VANDEGAER, W. H., Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Submitted by Mike Miller
**********************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
**********************************************



Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and

Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), p. 676.  Edited by Alcée

Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.



Vandegaer, W. H., was born at Many, La., in Sabine parish, Dec. 2, 1865; a son

of John D. and Mariah J. (Buvens) Vandegaer, both natives of Belgium, the

mother coming to America in 1837 with her parents, who located in Sabine

parish.  The father sailed from Belgium in 1857, and settled in Rapides

parish, later moving to Many.  He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed this

occupation until the Civil war broke out, when he promptly enlisted in the

cause of the Confederacy, serving in a company of Louisiana volunteers. 

During the terrible struggle that ensued he proved himself a gallant and

courageous soldier, serving continually until the surrender, when he returned

to Many and established a mercantile business, conducting it very profitably

until 1879.  In the last-named year he was appointed postmaster of Many, and

discharged the duties of that office until his death in 1895.  He also served

as parish recorder for 1 term. His beloved wife passed away in 1900, having

been the mother of 3 children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest,

and only one now living.  After availing himself of the advantages afforded by

the common schools of his locality, W. H. Vandegaer matriculated at St.

Charles college, where he pursued his studies for 2 years, making a splendid

record.  On leaving college, he secured employment with a mercantile

establishment in Many, remaining there until he was elected parish assessor in

1892, an office he filled faithfully for 16 years.  In 1909 he became clerk of

court and having been reelected, has served most efficiently ever since.  In

1894 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Belle Buvens, who passed away in

1904, leaving 2 children,  John B. and  Sarah.  She was a daughter of John G.

and Sarah (Dendy) Buvens, of Sabine parish.  In 1905 Mr. Vandegaer married

Mrs. Lottie (Abington) Hatcher, a daughter of Dr. W. T. and Sallie (Lipscomb)

Abington.  No children have been born to this union.



#  #  #