Thomas Rigmaiden's Diary 1836 Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana File prepared by Jan Craven File submitted by Carlton R. Adamson, Stuart MacKillian, William Quick and Clyde Vincent. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ A FOREWARD TO THE THOMAS RIGMAIDEN DIARY Little is known of the English-born Thomas Rigmaiden - Imperial Calcasieu's first school teacher. The time of his arrival in the United States and residence prior to January 1st, 1836 is unknown to date. It is believed, but unproven, that he was already a resident of the Coastal Regions of Louisiana at the time of his marriage to Eliza Ryan on October 30, 1826. Some feel he was a remittance-man, as monies were periodically received by him from England. This man was very brief in his diary entries. Even thus, he did not realize that his writings of twenty-two years would leave for posterity such a clear, concise picture of everyday life in a frontier settlement. In such isolated communities of those times, it was customary for the teacher not only to teach, but to board his pupils as well. As there was very little money in circulation, Rigmaiden was sometimes compensated for his services in various ways. Under some circumstances where parents were unable to pay, or the children became orphaned, he was then paid by the police jury of the Parish. As one of the few educated persons in the community, the teacher Rigmaiden also became the bookkeeper and correspondent. In addition, he farmed and did whatever else necessary in the community to sustain life under somewhat primitive conditions. As you read and study his daily entries, please note that the writer recorded births, deaths, illnesses, marriages, weather conditions, historical happenings, arrival and departure of travelers, and modes of transportation. Through him we also get a visual picture of the drudgery that was the frontier woman's lot. Her days were endless ones of washing at nearby streams, cooking over open fires, weaving cloth, bearing and caring for large families. Eliza and Thomas Rigmaiden themselves were the parents of eight children. For the genealogist, the diary contains a great wealth of information. In the first year alone, Rigmaiden makes mention of over ninety names. To a certain degree, Rigmaiden remains a man of mystery. We cannot account for the ten years between the known date of his marriage to Eliza Ryan, and the date of his first entry in the diary. Was he in the area at that time? Was there another journal? Perhaps the answer will be made known in the near future. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Flavia Vincent Reeds and Maud Reid are both residents of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and both are credited for making possible this presentation of the heretofore unpublished Thomas Rigmaiden diary. Our indebtedness to them will ultimately be shared by all when the full impact of this man's historically significant journal is made known. Flavia Vincent Reeds was born in Hackberry, Louisiana. Upon completing her schooling, Mrs. Reeds taught typing for a number of years. It was in 1925 that Mrs. Reeds learned of the existence of an unpublished diary within her own family. Thus began her lasting interest in genealogy, and the start of her large collection of Southwest Louisiana historical material. Two years later she published her second book. "Journey's End" is a genealogical record of John Jacob Ryan and wife Mary Ann Hargraves, early settlers of Imperial Calcasieu. In this work Mrs. Reeds mentions the Rigmaiden diary: "A most fascinating story depicting the life of Jacob Ryan and other early settlers of Imperial Calcasieu Parish was gleaned from the recent discovery of the old Rigmaiden diary. Mr. Rigmaiden married Eliza Ryan and was the first school teacher in the Attakapas Country. The diary is a chronological record of events and happenings concerning the Rigmaiden family and their neighbors..." Miss Maud Reid, now in her 91st year, is a well-known lecturer and writer. She is a member of an early Lake Charles family, her grandfather having once been sheriff and then first judge of Calcasieu Parish. Miss Reid graduated in nursing from Bellevue Hospital in New York. After additional Red Cross training, she worked in the mountainous regions of Tennessee during World War I. Upon returning to Louisiana, she continued in Red Cross work for a while prior to accepting a position with the Calcasieu Parish school board as visiting teacher and school nurse, which job she held for 35 years. During those years, her work enabled her to meet many people and to learn much history of the area. Many students and historians have been helped by information found in Miss Reid's scrapbook collection of more than fifty years. Fourteen scrapbooks, containing newspaper clippings, photos and Miss Reid's handwritten accounts of personal interviews with many pioneer citizens, have been given to the Lake Charles Public Library. Prior to their acquisition, the Library also was given by Miss Reid the original Thomas Rigmaiden diary, and remains the depository for this historical document. *This was written in the early 1970's. Both of these ladies are now deceased. THOMAS RIGMAIDEN DIARY 1836-1858 JANUARY 1836 * 1. Cloudy most of the day....... came over about........ day to wish compliments of the season. Eliza went with family down to Mr. Michels; myself employed most of the day cutting wood. 2. Unpleasant wet day. Did a number of little jobs at home. 3. A hard rain last night with heavy thunder. At home all day. 4. Fine warm day. Planted one bed of onions in the garden. * 5. Rain at noon; accompanied with hail, and at night a very hard wind with rain. Planted two beds of onions. George and Melissa here. 6. Rain most of last night. Cleared off cool. Planted two more beds of onions. * 7. Fine warm day. Made two onion beds. Aunt Sukey here. 8. A thick fog in the morning, clouded up in the evening. Planted my two onion beds. * 9. Threatening rain. Eliza took Aunt Sukey up to Mr. Ryans, went up myself in the evening, met Dr. Nebletts there. Did a number of little jobs about home. * 10. Cloudy and cold. Took Valentine up home, got one lb tobacco; Dr. Nebletts & Mr. Ryan started to go to the seashore. On our return, passed by Louis. * 11. Cloudy cold day. Pierre returned from Vermillion. Neblett returned home, Wind East. Planted a bed of onions for seed. * 12. A hard wind most of the evening. Louis and others started to meet Dr. Neblett's schooner from Orleans. Melissa and family here. George gone to the seashore. * 13. Cloudy with a little rain and a hard S. wind. Mr. Moss's schooner arrived from Vermillion loaded with corn. Cut and hauled a little wood. Melissa . . . in the evening. Cleared off with West wind. Hauled . . . loads of wood. Let Valentine have Jack to go home. 14. Very warm day. Employed the whole of this day cutting wood * 15. Cloudy with hard S. wind. Dr. Neblett's schooner arrived, went on board of her at Mr. Greenwoods. Accompanied Mrs. Ryan to Louis. 16. Hard rain last night, the day fine. Got some meat from Pierre. 17. A very fine cool day. Salted my meat. Did several little jobs at home. 18. warm. Cut a little wood in the evening. 19. . . . get to school in the forenoon . . . * 20. . . . the coffee down I got from Ward. . . . . 21. . . . cut some wood. . . . 22. . . . day at home . . . . 23. . . . not teach school. Cut some . . . . (practically all of bottom of this page torn or deteriorated. FEBRUARY 1836 * 1. Some frost and a very cold day. Louis came here with intelligence of Arty's being safely brought to bed yesterday of a little girl. * 2. Fine day. Cut and hauled a little wood. Eliza went down to Louis's. She brought home some apples. The schooner sailed with a full load of cotton. 3. A white frost and very cold. In the evening cut a little wood. 4. Cloudy all day with rain at night. Cut a little wood. 5. Fine cold day. In the evening after school, employed cutting wood. * 6. Cloudy with a little drizzle. George and Melissa started to the river. Have cut 5 horse cart loads of wood. Claraval (note: probably Clairville) came for Valentine. Sent Mrs. Bundick's account to her by Hampton, owing her 77 [cents]. In evening went with family to Mr. Ryan's. 7. Very fine day. From Mr. Ryan's went to Mr. Moss's. Had a fine turkey for dinner. Got one yard domestic at 2-1/2 [cents]; 1 - 1/2 yds. ticking at 3 [cents]. Returned home by Mr. Ryan's. * 8. A white frost. George brought Emily to board. Our potatoes finished; had commenced grinding with about fifteen barrels corn in my crib. 9. Rain. Grubbed a little in my potatoe patch. *10. Rain again. Pierre and Sally here. Employed as yesterday. *11. Hard rain before day. Alcendore and family here. Grubbed a little. 12. Cloudy with some rain. Grubbed in the evening. Valentine went home on Jack. 13. Rain all night accompanied with heavy thunder, and rain most of the day. Borrowed 26 lbs. of beef from Pierre. Grubbed a little. 14. Very fine day, cold and clear; confined at home all day. Could not get Jack. 15. Fine cold day. Grubbed a little in the evening. 16. Shrove Tuesday. Very fine day. In the evening with my family went to Pierres, had a very good supper. At night celebrated with dancing and play. Came home . . . . 17. Cloudy most of the day. . . [ can't read.] 18. Made a bed and planted some onions got from Alcendore. Grubbed a little in the evening. 19. Somewhat cloudy. Grubbed a little. Valentine went home on Jack. 20. Fine warm day. Hoed over my onions, for the first time. Grubbed in the forenoon. Borrowed 9 lbs of beef from Pierre. In the evening the children of the settlement assembled here and had a little dance. They went home before daybreak. * 21. Fine warm day. Could not get my horse. Made another burn in the pasture. Brown here for Betsy. Madam Michel Mike and Leno (or Lena) here. 22. This morning we had a severe blow from the S. W. Everything got wet in the house. 23. Very fine day. Got half a beef from Pierre. Mr. Moss's schooner started for Franklin. 24. Fine warm day. Salted my meat. Commenced grubbing a place for Irish potatoes. * 25. Cloudy with hard S. wind. Wrote a few lines to Mr. Moss by . . . to send me Webber's receipt for my bills on my brother; he did not bring it. 26. A very cold day, with wind and a little rain. Too cold to do any work. * 27. Cloudy cold day. Wrote to Messrs. The Barret & Co. & Mr. Joseph Webber and enclosed Webber's receipt to Barret with order to collect the money for my bills. Took the letter to Mr. Welboans to be forwarded by mail. Brought home the remainder of my coffee. * 28. Cloudy with rain at night. Went to Alcendore's thence to Pierre's. Patterson there. 29. Cloudy with a little rain. Planted what little potatoes I had. MARCH 1836 *1. This month commenced with a very hard cold N. W. wind. Planted three rows of Pinders in the garden and a little corn. 2. White frost last night. The day fine. Hoed over my onions a second time. 3. A hard frost, the hardest we have had this winter. Brown came to invite me to his log rolling. Eliza went to Louis'; Arty came home with her. 4. A little frost. Arty returned home. Went with family up to George's. 5. Pleasant day. George and myself went to Brown's log rolling. Took .... stopped at Mr. Ryan's at night. * 6. Threatening rain. Simpson Welboan's wife died. Returned home. 7. A hard rain this evening. Could not get to school. * 8. A little frost. Mr. James Perkins paid me a visit this morning. Hauled some wood. Mr. Moss down in the settlement. 9. Rain and a hard west wind. Grubbed a little. 10. Wind and rain. Could do no work. 11. Frost. Rain in the evening. Sent my cart to Valentine for . . . 12. Fine day . . . had a spinning. Austin and I grubbed. 13. . . . . Eliza and family went to . . . . 14. Cloudy with hard S. wind. Grubbed a little. Got 1 lb of tobacco from Mr. Moss. *15. Weather continues cloudy with bard S. wind. Some of Mr. Moss's workmen started yesterday for the province. Corn coming up in the garden. *16. It blew very hard today from the S. Little Francois arrived today from Franklin. Alcendore and family here. Black sow has 6 pigs over the marry. 17. Still blowing hard from the S. Got a fore quarter of meat from Pierre Vincent. 18. Some rain today. Wind still blowing hard from the S. Valentine went home. 19. Cloudy with little drizzle. Wind changed to the N. Still fixing fences. 20. Cold cloudy day with some rain. Went to Mr. Ryan's and Mr. Moss's. 21. Cleared off cold. Little Francois started for Franklin. Hauled some wood. *22. Very cold day. Eliza warped a piece of cloth with Beckey. 23. Cold and cloudy with rain at night. Cut a little wood. 24. Rain most of the night and cleared off cold. Cut a little wood in the morning. 25. A little frost. Put up a few pannels of fence. 26. Fine pleasant day. George and family here. Finished my cow penns. 27. Somewhat cloudy. Went with Mr. Ryan and Geo. to Dr. Neblett's . . . *28. Heard of the total defeat of the American Troops in the Fort at San Antonio by Santa Anna. Stopped all night at Mr. Ryan's. 29. Warm and Cloudy. Came home but did not teach school today. 30. Rain most of last night. Pierre planting his corn. Planted my harbour beans and cleaned out my onion beds. 31. Rain in the forenoon. Worked some in my garden. APRIL 1836 1. Good Friday. Spent today at home unemployed. *2. Cloudy with a little drizzle. Eliza went to the river to wash. Pierre commenced the butchery, took a share and a half. Walked down to Louis's with the intention of going up to Mr. Ryan's, but the weather looked so unfavorable, came home. 3. Fine pleasant day. Rode up to Mr. Welboan's. Rec'd. a letter from Messrs. Thomas Barrett & Co., and Mr. Moss, one from Mr. Webber. Got 8 lbs. of coffee. 4. Fine day. Went over in the morning to see Louis. He was not at home. 5. Warm pleasant day. Grubbed a little in the morning. 6. Warm day. Mr. Moss's schooner arrived from Franklin and Vermillion. *7. Still warm. Magleward and old Mr. Pope (or Pape) came here, and brought news of the Americans being defeated by the Spaniards at Colorado and Guadaloupe. Pierre Vincent and old Mr. Michell here. 8. Somewhat cloudy. Hoed a little in my garden. 9. Threatening rain. Cut bean sticks. 10. Pierre assisted me to bring down my gentle cattle. 11. Cloudy with v. hard South wind. Pierre had my 2 little fields ploughed. 12. Hoed in the ploughed ground. 13. Got 8 brls. of corn from Louis, which hauled in horse cart. 14. Very fine day. Eliza went to the river to wash and brought home a few potato slips which I bedded out in the garden. Hoed in the morning and evening. 15. Ap. of rain. Alcendore killed for the butchery this evening. 16. Cl. with a very hard rain in the ev. Planted my old potato patch in corn. * 17. Cl. with little rain. Went to Mr. Ryan's. Met Mr. Bilbo there. 18. A little Cly. Eliza put a little piece of cloth up with Becky and Sally. 19. Fine day. Eliza went to the river to wash. 20. Hoed in the turnip patch. * 21. Cly. and cold. Johnson Moss came here. Stopped all night. Hoed a little. 22. Vy. cold day. Pierre got me a cow, which I killed this evening for the butchery. 23. Fine pl. day. Planted half of my old cow penn in corn. Weeded out my garden and planted peas. Fixed my bean harbour, could not finish for want of poles. 24. Fine cool day. Eliza took my butchery hide up to Mr. Moss's & left all the children at home. Alcendore brought me a hoe from Neblett's. 25. Mrs. Ryan paid us a visit. Replanted my old potato patch in corn, the pigs having destroyed my first planting. 26. Still threatening rain. Made hoe helve, a crank for my grind stone and got poles to finish my bean harbour. Ward here in the evening. 27. Rain last night and during day. Did several odd jobs about home. 28. Planted a little pop corn and broom corn in the garden. Planted out a few potato slips. *29. Rained all last night and most of the day. Could do no work. Johnson Moss started in his father's schooner for Sabine. Louis went with him. 30. Cleared off with a W. wind. Went to Mr. Michell's for the butchery meat. Hauled wood., etc. MAY 1836 *1. Rain. Went to Mr. Moss's. Rec'd. a letter from my brother James dated 25th Oct. 1835. 2. Rain last night. Planted two rows of potato slips between rows of corn. *3. Wrote to my brother James dated 6th inst. and two letters for, Pierre. Took my letter to Mr. Moss's to be taken to New Orleans. On my return stopped by Mr. Ryan's. Jacob and Reeves there. 5. Had a little rain this evening. Did several odd jobs about home. 6. Pierre let me have $5 to send to Opelousas for my watch. Closed my letter to . . . *7. Pl. day. Made three potato today and hoed* some. Michel Mike killed in the butchery. Took my letter to Mr. Perkins's. Stopped all night. Several Texans were there. 8. Warm day. Returned home. Lost my watch key. Bet Mr. Perkins a new hat the Mexicans would be in possession of Texas in two years from date. Mr. Moss started for New Orleans. Brown here. Prepared for replanting my potato patch a third time with corn. 10. Somewhat cloudy. Planted a few rows of corn. 11. Very warm day. Finished planting. Hoed in the garden. Johnson Moss here for his saddle. *12. Had the pleasure of the company of Asa Anderson. 13. Asa solicited me hard to go and live at Alexandria. Took my supper at Pierre's. * 14. Finished howing and planting my little field. Alcendore brought my meat Pierre Petit killed in the butchery. Johnson Moss and Louis started for the Province. * 15. Threatening rain. An eclipse of the sun in the morning visible. Susan Pontal here. 16. Very warm day. Planted and watered a few potato draws. Hoed in the corn. 17. A fine rain at noon. Made and planted a few potato ridges. 18. Cloudy with some rain. Eliza warped Mrs. Brown's piece. Planted more draws. 19. Hard rain. Arty moved out to the prairie. 20. Fine day. Brown brought my cart home. Got Jack after being out two weeks. 21. Cloudy with some rain. Brought the butchery meat from Mr. Ryan's. Went with family to Mr. Ryan's in the evening. 22. Took Eliza and family to Mr. Moss's. Went to Neblett's with Mr. Moss. 23. Somewhat cloudy and warm. Made and planted a potato ridge and some hills. 24. Threatening rain. Did some odd jobs about home. 25. Very hard wind and rain. Agreed with Pierre to hoe out the corn in the field. Hilled up the corn in the garden that was blown down. 26. Fine pleasant day. Commenced hoeing in the woods field. 29. Went to Mr. Moss. Brown took Betsy home. 30. Went to work in the woods field. Came home sick. 31. Worked all day hoeing in the woods field. JUNE 1836 1. A little shower and very warm. Brown and his son came to assist me to hoe in the woods field. Worked very hard all day. 2. Dry and warm. Brown returned home after working all day with me. 3. A very hard rain this evening. Hoeing in the morning. Mr. Moss returned from N. 0. 4. Very pleasant day. Pierre brought my meat. Butchery by Geo. Mike. 5. A little rain. Went to Mr. Moss's. Rec'd. information of his having his pocket book stole from on board the steam boat at Bayou Teche, containing about $800 and all his papers, $300 of it belonging to me. 6. Fine warm day. Hoeing all day in the woods field. 7. Employed as yesterday. 8. Eliza got Alcendore's horse to go to the river to wash. Arty went with her. Went up to Mr. Ryan's. Heard of Mr. Moss's having come down to Pierre's. Came down to see him, took dinner there. Aunt Sukey here. Planted beans at home. * 9. Warm and dry. Went to the bayou with Pierre, drove down several head of cattle. Got my brindle bull altered and Edward's yearling. Brought Moley down with a heifer calf. Got 22 lbs. meat from Pierre. 10. Still very warm. Hoed and planted beans in my field at home. 11. A fine rain last night. Pierre made the first start to gather cattle. 12. Very hot day, rain at night with thunder. At home all day. 13. Wrote to my brother James and Mary Ann. Hilled up beans. 14. Moss's schooner started from Franklin. Went to Dr. Neblett's. Found I was owing a larger sum than I expected, say $88. * 15. Continues warm. Took my letters to the office, from thence to Mr. Bilbo's. Stopped there all night. Found Johnson Moss there & Madam Greenwood. * 16. Went to Martin's in company with Johnson. Got wet coming back. 17. A little drizzle. Eliza went to the river to wash. At home all day by myself. 18. A little shower this morning. Madam Mike finished the first round of the butchery. Planted peas in my potato patch. Made a potato ridge and some hills, but not rain enough to plant them. Let Jacob have hens and small chickens and 56 lbs. soap, amounting in all to $10. 19. A fine rain in the night with hard wind. Planted some potato draws. 20. & 21. Commenced planting peas in the woods field. 21. - 22 - 23. Planted peas. 24. Went to Alcendore's in the evening. Jacob here at night. * 25. Assisted Jacob to drive up some cows to Mr. Ryan's. Mr. Ryan commenced the 2nd round of the butchery in place of Sam Cashaw. Brought down all the meat. Went to Shoepeak with my family. Prater assisted me to cross the Bayou. Stopped at Pontal's. *26. Went to Mr. West's. Took dinner there. Returned back to Pontal's. 27. Threatening rain. Returned home. Took dinner at Mr. Prater's. 28. Eliza and Aunt Susan went to the river to wash. Kept the children at home. 29. Very hard rain. Made three potato ridges and planted them. 30. Some rain. Planted peas in my old potato patch. In the evening went to Brown's to get some warp for Eliza. JULY 1836 1. Hauled a load of wood for Arty. Finished planting peas. 2. George killed a cow at the butchery. Brought home all the meat. Pontal here at night. 3. A little rain. In the evening went with Eliza over to Pierre's. * 4. Showers all round. Went to the election for Senator, Member of Congress, and Legislature. Nelson arrived. Came in company with him as far as Moss's. 5. Very hard rain. Planted the last potato slips I intend planting. * 6. Hauled all the loose pews I had laying scattered about. 7. No rain. Commenced making a room to my smoke house. Moss's schooner arrived. 8. A fine rain. Mr. Ryan hauled my things home from the schooner. Nelson and Arty here. Broached my barrel of liquor. Let Pierre have 1/2 gallon. 9. A few showers. Lent Alcendore 19 lbs. salt. Mr. Ryan killed in the butchery. Pierre brought the meat. Aunt Susan here. 10. Fine day. Brown here. Eliza went to Mr. Moss's. Sent Alcendore 1 bucket salt. *11. Very warm day. Went down in the Prairie. Deliver Harman 2 3-yr. old beeves. 12. Hauled a little wood to Arty. Lent Mr. Ryan 16 1/3 lb. coffee. Pontal started to Vermillion. 13. A little rain. At home most of the day unoccupied. 14. Warm and clear. Doing several little jobs about home. 15. Commenced pulling fodder in the woods field, and brought home at night what I pulled. 16. Pulled fodder all day. Eliza went to the river to wash. Brought my fodder home at night. George and Melissa here. Sam Cashaw killed in the butchery. Pierre brought the meat. Aunt Susan went home. *17. Mr. Donnat here. Louis arrived from the Texas. 18. Mr. Moss brought Melissa down thinking I had commenced school. Louis here had a settlement with him. Went with Louis and brought home one brl. of corn in the shock. 19. Writing most of the day. Penned our cows at home for 1st. time. 20. Rain all the forenoon. Could do no work. *21. Went to Mr. Ryan's, George's and Browns. Had a settlement with the former owing him $125. Hampshire and John here at supper. 22. Pierre went over to Shoepeak to brand. Work at home. * 23. Rain. Louis killed a fat cow in the butchery. Lent Duncan one gallon whiskey by George. He got half a gallon. Gave John Hampshire $8.50 to purchase a few articles. 24. Pierre returned from branding. Sally and he came here, had a settlement. He to kill me a cow for the butchery for what he is owing me. 25. Jacob and Louis came here. Jacob got 17 lbs. coffee. Louis 6 yds. bontan @ 50 [cents] and one handkerchief 37-1/2[cents]. Took a walk down to woodsfield. 26. Cloudy a little. Doing several little jobs about home. 27. A little shower. Pulled a little fodder and got it in. * 28. A fine rain after day. Eliza went to Mr. Ryan's. Pierre 2 qts. liquor for Joe Franco. 29. Rain. Eliza went to the river to wash. The children stopped at home. * 30. Rain most of the day Pierre LaGrange killed in the butchery. Let John Hampshire have 5 quarts liquor. Did very little about home today. * 31. More rain. Duncan here. Little James and Edward went with him to the river. The schooner passed by in the afternoon on her way to Franklin. AUGUST 1836 1. Rain most of the day. Commenced school with 3 children from Pierre's, 2 from Mr. Moss's, 2 from Louis's and 2 public scholars. 2. Rain. Lent Mr. Ryan 16 lbs. coffee. Employed as yesterday. 3. Fine day. Louis and family here. Pierre got 1/2 gallon whiskey. 4. Pulled a little fodder in the morning. * 5. Pierre 1 qt. liquor by Michell; 1 by Isaac; and 1/2 gallon by Andrew. * 6. Rain most of the day. Pierre killed in Mr. Michell's place. He got 1/2 gal. liquor here in the evening. Eliza sick. Magleware brought Christeen down. Johnson Moss * 7. Fine day. Jacob and wife here. They got 8 yds. calico @ 50 [cents], 3 yds. do. @ 5-1/2 [cents], 2 yds. bontan @ 50 [cents], 1 handkerchief at 3-1/2 [cents]. Pierre got 1/2 gal. liquor, the last. 8. Commenced this week at my usual occupation. 9. Some appearance of rain. Sick. Taught school only part of the day. 10. Rain. Eliza somewhat better. She took Christeen home. 11. Some rain. Pulled a little fodder. Magleware and his wife here. 12. Fine warm day. Pulled a little fodder. 13. Pierre got me a cow to kill in the butchery. Pulled fodder. Gathered 3 rows of corn in the woods field. Ball at Pierre's at night. Went to it. 14. Fine day. Sent my hide to Mr. Moss's by Austin. At home all day. Not very well. 15. Very fine day. Eliza went in the cart to Louis's. 16. Threatening rain. At my usual employment. 17. Fine day. Pulled fodder. 18. Lent Arty the cart to go to Mr. Moss's. Pulled some fodder. *19. Arty went with Laurenda to the river to wash. 20. Fine day. Alcendore killed in the butchery. Pulled corn in the woods field. 21. Very warm day. Eliza went to Mr. Moss's. At home all day. 22. Still warm and clear. Employed at school. Pulled some fodder. * 23. Continues warm. Pulled some fodder. Louis started for Trinity with Johnson. 24. Yet very warm. Pulled 4 rows of corn in the woods field. 25. A little drizzle. Lent Mr. Ryan 7 lbs. coffee. Mr. Moss's schooner arrived. 26. Went to the schooner. Brought down a barrel of flour and sugar, a kegg of lard, and what few thing John Hampshire got for me at Franklin. Lent Mr. Ryan 10 lbs. sugar and a pitcher of lard. 27. Find day. Jacob came here and got 3 yds. domestic and 2 skeins of silk. Pierre LaGrange killed in the butchery. A mistake that he killed 30 ult. ; it was Pierre Vincent. Pulled corn in woods. 28. Mr. Ryan, George and Brown here. Lent the latter 5-1/2 lbs. coffee. 29. Threatening rain. All my family sick. At school only in evening. *30. This morning cool. Melissa taken sick. Mr. Moss came down in the evening to see her. Troisile killed a cow at Pierre's. * 31. The morning cool. Mr. Moss took Melissa home and sent Valentine. SEPTEMBER 1836 1. Thursday. Fine cool morning. Occupied with my usual employment. Well. 2. Threatening rain. Mr. Moss came for his two boys at dusk. 3. Rain all round us. Alcendore brought my meat from Mr. Michell's the last meat killed in the 2nd round and not very good meat. Pulled the last of the corn in the woods field - got about 5 barrels. Lent Arty my cart to go to Mr. Ryan's. Pierre went a fishing. 4. Very hard rain. Went to the Bayou. Could only find my spayed sow and on my return stopped at George's. Lent Mr. Ryan 9-1/2 lbs. coffee. 5. Rain most of the forenoon. Mr. Moss brought the children to school. Did not teach. 6. Fine day. Employed at my usual occupation. * 7. John Hampshire brought Cadmus to school. 8. Employed at school. 9. Arty got my cart to go to wash. Mr. Moss came for the children. 10. More rain. Mr. Michel commenced the 3rd round of the butchery. Took share and a half. Borrowed half share from Mr. Michel. *11. Rain. At home most of the day. Pierre, Gowins, and others here at night. 12. Did not feel well enough to teach school. Moss children Came. 13. No rain here today. Employed at my usual occupation. 14. More rain. Two pedlers came to Pierre's. Went over there. 15. Still continues to rain. Employed at my usual occupation. 16. Fine day. Pierre Petit killed in the butchery. Hauled some wood & at other work. 17. Fine day. Eliza washed at the marry. * 18. No rain here. Woods here. Signed his certificate for public teaching. Eliza was taken very unwell at night. 19. Hard rain. Mr. Moss brought the children down. Did not teach school; Eliza was sick. Lent Mr. Ryan 13-1/2 lbs. of coffee. 20. More rain. Mr. Ryan came down. Eliza still very sick. * 21. A little rain. Valentine took Mr. Ryan home. Lent Pontal 10 lbs. coffee. 22. No rain. Taken very sick at school. Mr. Moss came down to bleed me. Arty had some of her things taken up to Mr. Ryan's. 23. Rained all round us. Still very sick, also Eliza. John Hampshire and Mr. Johnson came here. Arty moved up to Mr. Ryan's. 24. More rain. Should have killed today, but got Mr. Ryan to do so in my place. A ball at Pierre's. Only Edward there. 25. No rain. Several of the ball people here. John went home. Lent Arty 3 small bowls of sugar before she started. 26. Fine day. Still sick. Johnson Moss here. Eliza somewhat better. Alcendore and family here at night. They went home late. * 27. Very fine day. Wrote a letter to my brother James dated 29th inst. At night Andrew brought me a letter from my sister Lucy. 28. A little shower. Wrote a letter to my sister Lucy dated 30 inst. Gathered what cotton was opened in the field. * 29. Still very weak. Cut a little wood. Emily Moss here. 30. Fine cool day. Sent my letter to the office by Pierre. Edward took . . .litte home. OCTOBER 1836 1. Fine pleasant cool day. Received a letter from Mary Ann. Eliza and family went to Mr. Ryan's to Melissa's spinning. Cut a little wood. Went up to Mr. Ryan's to be in the cart that Eliza sent down. 2. Went to Dr. Neblett's in company with Mr. Ryan. George branded the cattle I had paid him to balance my account. 6. Eliza and all children went to Alcendore's to pick peas. No school. Paid Pierre 45 [cents] for the pedler. * 7. Lent Lezime Vincent 2 lbs. sugar. Lent Mr. Ryan one small bowl sugar and Becky one. Lent Sally one little . . .full. 8. Killed a cow got from Pierre in the butchery. * 9. . . . and Mr. Moss started yesterday for Bayou Mallet. 10. Commenced this week at school. Moss children here. 11. Taught school in the evening. 12. Pierre branded my calves. Magleward returned from the lake. 13. Louis Reon returned from Texas sick. 14. Paid Pierre a shoulder of meat I was owing him. Sent hide up by Valentine. * 16. Bought a shoat from Melia for 150 f. and paid him. John Hampshire, Matilda and Mr. Roberts came up from the lake. Got a bottle of liquor from Pierre. John started with his sisters for Sabine. Sent him Jack to put to Alcendore's cart. 17. Got 14 yards domestic from John for 25[cents] a yard. He left a piece of linen muslin to sell for him. Did not measure it. 18. Too cold to teach school. Lent Mr. Ryan 10 1/2 lbs. of coffee. Brown here today. 19. Eliza went over to Alcendore's. Got a bottle of liquor from Pierre. 20. Eliza went to Christeen's spinning. Left children at home. * 21. Went over to Pierre's. Patterson & Burns there. Got $4.00 from Pierre. 22. Got my black sow up with 8 pigs. Beckey and family here. 23. John and Matilda returned from Sabine. Could find no boat there. 24. John and Matilda started for the lake. 25. Very few children at school yesterday and today. 26. Mr. Moss's children came to school. Brought some peas. * 27. Francois & Gleonise came to school. * 29. Started to go to races run by Foster and Sam Perkins, but returned home and took dinner at Pierre's. Sally had her spinning. 30. Went to Brown's. Got three barrels of corn. 31. Eliza went to the river to wash. Emily came to school. Mr. Moss's children brought meat and potatoes. Arty brought moss for the chimney. NOVEMBER 1836 * 2. Eliza put a piece of cloth up with Mrs. Magleware. 3 - 4 Went to Dr. Neblett's in company with Mr. Ryan and George. Upon my return, took supper at Mr. Moss's. 6. Eliza went to Mr. Ryan's for articles I purchased at the sale and brought down 11 bundles of fodder. 7. Went to Presidential Election. There were 44 votes taken and all for Van Buren. Stopped at Perkin's. * 8. Killed goat I got from Melia. 12. Eliza went to Beckey's spinning. * 13. In the evening all went to George's. Got there just at dark. Got some sugar, pots, etc, at Italian's and Francois'. 14. Too cold for school. * 16. Pierre at lake gathering cattle for Simmons. 17. Pierre returned. John Hampshire with him. 18. Pierre started very early with above. 19. Eliza went to Alcendore's to Madam Mike's spinning. 20. Melissa came here and stopped all night. Went to Brown's with cart for repair. 23. Very cold. Children complained much of the cold. 24. Wrote to Garland for Pierre. 27. Eliza had a spinning. Went to George's and got flour from the Italian. 28. Commenced getting ready for school house chimney. 30. Finished hauling the school house chimney. DECEMBER 1836 1. Thursday. Pierre penned up fat cattle and butchered in branding penn. 2. Salted my meat. 3. Last day of the mile races. Did not go to any of them. * 4. Eliza went to Mr. Ryan's to Aunt Susan's spinning. Sent my hide up to Mr. Moss by Nathaniel. 5. Edward and Cadmus went up with the children. Let Andrew have 7 yds. of veilling on Wednesday at 50 f. * 6. Valentine & Alfred came to school. Brought some provisions with them. Woods here. Signed his certificate. * 7. Got 300 sugar cane from Alcendore. Heard of Santa Anna passing through here on his way to Washington. 8. Eliza put up a piece of cloth for herself and Christeen. * 10. Eliza went to Madam Pierre Trahan's spinning. Cut wood. Very short winded. 11. Went to Brown's. Got black moss he left for me. 13. Killed my black barrow. Weighed 180 lbs. * 17. Treveal and Susette taken from school. 18. Went to Mr. Moss's. He went to Mr. Neblett's. Mr. & Mrs. Ryan there. 19. Children came to school. 21. Assisting at Pierre's daubing. Dr. Neblett came there, having been to visit Louis Reon. 22. Finished daubing the house and chimney. Went to Mr. Ryan's. Heard of Dr. Neblett's schooner having got ashore. Mr. Moss, Alcendore and others went down through here. * 23. Went with Eliza to funeral of Wm. Lyon's little girl. John Mallet's boy died of the same complaint. Returned alone and found James Barnett here. 24. Sent Jack by Edward for Eliza. Pierre took Louis up to Mr. Ryan's. 25. Spent a most lonesome Christmas. Home most of the day alone. 26. Went with Pierre to Mr. Ryan's to the Negroes' wedding and in the evening sent down for Eliza. 27. Eliza went to Mr. Moss's for Elizabeth. 29. Took Eliza's dirty clothes up to Mr. Ryan's to be washed. 30. Beckey & family here. Hauled wood. Mr. Moss, George & Lezime returned from the schooner. 31. Received $40.00 from Louis Reon. FOOTNOTES JANUARY 1836 1. Eliza - Eliza (Ryan) Rigmaiden: b. ca. 1806, m. October 30, 1826 to Thomas Rigmaiden, d. August 31, 1871. Dau. of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. and Mary Ann Hargrave. Mr. Michel - Michel Pithon (pronounced Meshell Peton): Elected President of the first Police Jury of Calcasieu Parish on March 24. 1840. Soldier of the First Napoleon. d. 1871 at age 100 years. 5. George & - George Elender: b. October 12, 1811, death unknown; married Melissa Ryan on January 8, 1829. She b. September 27, 1813, d. January 21, 1887. Son of Michael Elender and Christine Trahan. Michel (Lancaster County. Penn&. ) was son of George and Marie Clain. Christine b. 11-15-1783. d/o Paul Trahan and Marie Duhon. 7. Aunt Sukey - Susan Ryan: b. January 18. 1799, m. (1) Nathaniel Clifton, (2) Pontal Landry, d. August 18, 1865, (Aunt Sukey used by Rigmaiden and other settlement children), dau. of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. and Mary Ann Hargrave. 9. Mr. Ryan - John Jacob Ryan, Sr. : b. 1768 - 72, Pensacola, Fla., d. September 7, 1846 Son of Daniel Ryan and Marguerite Barclay. m. Mary Ann Hargrave (Hargrove). Dr. Nebletts - Dr. Robert Caldwell Neblett: b. October 28, 1795, Roanoke, Virginia, d. December 22, 1871 m. Grimes Co., Texas. m. Maria Ann Powe in Wayne Co., Mississippi. 10. Valentine - Joseph Valentine Moss: b. September 13. 1825, d. December 16, 1901. m. (1) Jane Coward, (2)Amelia Cormier. Son of Henry and Ann (Ryan) Moss. Louis - Louis Reon: b. ? , d. 1836, m. September 30, 1823, Artemise Ryan. b. ca. 1802, d. 1865. Louis Reon first man to build home in neutral strip west bank of Calcasieu River. Paid taxes to Spanish Governor as late as 1819. 11. Pierre - Pierre Vincent, Jr : b. 1795, d. April 29, 1852, m. Sarah (Sally) Celeste Ryan, son of Pierre Vincent and Catherine Galman. Vermillion - Present day Layfayette, Louisiana. 12. Melissa - Melissa (Ryan) Elender: b. September 27, 1813, d. October 19. 1893. m. January 8, 1829 to George Elender. & family - Daughters- Emily, Fee Sarine (Zoe), Son: Jacob. George - George Elender: b. October 11, 1811, d, ? m, Melissa Ryan, 13. Mr. Moss - Henry Moss: b. December 2, 1795, m. (1) 1815, Ann Ryan, (2) Margaret Jane Green Jones, died ? , son of Nathaniel Moss and Joanna Johnson. Jack - Horse belonging to Thomas Rigmaiden. 15. Mr. Greenwoods - Believed to have been a Commission Merchant located on lower Calcasieu River. Mrs. Ryan - Mary Ann (Hargrove) Ryan: b. ?, d. October 16, 1848, dau. of Benjamin Hargrove and Rebecca Gualtney of Virginia and wife of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. 20. Ward - Believed to be Sylvester Ward, b. 1808, d. after 1850. Wife Caroline b. 1809. FEBRUARY 1836 1. Arty - Artemise "Arty" Ryan: b. 1804, d. 1865, m. Louis Reon, September 30, 1823, dau. of John Jacob Ryan. Sr. and Mary Ann Hargrave. Arty's child - Lise Reon: b. January 31, 1836, d. September 17, 1917, later m. Jacob Elender. 2. The schooner - Dr. Neblett's schooner. 6. Claraval - Jean Clairville: b. 1786, d. after 1850, m. Pelsquie (?), possibly works for Henry Moss. Mrs. Bundick - Believed to be Mary, wife of William Bundick for whom Bundick Creek Was named. Hampton - Believed to be student of T. Rigmaiden and son of Mrs Bundick. 8. Emily - Emily Elender: b. December 15, 1829, dau. of George and Melissa (Ryan) Elender. 10. Sally - Sarah "Sally" Celeste (Ryan) Vincent: b. March 8, 1801, d. after 1860. m. October 16. 1815 to Pierre Vincent, Jr. Dau. of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. and Mary Ann Hargrave. 11. Alcendore - St. German "Alcendor" Elender: b. August 26, 1829, d. December 2, 1883, m. Rebecca Ryan, November 2, 1829, brother of George Elender and son of Michel Elender and Christine Trahan. family - Rebecca (Ryan) Elender. Sons: James, b. 1835, Simeon "Millien", b. 1833, Washington E., b. September 29, 1834, and daughter Selanie, b. December 10. 1832. 21. Brown - Believed to be James Brown. Betsy - Daughter of James Brown. Madam Michel Mike & Leno - Mrs. Michel Pithon and children. 25. Webber's - Mr. Joseph Webber. Franklin, Louisiana, merchant. 27. Messrs. The Barrett & Co. - Thomas Barrett & Company. Believed to be a financial institution in England. Mr. Welboans - William Brown Welboan (Wilboan): His mother was a Brown. No. information known about his father, m. (1) Prissilla. Gruillon, (2) Nancy White, (3) Elizabeth Isles, August, 1836. One of six founders of Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, 1827, Big Woods area in Louisiana near present day Edgerly. Postmaster in one of three post offices in all St. Landry, Parish. 28. Patterson Believed to be merchant named Malcom Patterson near Berwick Bay area. MARCH 1836 1. Pinders - Peanuts. 6. Welboan - Simpson A. Welboan (Wilboan): son of William Brown Welboan and Nancy White, m. Mary Annie Robinson, February 2, 1836. 8. Mr. James Perkins - b. 11 Jun 1801, d. 13 Dec 1867, m. 23 Feb 1826 to Catherine Henderson. James was the son of Martha Morgan and Rees Perkins. Rees was Clerk Pro Tem, Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, 1843, Big Woods, d. 1844. James was the Father of William Perkins who was the pastor of the Antioch Primative Bapt. Ch. for many years and married many couples in Calcasieu parish at the time. 12. Austin - Austin Clifton: b. 1821, d. after 1880. m. Mercelite Vincent, b. April 11, 1829, d. May 23, 1868. Son of Nathaniel Clifton and Susanne Ryan. She b. January 18, 1799, d. August 18, 1865. Austin named for his grandfather. 15. Province Coahuila -Texas, created by the Mexican Congress. May 9, 1824. 16. Little Francois - Francois Riviere: b. 1827, public student and son of Francois Riviere, b. 1800 and Catherine , b. 1810, Occupation, Laborer. Marry - English term meaning: where two bodies of water meet. 22. Beckey - Rebecca Ryan: b. March 17, 1810, d. October 19, 1893, m. Alcendore Elender, November 2. 1829, dau. of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. 28. Fort San Antonio - Battle of the "ALAMO, " which took place from February 23 to March 6, 1836. APRIL 1836 2. Butchery - Community members took turns slaughtering and dividing shares of beef. 7. Magleward-Mangleward: Known to be a carpenter and builder in the area. Old Mr. Pope (or Pape) - Possibly Paul Pamott. Colorado & Guadaloupe - This entry refers to the campaign of "Goliad" which ended on March 22, 1836, followed by the massacre of prisoners on March 27, 1836. Mr. Michell - Believed to be Michel Pithon. 17. Mr. Bilbo - Thomas Bilbo: b. June 20, 1776, d. September 20, 1846, m. Anna Marie Lawrence, July 12, 1804, son of James Bilbo of Mecklenburg County, Virginia. 21. Johnson Moss - Johnson Moss: b. ca. 1816, d. May 9, 1860, rn. (1) Martha Lyons, b. 1824, (2) Malvina Sallier, b. ?, son of Henry Moss and Ann Ryan. First Sheriff of Calcasieu, Louisiana. 29. Sabine - Sabine City or Sabine Pass. MAY 1836 1. James - James Rigmaiden. brother of T. Rigmaiden, living in England. 3. Jacob - Jacob Ryan, Jr. : b. February 14, 1816, d. December 17, 1899, m. January 2, 1834 (1) Rebecca Gaines Bilbo, (2) Emma Platz Munn. Son of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. and Mary Ann Hargraves. Lived in Big Woods. Reeves - George Reeves: b. 1810, d. 1876, m. October 6, 1834 to Mary Anne Ryan, b. March 1. 1818, dau. of John Jacob Ryan. Sr. Lived in Big Woods. 7. Michel Mike - Believed to be Michel Pithon and son Mike. Mr Perkins - Rees Perkins : Settled on east bank Calcasieu River prior to 1824. He owned a public house and operated a ferry. Also, he was the first Justice of the Peace of Calcasieu Parish and Permanent Clerk of Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, Big Woods. He was the son of James Perkins and Margaret Chandler. Rees was b. 06 Apr 1774 and d. 08 Feb 1846. He m. Martha Morgan on 08 Jan 1796. 12. Asa Anderson - Believed to be Simon A. Anderson of Alexandria. 14. Pierre Petit - "Little Pierre" Pierre Vincent. Jr. 15. Susan Pontal - Susan Ryan m. Joseph Pontelli Landry. dau. of John Jacob Ryan. Sr. Eclipse - This was an "Annular". eclipse of the sun recorded by the English Astronomer, Francis Baily. June 1836 9. Edward Thomas Edward Rigmaiden: b. October 26, 1827, son of Thomas Rigmaiden. Later married Leza Marcantel. Moley - Cow belonging to T. Rigmaiden. 15. Madam Greenwood - 16. Martin's - Martin LeBleu, Jr. : Son of Martin Canacersac LeBleu, a native of Bordeaux, France, who in 1771 established his home near English Bayou, six miles east of present site of Lake Charles. His mother was DeLaMarion. This is where Marion got its name. (Others say that Marion was named for Francis Marion of South Carolina.) 25. Sam Cashaw - Shoepeak - Ten miles west of Sulphur on Cameron road, Choupique Bayou. Choctow word meaning Bowfin or Mudfish. Prater - William Prather: b. 9-28-1804, d. 9-23-1877, m. Francis Lyons, dau. of John Lyons, Jr. Pontal's - Pontal Landry. 26. Mr. West - Richard West: who settled in area just prior to 1824 with his brother-in-law William Prather, Able Lyons, and John Bryan, thought to have settled in Big Woods area. See Yellowed Pages, Vol. II. No. 2. JULY 1836 4. Nelson - Hugh Aaron Nelson: m. Fannie Coins, October 30, 1834. Believed to have moved to Texas in late 1836. 6. Pews - Pointed sticks used as fence railing, points are inserted in holes in fence posts. 11. Harman - Believed to be John Harmon b. 1779, wife Elizabeth b. 1788. lived Jefferson County, Texas. 1850. 17. Mr. Donnat - 21. Hampshire - Jacob "John" Hampshire: b. 1795, d. after 1840, m. Nancy White, July 8, 1824. John - Son of John Hampshire, b. 1829. 23. Duncan - Duncan McCorquadle: b. 1804, S. C., Planter, wife, Ledia, b. 1814, Florida. 28. Joe Francois - Believed to be Francois Vincent (lived and died in the Bayou d'Indre area, Calcasieu Parish), m. Sylvania Trahan, son of Pierre Vincent, Sr. and Catherine Galman. 30. Pierre LaGrange - Pierre LaGrange: b. 1812, son of Henry and Catherine Morreau, m. Elina Benoit, 1831. Son named Forier LaGrange, b 1833. 31. Little James & Edward - James Rigmaiden: b. May 18, 1832, and Thomas Edward: b. October 26, 1827, sons of Thomas Rigmaiden and Eliza (Ryan) Rigmaiden. AUGUST 1836 5. Michell - Son of Michel Pithon. Isaac - Isaac Vincent: b. February 1, 1824, son of Pierre Vincent, Jr. 6. Christeen - Christeen Ryan: b. July 9, 1811, m. (1) Onezime Hebert (He d. 1831). (2) Onezime Royer, m. January 23, 1837. 7. Jacob & wife - Jacob Ryan, Jr.: b. February 14. 1816, d. December 17, 1899, m. (1) Rebecca Gaines Bilbo. January 2, 1834, (2) Emma Platz Munn. Son Of John Jacob Ryan, Sr. and Mary Ann Hargrave. 19. Laurenda - 23. Trinity - Trinity River in Texas. 30. Troisile 31. Melissa - Melissa Moss: b. September 14, 1829, (Rigmaiden student), later married Warren W. Johnson, dau. of Henry Moss and Ann Ryan. SEPTEMBER 1836 7. Cadmus - Cadmus Welboan. 11. Gowins - Pascal Goins. 18. Woods - James B. Woods: Acting Clerk. Police Jury, 1840. which met in the home of Arsene LeBleu. 21. Pontal - Pontelli "Pontal" Landry-Susanne Ryan. 27. Andrew - 29. Emily - Emily Moss: b. ca. 1821. later m. 1840 to William Cole, d. October 26, 1866. Dau. of Henry Moss and Ann Ryan. OCTOBER 1836 7. Lezime Vincent - Onezime "Lezime" Vincent: son of Pierre and Catherine Galman Vincent, b. May 22. 1807, m. Marguerite Bertrand August 7, 1826. 9. Bayou Mallet - Possibly named for John Mallet. 16. Matilda - Matilda Hampshire: sister of John Hampshire, later to have married Jacob H. Garner, Jefferson County, Texas. Daughter of Jacob Hampshire and Nancy White. 21. Patterson & Burns - Inhabitants from Atacapas Church down to Berwick Bay. Malcom Patterson - both believed to be merchants. 27. Francois- Francois Riviere: 8 years indigent, Rigmaiden paid by state to teach. Son of Francois Riviere, Sr. Cleonise - 29. Foster - Isaac Foster: settled prior to 1824 on west bank of Calcasieu River. Sam Perkins - Son of Rees and Martha Morgan Perkins, b. 18 Sep 1810 and d. 12 Jan 1869 in Galveston Co. TX. He m. Rebecca Ann Coward on 20 Apr 1837. NOVEMBER 1836 2. Mrs. Magleware - Mrs. Mangleward: wife of a carpenter. 8. Melia - Simeon "Melia" Vincent: b. March 3, 1820, d. May 27, 1888, m. June 29, 1839 to Tabitha Lyons. Son of Pierre Vincent, Jr. and Sarah "Sally" Ryan. 13. Italian - Pasquall Gramaldi. 16. Simmons - Jacob Simmons: b. 1804, d. after 1840, m. Eliza (Cole) Nettles, b. 1810, d. after 1850, son of James and Nancy Sullivan Simmons. DECEMBER 1836 4. Nathaniel- Nathaniel Clifton, Jr. : b. 1823, d. 1864. later married Sophie Reon in 1843. Son of Susanne Ryan and Nathaniel Clifton, Sr. 6. Alfred - Alfred Moss: b. September 14, 1829, d. April 11, 1913, m. Mary Annie West. Son of Henry and Ann Ryan Moss. 7. Santa Anna - It is stated in the Writings of Sam Houston that Santa Anna with an Aid and escorts traveled over land to Washington, D. C. leaving the Orozimbo Plantation, a place of confinement, on November 26th. This entourage traveled across Texas and Louisiana by stagecoach, horseback, or boat until they reached Plaquemine. A steamboat was then boarded for Natchez. Legend has it that Santa Anna spent the night in the home of Thomas Bilbo located at the present site of Downtowner Motel, Lake Charles, Louisiana. 10. Madam Pierre Trahan - Francoise Hargraves, daughter of Hargraves and Catherine Galman, m. Pierre Trahan, December 3, 1805. 17. Traveal - Susette - 23. William Lyons - William Lyons: b. 1797, d. 15 Dec 1853, m. Elizabeth Cole. son of John Lyons and Mary Anna Ahart. [aka Nancy Anne Ahart] He m. (1) Hetty Hayes, 11 Apr 1816 (2) Tabitha Harmon, 22 Sept 1829 (3) Elizabeth Cole abt 1835. John Mallet - Ascension Parish 1810, John Mallet, Sr. & Jr. James Barnett - James Barnett was the first owner of Cantonment Atkinson which was constructed in 1830 on the bank of present day Lake Charles, Louisiana. Barnett purchased the Cantonment which was used by U. S. Army troops and as a base to patrol the "neutral strip". Barnett sold the 15 room lodge structure to Thomas Bilbo in the late 1830's. ***************************************************