 2 illegitimate children, Margaret (1911 - 1993) and Charles (1913 - 1974). Charles F. "Charlie" Westbrook raised his family first on Elmer St. in Biloxi and then 1607 Porter Ave., OS. Charlie had 7 sons and 1 daughter so our branch of the Westbrook dynasty is strong and expanding. Caroline and John's 2nd child was William. I haven't actually done any research on William and what I've seen of others work looks to be in error. I can only say he existed.
E.M. Westbrook made his livelihood in Ocean Springs as a barber. He was practicing this tonsorial art as early as the age of twenty-two. On December 16, 1880, Westbrook married Harriet Clark (1857-1927), a Mississippian and native of Green County. Her family arrived in Jackson County after the Civil War and her sister married John Ryan. The E.M. Westbrook family probably lived in the Jerome Ryan tract on or near Porter Avenue, before acquiring their Washington Avenue tract in March 1897, from the widow, Josephine Pferffle (1837-1904), an 1840, Bavarian immigrant. Her husband, Rudolph Pferffle (1829-1880+) also Bavarian, was a local house carpenter and building contractor. This is corroborated by The Pascagoula Democrat-Star of June 4, 1897, "our enterprising Alderman Westbrook has moved from his Porter Avenue residence to his new purchase on Washington Avenue adjoining the Post Office". By late June, he was upgrading his newly acquired Washington Avenue lot.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 18, pp. 167-168 and The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, July 2, 1897, p. 3 and The Jackson County Times, April 23, 1927, p. 1.)
E.W. Davis purchased the Westbrook home near Porter for $1700 in April 1897. Mrs. Pferrfle built a cottage on Bienville Avenue in April 1897.
The E.M. Westbrook tract was located in Lot 14 of Block 19 (Culmseig Map of 1854). It was L-shaped and fronted on three streets. The .72 acre lot had a front on Washington Avenue of fifty-four feet, a front on Desoto of two hundred and thirteen feet, and on Jackson Avenue, a front of one hundred feet. At the time of the March 1897 purchase, the Westbrook lot was located between the home of Mayor Thomas W. Grayson (1825-1904) and the U.S. Post Office which was situated on the southwest corner of Washington and Desoto. The large Davis Brothers mercantile store was south of Mayor Grayson. It can be determined with a high degree of certitude from Sanborn insurance maps of 1893 and 1898, that the E.M. Westbrook edifice was erected in the period between these years.
E.M. Westbrook House
[west side of Washington Avenue between Government and Desoto]
The original Queen Anne structure with cross-gabled roof, had a three bay porch featuring turned posts, brackets, and a highly ornamented balustrade. A projecting gabled bay on the north side of the cottage was accentuated by imbricated shingles and ornate barge board in the gable. The windows were shuttered. The Westbrook's' exquisitely landscaped front yard featured a fountain with a small Muse like statuette. The Westbrook cottage had a living area of 1325 square-feet. The front gallery had an area of 120 square-feet and the south side porch consisted of 150 square-feet of operative space.
E.M. and Arthur E. Westbrook Barbershop
[situated on the west side of Washington Avenue south of Desoto. Note the A.C. Gottsche store, which is now the Blossman Gas Company building]
Barbershop
In 1894, E.M. Westbrook also erected a barbershop about ten feet northeast of his house. It was a one-story, wood-framed building of 225 square feet. At this business establishment, Mr. Westbrook was also the agent for the Peerless Steam Laundry of Mobile, and handled cigars and chewing tobacco. His son, Arthur, joined him as a barber about 1898.
In September 1929, the Westbrook barbershop was moved to line up with the other structures on Washington Avenue. Its timbers were generally found to be in good condition. The iron fence, which graced the Westbrook cottage was also relocated at this time.(The Jackson County Times, September 14, 1929, p. 2)
The E.M. Westbrooks reared a large family at Ocean Springs. Their children were: Edmund James Westbrook (1881-1943), Henry Charles Westbrook (1883-1883), Arthur Efferis Westbrook (1884-1945), William Joseph Westbrook (1886-1913), George Lamar Westbrook (1888-1935), Frederick Louis Westbrook (1889-1963), Alonzo Sheldon Westbrook (1892-1919), Harry Ferdinand Westbrook (1894-1933), Hattie Adele Westbrook (1898-1919), and Albert Sidney Westbrook (1900-1980).
The Westbrook boys grew up when the L&N Railroad was an important and prestigious employer at Ocean Springs. It was only natural that they would seek livelihoods in the rail transportation industry. Only Arthur E. Westbrook followed the tonsorial trade of his father. A biographical sketch of the lives of the Westbrook men who pursued careers with the L&N Railroad follows:
Edmund [Edwin?] J. Westbrook (1881-1943) began his career as a telegraph operator with the L&N at Ocean Springs. He met and married Adele M. Krebs (1883-1966) of Pascagoula. She was the daughter of Alfred E. Krebs (1847-1898) and Hanna Herminia Ellison (1852-1938). Her brother-in-law was Willie P. Ramsay (1870-1963) of Vancleave and Latimer who served as Sheriff of Jackson County from 1904-1908. In January 1903, the young couple married at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church at Pascagoula. They initially resided at Ocean Springs with Mrs. G.H. Tardy (1840-1917). The E.J. Westbrooks had a daughter, Ione Westbrook (1905-1990). She worked as a clerk in the Jackson County Chancery Court. The Westbrook family later relocated to Pascagoula where they resided at 410 Jackson Avenue adjacent to the Jackson-George Regional public library building. E.J. Westbrook and his family were interred in the Krebs family plot at the Greenwood Cemetery in Pascagoula.
Arthur Efferis Westbrook (1884-1945) and spouse? on Washington Avenue near Old Fort Bayou circa 1924.
[courtesy of J.K. Lemon (1914-1998)]
Arthur E. Westbrook (1884-1945) was born March 14, 1884 at Ocean Springs. he followed his father's vocation and became a barber. E.M. Westbrook had established the business in 1879. Arthur started as apprentice barber with his father circa 1898. Upon Edward M. Westbrook's demise in 1913, he became sole proprietor of what was the best barber shop in the city. It was characterized by cleanliness and high sanitary practices. In addition to his barbering, Arthur E. Westbrook was the local agent for The Times-Picayune of New Orleans and the Ideal Steam Laundry of Pascagoula.(Ocean Springs-1915, p. 29)
On October 16, 1907, Arthur E. Westbrook married Louise A. Ernst (1881-1962) of New Orleans. She was the daughter of Felix Ernst Jr. (1853-1906) and Josephine Faessel (1858-1915). Louise, called Lula, was reared on 3rd Street in the Crescent City where her father was a merchant. She had a brother, Andrew Ernst (1879-1900+).(1900 Orleans Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T623 574, p. 27B, ED 112)
Lula and Arthur E. Westbrook were the parents of two children: Marion Westbrook (1909-1926+) married Burke Poe and Andrew Westbrook (1915-1986). Arthur E. Westbrook was a good story teller and preserved and passed on many anecdotal tales told to him by his father and others who frequented the Westbrook Barbershop on Washington Avenue near Desoto. Arthur expired on February 21, 1945. Louise Ernst Westbrook lived until 1962.(J.K. Lemon (1914-1998)
Leroy Westbrook (1908-pre-1980)
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
William J. Westbrook (1886-1913) was killed in a railroad accident at Grand Bay, Alabama on February 23, 1913. While attempting to catch the caboose of a freight train, young Westbrook lost his footing and fell beneath the rolling wheels of a freight car. He was the L&N station agent at the time of his demise. W.J. Westbrook probably had three children born in Alabama: W.J. Westbrook, Jr., Leroy Westbrook (b. 1908- pre 1980) and Lillian Westbrook (b. 1911). The two younger children lived at Ocean Springs with their grandmother, Hattie Westbrook, in 1920.
In the settlement of Mrs. Harriet Westbrook's Estate, Jackson County Chancery Court Cause No. 4920-April 1927, her sons, Arthur and Fred L. Westbrook, were appointed administrators by the court. By this time, W.J. Westbrook's wife had remarried and was known as Mrs. Mamie E. Fields. She resided with her minor children at 56 South Conception Street, Mobile, Alabama. Mrs. Fields children as well Alonzo Westbrook, Jr. were inheritors in their grandmother's estate and were compensated through Jackson County Chancery Court Cause No. 5004.
George L. Westbrook (1888-1935)
[G.L. Westbrook with Van Cleave Reid (1899-1972) and Audrey Reid (1900-1914. image made at 528 Jackson Avenue circa 1908)
George L. Westbrook (1888-1935) became associated with the L&N Railroad circa 1905. He was a telegraph operator and ticket agent at the Ocean Springs depot. Circa 1909, G.L. Westbrook married Sarah “Sallie” Van Cleave (1876-1934), the widow of Dunklin Felix Reid (1872-circa 1906). Mrs. Reid was the daughter of Robert A. Van Cleave (1840-1908) and Elizabeth R. Sheppard (1842-1912). She had two children, Van Cleave Reid (1899-1972) and Audrey E. Reid (1900-1914).
On December 15, 1934, George L. Westbrook married Ina Towle Baker (1881-1947) at Gulfport. She was the daughter of of James Towle, a Scotsman, and an Irish lady named Daily. Ina T. Westbrook previously resided at Wausau, Wisconsin. She had two sons, Frederick Otis Baker and William John Baker, from her first marriage to F.W. Baker. Mrs. Westbrook was president of the Ocean Springs Demonstration Club and a recognized landscape authority. She died on September 23, 1947. Her remains were interred at Memphis.
G.L. Westbrook was found dead at his home with acute indigestion on July 26, 1935. Mrs. Ina Westbrook was in Milwaukee visiting relatives at the time.
Frederick L. Westbrook Sr. (1889-1963) and Frederick L. Westbrook Jr. (1919-2001)
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Frederick L. Westbrook, Sr. (1889-1963) was the day operator for the L&N Railroad at the Biloxi station in 1913. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. Westbrook married Seraphine Tucei (1882-1977) of Biloxi in June 1916. They had one son, Frederick L. Westbrook, Jr. (1919-2001) and resided at 709 Church Street in Ocean Springs.
709 Church Street
[L-R: east elevation and west elevation]
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
In June 1915, Rural Route 2, a new rural postal route was announced by the Ocean Springs Post Office. There were one hundred-fifty families on the circuit with the number soon expected by Postmaster McClure to increase to two hundred. In July 1915, twenty-nine people applied for the Rural Route 2 position at testing sites in Biloxi and Pascagoula. Locals from Vancleave and Ocean Springs who took this postal exam were Charles H. Mr. Bransford (1868-1947), the former Postmaster; John B. Bransford; George T. Rehage (1878-1937); Ralph M. Spaulding (1876-1959); Fred Lewis (1862-1933);Fred L. Westbrook (1889-1963); Tim Regan; Billy Mitchell; John Wadlow; and Paul Bertuccini (b. 1893).( The Ocean Springs News, June 17, 1915, p. 1, July 1, 1915, p. 1, and July 29, 1915, p. 1)
Fred L. Westbrook Sr. won the position scoring 87.1 on the postal examination. His appointment as a carrier on R.F.D. No. 2 was announced publicly in early February 1916. Fred started the job in late January. In the fall of 1917, The Jackson County Times announced that F.L. Westbrook, Route 2 carrier, increased his daily delivery schedule to six days each week. Prior to this, he delivered only three days per week.(The Ocean Springs News, February 3, 1916, p. 1 and The Jackson County Times, October 20, 1917)
Fred L. Westbrook Sr. retired from the US Postal Service on in early December 1959 after 43 years and ten months of service as a rural mail carrier. He related that he traveled over 30,000 miles each year. His longest route was about 95 miles. It began in Ocean Springs went to East Beach, Fontainebleau, Vancleave and thirty-five miles further. This route was split in 1952, but still required seventy miles of driving because of the increased population in rural areas. (The Daily Herald, December 2, 1959, p. 2)
Fred L. Westbrook, Sr. was very active at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where he served as president of the Holy Name Society and on the building committee. He was a member of the Order of the Alhambra, Knights of Columbus (third and fourth degree), and Sacred Heart League. After Mr. Westbrook's demise, the local Knights of Columbus chapter, which was commenced by his son, Fred, was named the Fred L. Westbrook, Sr. Council No. 5654. Their building is located at 621 Washington Avenue.
Alonzo S. Westbrook (1892-1918) was employed by the L&N Railroad at Biloxi, when he died from tuberculosis at the young age of twenty-six years. He was the cashier at the freight depot. Alonzo Westbrook was probably named for Alonzo D. Sheldon (1832-1904), a native of New York who was the railroad agent at Ocean Springs in 1880.
In 1914, A.S. Westbrook was residing at Mobile where he was a cashier for the L&N. He married Margarite Van Cleave (1895-1977) at Vicksburg, on March 19, 1914. She was a native of Yazoo City and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Van Cleave. Margarite V. Westbrook was also the niece of Mrs. George L. Westbrook, the brother of R.A. Van Cleave (1840-1908). Mr. T.M. Van Cleave was on the police force and a Justice of the Peace at Vicksburg.(The Ocean Springs News, March 28, 1914, p. 1)
Alonzo S. Westbrook Jr. (1915-2002) was born on March 4, 1915, at Ocean Springs. After his father's demise in March 1918, Mrs. Westbrook relocated to Jackson, Mississippi and reared her son there. He was valedictorian of Jackson Central High School and graduated from the University of Mississippi law school in 1939. Alonzo S. Westbrook Jr. practiced law at Jackson until he was employed by the Civil Service at KAFB at Biloxi in 1967. Mr. Westbrook expired at Biloxi on January 12, 2002.
Harry Westbrook (1893-1933)
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Harry F. Westbrook (1893-1933) joined the L&N Railroad at Biloxi circa 1921, as a telegraph operator. After returning from WW I, having served in the European Theater with the 29th Infantry Division, he had been employed as a moulder in a shipyard. Harry Westbrook also worked at several coast cities during his tenure with the railroad. He was an athlete and excelled at baseball. In 1920, Harry Westbrook played catcher for the Biloxi nine. He was the hero of a game at Biloxi on August 29, 1920, when he cracked a double in the bottom of the ninth and drove in two runs, which beat the New Orleans Lookouts. Westbrook managed the 1928 Ocean Springs team which won the Gulf Coast League championship. Harry Westbrook married Lorraine Whitfield of Gulfport on December 20, 1924. They had a daughter, Betty W. Hampton (b. 1925). Harry F. Westbrook passed on April 26, 1933, at the VA Hospital in Outwood, Kentucky after a long illness which may have been related to his military career.
Albert Westbrook (1900-1980)
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Albert S. Westbrook (1900-1980) joined the L&N Railroad in 1917. Although his career took him to Biloxi (chief clerk), Pascagoula, and Bay St. Louis, he always resided at Ocean Springs commuting daily to his post by rail. In August 1931, Albert was transferred to Biloxi as Freight Agent as his position in Ocean Springs as freight agent was eliminated. He retired from the L&N in 1963.(The Daily Herald, August 11, 1931, p.2)
In 1923, Albert Westbrook married Lucille Theresa Tonnelier (1901-1973) of Biloxi. They had a daughter, Margie W. Edwards (1927-2008), who married Bruce Edwards (1925-2003), resided at Ocean Springs. Margie expired at Ocean Springs on January 17, 2008. Margie and Bruce had three children: Jeanne Edwards m. Bobbie Lewis; Jan Edwards m. Mr. Roberts; and Bruce Edwards Jr. Her corporal remains were interred in Crestlawn Memorial Park on U.S. Highway 90 in Ocean Springs.(The Sun Herald, March 24, 2003, p. A6 and January 20, 2008, p. A12)
Like his father, Albert Westbrook was involved in local politics. He was elected mayor of Ocean Springs in 1943, and acted in this civic capacity until 1950. Mr. Westbrook was also elected alderman of Ward One several times. He served his constituents faithfully during his years in that office, which were: 1931-1932, 1939-1940, and 1969-1973. Albert Westbrook passed on October 8, 1980. His remains were interred at the Biloxi City Cemetery.
Hattie Westbrook
[L-R: Hattie Westbrook and friend on Washington Avenue circa 1918. L&N Depot on left and Commercial Hotel on right]
[F.L. Westbrook Jr. Collection]
Hattie Westbrook (1898-1919), the only girl, died on August 23, 1919, from tuberculosis. She had attended one year of college at the Industrial Institute & College at Columbus, Mississippi. Anecdotal history relates that Miss Westbrook rode her bicycle to the country school north of Fort Bayou, where she taught.
Edwin M. Westbrook also dealt in real estate. The Progress of July 23, 1904, described him as "our popular real estate agent". On August 27, 1904, he advertised on page four in The Progress as:
E.M. WESTBROOK
Dealer in
REAL ESTATE
General real estate business transacted.
Houses and Lots sold, rented or leased, and a
LIST YOUR PROPERTY WITH ME
Your Patronage is Solicited
The Jackson County Land Roll for 1906 indicates that E.M. Westbrook owned four houses in the Iberville Drive area north of the L&N tracks. One of these, the Century21K Realty office, which was erected in 1904, is extant today at 1201 Washington Avenue.
Edwin M. Westbrook was active in the social and political scene at Ocean Springs. He was a member of the Ocean Springs Fire Company No. 1 and officiated as the Grand Marshall of the 1893 Firemen’s Day Parade. Mr. Westbrook served his fellow citizens as alderman of Ward Four in the years of 1895-1898. After E.M. Westbrook's death in September 1913, Arthur Westbrook became the proprietor of the barbershop which was now adjacent to the new A.C. Gottshe grocery store.
Arthur E. Westbrook (1884-1945) married Louise Anna Ernst (1881-1962) of New Orleans in October 1907. They had two children, Marion W. Poe (1909-1962+) and Andrew Westbrook (1915-1962+). Marion had met her husband Burke Poe, in the late 1920s, when he had come to town to pave Washington Avenue and other thoroughfares. The Poes resided at Ponchatoula, Louisiana in 1962. Andrew Westbrook was a Captain in the U.S. Army and served in Italy during WW II. He later resided at Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Arthur Westbrook was a great story teller and passed on to his generation many anecdotal tales that he had learned in his father's barbershop as a child and as a hair dresser. He helped preserve much of our local history through these oral recitations. Westbrook retired from barbering in 1943 due to health reasons.After Mrs. Harriet C. Westbrook died on April 16, 1927, her estate was settled by Commissioner Fred Taylor in a forced heirship suit, Jackson County Chancery Court Cause
No. 5004. In February 1928, Arthur Westbrook paid $18,400 to the court for the Westbrook property.(2) On February 23, 1928, he conveyed an undivided 1/6th interest in these properties to his brothers, Fred, Harry, Edmund, George, and Albert.(3) The Westbrook brothers in turn conveyed the small barbershop tract, 19 feet by 200 feet, to Arthur E. Westbrook in March 1928.(4)
The E.M. Westbrook home was rented intermittently through the years. Minnie Mason who worked at the Ocean Springs High School cafeteria rented the house in the early 1940
In December 1945, the Westbrook heirs, Mrs. Arthur E. Westbrook, Mrs. Harry F. Westbrook, Adele K. Westbrook, Fred L. Westbrook, Albert S. Westbrook, Ione Westbrook, and Ina B. Westbrook sold the house and property on Washington Avenue to Roland Lovelace (1889-1967) for $3500.(5)
Lovelace bought the adjacent Bailey Building (now Lovelace Drug Store) tract from Beryl Bailey Parker Wood (1896-1986) in May 1948, for $5000. It is believed that Roland Lovelace had the E.M. Westbrook home demolished in 1946.
The old Westbrook barbershop was sold by Mrs. Arthur E. Westbrook to Tone and Eleanor Herman in May 1955.(6) Tone Herman conveyed the structure to Eula Quave Noyes for $6000 on August 3, 1959.(7) Mrs. Noyes operated a flower shop here for several years. Blossman Gas Inc. acquired the tract circa 1965. The corporation had previously purchased the old A.C. Gottsche store from A. Lynd Gottsche (1902-1974) in November 1962.(8) The Gottsche building (circa 1913) was refurbished and redesigned by architects, Slaughter & Smith, of Pascagoula.
The corporal remains of E.M. Westbrook and Harriet Clark Westbrook were both interred in the Bellande Cemetery on Dewey Avenue at Ocean Springs.
The old Westbrook barbershop collapsed when it was being moved to another area of the Blossman property, thus terminating the E.M. Westbrook family history in the heart of old Ocean Springs.
A sincere thanks to Margie W. Edwards, Darlene J. Krohn, J.K. Lemon, Mary Bess Welch, and Alonzo S. Westbrook, Jr. for their assistance with this historical essay.
REFERENCES:
1. Jackson County Land Deed Book 18, pp. 167-168.
2. ------------------------ Book 61, pp. 227-229.
3. ------------------------ Book 61, pp. 231-233.
4. ------------------------ Book 61, pp. 250-251.
5. ------------------------ Book 91, p. 515.
6. ------------------------ Book 148, p. 481.
7. ------------------------ Book 190, pp. 348-350.
8. ------------------------ Book 232, p. 382.
The Daily Herald, “Ocean Springs”, August 11, 1931.
The Daily Herald, "Westbrook ends long career as rural mailman", December 2, 1959, p. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Margarite V. Westbrook", May 2, 1977, p. A-2.
The Jackson County Times, "Alonzo S. Westbrook Obit", March 30, 1918, p. 4.
The Jackson County Times , "Miss Hattie Westbrook Passed Away Saturday", August 30, 1919, p. 5.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Interest", August 14, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Interest", September 4, 1920.
The Jackson County Times, "Mrs. E.M. Westbrook", April 23, 1927, p. 1.
The Jackson County Times, "Local News Interest", September 14, 1929.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", June 9, 1934.
The Jackson County Times, "Local and Personal", December 15, 1934.
The Jackson County Times, "George L. Westbrook Obit", August 3, 1935.
The Mississippi Press, "No Place on horse for tag, says oldster, new deputy", circa 1961.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", April 2, 1897.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", April 16, 1897.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", May 28, 1897.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", June 4, 1897.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Ocean Springs Locals", July 2, 1897.
The Ocean Springs News, "Westbrook-Van Cleave", March 28, 1914, p. 1.
The Sun Herald, "Bruce Edwards Sr.", March 24, 2003.
The Sun Herald, "Edwards had love for critters of all kind", March 24, 2003.
The Sun Herald, "Margie Westbrook Edwards", January 20, 2008.
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A Story of Mississippi’s Seafood Industry
The Mississippi Croatian Story: Overcoming Adversity
By Kat Bergeron
Sun Herald, South Mississippi’s News Leader
(Reprinted with permission from the April 27, 2014 issue)
The Croatians of the Mississippi Coast love to tell the story of Nikola Skrmetta, who immigrated from the Dalmatian Coast in the late 1890s. Biloxi was growing strong seafood legs, in need of workers to harvest and can oysters and shrimp. With a legendary strength of 10 men, he went to work in the labor-intensive industry.
This one man is credited with starting an early 20th century immigrant title wave of other Slavonians coming to work on the Gulf Coast. The story goes that Nicholas “Nick” Skrmetta – his Americanized name – jumped ship in New Orleans and soon found himself in Biloxi. As he stood at a trolley stop he struck up a conversation with Laz Lopez, owner of a factory and fleet of schooners. The story further explains he could not speak English and Lopez could not speak Croatian so they communicated in a mixed European language that included Italian. That day Lopez offered Skrmetta a job. Lopez was so impressed with his energy and hard work that he asked, “Are there any more like you?” There were. Hundreds of them. Their offspring number in the thousands now. Skrmetta convinced family and friends that America was the land of opportunity. At that time, their homeland was under the thumb of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Life was tough for non-royals, and many young men were being conscripted into the army, known for its cruel treatment of soldiers.
The Daily Herald in May 1905 declared in a headline: “Many Slavs Coming, are Driven To America by Untoward Conditions.” Wars and conquerors had historically pockmarked the peace and prosperity of their Central European homeland.
In 1903 in response to Skrmetta’s convincing, the first contingent of “Austrians,” as they were then called, arrived by way of Ellis Island. This group of five from the village of Bobovišće, included Steve M. Sekul and Peter M. Skrmetta. They were as hard working as the first Skrmetta, and factory and schooner owners wanted even more like them. Austrians obliged. That first group sent for wives and children and more men to work, a move repeated again and again.
Freedom in America
Eventually whole extended families settled in Biloxi, forming a close-knit community on the peninsula known as Point Cadet. When Skrmetta died in 1918, the Herald reported he “will be greatly missed by Biloxians, and especially those of his people who relied on him for advice in their affairs.” Women and older children worked in canneries, as did some of the men, although many worked on the boats and docks. At first they lived on Biloxi’s version of Cannery Row, in small camp housing, but they saved and eventually built their own fisherman cottages. Some bought their own schooners.
This early 20th century wave of immigrants has been variously called Austrians, Yugoslavians and Croatians, depending on what stage of history their homeland was in. About 250 families came in that wave, and they tended to have lots of children. “In America it wasn’t an easy life, but they could live free and that was most important,” said Anthony “FoFo” Gilich, president of the century-old Slavonian Benevolent Association of St. Nichole headquartered in Biloxi. “Coming to the United States was a big opportunity. The first Croatians were ambitious, and some became factory and boat owners, even factory owners themselves, or their children did. Education was important and that lead to Croatian doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and business leaders. “They had arrived with little money, no safety net and no assurance of success. They taught us leadership and not to be afraid of anything.” Gilich, at 66, is a computer program developer and grandson to one of the 1903 Dalmatian arrivals. Gilich’s first job was “catching cans” off the conveyer belts of Sea Coast Packing Company, owned by his grandfather and located where the Golden Nugget Casino now sits. He estimates that less than five percent of the descendants now work in the seafood industry.
Coast Waves of Slavs, French, Polish
These early 20th century immigrants supplied much of the brawn for the Coast’s seafood industry, the region’s economic engine. But the Croatians were actually the second wave of immigrants to make Mississippi seafood buzz. In 1890 the first so-called Bohemians arrived by trainloads to work for factories to fill a local labor shortage. These seasonal workers, mostly of Polish background, came from Baltimore.
Already, a few Croatians had settled in the Gulf region to work with oysters during the post-Civil War Central European migration. Explained a November 1893 Herald: “They are Austrians or descendants of Austrian parentage, a hardy, economical and industrious class – worthy and good men…”But the wave of Slavonian immigrants spurred by the Skrmetta-Lopez acquaintance didn’t begin until 1903. That was followed in 1914 by the first Acadians, or Louisiana Cajuns, then in the late 1970s by the Vietnamese.
Few of the Bohemians, seasonal by nature, stayed permanently so their place in seafood history is an early dot, and the Vietnamese are still writing their chapter. A century later, the French and Slavonians have proven their staying power. “Like a lot of immigrants they went from being workers and laborers to being prominent citizens, politicians, lawyers, business owners and doctors, playing important community roles,” said Murella Hebert Powell, Biloxi’s historian emeritus. “In the beginning they were the backbone of the seafood industry. “It’s remarkable that the Acadians and the Slavonians, who at first couldn’t talk to each other because of language barriers, were soon marrying each other. Yet, each of these groups have managed to hold on to their own identities. The French still have their Fleur De Lis Society and the Croatians have their Slavonian Benevolent Association. “They became a melting pot but they retained that individuality as a people. The Yugoslavs were making gumbo and the Cajuns making pusaratas.”
Pusaratas are a type of European fruit doughnut ball still popular on the Coast and gumbo is a seafood stew brought from Louisiana.
Tradition! Tradition!
Croatian traditions remain strong, although like many Americanized cultures, they are fading. The native-language songs, often accompanied by an accordion, are now more of a rarity than commonplace at the Slavonian Lodge. Their South Slavic language, too, is rarely heard on the Coast.
“I didn’t grow up speaking the language,” said Capt. Pete Skrmetta, 88-year-old patriarch of the family that runs the Ship Island ferry and son of the 1903 Skrmetta immigrant of the same name. “That was the only language my father spoke when he was young, but he married my mother from Bay St. Louis and she didn’t speak it. But he’d continue to use the language when speaking with the Croatians who worked with him catching oysters and shrimp. Some of the kids in school, like John Misko and Peter Barhanovich, was raised up with the language and they spoke it. “We were all raised up with the Cajuns and the Polish people, we all went to school together and were friends. The Cajun people liked to fais do do, have a good time. The Croatians were very serious people, we worked hard, saved money and invested. Where we came from, only the strong survived.”
Religion also played an important role, as evidenced by St. Michael Catholic Church on Point Cadet, known as the “Fishermen’s Church.” It began as a mission in 1907 for the immigrants living in camp houses and working long hours each time factory whistles blew to announce fresh seafood arrivals. The modern version of the church, with its seashell dome, is noted for its Christian symbols of the sea. A generation ago, St. Stephens Day was a huge Slavonian observance, with the making of a special wine called Prucke from European raisins. One tradition that continues is the spring Blessing of the Fleet, an ancient European tradition open to fishermen of all cultural backgrounds to assure a bountiful and safe harvest. Many of the seafood festival kings and queens have come from this Croatian community.
A Cultural Center Still Abuzz
The Biloxi lodge remains the center point for this immigrant community, now two, three and four generations as Americans. Parties, balls, weddings, even funerals are held there, and stone plaques list all deceased members. They first formed in 1913 as the Austrian-Slavonian Benevolent Association to fill the social needs as well as subscriptions to pay sick and disabled seafood workers.
Tragedy struck early when in 1916 the treasurer, also a founder, killed himself after admitting to misappropriating funds for personal use. Accustomed to adversity, they moved forward.
In 1921, in response to Yugoslavia now holding sway in their homeland, Biloxi Croatians got a new charter as the Slavonian Benevolent Association “St. Nicola.” The lodge they maintained became the center of their lives but was visited by others who gladly shared their traditions and entertainments, especially their dances and music. In 1956, the lodge installed an air conditioner at the behest of member Yankee Barhanovich, a promoter who planned a set of concerts that included Elvis Presley.
The current lodge, now called the Croatian American Cultural Center, replaces the one on Myrtle Street built in 1938, inundated in 1969 by Hurricane Camille and destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. They say that building back, better than before, is proof they’d learned the lesson of overcoming adversity. It is an impressive $4 million building, reflective of the Croatian community’s prosperity but especially of the importance that descendants put on their roots.
Oh So Many ‘iches’
Mississippi’s American-Croatians continue to visit the homeland, where some still have ties. Many have links to Dalmatia, an historical region of Croatia on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Among the many islands of this region is Brač, from which hailed recognizable Coast names, Mavar, Pitalo, Sekul, Skrmetta, Radish, Marinovich, Kuljis, to name a few.
The local joke was if the names ended in “viches and iches” you could safely bet they had Slavonian roots. Among others lucky enough to leave their war-torn homeland for Mississippi shores brought the names of Stanovich, Rosetti, Barhanovich, Mladinich, Marinovich, Simonich, Trebotich, Peresich, Cvitanovich, Covacevich, Fillipich, Radich, Polovich, Popovich, Gruich, Gabrich, Cerinich, Misco, Hire, Ragusin and Halat, to name a few more.
They never forgot where they came from, nor did those they left behind. In September 1937, the Southern Slavonian Herald, an English-language newspaper that published in Belgrade, featured a Biloxi water scene and this explanation that was repeated in the Daily Herald: newspaper that published in Belgrade, featured a Biloxi water scene and this explanation that was repeated in the Daily Herald:
“Not Dalmatia’s Romantic Riviera, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast at Biloxi, where for more than 50 years Dalmatian fisher-folk have had this colony and where hundreds of Jugoslavs are today engaged in the fishing and canning industry.”
(Kat Bergeron, a veteran feature writer specializing in Gulf Coast history and sense of place, is retired from the Sun Herald.)
History plays with “Slavonian” name in Mississippi
By Kat Bergeron
Sun Herald, South Mississippi’s News Leader
(Reprinted with permission from the April 27, 2014 issue)
Are the wave of Slavonian immigrants who came to the Mississippi Coast from Central Europe’s Dalmatian Coast called Austrians, Yugoslavians or Croatians?
The answer is “all of the above.” What we call them today depends on what time frame in history.
Into the mix we should also toss “Slavonian.” That is a popular local term used for more than a century for these hard-working immigrants. They began as poor laborers in the Biloxi seafood industry, prospered, stayed and spread across the Coast, where their family names remain numerous. Most 21st century descendants of these immigrants now proudly refer to themselves as Croatians, a name not used when the first of them arrived in the 1800s.
Nick Skrmetta, credited with starting an early 21st century wave of migration from Dalmatia to Biloxi, was officially an Austrian because his homeland was then under the rule of the Austrian- Hungarian Empire. Those living here or who moved here after 1918 called themselves Yugoslavians. In fact, some of us may even remember them in the recent past being called Jugoslavians, or Jugo-Slavs, or just Jugos. The “J” spelling and pronunciations was used both on the Coast and in the homeland, orally and written.
The changing names reflect history. The Austrian-Hungarian Empire, formed in 1867, fell in 1918. Yugoslavia next held sway over the immigrant’s homeland until 1991, when Croatia, around as an identity since the 7th century, declared independence.
A lot happened in the 20th century, including World War I and II, when the politics of East-Central Europe made American immigrants suspect. One Daily Herald story from April 1917 reported Austrians were planning a parade to show that “Biloxi’s so-called ‘alien population’ is with the United States government heart and soul.” In both world wars, able-bodied males from this close-knit immigrant community donned American uniforms. Generations of Coast Slavonians, as did most other immigrant groups, maintained ties to the homeland.
They watched as their beloved Croatian region came under communism in the late 1940s. They watched in 1991 as Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, followed by the four-year Croatian War of Independence. The breakup of the Soviet Union threw the entire region into chaos and American news was filled with stories of atrocities in the Bosnia-Herzegovina War, of Croats, Serbs, Slavs and others fighting.
Today, the Republic of Croatia is part of the European Union, and it has a prosperous, literate four million people. Dalmatia, where many of the Coast’s first fishing immigrants were born, is described as a historical region of Croatia.
When those Biloxi immigrants formed their first fraternal society in 1913 to help sick and disabled fishermen, they named it the Austrian-Slavonian Benevolent Association. In 1921 they got a new charter under the name Slavonian Benevolent Association “St. Nicola” The latter is for St. Nicholas, also sometimes Nicholi and Nicole, who is the patron saint of travelers and seafarers.
The association’s “lodge” has remained the center of their lives, a place to meet, be entertained, and hang on to as many Old Country traditions as possible. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed the 68-year-old lodge building, they built a $4.3 million one. As proof of changing times, the front of the lodge now declares the “Croatian American Cultural Center.”
(Kat Bergeron, a veteran feature writer specializing in Gulf Coast history and sense of place, is retired from the Sun Herald.)
Biloxi Croatian Time Line
1913
The Daily Herald, "Set for trial in Circuit Court", January 8, 1913, p. 3. Local Croatians on trial in early 1913 in the Harrison County Circuit Court were: Tony Martinolich-gambling; Nick Skermetta (sic), assult with intent; Nick, john, Maro, and John Skermetta Jr., assaut and battery; Mike Skermetta and Nick Skermetta, fighting and disorderly conduct; Tony Stanovich and Jake Stanovich Jr., selling liquor; and Jake Stanovich Sr., allowing liquor to be sold on his premises.
The Daily Herald, "Austrians form Benevolent Association", December 18, 1913, p. 7. Charter members: Ivan Budinich; Ivan Gabrich; Ivan Letich; Ivan Lovetich; Blas Miljan; Marko Mulat; Tony Rosetti; Nikola Skrmetti; Victor Simonich; Jacob Stanovich (1860-1926); and Philip Williams.
The Daily Herald, "New Society is growing rapidly", December 30, 1913, p. 2.
1918
The Daily Herald, "Servian [sic] wants to be an American", March 20, 1918, p. 3. Tony Conovich came to America in 1904 and lives in Handsboro.
1920
The Daily Herald, "Americans from troubled Dalmatia", March 4, 1920, p. 4.
The Daily Herald, "Files petition", June 3, 1920, p. 3. Dominick Cvitanovich had made application to file his naturalization papers in Federal Court here. Tony Cvitanovich has filed his declaration of intention to become an American citizen with US Commissioner George Money at Gulfport.
1921
The Daily Herald, "These men may don US suits June 20", May 23, 1921, p. 6. Gregorio Anticich came from Ygrane and was naturalied at NOLA in 1914. Peter Lessa [Lesso], Biloxi fisherman, came to NOLA as a boy on the Eugenia, a liner, as part of the crew and jumped ship.
The Daily Herald, “The Charter of Incorporation of the Slavonian Benevolent Association 'St. Nicola'", August 19, 1921, p. 2.
1927
Captains Jake Rosetti, Tony Cvitanovich, and Frank J. Barhonovich collected $176.50 from Biloxi's Slavonian community for victims of the 1927 Mississippi River Flood. They offered their boats to rescue and aid those in the flood ravaged waters.(The Daily Herald, May 6, 1927, p. 1)
1929
On 4 June, Biloxi aliens from the Jugoslavian community seeking their citizenship were: Rocco Beverin; Martin Baranich (sic); Jerko Covich; A. Dujmov; G. Garbin; Stefano Gego; Parvel Starmeta [Paul M. Skrmetta]; Mato Soljan; and Giovanni Zorkovic.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1929, p. 2)
Captain Anthony J. Stanovich (18-1929), aboard Lone Star and ferrying workers from the Louisiana seafood factories of the C.B. Foster Packing Company, was killed while workng on the vessel's engine off the coast of Waveland, Hancock County, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, November 5, 1919, p. 1)
The Benevolent Association of St. Nicolai dedicated their new home on East Howard Avenue on December 26th. The organization was lead by B. Dujmov, pres.; Tony Cvitanovich (1888-1964), v. pres.; Peter Pavlov, sec.-treas.; Steve Filipich, marshal;with Alexc Pitalo, chair of the arrangement committee. The society commenced circa 1914 with Jake Stanovich (1891-1927), as president, and Phillip Williams, sec.-treasurer.(The Daily Herald, December 27, 1929, p. 1 and The Times-Picayune, December 128, 1929, p. 2 [photo])
1930
Vincent Mardesic, former Biloxi restaurateur in the Kennedy Hotel building, expired on 26 March at his home at Komissa, Vis, Croatia.(The Daily Herald, May 1, 1930)
1932
The Sea Coast Packing Company was founded by hard working, Croatian fishermen in July when they acquired the Martin Fountain Packing Company from the 1st National Bank of Biloxi. Peter Pavlov (1882-1951) was president and treasurer; Alexander Pitalo, vice pres. and Steve M. Sekul (1881-1970), operations manager. The plant had been idle for a year and expected to employ 200 people when it was fully operating.(The Daily Herald, July 30, 1932, p. 1)
During the 1932 Biloxi seafood strike, Captain Jerry Covich and Captain Willie Green board the Anita Christine and Magnolia unloaded large quantities of shrimp and fish at the Biloxi Community House pier for the needy seafood worker familes of Biloxi. Matre Pitalo was in charge of a committee to bring supplies and provisons into Biloxi to feed about a thousand people.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1932, p. 1)
1935
The Daily Herald, "Matre Pitalo heads new voting club", July 1, 1935, p. 2. The Slavonian Voting Club was organized on August 31, 1935 at the Slavonian Hall by Austrian residents in the eastern section of Biloxi. Matre Pitalo (1898-1981), seafood dealer and grocer, was elected president. Mico Fillipich was elected vice-president. He is president of the Slavonian Benevolent Association. Pete Pavlov of the Seacoast Packing Company was eelcted secretary and treasurer. The organization is planning a picnic and political rally at the Slavonian Hall on East Howard Avenue.
1937
The 25th Anniversary of the Slavonian Benevolent Association was celebrated in early August. Miss Lucille Gabrich was selected as Queen Jugoslavia and Miss Mandaline Kuljis as Miss Biloxi. Meco Filipich was president of the group and the event was well attended by the Jugoslavian community of New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, August 3, 1937, p. 2)
Dominic Cvitanovich of the Sanitary Grocery and Paul Petrich of the Gulf and Pacific Brokerage Compnay have returned from New Orleans where they attended the ceremonies in honor of Konstantin Fotich, Yugoslavian ambassador to the United States and the captains of two Yugoslavian steamer into the port of NOLA. This marked the first time that ships flying the Yugoslavian flag have visited NOLA.(The Daily Herald, March 6, 1937, p. 2)
1938
Madeline Kuljus, daughter of Luka Kuljis (1885-1965), was named Miss Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, February 11, 1938, p. 8)
The Slavonian Society began planning for the erection of their new home.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1938, p. 12)
Dr. Konstantin Fotich, Yugoslavian Ambassador to America, visited Biloxi and the Croatian community in late February.(The Daily Herald, February 24, 1938, p. 1)
The new St. Nicholas Slavic Benevolent Society Lodge [Slavonian Lodge] on First Street and Myrtle at Point Cadet was dedicated on November 20th. The $20,000, two-story, structure was erected by the Collins Brothers, general contractors, from a design by Jack Fayard, the architect. Steve Kuljis was president of the organization at this time and building sponsors were Mary Anticich and Alonzo Gabrich.(The Daily Herald, November 19, 1938, p. 3)
1938
Madeline Kuljis (b. 1912) , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luka Kuljis, 1002 East Beach, was named Miss Biloxi on February 4th. She was sponsored by Elliott's Jewelery.(The Daily Herald, February 5, 1938, p. 1)
1939
Veronica Anticich Cangemi (1919-1998) was named Miss Yugoslavia garnering 12,450 votes to beat Frances Pavlov (1915-2004) Touchet who had 2880 votes.(The Daily Herald, August 2, 1939, p. 5)
1941
In mid-August, Dan Markotich (1892-1964) sold the French Restaurant to Joseph Baricev (1904-1999). Markotich had operated the restaurant for six years.(The Daily Herald, August 13, 1941, p. 6)
1943
Vincent Kuluz was elected president of the Slavonian Benevolent Association. Other officers were: Tony Cvitanovich, vice-pres.; Tony M. Pitalo, sec-treas.; Alex Pitalo was elected Grand Marshall and new trustees were: Mateo Kovacevich; Luka Kuljis; John Cosmich; John Mavar Jr.; and Frank Barhonovich; Members of the sick committee are: Mateo Kovacevich; Luka Kuljis; Visko Kuluz; Peter Sekul; Boze Dujmov; and Boze Barich.(The Daily Herald, May 22, 1943, p. 7)
1945
The Daily Herald, "Vincent Kuluz Slavonian head", May 26, 1945, p. 5.
1947
Tony J. Rosetti was elected president of the Slavonian benevolent association in May. Other officers elected were: Dr. steve Pitalo, v. pres.; Tony M. Pitalo, sec.-treas.; Alex Pitalo, marshal; Peter Sekul, asst. marshal; Jake Mladinich, sgt.-at-arms; and Mateo Kovacevich, Luka Kuljis, and Visko Kuluz, trustees.(The Daily Herald, may 24, 1947, p. 6)
1948
The Times -Picayune, "Yugoslavia, Mississippi", May 2, 1948, p. 130.
1951
In late May, the Slavonian Benevolent Association elected Visko Kuluz as their new president who replace Paul Skrmetti. Other association officers elected were: Tony Mihojevich, vice-pres.; and John Kersanac, sec.-treasurer.(The Daily Herald, June 1, 1951, p. 8)
1952
In late May, the Slavonian Benevolent Association elected, Pascal Talijancich (1902-1976) as its president. Other officers elected were: Tony Mijojevich, vice pres.; John Kersanac, sec.-treasurer; and Steve Kuljis, grand marshal.(The Daily Herald, May 24, 1952, p. 4)
1953
In June, Steve Marinovich was elected president of the Slavonian Benevolent Association suceeding Pascal Talijanich. Other officers selected were: Peter Kuljis-vice-pres.; Jerry Covich-sec.-treas.; and trustees: Mateo Kovacevich; Luka Kuljis; Eddie Hire; and Tony Rosetti.(The Daily Herald, June 2, 1953, p. 16)
At the 1953 Slavonian Benevolent Bazaar, Miss Elmerita Mihojevich was crowned Miss Jugoslavia by Clare Sekul Hornsby. Miss Hillbilly of Mississippi was Barbara Mae Knebel and her tiara was placed by Mrs. Hank Williams[Billie Jean Jones (b. 1933)].(The Daily Herald, August 3, 1953, p. 6)
1955
Elvis Presley (1935-1977), Sun Records recording artist and Louisiana Hayride particpant, appeared at the improved Slavonian Lodge on June 26, 1955. Louis Tremmel & Son had recently installed an air conditioning system making the Lodge the only air conditioned auditorium on the Coast. Improvements to the structure exceeded $30,000.(The Daily Herald, June 22, 1955, p. 7, June 23, 1955, p. 6, June 25, 1955)
The Times-Picayune, "The Day After-Festivities continue on as Yugoslavs at Biloxi honor their patron [St Stephen]", December 25, 1955, p. 5.
1959
1974
Milos M. Vujnovich published [Pelican Publishing Compmay of Gretna, Louisiana] Yugoslavians in Louisiana on the occaision of the Centennial of the United Slavonian Benevolent Association.
1999
The Sun Herald, "Slavonian men pose for posterity", December 18, 1999, p. A1.
2010
[images made November 2009 and October 2015]
The new $3 million Lodge of the Slavonian Benevolent Association of St. Nikolai, located near Howard Avenue and Oak Street, was dedicated on November 27th.(The Sun Herald, November 26, 2010, p. A2)
2011
Pusharatas are a sweet tradition.(The Sun Herald, December 24, 2011, p. A2)
2013
Historical marker placed at Myrtle and 1st Street by MDAH in 2013.
2014
Corner of East Howard Avenue and
2015
Andrew 'FoFo' J. Gilich Jr.
Andrew "FoFo" J. Gilich Jr. and Winfield "Windy" Swetman III received 51 % of the vote in the April 28th Biloxi Mayoral election to replace former Mayor A.J. Holloway. In a runoff will be held on May 12, 2015, Mr. Gilich outpolled Mr. Swetman 4319 votes to 2914 votes and became Biloxi's new Mayor.(The Sun Herald, April 30, 2015, p. A-1 and May 13, 2015, p. A-1.)
2016
On August 6th, the Croatian-American Cultural Center, City of Biloxi and Dr. Gilbert Mason Jr were hosts to the Frank "Yankee" Barhanovich, 'The Music Mogul' and the 50th Anniversary of the August 5, 1966 Biloxi Municipal Stadium by James Brown.
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ARRIVALS FROM ZADAR
BULICH
Sam Bulich
Sam [Simeone] Bulich (1873-1955) was born at Zadar [Zara], Zadar County, Croatia on February 16, 1873. He left Trieste aboard Marguerite and arrived at Gulfport, Mississippi on November 2, 1905.[Declaration of Intention No. 534-Southern District-South Mississippi-May 27, 1918]
Sam Bulich settled at 336 Crawford Street in Biloxi and worked in the seafood industry as a fisherman. He died at the Biloxi Hospital on January 26, 1955. Sam was survived by a sister, Donica, in Yugoslavia and a nephew, Joseph Smolcich Sr. (1893-1967), Biloxi, and other relatives.
Funeral was from the O’Keefe Funeral Home with services at St. Michael’s Catholic Church followed by internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.
John Bulich
John Bulich (1877-1949) was the brother of Sam Bulich. He was born at Anbanasi, a village on the on the Zadar Peninsula, Croatia. John came to live with Sam on Crawford Street circa 1934. John appears to left his wife and three children in Croatia. He was a member of the Sea Food Workers and Gulf Coast Shrimpers and Oystermens Association. John worshipped at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Dalmatian Benevolent Society.
John Bulich died at 637 Crawford Street on January 5, 1949. He was survived by Sam Bulich and Joseph Smolich Sr. (1893-1967), his nephew. Funeral was from the O’Keefe Funeral Home with services at St. Michael’s Catholic Church followed by internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.[The Daily Herald, January 5, 1949, p. 3]
Funeral was from the O’Keefe Funeral Home with services at St. Michael’s Catholic Church followed by internment in the Biloxi Cemetery.
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, ‘John Bulich dies’, January 5, 1949.
The Daily Herald, ‘Sam Bulich dies’, November 27, 1955.
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JOSEPH SMOLCICH
Joseph Smolcich [Josip Smolcic] (1893-1967) was born August 6, 1893 in Anbanasi, a village on the on the Zadar Peninsula, Zadar County, Croatia. He left Trieste, Italy on the Franz Joseph I and arrived at New York City on August 31, 1912.
Joseph Smolich married Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979), a native of Milna, Brac, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, in Harrison County, Mississippi on May 22, 1916. They settled at 402 Oak Street in Biloxi. Francis was born September 19, 1901.(Declaration of Intention No. 840-Southern District, South Mississippi-March 12, 1927 and Harrison Co., Mississippi Circuit Court MRB 29, p. 38)
Joseph Smolcich and Francis Cvitanovich Smolich were the parents of at least seven children: Matilda Smolcich (b. 1920) m. Raymond C. Barry (1905-1988); Joseph 'Smoky Joe' A. Smolcich (1922-2010) m. Anna Kopszywa (1927-2010); Vincent L. Smolcich (1925-1981) m. Aurora Marie Saujon (1924-2007), the daughter of Robert Saujon (1865-1944) and Mary McCaleb (1897-1937); Steve Anthony Smolcich (1927-2013) m. Patricia Lee Wilson; ; Mary Rita 'Melrita' Smolcich m. Marvin Lee Raesner; Samuel Dominick Smolcich (1934-2006) m. Vinnie Elva Seymour; and John Anthony Smolcich (1937-2001) m. Jeanet M. Smolcich. The Smolcich family started the Biloxi Seafood Company, the Roxy Theatre at 1430 East Howard Avenue, the Roxy Restaurant and owned much rental property on Point Cadet in East Biloxi.(The Sun Herald, October 12, 2010, p. A4)
REFERENCES:
The Daily Herald, "Smolcich-Wilson", January 2, 1950, p. 6.
The Daily Herald, “Frances C. Smolcich”, February 13, 1979.
The Daily Herald, “Vincent Smolcich”, July 28?, 1981.
The Sun Herald, “Aurora Marie Saujon Smolich”, April 5, 2002.
The Sun Herald, “John Anthony Smolich”, August 31, 2001.
The Sun Herald, "Joseph 'Smokey Joe' Smolcich", October 11, 2010, p. A6.
The Sun Herald, "Smolcich lived as 'Mr. Biloxi'", October 12, 2010, p. A4.
The Sun Herald, "Steven Anthony 'Steve' Smolcich Sr.", July 14, 2013.
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