Death Notices Lafourche Parish Louisiana

Joseph Pierre Rousseau

   In the death of Mr. J. P. Rousseau, who expired at 5 o’clock last Monday morning, one of the land marks of this parish was removed from earthly activities. A link from the early part of the 19^th century has been severed to be welded in the world beyond.

   Mr. Rousseau was born in this parish, near the line dividing Lafourche from Assumption July 30, 1822, hence when death claimed he had reached the age of 90 years, 4 months and 3 days.  The deceased had spent practically his whole life in his native parish.  His earlier years were devoted to agricultural pursuits, he having been an able manager and overseer.  He was employed by several of our planters, but his longest tem of service was for Mr. Drauzin Triche, the former owner of Laurel Grove plantation.  Here he served for 18 consecutive years.

   Of late years the venerable gentleman was unable to perform any kind of work, his age telling too much against him. He and his devoted wife, whose maiden name was Theonise Machias, have spent the past ten or twelve years with one of their sons. Mr. J. Clet Rousseau, who is now the reliable manager of Golden Ranch plantation, at Gheens, La. (this parish), where the old gentleman closed his eyes in eternal sleep.

   The body was brought to Thibodaux yesterday morning and consigned to a resting place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

   The deceased is survived besides his wife, by four sons, Messrs J. C. Rousseau, P. C. Rousseau, C. O. Rousseau and Etienne Rousseau – and also a number of grand-children.

   May the sods of the valley lie lightly upon the deceased so that his remains may be free from every burden, and may his soul enter the celestial realms and enjoy the happiness that our Heavenly Father has in store for His many children.

The Lafourche Comet

Dec. 5, 1912, pg. 8 col. 1. Transcribed and Contributed by Nancy Wright

Mrs. Martin’s Funeral.
   Practically every place in Thibodaux was closed in compliance with a proclamation issued by Mayor N. T. Bourg, from 3:30 to 5 o’clock last Thursday afternoon in order that the entire population might unreservedly attest its sorrow over the death of the distinguished lady. A multitude of sympathizers were at Schriever to meet the 1:30 train, which bore the body of Mrs. Martin, whose coffin was loaded with flowers, tributes from the most distinguished citizens of the nation, who knew the Martins in Washington and who desired to express their sorrow and sympathy through the delicacy of flowers, nature’s rarest gift. Upon reaching the home in this town another magnificent wreath of flowers – a floral offering bearing the inscription, “From the Citizens of Thibodaux” – awaited its turn to silently express the sentiments of a town bereaved.

   Promptly at 4 o’clock the funeral left the home for St. John’s Episcopal church, where there was room for only half of the concourse.  Rev. Mr. A. A. Mackenzie, pastor of the local church, assisted by Rev. Mr. Quincy Ewing, of Napoleonville, held the services in the church, after which the body was taken to the tomb, where the pall-bearers - H. L. Sims, Little John Martin, Ernest Thibodeaux, Chas. Y. Martin, C. J. Bourg and Robert Martin gently laid the remains away to await God’s will.  Thus ended the earthly career of a woman generally respected as a mother, wife, friend and neighbor.

April 13. 2007 8:40PM
The Lafourche Comet, 5 July 1923, pg. 5, col. 3 Transcribed and contributed by Nancy Wright

Oscar Crosier, a well-known colored man, died early yesterday morning.  He recently had an attack of typhoid fever, from which he recovered, but not being as prudent as he should have been he had a relapse, from which death ensued. The deceased had many friends among the white people, he having won their confidence and esteem. He was part owner of the All-Nation Saloon in Thibodaux, he had charge of the hotel at Schriever and for years he has operated a hack line between this town and Schriever. His remains will be interred this morning at Beattieville.

The Lafourche Comet, 29 March 1906, pg 6. Transcribed and contributed by Nancy Wright

Octave Legendre

   The citizens of this town were surprised last Monday to hear of the death of Mr. Octave Legendre, at one time the efficient and reliable town marshal of this town, and more recently the manager of the Abby and Highland store and then later the manager of the Ludivine store.  Referring to Mr. Legendre’s death, which, we understand, was due to a cancer, the Picayune of last Tuesday says:

   Octave J. Legendre, very prominently connected in Thibodaux, La., and for the past fifteen years well known in the business circles of New Orleans, died at his residence, No. 537 Flood Street at 3:55 o’clock yesterday afternoon. He will be buried at 4 o‘clock this afternoon, the remains being conveyed from the family residence to St. Maurice church, where the rites of the Catholic church will be solemnized.  Interment will then be made in the new St. Louis cemetery in Esplanade Avenue.

   Mr. Legendre was born in Thibodaux fifty-eight years ago.  He received his education and first start there. After leaving school he was associated with his father for a number of years in business, and then went into politics, being one of the deputies in the sheriff’s office. About twenty-five years ago he came to New Orleans and has worked steadily since for the John Barker Company, Limited, commission merchants.

   As a man Mr. Legendre was one of the best types.  He was honest, energetic and trustworthy and charitable to a fault. He was a member of the Catholic Knights of America, and a former member of the Fire Department of Thibodaux and the Young Men’s Association.

   Mr. Legendre was married twice, his last wife, who was Miss Camille Thiel, surviving him, along with four children by his first wife and seven by his second, as well as six brothers and sisters.  His sons are: Gus, Alcee, Octave, Armand and Jules, and his daughters, Mmrs. M. Thiel, Frank Lafitte, Ed. St. Pe and Misses Agnes, Louise and Earline.  His sisters are: Mmes. Philip L. Braud, of Thibodaux, and E. N. Braud and E. Gomez of this city.  His brothers are Emile and Philip of Thibodaux, and Joseph of this city.

Lafourche Comet, March 31, 1910, pg. 1, col. 4[A1] 

Thibodaux, .La., July 6—Special— Charles Hollinger, a negro who is supposed to be 104 years, died here yesterday. He was born in Baltimore, Md., but at what time no one knows positively. He became the property of the Bibb family in Alabama, and was brought to Lafourche by them. He afterward became the property of Lt. H. Allen, who owns the Rieuge plantation, opposite this town. Since his emancipation he has remained on that place following his trade of cooper until about twenty days ago, when a stroke of paralysis prostrated him and brought him to death. The old fellow recollected of having seen Lafayette when he was in this Country seventy years ago, and he claimed that his mother was a servant of George Washington. The Daily Picayune, (New Orleans, LA) Thursday, July 07, 1892; pg. 6; Issue 165; col A

Thibodaux, La, Oct, 17.—[Special.}—Jos. Dorza Zregle died last night from lockjaw, produced by injuries received in the foot from a nail.  The deceased was 41 years of age and highly esteemed by everybody who knew him. He was an active and faithful member of Thibodaux Fire Company No. l, by whose members his remains were taken charge of and buried In St. Joseph's cemetery this afternoon. Ha leaves a widow and children. The Daily Picayune, (New Orleans, LA) Saturday, October 18, 1890; pg. 8; Issue 267; col A

Thibodaux, La., Feb. 21.—(Special.)—At his residence, twelve miles below Thibodaux. yesterday afternoon, the venerable Edmond Beourgeols, having reached 80 years of age passed quietly away, leaving only memories of a good and honorable life. This octogenarian was a native of the parish of Lafourche and passed his whole life within its limits. To-day he was buried in the cemetery of the church of St. Mary Pamela, in the presence of numerous friends who had known him long and well. The Daily Picayune, (New Orleans, LA) Wednesday, February 22, 1893; pg. 6; Issue 29; col E