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THE GUSTAVE BONNETE FAMILY
of
Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana
This is definitely a work in progress. If you are a descendant of Gustave Bonnette and Leocade Riche, I would sincerely enjoy your comments, corrections, and naturally additions, especially photographs of the children of Gustave and Leocade that I do not have, which are many!! As you may observe there are many of us. If you have been omitted or misidentified, please let me know and I will take immediate action to remedy the error. Please enjoy! auRayvoir! Ray L. Bellande, July 12, 2006, Ocean Springs, Mississippi (228) 257-6350.
THE FAMILY of GUSTAVE BONNETTE (1844-1895)
Gustave Bonnette (1844-1895) was born on February 6, 1844, at Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. His parents were Jean-Baptiste Bonnette (1811-1870+) and Aimee Fuqua (Fouquier) (1814-1866+). Jean-Baptiste Bonnette was born in January 1811, the son of Jean Bonnet (b. 1774), a native of Montagne in the province of St. Onge, France and Francoise Gaspard (born ca. 1778), a native of St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. Francoise Gaspard was the widow of Augustin Juneau II (1778-1803). Their marriage on September 9, 1806 at Marksville, Louisiana commenced the Bonnette family in Avoyelles Parish. Aimee Fuqua was the daughter of Charles Pierre Fuqua and Helen Aymond(1790-1832+).(Gremillion and Gremillion, 1980, p. 147 and http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi- bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=decuir&id=I3826)
Jean Bonnette related in November 1814, that he came to reside in Avoyelles Parish in August 1803. At this time the Spanish occupied this area of the Gulf Coast.(American State Papers, Vol. 3-1994, p. 179)
.jpg)
Alida 'Ida' Riche Ducote (1857-1945)
[Courtesy of Judith Rabelais Scola-February 2011]
Leocade 'Leah' Riche Bonnette (1853-1930)
(Courtesy of Marjorie Lemoine Rabalais (1921-2008), Plaucheville, Louisiana)
Gustave Bonnette married Leocade Riche (1853-1930), called Leah, on November 30, 1869 in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. She was born in March 1853, the daughter of Elphege Riche (1831-1859+) and Helena Lemoine (1832-1859+), the widow of Valerien Bordeleon. The progenitor of the Riche family in Louisiana was Louis Riche (c. 1708-1749) a native of Treves in Lorraine, Eastern France. He married Marie Catherine Frederic (c. 1724-1766) at New Orleans in February 1740. She was the daughter of Johann (Jean) Frederic and Catherine de Boulair. (Dufour, V. 1, 1979, p. 30 and Gremillion and Gremillion, 1980, p. 325))
In the 1860 Federal Census of Avoyelles Parish, Leah Riche was the eldest of three siblings, Arcadus Riche (b. 1856), Elida Riche (b. 1858), and Irene Riche (b. 1859). In her later life, Leah resided with her son, Elis Bonnette, at Alexandria, where she helped rear her grandchildren, James Lee Bonnette (b. 1920) and Frances Lillian Bonnette (b. 1922).
Iron cross grave marker of Leocade Riche Bonnette
Mater Dolorosa Cemetery-Plaucheville, Louisiana
[image made in March 1998 by Ray L. Bellande]
From the land records of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, it appears that Gustave Bonnette and family settled in Ward 8, T1S-R5E, on Bayou Choupique near Plaucheville, Louisiana. He made his livelihood as a farmer cultivating about sixty acres of land that he acquired between 1885 and 1895 in the Bayou Choupique section. After his death in December 1895, Leocade R. Bonnette petitioned the Probate Court of Avoyelles Parish to be tutrix of her eight minor children: Ulysse Bonnette, Irma Bonnette, Ida Bonnette, Inez Bonnette, Irene Bonnette, Philibert Bonnette, Elis Bonnette, and Nettie Bonnette. She further requested that Floreval Bonnette be appointed under tuter.(Probate Proceedings of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, Book J, pp. 405-406).
In 1900 Federal Census, Leocade R. Bonnette told the census taker that she had birthed twelve children and that ten were living in 1900. Gustave Bonnette left her a small estate and these eight minor children.
The corporal remains of Gustave Bonnette rest in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana in Section B-3, Row 9, Plot 30. He expired on December 7, 1895. Leah Riche Bonnette died from cancer at Plaucheville, Louisiana on November 11, circa 1930, where she was residing with her daughter, Inez B. Lemoine (1886-1938). Her remains were interred in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Her grandson, Wiltz Lemoine (1908-1969), a welder, made an iron cross for her gravesite. The metal nameplate on the crucifix has disappeared with time.
CHILDREN OF GUSTAVE BONNETTE AND LEOCADE RICHE
CELINA VIOLETTE BONNETTE (1870-?)
Her birth is noted in the genealogical column of Nelson Gremillion, Our Heritage, "The Bonnette Family", inThe Avoyelles Journal, October 9, 1983. No further information.
BOSSIER FLOREVAL BONNETTE (1872-1905)
Floreval Bonnette Farm
Florival Bonnette's farm was situated on Bayou Cane Brulle near Highway No. 245 and Highway No. 1182, northeast of Plaucheville, Louisiana. [image made March 1998 by Ray L. Bellande]
Bossier Floreval Bonnette (1872-1905), known as Floreval Bonnette, was born in Avoyelles Parish on August 11, 1872. His aunt, Pauline Bonnette (b. 1843), wife of Valery A. Guillot, named her first child, Bossier Sylvestre Pelfrey Guillot. Bossier Floreval Bonnette was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marksville, Louisiana. Floreval married Delphine “Emily” Emelie Gremillion (1874-1908), the daughter of Felicien Oneil Gremillion and Marie Zeline Plauche, on December 9, 1891. The 1900 Federal Census of Avoyelles, Louisiana indicates that Floreval was a farmer and that he and Emily G. Bonnette lived adjacent to his mother, Leocade R. Bonnette, and his younger siblings. Emily Bonnette gave birth to four children born before 1900, but only two survived: Walter J. Bonnette (b. June 1896) and Bloome Bonnette (b. January 1898).(LaCour, V. 3, 1986, p. 64 and 1900 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T623 558, p. 3B, ED 21)
Two daughters were born after 1900: Blanche Bonnette (1902-1917) and Norma Bonnette (1903-1982) who was born on July 31, 1903. Norma Bonnette married Lemmie L. Gremillion (1900-1962). Norma B. Gremillion passed on November 18, 1982. She and Lemmie L. Gremillion are interred with her father.
Floreval Bonnette died on November 14, 1905. His obituary in The Times Democrat read as follows: Floriall (sic) Bonnette, Plaucheville, thirty-eight years old died at his home on Lower Choupique yesterday after a long and severe illness. He leaves a wife and four children. Funeral at Church of the Sacred Heart. Father J.B. Limague officiated.(The Times Democrat, November 17, 1904, p. 8, c. 6)
The corporal remains of Florivall Bonnette and those of Blanche Bonnette (1902 -1917), Norma Bonnette Gremillion, and Lemmie L. Gremillion are interred in the family plot at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana.(LaCour, 1983, p. 38)
Children of Florival Bonnette and Emily Gremillion
Walter Joseph Bonnette (1896-1931)
[in the second image from left, the lady may be Maxine Washington, the 1929 spouse of Waler J. Bonnette]
[Images courtesy of Maudry Ferrand Bonnette, Slidell, Louisiana-March 1998]
Walter J. Bonnette
Walter Joseph Bonnette (1896-1931) was born June 1896 in Plaucheville, Louisiana. I have acquired some anecdotal information on this colorful individual as follows: He joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed at New York where he expired. A nurse with legal marriage documents claimed his estate.(from L.G. Gremillion, Moreauville, Louisiana-March 1998) This family lore is corroborated by Maudry Bonnette Ferrand of Slidell who adds that Walter died from pneumonia at New York in 1928.
In recent years, some of the obfuscation of Walter J. Bonnette life have been removed. In 1920, Walter was a Boatswain's Mate 1/C in the US NAVY and serving on the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). This battleship had been built by Newport News Ship Building & Dry Dock Company and launched in March 1915. It was sailing out of New York at this time. The USS Pennsylvania was damaged at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, but recovered to fight the Japanese in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945. She was used at Bikini toll in 1946 for atomic bomb tests and decommissioned in 1948 and sank off of Kwajalein Lagoon.(1920 USS Pennsylvania Federal Census T625_2040, p. 2A)
In 1930, Walter J. Bonnette was a resident of Mt. Vernon, Westchester County, New York and had married in 1929, Maxine Washington(1904-1930+),the daughter of Thomas Washington (1856-1914) and Isabelle Kearney (1878-1920+). Maxine was probably born at Liberty, Sullivan County, New York and grew up on a farm. At this time, he was unemployed and listed as a disabled war veteran.(1930 Westchester County, New York Federal Census R1662, p. 2A, ED 237)
Greg Cusack [gcusack@verizon.net],a descendant of the Kearney family, contacted me in August 2010 and provided the following information. Walter J. Bonnette died in 1931 and was buried in St. Peter's Cemetery at Liberty, Sullivan County, New York. Walter and Maxine lived at Mt. Vernon, New York. Maxine played the organ for the New Rochelle orchestra and taught school in Liberty, New York for most of her life. She had no children.
Bloome Bonnette (1899-1977) and spouse?
[Courtesy of Maudry Ferrand Bonnette, Slidell, Louisiana-March 1998]
Bloome B. Bonnette
Bloome Benedict Bonnette (1898 or 1899-1977) was born in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana on January 8, 1899 [SSDI]. Circa 1916, he married Azalie Goudeaux (1898-1979), the daughter of the son of Joseph Goudeau (1869-1930) and Catherine Josephine Marchal (1872-1939). In 1920, Bloome and Azalie were living with Nick Goudeaux (1892-1947), her brother, and Nettie Bonnette Goudeaux, his aunt, on Levin Street at Alexandria, Louisiana. Bloome was a foundry worker and probably worked with his uncles, Filbert Bonnette and Lee Bonnette, who were foundry moulders in Alexandria.(1920 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T625_626, p. 18A, ED 56)
By 1930, Bloome and Emily Bonnette had relocated to New Orleans and were domiciled on Dumaine Street. They had three children: Emily M. Bonnette (1919-1984) married James "Jay" P. Hebert (1918-2000); Maudry Bonnette (1922-2014) married Elmer L. Ferrand (1923-2003); Gordon J. Bonnette (1924-2009) married Marie ?; Rogers John Bonnette (1931-2009) married Muriel H. ?; and Huey Bonnette (b. 1935) married Grace ? Bloome worked as a laborer in a dry dock.(1930 Orleans Parish, Louisiana, R803, p. 22A, ED 73)
Bloome Bonnette expired at Metairie, Louisiana in July 1977. Azalie Bonnette followed him in death in July 1979.
CHILDREN
%2C wife of Elmer Ferrand..jpg)
MAUDRY BONNETTE
Maudry Bonnette Ferrand (1922-2014), passed away peacefully Monday, February 24, 2014 at the age of 92. Beloved wife of the late Elmer L. Ferrand; mother of Rodney L. Ferrand (Gail), Glenn D. Ferrand (Susie), Brian L. Ferrand (Priscila), and Janell Ferrand Berman (Jesse). She is also survived by her brother and multiple nieces and nephews. Maudry was a devoted grandmother to eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She lived most of her life in Metairie, Louisiana and the last 30+ years in Slidell, Louisiana. She made a career of raising her children, loving and nurturing her grandchildren. She enjoyed and rarely missed her one (maybe two glasses) of red wine. She was loved by everyone, and will be missed by all.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. Our special lady's favorite color was red; please feel free to join the family in wearing something red in her honor. Burial will be at a later date.(The Times-Picayune, February 28, 2014)
ROGERS J. BONNETTE
Rogers John Bonnette Sr. (1931-2009), age 78 years old of Albany, died Friday, November 20, 2009, at his residence. He was born on Thursday, February 5, 1931, in Marksville. Mr. Bonnette retired as owner of Bonnette Cabinet Works, and he served in the Air National Guard. Surviving are his wife, Muriel Bonnette; 3 daughters, Diane Bonnette Amato, Kim Bonnette Pomes m. Thomas M. Pomes (1959-2009), and Leslie Bonnette Rasic; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sister, Maudry Ferrand (1922-2014) of Slidell; and brother, Heuy Bonnette of Florida. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bloom and Azalie Bonnette; son, Rogers "Butch" Bonnette, Jr.; sister, Emily Hebert; and brother, Gordon Bonnette. Friends will be received Monday, November 23, 2009, from 9:00 A.M. until the funeral at 11:00 A.M. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond. (The Daily Star [Hammond, Louisiana], November 22, 2009]
Norma Bonnette
Lemmie L. Gremillion family
image 1 [l-r: Norma Bonnette Gremillion (1903-1982) and Lemmie L. Gremillion (1900-1963)
[l-r: Lemmie L. Gremillion (1900-1962); Leon G. "L.G." Gremillion (b. 1927), Norma Bonnette Gremillion (1903-1982) and Mary Joyce Gremillion (b. 1934]
[both images courtesy of Maudry Ferrand Bonnette, Slidell, Louisiana-March 1998]
[l-r: L.G. Gremillion (b. 1927) and Mary Joyce Gremillion Green (b. 1934)]
[image made by Ray L. Bellande at Moreauville, Louisiana in March 1998]
Norma Bonnette (1903-1982), was born on July 31, 1903. She married Lemmie Leon Gremillion (1900-1963), after 1920. He was born March 12, 1900, the son and fifth child of Joseph Robert Gremillion (b. 1870) and Azalie Cecille Romain (b. 1877). Before her marriage to Lemmie, Norma had been adopted by Abell E. Gremillion and his spouse, Lauria Gremillion. Norma B. Gremillion passed on November 18, 1982. She and Lemmie L. Gremillion had four children: Rusney Gremillion (1922-1988) married Dorothy Mayeux; Leon G. "L.G." Gremillion(b. 1927); Gloria Gremillion (1932-1932); and Mary Joyce Gremillion Green (b. 1934) married Leon Deselle and Alton Green.(1920 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Federal Census T625_605, p. 3B, ED 13)
Norma Bonette Gremillion and Lemmie Leon Gremillion are interred with her father in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana.
WILLIS HENRY BONNETTE (1874-1912)
Willis Henry Bonnette (1874-1912), called Henry, was born in October 1874. He was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at Marksville, Louisiana in 1875. Henry married Marie Louise Corinne Cappel (1880-1953), the daughter of Lucius Cappel and Nodai Bordelon, on December 18, 1896, in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. In 1900, he was a farmer living next to his mother in Ward 8 of Avoyelles Paris, Louisiana. A son, Willis Bonnette, was born in September 1898.(LaCour V. 3, 1986, p. 26 and 1900 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T623 558, p. 3B, ED 21)
By 1910, Henry Bonnette and Corinne C. Bonnette had birthed five children, but only three sons were alive: John Wylist Bonnette (1898-1964); Winsted J. Bonnette (1902-1987), John Alva Bonnette (1906-1984). Henry maintained his farm near his mother’s in Ward 8.(1910 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, (T624_508).
Before his demise, Nell Mary Bonnette (1912-1973) was born on July 12, 1912. Her corporal remains were interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 at New Orleans.
Henry Bonnette expired in late October 1912. His corporal remains were interred on November 1, 1912, at the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Plaucheville, Louisiana. His church funeral record states that he was 39 years old and the husband of Corene (sic) Cappel.(LaCour, 1983, p. 38)
Corrine Cappel Bonnette expired in New Orleans in March 1953. She resided at 1801 Lessene Street.(The Times Picayune, March 19, 1953, p. 2)
Corrinne Cappel Bonnette Tomb
[image by Ray L. Bellande, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, NOLA, March 1998]
Children of Henry Bonnette and Corrine Cappel
John Wylist Bonnette (1898-1964) was born September 1, 1898 at Plaucheville, Louisiana. He married Victoria Landry. John expired on May 29, 1964 at New Orleans.(The Times Picayune, May 29, 1964, Sect. 1, p. 2)
Winsted J. Bonnette (1902-1987) was born at Plaucheville, Louisiana on July 25, 1902. He married Cecile Daigle (1906-1994) at Lac-Baker, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada. Cecile was a school teacher and the couple met at a convention in Montreal.(Marie Atkinson, March 22, 1998)
Circa 1927, W.J. Bonnette moved to New Orleans were he taught school and later was a member of the New Orleans Retired Teachers Association. Winsted expired at Metairie, Louisiana on November 15, 1987.(The Times Picayune, November 25, 1987, p. B-14)
John A. Bonnette (1906-1984) was born at Plaucheville, Lousiana on April 8, 1906. He married Ethel Roy(1912-1992) of New Roads, Louisiana. They had three children: William A. Bonnette (b. 1938) married Bonnie Hattier (b. 1942) on May 14, 1966 at St. Leo’s, NOLA. William and Bonnie reside at Baton Roughe, Louisiana-two children: Keith William Bonnette (b. 1971) and Suzanne Bonnette Lorio (b. 1973), married Christopher Lorio; Roy Bonnette-Mandeville, Louisiana; and Betty A. Bonnette married Ronald Mitchell-two children: Christopher Bonnette (b. 1971) and Melissa Bonnette (b. 1973)-Ronald and Betty reside in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Nell Mary Bonnette (1912-1973)
Before the demise of Henry Bonette, Nell Mary Bonnette (1912-1973), a daughter, was born on July 12, 1912. Her corporal remains were interred in St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 at New Orleans.
ULYSSE MICHEL BONNETTE (1877-1940)
Genevieve "Mim" Champagne (1877-1940) and Ulysse M. Bonnette (1877-1940) and circa 1938.
[Courtesy of Marilyn Crotty Hood, Alexandria, Louisiana]
Ulysse Michel Bonnette (1877-1940), called Ulysses, Moses Ulysse or "Uncle Joe", was born January 23, 1877 and baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marksville, Louisiana. He married Genevieve Lodi Champagne(1882-1969), called "Tante Mim". She was born near St. Martinsville, Louisiana on October 16, 1882, the daughter of Telesphore Champagne (1835-1910+) and Adelaide Lenormand (1840-1910+). Their children were: Edwin P. Bonnette (1899-1969), Sutton J. Bonnette (1901-1974), William J. Bonnette (1904-1969), Floyd B. Bonnette (1905-1971), Agnes Bonnette Crotty (b. 1912), Mildred Bonnette Cullen (1917-1960), and Mae Delle Bonnette Puckett (1920-2000). Ulysse Bonnette made his initial livelihood hauling pulpwood in the Choupique area of Avoyelles Parish.
In 1930, Ulysse Bonnette and family were residing on 15th Street in Alexandria, Louisiana. He drove a truck for the city.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, R 816, p. 10B, ED 7)
Ulysses Bonnette expired on January 25, 1940 at Alexandria. His remains were interred at the Greenwood Memorial Park at Pineville, Louisiana. Tante Mim Bonnette died on August 18, 1969, at Alexandria. Her corporal remains also rest in Pineville.
Children of Ulysse Bonnette and Genevieve Champagne
Edwin P. Bonnette (1899-1969)
[Courtesy of Marilyn Crotty Hood, Alexandria, Louisiana]
Edwin Paul Bonnette (1899-1969) was born May 9, 1899, at Charenton, Louisiana. Circa 1919, he married Carrie Philomene Gremillion (1895-1980) who was born October 3, 1895 in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, the daughter of Fernand Gremillion (1868-1920+) and Pulcherie Plauche (1870-1920+). Fernand Gremillion was a farmer in Ward 8 and later moved to Moreauville, Louisiana. Two children: Emcel Paul Bonnette (1920-1999) and Edwin P. Bonnette Jr. (1924-2007), called Red. In 1930, Edwin P. Bonnette family resided on Levin Street in Alexandria, Louisiana. He made his livelihood as a core maker in an iron foundry.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R816, p. 9B, ED 7)
The family later lived at 19 Gordon Street in Alexandria. He expired on June 28, 1969, at Alexandria, Louisiana. Carrie died on September 29, 1980, also at Alexandria. Both were interred in Greenwood Memorial Park at Pineville, Louisiana.
Children of Edwin P. Bonnette and Carrie Philomene Gremillion
Emcel P. Bonnette (1920-1999) was born September 20, 1920. He married Rita Helmenger (1920-2002). Emcel made his livelihood as a postman at Alexandria, Louisiana. Their children were: Judith Lee Bonnette Viviano (b. 1942), Cynthia Frances Bonnette Stern, Michael Bonnette, and Emcel Paul “Shane” Bonnette Jr. Emcel P. Bonnette expired on November 13, 1999 at Schertz, Guadeloupe County, Texas, which is situated between San Antonio and New Braunfels. His corporal remains were interred in the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at San Antonio, Texas.(The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, November 15?, 1999)
Rita Helmenger Bonnette was born July 9, 1920 and died on June 19, 2002, also at Schertz, Texas. In 1930, she and Irene Helmenger (b. 1919) were living at the St. Joseph's Orphan Home on Lakeview Avenue in Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana R817, p. 1A, ED 40)
BROTHER EDWIN P. BONNETTE JR., SC
Edwin Paul Bonnette Jr. (1924-2007) was born May 23, 1924. He became a Christian Brother, Brother Hubert Bonnette, at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He resigned and married. Edwin later was associated with Nicholls State University, Thibodeaux, Louisiana. In 2003, his request to renter the Christian Brothers order was approved. Brother Hubert worked in the admissions office at St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. He expired at Baton Rouge, Louisiana on September 7, 2007. No further information.(Focus, V. 10, No. 2, 2003)
Sutton J. Bonnette?? and ?
[Courtesy of Marilyn Crotty Hood, Alexandria, Louisiana]
Sutton John Bonnette (1901-1974) was born May 12, 1901, at Plaucheville, Louisiana. Circa 1922, Sutton married Anna M. LaCour (1902-1974) who was born at Moreauville, Louisiana on August 16, 1902. In 1930, they were domicile on Levin Street at Alexandria, Louisiana where he worked for the Kansas City Southern railroad as a carman helper.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana R816, p. 9B, ED 7)
Sutton and Anna Bonnette had two daughters: Bernice Bonnette (b. 1925) in California? and Mrs. Charles (Patsy?) H. Martin 3889 Flowerland Drive, Atlanta, Georgia NE. He expired on February 10, 1974, at DeKalb County, Georgia. Anna L. Bonnette also died at Atlanta, Georgia on March 30, 1974. Both were buried in the Greenwood Memorial Park at Pineville, Louisiana.
William J. Bonnette (1904-1969), called Will and Bill, was born January 8, 1904, at Plaucheville. Married two or three times. A daughter, "Billie Rae Bonnette? with first wife and Kathleen ? Bonnette with second wife. Married Lorraine Lipsey Guillot (1914-1999), a native of Atlanta, Winn Parish, Louisiana. Step-son, Sammy Lipsey, of Shreveport, Louisiana. William H. Bonnette died December 24, 1969. His corporal remains were interred at the Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville.
NICK BONNETTE
[L-R: Bernell Bonnette Blackwell; Nick Bonnette; Kathleen ?; and ? Courtesy of Bernell Boneete Blackwell-February 2012]
Floyd B. Bonnette (1905-1971) was born December 8, 1905. He expired January 12, 1971, at Alexandria. By 1930, he was divorced, but had a son, Nickie Bonnette. At this time, Floyd was living at home on 15th Street with his parents and two younger sisters. He worked for Ward's Hardware Store in Alexandria.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, R 816, p. 10B, ED 7)
Post 1930, Floyd B. Bonnette married Lucille ? Bonnette and had two children: Floyd Bonnette Jr. and Barbara Jane Bonnette? He was employed at Alexandria at different times as policeman, and operated a grocery store on Prospect Street. Floyd expired January 12, 1971, at Alexandria and his corporal remains were interred at Greenwood Memorial Park at Pineville, Louisiana.
Agnes Bonnette Crotty (1911-2003) and Agnes, Bob Crotty (1906-1985), and Mae Delle "Rook" Bonnette Puckett (1920-2000) [Courtesy of Marilyn Crotty Hood, Alexandria, Louisiana]
Agnes Bonnette was born January 10, 1911. Before she married Robert E. Crotty (1906-1985), Agnes worked as a stenographer for a theatre. She and Bob Crotty had two children: Robert E. Crotty Jr. (1933-1996) married Gayle A. Bordelon; and Marilyn Crotty (b. 1935) married Leonard Paul Hood. Agnes was residing in a personal care facility at Alexandria, Louisiana in 1998. She passed on September 27, 2003. No further information.
Mildred Bonnette (1917-1960) was born November 22, 1917. She married Edward W. Cullen Edward Joseph Cullen, II (1916-1964), a native of Dennison, Texas. Their children were: Edward Joseph Cullen III, called Ed, married Martha Lynn Colvin of Alexandria, Louisiana and Geneva Cullen married Robin Stewart. Mildred expired on December 4, 1960. Her corporal remains were interred in the Greenwood Cemetery at Pineville, Louisiana. Edward J. Cullen II died at Dallas, Texas in 1964. His corporal remains were sent to Dennison, Texas for internment.
Edward “Ed” Cullen III has been a reporter, columnist [Attic Salt], and staff writer for The Baton Rouge Advocate for many years. He debuted in July 2001 as a commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered” sharing his experiences of growing up in South Louisiana. Ed has published Letter in a Woodpile (2006), a series of essays on life in southern Louisiana. Ed and Martha have two children: Michael Cullen and a daughter, Emily Cullen Nash.
Cadet Charles W. Puckett (1921-1979) and May Delle "Rook" Bonnette (1920-2000)
[Coleman, Texas-1942; Rook looking for Charles plane to come home soon?; a1965 portrait photograph-all images courtesy of Rook Bonnette]
Mae Delle Bonnette (1920-2000) was born September 24, 1920, at Moreauville, Avoyelles Parish, Lousiana. Mae Delle, called “Rook”, married Charles William Puckett (1921-1979), a native of Sikes, Winn Parish, Louisiana on September 19, 1942 at Coleman, Texas. Rook and Charles had one child, Sondra Ann Puckett Smith Scalco (b. 1945).
Scotland 1946
(Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), third from left. Charles L. Puckett, Ike’s pilot, sixth from left)[Courtesy of Rook Bonnette]
During World War II, Charles trained at Coleman, Texas to fly military aircraft. He was commissioned at second lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps at Lubbock, Texas in June 1943. Charles military career took him to North Africa where he flew combat missions in the B-25 medium range bomber. As the Allies pushed the Germans out of this region, Charles’ squadron continued air assaults against enemy positions in Sicily, Italy, etc. The US Army Air Corps softened the way for the ground troops of General Bernard L. Montgomery (1887-1976) and General Mark Clark (1896-1984). When the conflict had ended in 1945, Charles Puckett flew military VIPs.
Charles W. Puckett made his livelihood as sales manager for Turpin Pontiac at Alexandria, Louisiana. He expired at Biloxi, Mississippi on September 19, 1979, while attending a presentation of the new 1980 Pontiac. Charles W. Puckett’s corporal remains were interred in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Pineville, Louisiana. Rook B. Puckett expired at Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana on April 9, 2000.(SSDI) No further information.
IRMA BONNETTE
Mentioned in the January 1895 Petition for Inventory and Tutership. She appears to have married or died before the 1900 Federal Census. No further information.
IDA EMMA BONNETTE (1884-1962)
Ida Emma Bonnette (1884-1962) was born in February 1884. Circa 1902, she married Gaston Etienne Champagne (1878-1943). Their children were: Ignace or Ignatius B. Champagne (1904-1973), Maude Champagne Lemoine (1905-1977), Alwyn Champagne (1907-1972), Eddie Champagne (1908-pre-1920), and Agnes Marie Champagne Hellbach (1914-1965).
Gaston E. Champagne was born Hippolyte Gaston Champagne on June 2, 1878 near St. Martinville, Louisiana, the son of Alexandre Telesphore Champagne (1835-1910) and Celina Adelaide Lenormand (1840-1930). He may have been the brother of "Tante Mim", Genevieve Champagne Bonnette (1882-1969), the wife of Ulysse Bonnette. Gaston died at New Orleans on December 8, 1943.
In 1880, Gaston was two years of age and domiciled with his parents and 9 siblings at Fausse Point, Iberia Parish, Louisiana. Siblings were: Cora Chapagne [b. 1864]; Eraste Champagne [b. 1865]; Eliza Champagne [b. 1868]; Emilie Champagne [b. 1870]; William Champagne [b. 1872]; Marie Champagne [b. 1873]; Rosa Champagne [b. 1874]; Eda Champagne [b. 1875]; and Armand Champagne [b. 1876].[1880 Iberia Parish, Louisiana
In 1910, the Gaston Champagne family was domiciled in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana were he made his livelihood as a farm laborer. Telesphore and Celina Champagne were residing with them and their four children.(1910 St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T624_531, p. 21B, ED 83)
By 1920, the family had relocated to the Bonnette familial grounds near Plaucheville, Louisiana. Here Gaston farmed. Eddie Champagne had died before 1920, probably in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.(1920 Avoyelles, Louisiana Parish Federal Census T625_605, p. 8B, ED 13)
In 1930, the Champagnes were residing on Arabella Street at New Orleans. Gaston worked here as a general laborer.(1930 Orleans Parish, Louisiana R812, p. 10A ED 251)
Gustave or Gaston E. Champagne expired on December 8, 1943. Ida died September 28, 1962, at New Orleans. Their remains were interred in property No. C325-A of Section F at the Hope Mausoleum on 4841 Canal Street in New Orleans.
Champagne tomb at St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana [Crypt 13, Tier A-St. John's Corridor] [image made by Ray L. Bellande, March 1998]
Children of Ida Bonnette and Gaston Champagne
Ignatius (Ignace) B. Champagne (1904-1973) was born February 8, 1904. He expired at New Orleans in November 1973. In 1930, Ignatius was employed as a salesman in a department store in New Orleans. His corporal remains may have been interred in the Hope Mausoleum on Canal Street in New Orleans. Ignatius acquired the Hope Mausoleum internment property in February 1943.
Maude Champagne (1905-1977) was born September 3. 1905. She married Alcide Lemoine (ca 1899-1930+) circa 1923 probably in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of Edwin Lemoine (1867-1910+) and Margrit Lemoine (1868-1910+). In 1930, Alcide and Maude Lemoine were residents of Ward 8, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana where he was a farmer. They lived next door to her cousin, Verdie Lemoine Voisel (1910-2002) and Voimore Voisel (1903-1981). Maude and Alcide had at least three children: twin boys, Haly and H? Lemoine (b. 1926), and Clomance Lemoine (b. 1928).(1930 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana Federal Census R784, p. 5B, Ed 20)
Maude expired at Westwego, Louisiana in February 1977. No further information.
Alwyn Champagne (1907-1972) was born April 4, 1907. He married Rose Calogne (1917-1985). In 1930, he made his livelihood employed in cotton seed oil mill in the Crescent City. They had three children: Jeanette Champagne (1939-1986), Richard Champagne, and Jerry Champagne Foush (1941-1995), who was born on March 14, 1941. Jerry married Robert Foush and was the mother of: Robert J. Foush Jr.; Bret J. Foush; Lori F. Samataro; and Theresa F. Carrone.
Agnes Marie Champagne (1914-1965) was born March 26, 1914. She married Robert H. Hellbach (1912-1988). They had a daughter, Mrs. Robert Higgins. Agnes expired on March 10, 1965 at Gretna, Louisiana. Robert lived until May 27, 1988. Their corporal remains were interred in the St. Joseph's Cemetery No. 2 at 2220 Washington Avenue in New Orleans.(The Times Picayune, March 11, 1965, p. 2)
INEZ BONNETTE (1886-1938)
Inez Bonnette (1886-1938), called "Tante Barb", was born in January 1886, at Plaucheville. She married Hermagene Lemoine. They resided at Plaucheville and reared a family consisting of: Elder B. Domico (1906-1992), Gaston Lemoine (1907-1974), Wiltz "Pish" J. Lemoine (1908-1969), Will "Bill" J. Lemoine (1908-1980), James F. Lemoine (1914-1969), William F. Lemoine, Hampton Lemoine, Nodie Lemoine (d. 1996), Marjorie L. Rabalais (1921-2008). Inez Bonnette Lemoine (1886-1938) died on January 25, 1938. Her remains were interred in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana. No further information.
Children of Inez Bonnette and Hermagene Lemoine
Elder L. Lemoine (1906-1992) was born December 13, 1906. On May 28, 1925 at Alexandria, Louisiana, Elder married Ben Domico (1901-1972), the son of Sam Domico and Matilda Nicholas. Their children were: Sam Herman Domico (1926-1971) married Pia Koontz; Rita Opal Domico (b. 1927) married Paul Bert LaCombe (1926-2013); Mary Matilda Domico (b. 1929) married Levis J. Louviere Jr. (1924-1989); and Frances "Baby" D. Finney (b. 1933) m. Marvin Lee Finney (1931-2006). Elder Lemoine Domico expired on August 27, 1992, at Alexandria, Louisiana. Sam Domico died there on July 15, 1972. No further information.
Gaston Lemoine (1907-1974) was born September 22, 1907. He married Denette Bernadette Lemoine (1912-1988) , the daughter of J. Lemoine and Irma Mayeux. Gaston lived most of his life in the New Orleans area. He expired in February 1972. Denette was born October 20, 1912 and died November 3, 1988 at Metairie, Louisiana.No further information.
Wiltz J. Lemoine (1908-1969) was born June 26, 1908 at Plaucheville. He died October 12, 1969. Wiltz, called Pish, was married to Anna Mae English (1913-1991). She expired on December 30, 1991. Both are interred at the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana.
Will J. Lemoine (1908-1980), called Bill, was the twin brother of Wiltz Lemoine. He was born June 26, 1908 at Plaucheville and married Gladys Virginia Turner (1915-1985). Their children were: Ronald Earl Lemoine (1943-1974).
Bill Lemoine expired at Metairie, Louisiana on March 13, 1980. No further information.
William F. Lemoine (1912-1987) was born August 27, 1912 in Plaucheville, Louisiana. He married Lorine Lemoine (1918-1996), the daughter of J. Lemoine and Irma Mayeaux. Their children were: David Lemoine; Leon Lemoine; John Wayne Lemoine; and Francis Lemoine Anderson. William F. Lemoine expired December 9, 1987 at Metairie, Louisiana. Lorine died at Plaucheville on October 25, 1996. No further information.
James F. Lemoine (1914-1969) was born July 13, 1914, at Plaucheville. He married Frances R. Howard (1920-1994). James served in the US Army during WW II reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. He died on April 29, 1969. Frances expired on October 17, 1994. Both were interred at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery in Plaucheville, Louisiana.
Hampton J. Lemoine (1918-1975)-Hampton Joseph Lemoine married Evelina St. Romain (1918-1993). They were the parents of: Robert Anthony Lemoine; Mancil J. Lemoine; Larry J. Lemoine; and Hampton J. Lemoine Jr. Hampton J. Lemoine Sr. expired at Metairie, Louisiana on March 16, 1975. His corporal remains were interred in the Garden of Memories. No further in formation.
Nodie N. Lemoine (1916-1997) was born June 16, 1916. She expired at Baton Rouge on February 14, 1997. No further information.
Marjorie L. Rabalais (1921-2008) was born January 21, 1921, at Plaucheville, Louisiana. She married John Millard Rabalais (1921-1997) on April 13, 1940, at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Plaucheville. Their children were: John M. Rabalais, Jr. (b. 1941), Vincent Rabalais (b. 1943), Rebecca R. Masters Devalcourt (b. 1945), Monica R. Lemoine (b. 1954), and Nick Rabalais (b. 1958). Millard Rabalais passed on October 23, 1997. She died at Dupont, Louisiana on November 7, 2008. Their corporal remains are buried in the Mater Dolorosa Cemetery at Plaucheville, Louisiana.
IRENE BONNETTE-(1888-1982)
Irene Bonnette (1888-1982) was born February 28, 1888, at Plaucheville, Louisiana. Circa 1907, she married Placide Lemoine (1885-1985), who was born August 23, 1885 in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. The family was residing in Simmesport, Louisiana in 1940 and later relocated to Metairie, Louisiana. Their children were: Eddie P. Lemoine (1908-1983), Verdie Lemoine Voisel (1910-2002), Gerdie Lemoine Mitchell (1917-2004), Paul Lemoine, Henry Lemoine, Lester Lemoine, and Nell Lemoine Mejia (1927-1993). Family moved to New Orleans. She expired in March 1982 at Metairie, Louisiana. Placide Lemoine died in October 1985 at Metairie. No further information.
In 1910, Placide and Irene are residing in Ward 8 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana with their two children: Eddie Lemoine and Verdie Lemoine. Placide is making his livelihood as a farmer.(1910 Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana T624_508, p. 18B, ED 22)
Children of Irene Bonnette and Placide Lemoine
Eddie P. Lemoine (1908-1983)-was born at Plaucheville, Louisiana on June 29, 1908. He died in May 1983 at Metairie, Louisiana.
Verdie Lemoine (1910-2002)- was born February 27, 1910 in Plaucheville, Louisiana. Circa 1927, she married Voimore Voisel (1903-1981). Sons: Vilmon Voisel (1928-1930+) and Allen J. Voisel (1933-3/8/1989). Verdie expired at Metairie, Louisiana on May 8, 2002. Voimore Voisel died there in September 1981. No further information.
Gertrude "Gerdie" Lemoine (1917-2004)-married Lance Joseph Mitchell. Children: Jacqueline Mitchell Robert, Ernest Mitchell, and Raymond Mitchell (1938-1996). Her corporal remains were interred at St. Patrick's No. 3 Cemetery in New Orleans. She passed on August 26, 2004 at Laplace, Louisiana.(L'Obervateur, September 6, 2004)
Nell Lemoine (1927-1993)?-married Mr. Mejia? Died September 13, 1993 at Metairie, Louisiana.
PHILIBERT M. BONNETTE (1890-1967)
Mathilde C. Bonnette (1888-1971) Filbert Bonnette (1890-1967) J. Stephen Bonnette (b. ca 1953), grandson.
Philibert or Filbert Bonnette (1890-1967) was born on April 2, 1890. On December 21, 1911, at St. Mary Parish, he married Marie Mathilde Champagne (1888-1971), the daughter of Telesphore Eraste Champagne (1863-1937) and Alice Dugas (1870-1958). Children: Hazel Marie Bonnette (1912-2002), Henry Bonnette (c. 1918-c.1918), Joseph Valley Bonnette (1920-2010), Bernell Bonnette (1923-2014), and Charles Ray Bonnette (b. December 18, 1929).
Filbert Bonnette made his livelihood as a cooper at the hoop mill in Bunkie, Louisiana and as moulder and iron foundry worker in Alexandria, Louisiana. At various times, the family resided at Charenton, Alexandria, and Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1920, Filbert and Mathilde Bonnette lived on Lee Street in Alexandra, Louisiana. He was employed in a foundry and a mould maker.(1920 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T625_626, p. 53A, ED 59)
3215 Masonic Drive
[Mathilde C. Champagne on porch of Alexandria domicile]
Circa 1942, the family moved to Alexandria from Shreveport. They resided at 3215 Masonic Drive (formerly Country Club Road) near the St. Francis Cabrini Hospital. Their home was a simple bungaloid structure of three bedrooms located on Lot Four of Square Two of the Woodrow Addition to the City of Alexandria. The lot has a fifty-foot front on Masonic Drive and is 140 feet deep. It is currently owned by the heirs of Mathilde C. Bonnette and Filbert M. Bonnette.(Succession No. 25,829-Ninth Judicial Court of Rapides Parish, Louisiana-January 1990).
Today, there is a one-story, brick, commercial building on the property which is managed by Randy Monsur for the Bonnette heirs. It was sold in October 2004.
Mr. Bonnette worked at a foundry in New Orleans during WW II. During retirement, he served as a crossing guard for school children at a parochial school in Alexandria.
Filbert M. Bonnette expired on September 16, 1967, at Alexandria from a ruptured aneurysm of the aorta. Mathilde C. Bonnette died on June 9, 1971 from colon cancer. Both are interred in the Alexandria Memorial Gardens on La. Highway 165, south of Alexandria, Louisiana.
Children of Filbert Bonnette and Mathilde Champagne
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Hazel M. Bonnette and family
[pre- 1937 Bowman's Drugstore, Shreveport, Louisiana; circa 1942 at 3215 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana; New Orleans circa 1944 with spouse, Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970), and eldest child, Ray L. Bellande (b. 1943); and Al Bellande (1912-1970) at Biloxi]
Hazel M. Bonnette
Hazel Marie Bonnette (1912-2002) was born October 2, 1912, at Charenton, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. She married Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970) a native of Biloxi, Mississippi on October 19, 1941, at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Five children: Ray L. Bellande (b. 1943), Mickey J. Bellande (b. 1944), Betty B. Toland (b. 1946) Bruce J. Bellande (b. 1947), and Roy A. Bellande (b. 1949).
Les Enfants des Bellande
[1st row l-r: Bruce J. Bellande, Betty B. Toland; Roy A. Bellande; 2nd row l-r: Ray L. Bellande and Mickey J. Bellande]
(image made circa 1951 at Biloxi, Mississippi. Courtesy of Ray L. Bellande)
Henry Bonnette
Henry Bonnette (1918-1918) may have expired as a result of the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-1919. No further information.
Bernell Bonnette (1923-2014)-Charles Ray Bonnette [1929-2019] and J.V. Bonnette (1920-2010)
[middle image, circa 1939, probably at Shreveport, Louisiana]
Joseph Valley Bonnette, called J.V. Bonnette (1920-2010), was born December 20, 1920, at Shreveport, Louisiana. He married Mable Duff (1925-2008) of Simmesport, Louisiana, the daughter of James T. Duff and Gracie V. Wilkins, on May 18, 1948 at Marksville, Louisiana. Mable D. Bonnette expired at Alexandria on May 8, 2008. Five children: John Steven Bonnette (b. 1949) ; Frances C. Bonnette (b. 1950) married Henry Ray Evans; Jeanette Bonnette (b. 1951) married Samuel Partain Jr.; Robert M. Bonnette (1954-2006) married Lydia Docote; and Mary Bonnette (b. 1955) married Roy Broussard and Robert W. Davis. J.V. Bonnette expired at Alexandria, Louisiana on May 19, 2010 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.(The Alexandria Town Talk, May 9, 2008)
J.E. 'Jack' Backwell (1925-2004)
Bernell Blackwell (1923-2014) was born February 11, 1923, at Shreveport, Louisiana. She married John Edward 'Jack' Blackwell (1925-2004) on May 30, 1948, at St. Francis Cabrini Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. Three children: Michael P. Blackwell (1949-2015), David P. Blackwell (1951-2013), and Patricia Blackwell (b. 1955) m. Carsten Westergaard, native of Copenhaven, Denmark. One child Thor Westergaard. Bernell passed on July 19, 2014 at Blanchard, Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
Charles Ray Bonnette [1929-2019] was born December 18, 1929 at Shreveport, Louisiana. He married Della Temple (b. March 22, 1936), a native of Russell, Kansas on August 18, 1956. She was the daughter of Ralph Temple (1910-1997) and Lena O. Temple (1914-2008) of Jennings, Louisiana. One child: Marc Temple Bonnette (b. May 14, 1957). Charlie passed at his Broadmoor home in Lafayette, Louisiana on 1 September 2019. He and Della had lived here for more thsn fifty years. Charles made his livelihood as manager of the Surgery Center in Lafayette and had been a city planner and advisor for the Mayor of Lafayette in his early years in Acadiana.
Elie Bonnette
[L-R: WWI and circa 1958. Courtesy of Frances K. Carson and Lynda Laine B. Branch]
ELIE BONNETTE (1893-1960)
Elie Bonnette, (1893-1960), called Lee, was born on January 2, 1893. Lee Bonnette married Frances Virginia Pyne (1902-1995), the daughter of Frank Thomas Pyne and Eleanor Donohoe. Miss Pyne was born at Manhattan, New York City on September 10, 1902. Their children were: James Lee Bonnette (1920-2010) and Frances Lillian Kline (1922-2004). Lee later married Flossie Daniels (1912-1976) and had two children: Cloyse Eli Bonnette (1933-2011) and Lynda Laine Bonnette (b. 1941). Lee Bonnette passed on March 27, 1960 at Alexandria, Louisiana. Frances Pyne Bonnette expired on December 19, 1995, at Shreveport, Louisiana. Flossie Daniel Bonnette died on January 17, 1976. James Lee Bonnette died on September 16, 2010 at Richmond Hill, Georgia. Cloyse Eli Bonnette passed on June 8, 2011 at Alexandria, Louisiana. Most members of this family are buried at Ball, Rapides Parish, Louisiana in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park cemetery. No further information.
In 1920, Lee and Virginia P. Bonnette were residing on Lee Street in Alexandria, Louisiana. Lee was employed in a foundry as a mould maker.(1920 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T625_626, p. 53B, ED 59)
By 1930, Lee Bonnette had two children: James Lee Bonnette and Frances Lillian Bonnette. He was widowed and living on Gould Avenue in Alexandria, Louisiana. At this time, Lee was making his livelihood as a foundry moulder.(1930 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, R816, p. 1B, ED 6)
Children of Elie Bonnette and Virginia Pyne
James Lee Bonnette (1920-2010) was born on November 10, 1920, at Alexandria, Louisiana. He married Mary Ellen Kane (1920-2014) on June 1, 1941, at Savannah, Georgia. Their children were: Susan B. Ahnell Wolfe (1942-2007) married Russell C. Wolfe (b. ca 1928); Richard Kelly Bonnette (b. 1948) married Lorinda Corderio; Harold T. Bonnette (b. 1950) married Valerie G. McMurtrie (b. 1953); and Judith Lee Bonnette (b. 1952) m. Mr. Moore. James Lee Bonnette died on September 16, 2010 in Georgia. Mary Ellen Kane Bonnette passed on November 13, 2014. Their corporal remains were interred in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at Savannah, Georgia.
Major James Lee Bonnette, US Army, ret., 89, died Thursday, September 16, 2010, at Hospice House. The Alexandria, Louisiana native was a longtime resident of Savannah. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Tampa and his Master's degree from Duke University. Major Bonnette, a veteran of World War II, served in the 31st Medical Group of the United States Army from 1942 until his retirement in 1957, following twenty years of service.Following his military career, Major Bonnette began a twenty-year career in education, sixteen of those years as a teacher and administrator in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. He was principal of Scott Jr. High School, Sol C. Johnson High School, and Thomson High School. He was also a former Headmaster of Hancock Academy. Major Thompson [sic] was a fifty-year member of Solomon's Lodge # 1, F&AM and a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club. Surviving are his wife of sixty-nine years, Mary Ellen Kane Bonnette (1920-2014) of Richmond Hill; a daughter, Judy B. Moore of Warner Robins, Georgia; two sons, Kelly Bonnette of Chamblee, Georgia and Hal Bonnette of Asheville, North Carolina; a sister and brother-in-law, Lynda and Rufus Branch of Slaughter, Louisana; a brother and sister-in-law, Cloyse Bonnette (1933-2011) and Shirley Bonnette of Alexandria, Louisiana; a grandson, Kane Duran Bonnette and his wife, Melody, of Atlanta; devoted friends, Dennis and Georgiann Christiansen; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Susan Patricia Wolfe and a sister, Frances Lillian Kline.A graveside funeral service, with full Military Honors, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 20, 2010, in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 12:00 Noon until 1:30 P.M., at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.[The Savannah Morning News, September 18, 2010, Home-p. 7B]
William Kline and Elie Bonnette
[Alexandria, Louisiana circa 1944? Courtesy of Frances K. Carson and Lynda Laine B. Branch]
Frances Lillian Bonnette (1922-2004) was born in 1922 at Alexandria, Louisiana. She married William Kline. Their children were: Frances K. Carson (b. 1946), William Kline (b. 1950), Phyllis K. Copp (b. 1953), and Albert Kline (b. 1955).
Flossie Daniels Bonnette (1912-1976)
[Courtesy of Lynda Laine B. Branch]
Children of Elie Bonnette and Flossie Daniels
CLOYSE ELI BONNETTE-USMC
Cloyse Eli Bonnette (1933-2011) was born November 19, 1933. He married Shirley Cleveland on May 23, 1955 at Alexandria, Louisiana. Their children were: Alan Kent Bonnette (b. 1962); LeeAnn Bonnette m. Mr. Tavares; Tyra Bonnette (b. 1963) married Jon Fullerton; Lynda Bonnette (b. 1965) married Sean Bradford; and Heather Bonnette (b. 1968) married Ricky Atkins. Cloyse Eli Bonnette expired on June 8, 2011.
Cloyse Eli Bonnette of Alexandria, age 77 years, passed away June 8th 2011 at the Summit Retirement Center. He was born November 19th 1933 in Alexandria and attended Bolton High School.
At age 17, on January 14, 1951 Cloyse enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and was sent to Parris Island USMCRD, South Carolina for recruit training. Cloyse served 11 months and 3 days in Korea during the Korean War, first as a Machine Gunner then as an Infantry Squad Leader during a period known as the "Hill Country Fighting". He was wounded during an attack and spent 6 months convalescing at the Naval Hospital in Yokuska, Japan. Upon his return he was stationed at USMC Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, where he served as a Jr. and later Sr. Drill Instructor. Cloyse was honorably discharged January 14, 1954. During his Marine Corps Service he was advanced to the rank of Corporal and received the Navy-Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Korean Service Medal with two stars, The United Nations Service Medal and The Purple Heart. Through 1954 he served in Battery "B" 212th Field Artillery Battalion, Massachusetts National Guard/Army Reserve and was honorably discharged on December 22nd 1954.
Upon his return to Alexandria in 1957, he worked for P. Lorilard & Sons Baltimore, Maryland as a wholesale rep. In 1965 he joined Wm. F. Schraft & Sons, Boston, Massachusetts and was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia the following year. In 1972 he returned with his family to Alexandria to take over the Sloane Optical territory. He retired from the road in 1980 and entered business locally. He eventually joined the Rapides D.A. Office, child support and enforcement division from which he retired.
Cloyse was first raised to the 3rd Degree of Masonry in Ballis Sanford Lodge on the June 20th 1956. He was a Knights Templar and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. When he returned to Louisiana he became a member of the Oliver Lodge #84 part of The Grand Lodge of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. Cloyse was also an active member of the EL Karubah Shrine Temple and played the Chinese Musette with the Oriental Band. He was also a member of the American Legion, The VFW, the AM VETS, The National Exchange Club and A member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Cloyse was preceded in death by his parents Elie and Flossie Bonnette and his siblings James Lee Bonnette and Lillian Cline.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Cleveland Bonnette of Alexandria, Sister Lynda Branch of Slaughter; one son Alan Kent Bonnette of Alexandria, four daughters LeeAnn Tavares of Taunton, Massachusetts, Tyra Fullerton of Dover, Delaware; Lynda Bradford of Lexington, South Carolina and Heather Adkins of Tampa, Florida; eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Horseshoe Drive United Methodist Church, 1600 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, LA with inurnment following at Forest Lawn Memorial Park 4000 Monroe Hwy, Ball.[The Town Talk [Alexandria, Louisiana], June 10, 2011]
The Branch Family
[L-R: Nathan Callais [in yellow shirt], son of Jay Callais and Sallie Branch Callais. Behind him is Jay Callais, husband of Sallie Branch. Next to Jay Callais is Sallie Branch Calais. Below Sallie in the red shirt is Mimi Callais, daughter of Jay and Sallie B. Callais. Standing in the white shirt is Candace Callais, daughter of Jay and Sallie B. Callais. Next to her is Cara Branch, spouse of Brian Branch. Next to Cara is Brian Branch, the son of Mark A. Branch and Jamie P. Branch. Next to him is Danielle B. Taylor, the daughter of Danny Branch and Cynthia H. Branch. Next to her in the green shirt is Chuck Taylor, the spouse of Danielle. Next to him is Jennifer Branch, the daughter of Danny Branch and Cynthia H. Branch. Next to Jennifer is Ben Branch, in the orange striped shirt, and also the son of Daniel Lee Branch and Cynthia H. Branch. Next to him in the white shirt is Cynthia Ann Hite Branch, his mother, and behind her is Daniel Lee Branch, his father. Next to them is Jesse Lynch married to Beth Ann Branch Lynch, the daughter of Mark and and Jamie P. Branch. Next to Jesse Lynch is Mark Allan Branch, in the suit. Coming back around from left to right is our mother, Lynda Laine B. Branch, and bending down to the right of her is Jamie Prescott Branch, the wife of Mark A. Branch. Rufus C. Branch, our father, is holding Lillie Bonnette Lynch, the first great grandchild of Rufus C. Branch Jr. and Lynda Laine Bonnette Branch, and finally Beth Ann Lynch, the spouse of Jesse Lynch and daughter of Mark A. Branch and Jamie P. Branch.(Courtesy of Lynda Laine B. Branch and Mark A. Branch-July 2007)
Lynda Laine Bonnette Branch
[Courtesy of Lynda Laine B. Branch]
Lynda Laine Bonnette Branch was born on February 15, 1941 at Alexandria, Louisiana. She married Rufus Cornelius Branch Jr. (b. 1932) on March 22, 1957. Their children are: Mark Allan Branch (b. 1958) married August 1, 1978 to Jamie Prescott (b. 1958); Daniel Lee Branch (b. 1960) married Cynthia Ann Hite (b. 1960); and Sallie Branch (b. 1961) married Jay Callais B. 1954). Rufus C. Branch was ordained a Southern Baptist minister and spent his life as a minister and evangelist, primarily in the central Louisiana Parishes of Rapides. LaSalle, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and East Feliciana. Reverend Branch also did short ministries in California and at Green River, Wyoming. Lynda Laine and Rufus C. Branch Jr., whom she calls Junior, reside in retirement in Slaughter, Louisiana.(Linda Laine B. Branch, June 9, 2007)
Nettie M. Bonnette and daughter
[l-r: Ethel Goudeaux Stewart (1919-1984); ? Stewart, sister-in-law; and Nettie M. Bonnette (1895-1969)
[Courtesy of Betty Bellande Toland, Biloxi, Mississippi]
NETTIE MARY BONNETTE (1895-1969)
Nettie Mary Bonnette (1895-1969) was born at Plaucheville, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana in November 1895. She married Nicholas “Nick” J. Goudeaux (1892-1947) born July 6, 1892 in Avoyelles Paris, Louisian, the son of Joseph Goudeau (1869-1930) and Catherine Josephine Moncla (1872-1939). They had one daughter, Ethel Mary Goudeaux Stewart (1919-1984), the wife of Clarence Stewart (1915-1971). He was the son of William Stewart and Videlia Stewart (1889-1962).(LaCour, V. 3, p. 108)
In 1920, Nick J. Goudeaux and Nettie Bonnette Goudeaux were domiciled on Levin Street at Alexandria, Louisiana. He worked in a railroad repair shop refurbishing rail cars. Bloome Bonnette (1899-1977), a foundry worker and spouse, Azalie Goudeaux Bonnette (1898-1979), were living with the Goudeaux family(1920 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Federal Census, T625_626, p. 18A, ED 56)
Nick J. Goudeaux expired on July 8, 1947. Nettie Bonnette Goudeaux expired at New Orleans on August 3, 1969. From her obituary it appears that they arrived at New Orleans circa 1932. The corporal remains of all these deceased Goudeaux and Stewart family were interred in the Clarence Stewart tomb in the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 at 3421 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans.(The Times Picayune, August 3, 1969, p. 20)
Stewart-Goudeaux Tomb
[image by Ray L. Bellande at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 on 3421 Esplanade Avenue, NOLA, December 1997
Child of Nettie Bonnette and Nicholas Goudeaux
Clarence Stewart and Ethel Goudeaux Stewart had four children: Robert Nicholas Stewart (b. 1942) married Patricia Schwegmann; Jacqueline Stewart (b. 1947) married Gerald Hughes (b. 1945); Michael Stewart married Cindy ?; and Debbie Stewart married Glenn Lauff.(Robert N. Stewart, September 1996)
Clarence Stewart died at Metairie, Louisiana on May 19, 1971. Ethel Goudeaux Stewart passed on August 13, 1984.
REFERENCES:
Books and Essays
American State Papers, "Claims in the Western District of Louisiana-Case No. 73-36", Vol. 3-1815-1824, (Southern Historical Press: Greenville, South Carolina-1994).
Avoyelles Parish Crossroads of Lousiana, (Pelican Publishing Company: Gretna, Louisiana-1999).
Randy DeCuir, “Bonnett (sic)”, [a compilation of Bonnette family genealogy], (P.O. Box 383, Marksville, Louisiana 71351).
Randy DeCuir, “Fuqua”, [a compilation of Fuqua family genealogy], (P.O. Box 383, Marksville, Louisiana 71351)
William Nelson Gremillion Sr. and Loucille Edwards Gremillion, Some Early Families of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, Vol. I, (Claitor's Publishing Division: Baton Rouge, Louisiana-1980).
Jeraldine Dufour LaCour, Avoyelleans of Yesteryear, (Dufour: Bunkie, Louisiana-1983).
Jeraldine Dufour LaCour, Brides Book of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (1808-1855), Vol. I, (Dufour: Bunkie, Louisiana-1979).
Jeraldine Dufour LaCour, Brides Book of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (1856-1880), Vol. II, (Dufour: Bunkie, Louisiana-1982).
Jeraldine Dufour LaCour, Brides Book of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana (1881-1899), Vol. III, (Dufour: Bunkie, Louisiana-1983).
Corrine L. Saucier, History of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, (Provincial Press: Ville Platte, Louisiana-2004-reprint of 1st edition of 1943).
Magazines
Focus, News of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, New Orleans Province, V. 10, No. 2., Fall/Winter 2003.
Journals
The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, “Emcel P. Bonette”, November 16, 1999.
The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, “Robert 'Bobby' Matthew Bonnette", June 16, 2006.
The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, “Mabel D. Bonnette", May 8, 2008.
The Alexandria Daily Town Talk, “John V. Bonnette", May 21, 2008.
The Avoyelles Journal, “Our Heritage”, ‘The Bonnette Family’, a seven plus series of articles ran September thru October? 1983 by Nelson Gremillion.
The Daily Comet [Lafourche Parish], "Edwin P. Bonnette", September 21, 2007.
The Times Democrat, 'Floriall (sic) Bonnette', November 17, 1904.
The Times Picayune, “Corinne C. Bonnette”, March 19, 1953, p. 2.
The Times Picayune, “John W. Bonnette”, June 1, 1964, Section 1.
The Times Picayune, “Agnes Champagne Hellbach", March 11, 1965.
The Times Picayune, “[Nettie Mary] Goudeaux”, August 3, 1969, p. 20.
The Times Picayune, “Winsted J. Bonnette”, November 27, 1987, p. 14D.
1900 Federal Census Avoyelles Parish
part of 8th Ward) Enumeration District No. 21, Supervisor District 6, Sheet 3, pp. 187-188.
Leocade Bonnette-March 1853, farmer
Ulysses Bonnette-January 1877, farm laborer
Lodoisca Bonnette-January 1883, daughter-in-law
Ida Bonnette -February 1884
Ines Bonnette-January 1886 (at school)
Irenne Bonnette-February 1888 (at school)
Philibert Bonnette-April 1889 (at school)
Eli Bonnette-January 1892 (at school)
Nattie Bonnette-November 1895
Edwin Bonnette-May 1899 (grandson)
(residing next door was her son)
Bossier F. Bonnette-August 1872, farmer.
Emily Bonnette-March 1874
Walter J. Bonnette-June 1896
Bloome Bonnette-January 1898