Biography of M. Manuel Garcia Submitted by Daniel Oppliger Source: New Orleans Bee,( French) 12 March, 1884. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The Death of M. Manuel Garcia The name and the man are known; the name because it has been around for a long time transmitting from generation to generation, always with honorable heritage; the man because during his long carrier he gave an example of a good citizen and devoted leader of his family. And what a family! M Manuel Garcia had 24 children, of which 5 survive. That tells you that he had seriously fallen in love, the strongest possible down here [on earth]. And nevertheless, with all energy, that went with his [warm] personality, he resisted some blows, and courageously continued his way in order to live [dwell] the strongest support, the best fried of those that stayed by him, of whom he owed nothing. M Manuel Garcia, of Spanish origin, was born in New Orleans, on the corner of S. Pierre and Bourbon Street – family property – Nov. 13, 1795. He was 88 years and 4 months when he died yesterday morning at 10 [am]. His father had honorably served in the Spanish navy, and had commanded La Proserpine, stationed in New Orleans. When Louisiana was ceded to France, the family went to reside in Pensacola, and he whom takes care of us, installed himself in St. Jean-Baptiste Parish. At 27 years old, December 27, 1822, he was from one of the most respectful/well-known families in the States, marrying [the young] Miss. Eliza Fortier. When the 1814-15 war started, he was one of the first to respond to his threatened country’s call, he fought en the regiment commanded by colonel Labranche. Mixing later in politics, he held a large and legitimate influence, and in 1836, Jefferson Parish, where he moved [transported himself] he was named sheriff. He was sheriff for 9 year of which he gave new proof of his abilities of his unchanging honesty. In 1845 he represented the same Jefferson Parish in the Louisiana Senate and, there, like his brother, M. Felix Garcia, he was one of the most adamant Whigs. A group the most faithful of this assembly that was comprised of the most honored individuals of the country. Following the triumphant election of General Zachary Taylor, in 1848, he was named naval officer. He occupied this office until 1852. He completely retired from politics, when the Secession movement broke out, partisan of the Union, he nevertheless put aside his opinions to obey the wishes of the State of his birth, and already being older, he left Louisiana without hesitation to march in the Confederate at the moment the federal troops entered to occupy New Orleans. These traits of M Manuel Garcia’s career eloquently say that always and everywhere the public trust was given to him [Garcia], and that everywhere and always everyone also esteemed him [accorded him dignity]. For some time now he has been definitively removed from public affairs; he lived the family life leaving his children the most honorable tracks to follow. It would be between long intervals that we would see him; but … [ can’t read]… we find ourselves reminded of pure Creole, all of his patriotism, all of his tenderness, and all of his energy. The loss felt by his loved ones and by Louisiana is grave, painful, but those that loved M Manuel Garcia – meaning everyone that spoke with him - are at least condoled that the fall took him without torture or agony. The forces came after a long life of struggle, responsibility, and other frequent demands, and death came softly without seizures or suffering. It was the death of a righteous man. And believe it, when the transition from live to death occurs on as way that someone goes, they always have visions, comforts, condolences; the doors [walls] of paradise light up for them; their covered eye without regard doesn’t see the things of the world, but looks internally, and he discovered permanent sunrays and auroras unknown. They should have excellently brightened up this old man. Once again an [expensive part] of the old Louisiana has disappeared. How much more of it remains then… T his son, M Eugene Garcia, the cashier [payer], rightly popularized, at Louisiana State Bank, we make new the expression of sympathies that we testify of him right after the time when the heart is full of tears, it makes us sad again. We ask that you give these sympathies to the entire family, and all that take a last look and last thought [of MM Garcia]. Translated by Melissa Oppliger Sassi 09/10/2007