Terrebonne County Louisiana Archives News.....Fifty Years Ago No. 2 August 2, 1890
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The Thibodaux Sentinel August 2, 1890
(Continued from last issue.)

Antoine A. Laforest was a native of Louisiana, and settled in Thibodaux when a 
youth and engaged in merchandise which occupation he pursued until about 1841 
when he removed to New Orleans as senior of the firm of Laforest and Squires 
which soon became one of the leading sugar firms in that city. This partnership 
lasted for many years, when meeting with reverses it was dissolved. Mr. Laforest 
subsequently became senior partner in the firm of Laforest and Desmare, which 
was ended by the war. Mr. Laforest was also in connection with Dr. Scuddy, the 
owner of a fine plantation in the interior near the Malagay settlements.

Since the war Mr. Laforest continued on the same plantation until 1888 when he 
removed into Thibodaux, and where he died, shortly afterward full of years, 
esteemed and respected by all who knew him, during his long life.

Patrick H. Gary is a native of Virginia. He immigrated to Thibodaux on January 
1, 1832, coming with Mr. Alfred Millard, who was about entering into the 
mercantile business. He opened Mr. Millard’s first stock of goods, in a wooden 
one story building on the corner of Levee and Green streets, standing back some 
distance from the bayou.

Mr. Gary acted as salesman and bookkeeper in the new store until January 1835, 
then went to Texas, remaining in that State for six months, when he returned to 
New Orleans. In that city he met Mr. Millard, who invited him to his home, which 
invitation was gladly accepted as Mr. Gary was unwell. He remained with his 
friend until 1838, being in partnership with him during the years 1837 and 1838.

Then, friends tendering assistance Mr. Gary formed a partnership with George W. 
Squires, and taking a Mr. Jenkins in with them opened a store on the corner of 
St. Louis and Levee streets, in which they continued until 1840, when they 
dissolved the firm.

He was subsequently a steamboat clerk and bookkeeper in New Orleans until 1845 
when he returned to Thibodaux, and with Mr. Adrien Leblanc purchased a stock of 
goods from Mr. Mathurin Bourg on the corner of Jackson and Main streets.

This stock was removed to a brick building situated on what is now the market 
square, and fronting the ferry, the firm existing for several years.

Mr. Gary, after dissolving that partnership, in connection with a Mr. Hawley 
built a foundry on or near the spot now occupied by the shops of W.H. Ragan 
above the railroad depot. Having been burnt out Gary and Hawley purchased the 
Thibodaux foundry, Mr. Hawley subsequently selling to his partner. He sold a 
fourth interest to C.M. Gillis which he afterwards re-purchased and in 1856 or 
1857 sold a half interest to George Jackson which firm continued until the war 
stopped operations. In the meantime improvements were made, extensions built and 
additional lots and buildings purchased.

Mr. Gary had also engaged in sugar planting, being part owner of the Cross 
plantation three miles north of Thibodaux.

After the war Mr. Gary sold his interest in the foundry, and that interest which 
he held in the plantation, took the usual course of such properties at that 
period, and spreading its wings flew away. Since that time Mr. Gary passed 
several years with his lifetime friend, Mr. A.A. Laforest at his plantation some 
20 miles north east of this town. He is now living with his nephew hale and 
hearty in the parish of Assumption, near Paincourtville.

Mr. Gary served as town trustee in 1854, 1856, and 1857.

The town of Thibodaux is indebted to Mr. Gary perhaps, more than to any other 
man for the building of the bridge over the Bayou in 1857.

He was the largest stockholder, and did the necessary iron work, or much of it, 
waiting for his pay until the revenues of the Bridge could liquidate the amount. 
He was president of the company for several years.

On the beautiful banks of the Bayou Lafourche he is passing the evening of his 
long and useful life in quiet and peace, and there are none of the many friends, 
who have known him in the years gone by, that do not wish the venerable 
octogenarian many years of comfort and happiness. 

Mr. Pierre Rouanet was a physician whose family owned the property now belonging 
to the Ragan brothers on the corner of Market and Maronge Streets, and believed 
to be the first dwelling erected in Thibodaux.

He resigned his office in November, following his election, and died of yellow 
fever in 1853. Hubert Aucoin, who was elected to fill the vacancy owned the 
property on the east side of Focus street, between Main and Thibodaux streets, 
which still is in possession of some of his heirs. 

He is favorably spoken of by the old citizens of this town, and had the 
reputation of being one of the best billiard players in the Lafourche country.

He served as trustee in 1841, 1846, and 1847, and died some 40 years ago.



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