Submitted by Randy DeCuir
CALLEGARI, Serge
- Cottonport
S. Callegari is a highly prosperous merchant of Cottonport, La., and here has resided from his birth, which occurred October 7, 1840, his parents being J. and Ellen (Scallan) Callegari, the former of whom was born near Rome, Italy. He attained manhood in his native country, and was educated in Venice, receiving a most thorough classical education, his expenses being defrayed by an uncle who was fitting him for a priest. His inclinations were not at all that way, and he was never ordained. When about thirty years of age he came to America and settled in Avoyelles Parish, La. where he was for many years engaged in teaching school in Mansura and Cottonport, being a planter in connection with his teaching. He was for a time superintendent of the public schools of the parish. He was a man of remarkable intellectual powers, and at the time of his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-five years, in 1887, he showed but little the ravages of time so far as his intellectual powers were concerned. His marriage, which occurred in Avoyelles Parish in 1834, was always a remarkably happy one, the parents having the utmost confidence in, and affection for, each other. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared in this parish, and was given the advantages of the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Louisiana Regiment of Infantry, was in the Trans-Mississippi Department, and took part in a number of hotly contested engagements, being at one time captured and kept a prisoner for a short time. After the war he was engaged as a planter for some three years, or until 1869, but since that time his attention has been devoted to merchandising at Cottonport, where, by his business tact and ability, he has built up a large paying trade. He was married in 1875, to Miss Irine Richi, a daughter of Elphege Richi, a native of this State and a planter. To them three sons and four daughters have been born.9
CANNON Clifton
-Marksville
Clifton Cannon, the popular sheriff of Avoyelles Parish, La., has resided here from his birth, May 24, 1856, and the confidence which the people have in him is, therefore, intelligently placed, for they have known him from boyhood, and have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications. His education was received in Jefferson College, of St. James Parish, La., which institution he attended for four years. He is the second son of Fenelon and Mary E. Cannon.10 His mother was the only daughter of Maj. John Botts,11 of Roanoke, Va. Maj. Botts was born on April 12, 1784. The date of his birth shows that it was nearly contemporary with that of the American Republic. The child of 1784 has seen a people who had been scarcely free two years when he was born, grow and occupy one of the largest places in the history of the world. In comparing the splendor of the dawn of the American Republic with its present vast resources and proportions, he is a happy citizen who can write upon his tomb, “I have been the contemporary of Washington.” In 1812 Maj. John Botts saw the struggle between the United States and England renewed. He joined the standard of his country under Gens. Hull and Harrison, and soon rose to the position of major, and gained distinction in the struggle. In 1824 he moved to Avoyelles Parish, La., and there devoted himself to the culture of cotton. He married October 21, 1832, Miss Mary Custard, of Mississippi. Thirty-four years after his arrival in Avoyelles, he died on July 22, leaving a large fortune. He left a wife and daughter, who leans upon the valiant arm of her husband, Fenelon Cannon. Fenelon Cannon was born in Cadiz, Trigg County, Ky., on Friday, November 18, 1825. After receiving his education at the age of eighteen years, he left his native State and located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, La. He there devoted himself to the study of the law, and soon became a member of the bar. On Friday, December 24, 1852, he was married to Mary Elizabeth Botts, and from that time he resided in Avoyelles. At the Marksville bar he was considered one of its best lawyers. He soon gained distinction in the State as a lawyer. He also became distinguished as a politician. To them were born four sons: Lester, Clifton, Courtney and Fenelon. On January 26, 1861, Fenelon Cannon affixed his signature to the ordinance of secession, he having been chosen to represent his parish in the convention. At the opening of the war he soon raised a company of cavalry, and joined the first cavalry of Louisiana, he being captain of Company A, First Louisiana Cavalry, being under Col. Scott.12 He fought on the fields of Kentucky and Virginia. Being in very bad health, he went to Hot Springs, Ark., and there died on Friday, April 10, 1863. His wife after seeing two of her sons grown and one married, after a long and protracted illness, died on August 17, 1878, at the age of forty-two years ten months and seven days. Clifton Cannon was married on December 23, 1875, to Miss Annie L. Joffrion, oldest child of Senator E. J. Joffrion, of Avoyelles. Her parents are from Kentucky and Louisiana. Senator Joffrion was born and raised in Avoyelles. At an early age he became a member of the Avoyelles bar, and is today the ablest criminal lawyer of the parish. He was a member of the Constitution Convention of 1879, and was one of the few members who voted against the re-chartering of the famous Louisiana Lottery. He afterward served in the Legislature and served with distinction in the State Senate. Clifton Cannon is the father of five daughters: Annie May, Eula Irine, Effie C., Edna Ruby and Ivy. He served as first deputy sheriff from July 1, 1875, to May 24, 1888, on which day he was sworn in as sheriff, which position he has filled with success. Mr. Cannon is the owner of about 1,500 acres of land, and is considered a man of means. He is a member of the Catholic Church. His friends in the parish are innumerable, in consequence whereof he has on several occasions been chosen as a delegate to the State conventions, and is well known throughout his State.
CANTONNET, Dr. Jean Valentin
- Cottonport
J. V. Cantonnet,13 M. D., of Cottonport, La., was born in the department of the Lower Pyrenees, France, February 14, 1838, and in his youth and early manhood received a thorough literary course in some of the best schools of his native land. After passing the requisite literary examination he was admitted to the medical schools of Paris, where he pursued his studies for five consecutive years and was on the point of taking his final degree when the Franco-Prussian War broke out., and his ability being well known he was appointed resident physician of the Great Hotel Ambulance, under the famous High Physician Nelaton. He served in this capacity with distinction, as evinced by his papers, which are signed by High Physician Nelaton, and also by the American consul general, John Meredith Reid. This government appointment of Dr. J. V. Cantonnet opened to him a field of experience, in which he spared no zeal to perfect by practiced all the theories of which he was master, and it also placed him in direct association with men of scholarly attainments, among whom he wielded a widespread influence. In 1872 he came to America, and practice with success during the yellow fever scourge of New Orleans, being the leading physician of four benevolent institutions. He located permanently in Cottonport, Avoyelles Parish, and here soon built up a remunerative practice, his patronage now exceeding 300 families. His first wife was estimable of women of Spanish extraction, Miss Felipa Dominguez, by whom he became the father of three children, whom he has taken care to give every possible advantage of high association and good education. Their names are Adele (wife of S. Ducote)14, Clotilde (wife of J. D. Gremillion), and Henry. The Doctor comes of a fine old family of France, his father being an eminent physician widely known in that country, and his grandfather, too, was a physician of distinction. Dr. Donat Cantonnet, the only brother of our subject, is one of the most distinguished professional men of all the splendid city of Pau, capital of Lower Pyrenees, France. He has been recently decorated by the queen of Spain. He is in fact, a real philanthropist, a friend of the poor, and as brave as honest, and he, himself, is a thoroughly familiar with the Spanish language as he is with his native tongue, and speaks English fluently. He contributes valuable articles in both Spanish and French to magazines and periodicals, and is well known, not only among men of his profession in America and France, but has warm friends, who have become eminent in letters and politics in both countries. Paul d’Abzac, the French General Consul to the United States, is his sepecial friend, and has visited him at his home in Cottonport. Dr. Cantonnet, upon the death of his first wife, married Miss Zoe Crouseilles, an amiable and intelligent lady of French birth. The family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
CAPPEL, J. Clifton
- Marksville
J. C. Cappel, attorney, Marksville. J. C. Cappel is a successful attorney at law of Avoyelles Parish, and although quite young in years he has already won an honorable place among the legal fraternity of the county. He was born in Avoyelles to the union of Joseph and Jane (Carrey) Cappel, both natives of Louisiana. The father is a man of no ordinary intelligence, and is esteemed and respected by all. At the present time he is engaged in merchandising at Evergreen. The Cappel family are in very easy financial circumstances, and young men of less energy and ambition than our subject would have been content with enjoying themselves in indolence and social pleasures. At an early age Mr. Cappel exhibited a tendency to make something of himself, and was allowed to select a school in which to receive his literary training. He entered Warren Academy near Boston, Mass., and after completing his course there, returned to Louisiana, where, in 1880, he began the study of law with John N. Ogden, a prominent lawyer of Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, La. He was admitted to the bar, to practice in all the courts, July, 1885, and immediately began practicing in Lake Charles, La., remaining there one year. He then removed to Marksville, where he has since practiced his profession, having built up a lucrative practice and where he has ingratiated himself in the esteem of all those with whom he has come in contact. Though young in years Mr. Cappel takes a very active part in politics, and exerts an appreciated influence in public affairs. In June, 1888, he was married to Miss Bena E. Brooks, an accomplished lady of one of the best families of Baton Rouge, La. Mr. Cappel’s ability as a lawyer has given him an enviable reputation, and he starts out with bright prospects for the future. Socially he possesses those genial characteristics which make him a desired guest and an appreciated host. Associated with him in business is his brother, Currey Cappel, a young man well and favorably known in his profession. He is a graduate of the Baltimore Dental College, and has for several years practiced his profession in this and adjoining parishes. The brothers own and operate a fine plantation near Evergreen, and own land in other parts of the parish.15
CHAMBERLAIN, Max
- Evergreen
Max Chamberlain, planter, Evergreen, La. Mr. Chamberlain owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth having occurred near Shelbyville on March 1, 1833. He was early initiated into the duties of the farm, received his education in his native State, and in 1849 he removed with his parents to Hot Springs County, Ark., were he remained for five years. He then came south to Louisiana, settled near Evergreen with an uncle, John Ewell, and at the breaking out of the war he joined the Confederate Army at Evergreen, in Capt. Oliver’s company, and was in service for four years. He was in the Army of Tennessee, Bragg’s division, and at the end of about fifteen months was transferred to Louisiana, where he remained until the close of the war. He then came to Evergreen, located here, and has been manager of a sugar plantation for many years. He is thoroughly posted in the sugar interest. He is now, and has been for some time past, manager of a large cotton plantation, and is the owner of 400 acres of land. His wife, who was formerly Miss Martha Hall, a native of Tennessee, born in 1838, bore him five children: Emma, William, John, Percy and Max, Jr. Mrs. Chamberlain and three of her children are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Chamberlain is a son of William and Martha (Ewell) Chamberlain, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father died in Hot Springs, Ark., at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother also received her final summons in that State. Of the eight children born to their union, Max Chamberlain and one sister are the only ones living. The mother’s people came from the Old Dominion, and the father’s people from North Carolina. The maternal grandparents of our subject, L. Wilson Hall and Lucy (Ewell) Hall, were born in North Carolina in Tennessee, respectively. They died in that State the former in 1886 and the latter in 1878. They were the parents of six children. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Chamberlain was born in North Carolina, and the great-grandfather was born in England.
COCO, Judge Adolph Valery
-Marksville
Judge A. V. Coco, Marksville, La. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. Judge Coco was born in Marksville, on March 21, 1857, and is a son of Hon. A. D. and Heloise (Ledoux) Coco, the father a native of Avoyelles, and the mother of Pointe Coupee Parish, La. The father was a planter of this parish and served in many official positions of trust and honor. He served as sheriff, was district clerk for some time, and served in both Houses of the Legislature. He is now living a retired life. Judge A. V. Coco received a thorough education at St. Vincent’s College, Cape Girardeau, Mo., and graduated in the class of 1877. He later received a diploma from the law department of Tulane University, New Orleans, and after finishing his law course he began practicing his profession in Marksville, where he continued until 1888. He then was elected judge of the district court, from the district composed of Avoyelles, Rapides and Grant Parishes. He is a man of sound judgment, sterling integrity and broad intelligence. Although he is yet a young man, being only in his thirty-fourth year, judging from the record he has already made, and the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him, he is destined to figure prominently in State and National affairs. He is one of those whole-souled, affable men, whom to know is but to revere. Honesty of purpose and rectitude of conduct in the discharge of his official duties have placed him upon a high plane in the estimation of his constituents. His marriage occurred in Memphis, Tenn., in 1877, to Miss Kate Malone, daughter of John and Catherine (Bourke) Malone, natives of Ireland. Mr. Malone was in business in Memphis, and farming in Arkansas. Judge and Mrs. Coco are members of the Catholic Church.16
COCO, Edward Dominique
E. D. Coco is one of the prosperous general merchants and planters of Avoyelles Parish, La., and by his business ability and superior management he has become one of the leading business men of the parish. He was born in this parish in 1856 to Adolph D. and Eloise (Sheldon) Coco, and here attained man’s estate, his literary education being received here and at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Upon leaving school he began merchandising in Hamburg, but in November, 1882, he had the misfortune to have his well-stocked store burned to the ground, since which time he has been the agent for Coco & Coco, who are the proprietors of two large stores, which have an immense trade. In connection with this they operate a 300-acre plantation, the proceeds of which bring them in a handsome sum annually. Mr. Coco is a thorough shrewd and capable business man, and his success in life is assured, for he at all times make the most of his opportunities, and allows no department of his work to be neglected. He is courteous and agreeable in his intercourse with his fellow-men, and has hosts of warm personal friends who wish him well in every undertaking. He was married in 1877 to Miss Caroline M. Coco, a daughter of Anatole Coco, a planter, who died in 1886. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Coco five children have been born, three daughters and one son of whom are living: Gracie died in September, 1890, at the age of two and a half years, a sweet and promising child.17
COCO, Ferdinand Baldwin
-Moreauville
Hon. F. B. Coco, of Moreauville, is one of leading planters in this section. The Coco family is one of the oldest in this part of Louisiana, and one of the most eminently respected. Dominique Coco, subject’s grandfather, having made his advent into this country with Gen. Lafayette during the Revolutionary War. The name, Coco, is not the real family name, but a nickname given Dominique Baldonide (Coco), who was a native of Italy. Shortly after the Revolutionary War he came to Louisiana and was engaged for some time in trafficking with the Indian tribes on Red River. He married in Pointe Coupee Parish, but subsequently removed to what is now Avoyelles Parish, where he was among the first settlers. The issue of this marriage was two sons, Dominique (subject’s father) and Joseph, who died without issue. Dominique Coco, Jr., married Miss Zoe Juneau, and to them were born seven children – three sons and four daughters – of whom our subject is the youngest. He subsequently married his second and third wives. To the second marriage were born six sons and one daughter, and to the third union there was born one son. Mr. Coco was probably the wealthiest man in the parish at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, not being worth less than a half million of dollars at the time the Civil War commenced. 18 F. B. Coco prepared for college in the schools of Avoyelles Parish, and took a two years’ course in St. Charles College, St. Landry Parish, La. In 1841 he entered the office of the parish judge as his clerk, acting at the same time as notary public. In 1846 he was elected recorder, the office having just been created, and he was the first one to fill that position in Avoyelles Parish, serving three years. Afterward he devoted his time to planting. In 1862 he was appointed assessor of Avoyelles Parish for the Confederate States, in which capacity he served during the whole war. He was elected a member of the Lower House of the Legislature in 1879 and served one term. In 1888 he was appointed a member of the police jury from Ward 6. In 1852 he was married to Miss Sarah L. Baillio, daughter of Judge Baillio, who served as parish judge in Avoyelles Parish from 1840 to 1849. Judge Baillio was a prominent man and died in Alexandria in 1889 at the age of seventy-eight years. To Mr. and Mrs. Coco were born three children: Zoe (deceased), Rebecca (now Mrs. L. S. Coco) and E. D. Baldwin (of Cottonport). The family are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Coco is one of the old landmarks of Avoyelles Parish, and is a highly honored citizen, and although advanced in years time has dealt kindly with him, for he is still active and vigorous.19
COCO, Ernest Baldwin
- Longbridge
E. B. Coco is a resident of Ward 8, of Avoyelles Parish, La., and is successfully engaged in conducting a general mercantile establishment, five miles northeast of Cottonport. He was born in this parish in 1856, to F. B. Coco (see biography) and Sarah L. Baillio. E. B. Coco was reared in this parish and finished his education at the Jesuit College, of Spring Hill, Ala. After leaving school he was, for a short time, engaged on his father’s plantation, and subsequently clerked in an uncle’s store, at Moreauville, for some three years. In 1878 he engaged in the mercantile business at his present stand, his patronage having become large and lucrative. His stock of goods amounts to from $6,000 to $9,000, and his annual sales reach from $20,000 to $25,000. In addition to this valuable establishment, he has a fine plantation of 400 acres, which he operates himself. He was married in 1875, to Miss Angela Rabalais, a daughter of J. V. Rabalais, a native and planter of Avoyelles Parish, La. By his excellent business ability and foresight he has built up a trade, which is one of the largest and most prosperous in the parish. Public spirited, liberal minded and generous in disposition, he has won success and honor, and his future is full of promise. To himself and wife five children have been born – three sons and two daughters. He has established a post-office, and named it after his little boy, Pearce.20
COCO, Louis Lestan
- Cottonport
L. L. Coco, planter, Cottonport, La. L. L. Coco, a prominent and prosperous planter of Avoyelles Parish, and a native of that parish, born November 10, 1856, is a son of Lucian D. and Julienne (Goudeau) Coco, both natives also of Avoyelles Parish. The father was reared in Louisiana, and educated in Bardstown, Ky. He was an extensive planter, being the owner of from 6,000 to 7,000 acres of land, and was a very prominent citizen. He died September 19, 1979, but the mother is still living. Grandfather Dominique Coco was one of the pioneer settlers of Avoyelles Parish. L. L. Coco, the second of six children, in connection with two brothers, Albert D. and Jules A. Coco, operates a plantation, a saw-mill, cotton-gin and store, and raises annually from 450 to 500 bales of cotton. He was reared in his native parish, received his education in St. Charles College, in Grand Coteau, La., and since finishing his schooling, he has devoted his entire attention to his plantation. Miss Angelica Barbin, who became his wife November, 1889, is a native of this parish, and the daughter of Ludger Barbin, whose family is one of the oldest in this parish. Mr. Coco and family are members of the Catholic Church. Our subject’s great-grandfather, Pierre Goudeau,21 was born in Gneiss. France, and was sent to this country as a physician during the Mexican War, serving during the entire time. He was subsequently married, in Pointe Coupee Parish, where L. L. Coco’s grandfather, Julian Goudeau, was born, and later married Miss DeCuire,22 with whom he moved to Avoyelles Parish, being among the very first settlers.
COCO, Philogene
-Moreauville
Philogene Coco is a well-known planter residing near Moreauville, La., and here first saw the light of day on March 11, 1841, his parents being Dominique Coco and Caroline (Bordelon). He was reared in Avoyelles Parish, La., and in his youth was an attendant of Lafargue High School23 of Marksville, after which he took a two year’s course in St. Joseph’s College of Bardstown, Ky., where he received thorough training, and acquired an excellent knowledge of the world of books. At the age of eighteen years, he began merchandising in Moreauville, and in this business continued until 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, First Louisiana Cavalry, and was a faithful servant of the Confederate cause throughout the entire war, being in the Army of Tennessee, and participating in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Shiloh, Corinth, Crab Orchard, Ringgold, Richmond, Ky., and the majority of the other battles in which his army was engaged. His company was disbanded near Woodville, Miss., after which, he returned to Louisiana, and with a capital stock of $500 he, in partnership with a brother, resumed merchandising. In 1866 he was married to Miss Eugenie C. Bordelon, a daughter of Leandre Bordelon, a native of Louisiana, and an extensive planter. In 1872 Mr. Coco closed out his business and purchased the plantation on which he is now residing, his time being since given to its successful operation. He has three fine plantations aggregating about 1,500 acres, on the cultivated portion of which, he raises some 300 bales of cotton per year. All the property of which he is now the owner has been obtained by his own efforts, and he prides himself upon the fact that what he has is entirely free from encumbrance. He is the special agent for the Southern Cotton Oil Company in Avoyelles Parish, and being public spirited is deeply interested in all enterprises for the good of the parish. He is a man of fine physique, as are, in fact, the most of the members of the Coco family, and he also possesses the sterling principles for which the family are well known. He and his wife are the parents of nine children – six sons and three daughters.24
COUVLLION, Adrien
- Bayou des Glaises
Adrien Couvillion, planter, and one of the old and highly-esteemed citizens of the parish, was born on March 4, 1813, and is the son of Adrien and Celeste (Mayeux) Couvillion. The father was born in Pointe Coupee Parish, La., and when a young man he moved to Avoyelles Parish at a time when there were but very few settlers. He married shortly after coming here, and settled on a tract of land near where Marksville now stands.25 He died in February, 1835. Grandfather Amable Couvillion was born in Canada, and was among those who were banished. He removed to Louisiana and settled in Pointe Coupee Parish, were he received his final summons. Adrien Couvillion was reared and received a limited education in Avoyelles Parish. He has been a great reader all his life, and has acquired a good practical education, being well informed on all subjects, and particularly public affairs. In 1831 he pre-empted land where he now resides, and built a small house, after cutting out the canebrake, so that he could cultivate the soil. His marriage to Miss Scholastique Rabalais daughter of V. Rabalais, occurred on July 10, 1832. The father was a native of this parish, and was a planter by occupation. Immediately after marriage Mr. Couvillion moved onto his new place, taking all his earthly possessions in an ox-cart, and his experience in the raw country was full of adventure and interest. About the year 1820 he saw the first steamboat, named “Arkansas,” that ever sailed up Red River, and he also saw the first steamboat on Bayou De Glaize, in 1840. He has seen the country develop from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition, and has done his share toward its improvement. Mr. Couvillion has devoted his life to operating his plantation, and has accumulated considerable property. His first wife lived only three years, and in 1836 he was married to Miss Mary Lemoine, daughter of Baptiste Lemoine, who was born in Louisiana, and who was a planter by pursuit. To the first union of Mr. Couvillion were born two children, and his second marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen children. He has now forty-four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The whole family are members of the Catholic Church. Though of such a ripe old age, Mr. Couvillion is active and robust in appearance, and bids fair to live many years yet. (Adrien is ancestor of Susan Normand DeCuir, wife of Randy DeCuir)
COUVILLION, Casimir Preston
- Marksville
C. P. Couvillion, surveyor of Avoyelles Parish, La., was born in the house in which he now resides in Marksville, La., in 1860 to L. H. and Rosa (Cailleteau) Couvillion, they being also born in this parish, the former being a local politician of considerable note, holding different offices in the parish for some eighteen years, a portion of the time being clerk of the court and parish recorder. He died in 1870 at the age of thirty-nine years, being still survived by his widow. In the town of Marksville, C. P. Couvillion received his rearing and early education. After following the occupation of teacher of two years he gave his attention to surveying and engineering, and is now one of the leaders of the calling in the State. After holding the position of city alderman for two or three terms, he, in 1882, was appointed parish surveyor, was re-appointed in 1884, and 1888, and has since admirably discharge the duties of this position. He has always been a Democrat, and all times supports the men and measures of that party, wielding considerable influence as one of its followers. His paternal grandfather, Hypolite Couvillion was a native of this parish, and a member of one of the oldest and best families of Louisiana. His maternal grandfather was Eugene Cailleteau, a native of the department of Ardennes, and son of the Lord (Seigneur) of St. Prix, at the time of the abolition of feudalism in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Being a Republican, he left France upon the accession of Charles X., to the throne, and became a naturalized citizen of this country in 1828.
COUVILLION, Fulgence
- Bordelonville
F. Couvillion, merchant and planter, Bordelonville, La. This prosperous business man and successful planter is a native-born resident of Avoyelles Parish, La., his birth occurring in 1842, and is the son of Zelien Couvillion and Doralisse (Bordelon) Couvillion, both natives also of Avoyelles Parish, La. The father was a planter and school teacher, and followed this occupation in his native State until his death in 1865. The mother died in 1875. Both were members of the Catholic Church. F. Couvillion received a common French school education in this parish, and here was reared to mature years. Though he speaks and writes the English language correctly, he never attended an English school. He was the eldest of three children, and after the death of his father he took charge of the latter’s business. F. Couvillion has been a cripple ever since six years of age, and this accounts for his not having been in the army. During that eventful period, however, although he had never seen a shoe made, he caught coons and alligators, tanned their hides, and with his own tools made 585 pairs of shoes. In 1867 he began merchandising on a very limited scale, and has continued this business ever since. He is the owner of a good plantation and a well stocked store. In 1869 he was married to Miss Leanora Pavey, daughter of John B. Pavey, a native of Illinois, but a resident of Louisiana. Mr. Pavey was a planter. To Mr. and Mrs. Couvillion were born ten living children – three sons and seven daughters – of whom six are now living –five girls and one boy.27 Mr. Couvillion is an example of the self-made man, having acquired his all by perseverance and industry, and with little English education to assist him. He has lately been appointed justice of the peace by the governor of Louisiana to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Ward, and also elected for the same office by the popular vote of the ward. He was also appointed by the governor returning officer of the parish of Avoyelles.
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