S. M. LaCroix, Rapides Parish Louisiana Submitted By: Kay Thompson - Brown ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Source: Biographical and historical memoirs of Northwest Louisiana Nashville and Chicago: The Southern Publishing Company 1890 S.M. LaCroix, merchant, Colfax, La. There is nothing so markedly shows the strength and prosperity of the trade of Colfax as the number of large concerns engaged in the mercantile business. Prominent amount them is the well known establishment of Mr. LaCroix. This gentleman was born in Rapides Parish, near Alexandria, La, on November 5, 1850, and is a son of Issac and Theodocia A (Vance) LaCroix, natives of Mississippi and Louisiana, respectively and of French descent. The grandfather, John LaCroix, was a prominent planter and one of the first settlers of Avoyelles Parish, His death occurred in Rapides Parish. Issac LaCroix was also a planter and was a member of Th police jury for several years. He also died in Rapides Parish. S.M. LaCroix, the eldest son living of eight children, six of whom survive, attained his growth and received his education in the last named parish. In 1877 he came to Colfax, followed agricultural pursuits for two years and also filled the position of constable to which he had been elected in 1878 and which he still retains. In 1880 he was appointed deputy sheriff and jailer and this position he has filled in a creditable manner for five years. He was town marshal for four years and then resigned. In January 1889 he engaged in the retail grocery business and is still carrying this on. Mr. LaCroix is a self made man having started here with no capital but is now living here in ease, having accumulated a competency. He was married in 1873 to Miss Susan Dean by whom he has four children living: Lela, Willie, Charles and Ella. Mr. LaCroix own considerable town property and this is quite valuable.