LEBLANC, Henry A., M. D., Assumption Parish, Louisiana Submitted by Mike Miller ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** LeBlanc, Henry A., M. D., successful and well known physician and legislator, Paincourtville, La., was born in Assumption parish, La., Sept. 20, 1874, the son of Joseph E. and Camille (Dugas) LeBlanc, the former of whom was born April 8, 1842. His grandfather, Lubin LeBlanc, located in Assumption parish about the beginning of the 19th century, and there later married Miss Landry, a daughter of a prominent Creole family then living on Bayou Lafourche. One of the sons of this couple, Germain LeBlanc, married Miss Lena Landry, of Assumption parish, and this latter couple became the parents of Joseph E. LeBlanc, father of the subject of this sketch. Joseph E. received a good, practical education in the schools of the locality in which he was born, and in early life manifested traits of character vital to a successful business career. However, at the beginning of the Civil war he promptly enlisted in Co. H, 28th La. infantry, Col. Allen Thomas, which regiment was mustered into the Confederate service in the month of April, 1862, and subsequently took part in much of the sanguinary conflict that followed. Private LeBlanc earned a lieutenant's commission for heroism at the siege of Vicksburg. On returning to Assumption parish, at the close of the war, he was made a deputy under Sheriff Vives, and held that position until the beginning of the ''reconstruction regime,'' when, holding principle dearer than preferment, he resigned, though urged by the new sheriff to remain, at an increased salary. He then engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits, in which, by the exercise of good judgment, practical methods, and correct business principles, he had the satisfaction of seeing his efforts crowned with success. Forming a partnership with Honore Dugas, under the firm name of Dugas & LeBlanc, the management of the Armelise store, near Paincourtville, was assumed. The business prospered, and in time the firm became interested in sugar planting, and at this time owns more than 10,500 acres of land. Mr. Leblanc became president of the Bank of Napoleonville, and president of the Pioneer Printing Co. In 1880 he was elected clerk of the parish court, on the democratic ticket, and prior to that time served on the school board, by appointment of Gov. Nicholls. In 1884 he was elected a member of the police jury of Assumption parish, and 1888 was chosen to the lower house of the Louisiana state legislature. During the ensuing sessions of the legislature he served with distinction as a member of the committee on public lands and levees, the committee on constitution and executive messages, and as chairman of the enrolling committee. At the close of his term as a member of the house of representatives, the enrolling clerks of the house presented him with a magnificent diamond watch charm, as a testimonial of the chivalric manner in which you have acted toward us, and the many acts of kindness you have shown us." In 1894 he was appointed state senator, to complete the unexpired term of Sen. J. S. Perkins. In 1898 he was elected a member of the state constitutional convention. In 1900 he was elected to his third term as a member of the state legislature, but his death, Nov. 21, 1902, cut short this term of service. At the time of his death he was a member of Gov. Heard's staff. His untimely death was most sincerely lamented by all who knew him. In 1867 he was married to Miss Camille Dugas, a daughter of Hon. E. F. X. Dugas, one of the oldest and most honored citizens of Assumption parish. Mrs. LeBlanc was a gracious lady of rare attainments. To this union 11 children were born, namely: Marie, now Mrs. Joseph U. Folse, of Paincourtville; Robert E., field engineer for the firm of Dugas & LeBlanc; Lucille, now Mrs. J. J. Rodrigue, of Paincourtville; Dr. Henry A., the subject of this sketch; Philip J., paying teller in the U. S. custom house at New Orleans; Joseph, died while in attendance at Spring Hill college, Mobile, Ala.; Rosa, now Mrs. Alfred Landry, of Klotzville, La.; Theresa, widow of Joseph H. Verret, who occupied the office of deputy sheriff of Assumption parish at the time of his death; Leonce L., cashier of the Bank of Paincourtville; Samuel A., successful attorney of Napoleonville and member of the Louisiana state legislature; Dr. Jules, now a practicing physician of Paincourtville. In the course of his education Henry A. Le Blanc attended Spring Hill college, from which he graduated with the class of 1894. Shortly following the completion of his academic education he entered the medical department of Tulane university, and in due time graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1898. Upon the completion of his professional education, Dr. LeBlanc began the practice of medicine at Paincourtville, which he has since continued actively. In addition to serving the requirements of his patients, the doctor has also served the people of his parish as their representative in the state legislature, and as a member of the board of health. He is a member of the Assumption Parish Medical society, the Louisiana State Medical society, Assumption Council No. 1099, Knights of Columbus, at Napoleonville, La., and Ascension Lodge No. 1153, Benevolent and Protective order of Elks, at Donaldsonville, La. April 10, 1901, Dr. LeBlanc was married to Miss Lizzie Charlet, a daughter of Capt. P. A. and Eulalie (Pintado) Charlet, of Assumption parish, La. Capt. Charlet was a steamboat commander, and long a prominent citizen of his parish. He also was a veteran of the Civil war, having served the Confederacy during that great struggle. Capt. Charlet died in the year 1911, but is at this time survived by his wife, who resides at Lucky plantation, near Plattenville. Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. LeBlanc, viz.: Albert, Louis, and Isabella, the last named two being twins. The children are at the parental home. Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, volume 3, pp. 775-777. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit. D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.