P.J. Sleet, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker

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Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890

P. J. SLEET is one of the prosperous general merchants of Rapides Parish,
La., and in the management of his affairs has shown excellent judgment and
superior ability.  He was born in Virginia on February 28, 1850, being a
son of George A. and Lucy C. (Samuel) Sleet, both Virginians, being reared,
educated and married in their native state.  In 1861 they moved to DeSoto
Parish, La., and throughout the greater portion of his life followed the
occupation of an architect and mechanic, there being many handsome and
substantial structures in this parish that bear testimony to his genius and
taste.  During the war he was quartermaster at Pleasant Hill, being too old
for regular service, and in 1867 died at Shreveport, having lived a more
than ordinarily useful life.  He was born in 1818.  His widow still
survives him, her birth having occurred in 1822.  P. J. Sleet attended the
schools of DeSoto Parish, but after the death of his father, as he was the
eldest son, the duty of supporting the family devolved on him, and for this
purpose he quit school.  In 1882 he removed to Rapides Parish and opened a
mercantile establishment, where he is doing a very large and paying
business, the patronage of the surrounding country being at his command.
He has ever proved himself the soul of honor, and this, together with his
agreeable and accommodating manners, is the secret of his success, for he
is undoubtedly one of the most popular business men in this section of the
country.  His marriage, which took place in 1872, was to Miss Lucretia E.,
daughter of John and Eliza (James) Reynolds, but three years after her
marriage she passed form life, leaving Mr. Sleet with one daughter to care
for.  In 1876 his second marriage took place, his wife being Azile,
daughter of C. C. and Lorenia (Goff) Wainright, native Alabamians, who are
now residents of this parish.  To his second union four children have been
born-two sons and two daughters.  Mr. Sleet is a member of the A. F. & A.
M., Fellowship Lodge No. 117, also the K. of H., and R. A. C. No. 44,
Alexandria, La.  He was the fifth of thirteen children born to his
parents-five daughters and eight sons-only six of which family are now living.