Biography of 	de la Vergne, Hugues Jules (Col.) and son, Hugues Jules; Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller April 1998

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de la Vergne, Col. Hugues Jules--It is not often that the chronicler of
family history and genealogy in America is given the advantage of a long
and carefully kept lineage coupled with personal distinction and honorable
achievement.  Of all the descendants from the sons of France who settled in
the fair commonwealth of Louisiana, none can look back on an ancestry more
creditable than that of Col. Hugues Jules de la Vergue, the well-known
lawyer of New Orleans.  The de la Vergne family is one of ancient chivalry,
and their chateau is situated at St. Priestliguore, Haute Vienne, Limousin,
France.  The family arms and motto are as follows: Arms-- 'D 'or a la rose
de gueules; surmounted by a count's helmet and a coronet." Motto--Honneur
et Vaillance." The first of this family to come to New Orleans was Count
Pierre de la Vergne, Chevalier de St. Louis, who was born at Brive, France,
a son of Seigneur Jean de la Vergne.  In 1767 as an officer in the Royal
Military company, Count Pierre de la Vergne came to New Orleans, and here
his death occurred in 1813.  He had married Marie Isabel, daughter of
Guillaume and Rose (du Busson) de Vergier.  Their son was Col. Hugues de la
Vergne, born 1792, died 1843, who was major on the staff of Gen. Jackson at
the battle of New Orleans, became secretary of state in 1820 and was
colonel on the staff of Thomas B. Robertson, third governor of Louisiana.
He was a prominent banker.  He married Marie Adele, daughter of Maj.-Gen.
Jacques Philippe de Villere, second governor of Louisiana, and by her was
father of Col. Jules de la Vergne.   Gov. Villere was born in St. James
parish, April 28, 1761, his father, Joseph Roy Villere, having served as
naval secretary in Louisiana under Louis XV, and married Marguerite Louise
de la Chaise, whose grandfather, Jacques de la Chaise, was treasurer of the
Colonies during the French domination, and also a granddaughter of
Chevalier Charles Frederic d'Arensbourg.  A more extended notice of Gov.
Villere and his administration will be found in volume II of this work.
Col. Jules de la Vergne, born in 1818, died in 1887, was an active
paticipant in the public affairs of Louisiana.  He was a member of the
lower house of the legislature in 1844, and of the senate in 1856.  He
served as an aide-de-camp on the staff of Gov. Alexander Mouton and as
Lieut.-Col. and aide-de-camp on the staff of Gov. Thomas O.  Moore during
the Confederate war. His wife was Emma Josephine, daughter of Judge Joaquin
and Emma (Troxler) Bermudez.  

Col. Hugues Jules de la Vergue is the son of Col. Jules and Emma Josephine
Bermudez de la Vergue, and was born in New Orleans, July 1, 1867.  His
education was acquired in the schools of his native city and he graduated
from the Jesuit college in 1885 with the degree of A. B.  His alma mater
conferred the degrees of A. M. in 1887 and Ph. B. in 1893.  Having taken up
the study of law, he graduated from Tulane with the degree of LL. B. in
1888.  He began the practice of his profession in New Orleans where he has
built up a lucrative business with an ever widening circle of clients.  He
was appointed major and aide-de-camp on the staff of Gov. Blanchard, July,
1904, and promoted Lieut.-Col., March 12, 1905.  The family life of Col. de
la Vergne is most happy.  May 2, 1895, he married Marie Louise, daughter of
Charles Edouard and Leda (Hincks) Schmidt, of New Orleans, the former of
whom was a well-known lawyer of this city.  Their children are Marguerite,
born Sept. 23, 1896; Juillac Hugues, Nov. 24, 1897; Charles Edouard, Aug.
18, 1904; Marie Louise Helene L da, Aug. 7, 1908; St. Priestliguore Joaquin
Jules K., Aug. 17, 1911; Jacques P. Villere, Feb. 27, 1913.  The summer
home of the family is Villa de la Vergne on Bogue Falia, near Covington,
La.  Hitherto the town house has been at 823 Esplanade avenue, but recently
Col. de la Vergne has purchased one of the finest homes in New Orleans,
situated in St. Charles avenue, and here in the future their well-known
hospitality will be dispensed in the cordial and gracious manner of the
mistress.  In social life of the city Col. de la Vergne is active and he
holds membership in the Boston, Stratford and Young Men's Gymnastic clubs.
Though not a seeker after public office he is always interested in those
movements that have for their object the moral uplift and civic welfare of
the community.  Being yet in the prime of life, much may be expected from
him because his inclination, his high standing, and his talent, all impel
him to work in a practical way towards high ideals.

Source:  Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events,
Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp.
124-125.  Edited by Alcee Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century
Historical Association.

Note:  Source includes paintings of both individuals.