Tensas Parish History
Submitted to the USGENWEB Archives Project by 
Edith Ziegler JAN 2002

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From the Pen of Josiah Scott
Extracted from the Tensas Gazette of December 11, 1936

FIRE DESTROYS OLD PLANTATION HOME
     The large and Much admired ante-bellum Belle Vue plantation  home 
near Lake Bruen, several miles from St. Joseph, was destroyed by fire of 
unknown origin that broke out shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday.  The loss 
of the house and contents was not given, although it is said that the 
sum is large, comprising many priceless heirlooms. There was partial 
insurance coverage.
     At the time of the fire, W. Walker plantation manager, and his 
family were in St. Joseph attending a picture show and there was no 
one at home at the time.
     The house was erected by Eli Tullis in 1850 and was two stories 
high and of frame construction.  The plantation has been sold a number 
of times and is not the property of Mrs. Spencer Harris of Kansas City, 
Missouri.
     Belle Vue was the ancestral home of the Tullis family of Tensas 
parish, a family always noted for intelligence and leadership.  The 
property was entered from U.S. Government by Garner Tullis, one of the 
early pioneers of this section , and who was father of the late Eli 
Tullis one of the strong men of the early life of Tensas parish.  To 
this home, about the year 1850, Mr. Tullis brought his bride, nee Miss 
Carrie Haderman, and it was here that the distinguished jurist, the 
late Judge Hugh Tullis, was born.  Following him were:Nellie Tullis, 
Mrs. Frank Watson, now of San Diego, California; Docia commonly known 
as "Dot."  Mrs. Joseph Curry, of St. Joseph , and last, after the 
close of the Civil war, Robert Lee Tullis, now of Baton Rouge, and a 
lawyer of recognized ability.  Belle Vue throughout the life of Mr. 
Eli Tullis, was the scene of many happy gatherings and the mecca of 
the socially elite of this parish, and was always noted for its 
hospitality.  Its burning removes another old and distinguished land 
mark of Tensas parish and its loss is to be regretted.