Biography of 	Donnis, Pierre Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller September 2000

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One of the best established and most extensive dairymen of New Orleans, La., is Pierre Donnis.
He was born in France in 1840, came to the United States and landed at New Orleans, January 29,
1860.  He had received his education in his native country, and upon coming to this city
entered the employ of a dairyman.  Here he entered into business for himself in 1863 with only
two cows, and has been very prosperous, now owning eighty cows, and his own place on Canal
street, Cortez, Gasquet and Scott.  He has spent a great deal of money in the improvement of
his place and it is ranked among the finest in the city.  He located on the home he now
occupies in 1885.  In 1868 he married Miss Louise Strather of New Orleans, and they have two
sons and two daughters.  The entire family are members of the Catholic church.  Mr. Donnis is a
member of the Polar Star lodge No. 1, Excelsior lodge No. 2526, and is treasurer of the first
named.  He is also a member of Syracuse lodge No. 50, K. of P.  Mr. Donnis deserves great
credit for his success in life, but it is easily accounted for, as honorable dealings with all,
energy and close application to business are sure to always bring their reward.  His parents
never came to America, but died in France.  In 1880 he returned to his old home on a visit to
relatives. He is related to some of the best families in France.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), p. 381.  Published by the
Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.