Joseph Gonzales, Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
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Joseph Gonzales was born in Ascension parish, La., in 1895; here grew to manhood, and here
received an ordinary education in the common schools.  His first venture for himself was as
bookkeeper for J. M. La Mar, with whom he remained two years, and after this he was for the same
length of time with John Dominic.  In 1855 he was wedded to Miss Adores Marchand, who bore him
ten children--five sons and five daughters--all living, and the youngest now nineteen years of
age.  Mrs. Gonzales died on the 16th of July, 1890.  Mr. Gonzales was elected to the position of
constable after his marriage, held that office until 1860, when he raised a company of
cavalrymen, known as Company A, Ogden's regiment.  He first went to Port Hudson, and later was
in the battle of -------, Gettysburg, Penn.; Gainesville, Ala., and in all the engagements of
Mississippi and Louisiana.  He served from 1860 until 1865, and was captain of his company.  He
surrendered at Gainesville. Returning home, he was elected sheriff of Ascension parish, and
filled that position in a brave and efficient manner for eight years.  He served as police jury
under McEnery for about the same length of time, and since then he has been actively engaged in
planting.  He has met with many drawbacks and discouragements, but for all that he has one of
the best places on the New river, although it only consists of 200 acres.  His principal crop is
cotton, though formerly he raised cane.  His father, Joseph Gonzales Sr., was a native of
Louisiana, born in 1810, in East Baton Rouge parish, and the mother was also born in the Creole
state.  She is still living, but the father died in 1845.  He followed planting all his life.
Of the four children born to this union--two sons and two daughters--Joseph Gonzales Jr., was
the eldest.  The family are all members of the Catholic church.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), p. 449.  Published by the Goodspeed
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.