BLOCH, Joseph, FR., then St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller


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JOSEPH BLOCH, OPELOUSAS.--Joseph Bloch, one of the largest merchants in
Opelousas, is a native of France, born in 1833.  He came to America at the age
of twenty-one years.  He was first located in Ascension parish, Louisiana,
where be was engaged in the mercantile business until 1860, at which time he
removed to Opelousas, where he has since been located.  Mr. Bloch lost heavily
from the effects of the war, but with persistent energy he kept up his
business until he attained a solid standing.  Prior to 1879 he had been
associated in business with other parties, but since that time has conducted
an independent business.

Mr. Bloch has served for a period as President of the Parish School Board, and
in this capacity was untiring in his efforts to improve the public school
system.  Mr. Bloch is a prominent Mason, and has served as Master of his
Lodge, and is at present its treasurer.  He is also a member of the I. O. O
F., American Legion of Honor, Benai Brith, and A. O. U. W., in which he has
served several times as presiding officer.  He is at present, and has been for
years, President of the Hebrew congregation at this place.  Mr. Bloch married
in New Orleans, December 27, 1865, Miss Bertha Kaufman, a native of Germany,
who came here with her parents while yet an infant.  They became the parents
of six children: Albert J., now resident student of the Charity Hospital at
New Orleans;  Eugene S., in charge of Mr. Bloch's business;  Julia,  Edgar H.,
student in Tulane University, New Orleans ;  Lucile, and  Percy Argail.

Mr. Bloch does quite an extensive business--one of the largest in this
section, amounting to upward of $50,000 annually.  His place of business is a
model of modern convenience. * * *

Southwest Louisiana Biographical and Historical, Biographical Section, pp.
7-8.  Edited by William Henry Perrin.  Published in 1891, by The Gulf
Publishing Company.