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MAYOR RAYMOND CAILLAVET (1838-1898)
Raymond Caillavet (1838-1898) called "Medeaux" was born at Biloxi in 1838. He was the eldest son of Francois Caillavet (1815-1883), a carpenter, and Euranie Fayard (1818-1895). Raymond Caillavet was the grandson of Louis Arbeau Caillavet (1793-1860), a native of the Opelousas Post, Louisiana and Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) of Biloxi. Louis A. Caillavet was baptized on March 31, 1793, with Louis Carriere and Marie Despaux standing as his godparents. L.A. Caillavet's father, Symphroen Caillavet (1746-1806), was born at Bordeaux, France. His mother was Marie Rose Carriere (1766-c. 1855), a native of New Orleans.
The Caillavet family at Biloxi was well respected. Louis A. Caillavet, the progenitor of the family here, had arrived in 1809, from Opelousas, Louisiana. His mother, Rose Carriere and brother, Adolph Caillavet (c. 1803-1842) joined him at Biloxi later .
L.A. Caillavet (1793-1860) married Marguerite Fayard (1787-1863) circa 1811. She was the daughter of Jean Baptist Fayard, Jr. (1752-1816) and Angelique Ladner (1753-1830). These families are among the oldest at Biloxi.
L.A. Caillavet was fluent in the French and English languages and acted as an agent-interpreter and representative to wealthy Creole families from New Orleans as well as his neighbors in land and legal matters. He was often called as a witness in Probate (Chancery) Court matters and his depositions in several court cases reveal something about his life. From Nap Cassibry's excellent two volume series, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, the following has been extracted concerning L.A. Caillavet:
1. was in Biloxi in 1809 and no later than 1812.
2. sometimes he was the only one in Biloxi who could write.
3. served as an interpreter and notary in legal matters.
4. he was blind by 1848.
L.A. Caillavet acquired much land on the Mississippi coast. In February 1837, he received a U.S. Government land patent on 71.85 acres at Jackson County, Mississippi described as Lot 1 of Section 32 T7S-R8W. It comprised the NE/4 and SE/4 of the NE/4 of that section. This land
is located on the beach front at east Ocean Springs west of Halstead Road. Louis A. Caillavet was elected treasurer of the Harrison County Board of Police (Board of Supervisors) for the term 1841-1843.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 96, pp. 325-326)
As a young man, Raymond Caillavet took the call of the Confederate cause and joined Company E (Biloxi Rifles), 3rd Mississippi Infantry, C.S.A. He served as a private. The Biloxi Rifles were mustered into State service on May 21, 1861, at Jackson, and Confederate service at Shieldsboro (Bay St. Louis) on October 5, 1861. They were originally expected to be sent to Virginia, but Governor Pettus thought they would be better utilized as a home guard protecting the Mississippi Coast from Union excursions.
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for New Orleans. Here he met and married Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) circa 1864. Their first two children were born at New Orleans. They returned to Biloxi for birth of their third child in 1869.
Celina Joucheray
Young Caillavet must have left the Coast during the Civil War for New Orleans. Here he met and married Celina Joucheray (1841-1903) circa 1864. Celina Joucheray was born at New Orleans on November 24, 1841. Her father wasPierre Joucheray (1809-1842) and mother, Louise Denis (ca 1812-ca 1849). Pierre Joucheray was born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire on March 16, 1809, while Louise Denis was a native of Sable, Department of Sarthe. The Joucherays were married at Paris, France circa 1836.
Joucheray, Celina
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarth in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that she bore a female child Celina Joucheray, the legitimate child of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray born at Chare sur Argoz Canton Conde , born at Chare sur Argos Canton Conde Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, in (illegible) Department. The child was born on the twenty fourth of November eighteen and forty one at half past eleven o’clock A.M. in a house on Louise? Street between Marigny and Mandeville Streets in the first Municipality of this city.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Birth Records Volume 7, p. 189)
Joucheray, Pierre
Be it remembered that on the day to wit: the fourteenth of November of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two and the sixty seventh of the Independence of the United States before me, Alfred E. Farstall, duly commissioned and sworn Recorder of Births and Deaths in and for the Parish and City personally appeared. Mrs. Louise Denis, widow of the late Mr. Pierre Joucheray, a native of Sable, Department of the Sarthe in France, about thirty years of age and residing on Royale Street No. 358 in the first Municipality of New Orleans who in the presence of undersigned witnesses , doth declare that her lawful husband Mr. Pierre Joucheray, born at Chare sur Argos, Canton Conde, Department of Maine and Loire in France, on the sixteenth of March eighteen hundred and nine and since about six years ago married at Paris in France, departed this life on the twenty first of May last past at ten o’clock P.M. by falling accidentally into the Blind River Parish of St. Tammany in the state of Louisiana.(Louisiana Department of Archives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Death Records Volume 9, p. 383)
After Pierre Joucheray’s death in May 1841, Madame Joucheray and Celina disappear until the Orleans Parish Federal Census of 1850. At this time, Celina is living in the household of Marcelin Effort (1828-1850+), a Louisiana born pilot, in the first ward of New Orleans. It appears that her mother remarried or died before 1850.
Coming Home
Raymond Caillavet and Celina’s first two children were born at New Orleans. They had returned to Biloxi for birth of their third child in 1869. On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on North Street at Biloxi from his father. It was described in the land deed records as having a front of eighty-five feet on North Street and being two-hundred feet deep. It was bounded on the north by North Street, east by Mrs. Lefaure, south by lands of Cook, and west by a street or road (Cuevas Street?).(2) He paid $200 for the land. Here Raymond Caillavet reared his family and made his livelihood as a carpenter.
In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once participated.(4)
Public Service
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in Harrison County and as a city official at Biloxi. He served as Justice of the Peace District 1 (1873-1875), Corner and Ranger (1875-1877), Mayor of Biloxi (1877-1882), Corner and Ranger (1889-1891), and City Councilman (1894-1895). In the January 1879 mayoral election, Caillavet defeated J.R. Harkness receiving 151 of the 200 votes cast.
In October 1883, while serving as street commissioner of Biloxi, Raymond Caillavet was lauded in The Pascagoula Democrat-Star for his expertise in opening the beach road from Porter Avenue to a point near the Biloxi City Cemetery to connect with the shoreline thoroughfare from Mississippi City. Mr. Caillavet removed trees and stumps, but when completed, the road had the appearance of a “long avenue shaded on both sides”. It was said of Commissioner Caillavet that, “The city fathers could not have appointed a more efficient man for commissioner that the present incumbent.”(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, October 5, 1883, p. 3)
Raymond Caillavet was elected as Secretary of the City of Biloxi in January 1885. He defeated Thomas D. Bachino 147 votes to 72 votes.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 9, 1885, p. 2)
Mr. Caillavet lost to John Walker in the Biloxi mayoral election of 1888.(The Biloxi Herald, March , 1888)
Construction
Raymond Caillavet built a large storage house for the Biloxi Artesian Ice Manufacturing Company.(The Biloxi Herald, February 18, 1888, p. 8)
On February 26, 1869, Raymond Caillavet bought a lot fronting on North Street at Biloxi from his father. It was described in the land deed records as having a front of eighty-five feet on North Street and being two-hundred feet deep. It was bounded on the north by North Street, east by Mrs. Lefaure, south by lands of Cook, and west by a street or road (Cuevas Street?). He paid $200 for the land. Here Raymond Caillavet reared his family and made his livelihood as a carpenter.(
In June 1869, young Raymond Caillavet for $100 acquired another lot from his father. It had a width of sixty-five feet and was one-hundred twenty five feet in depth. The lot was bounded on the north by John Latour Caillavet, east by Charles T. Couave (Cuevas), south by a street, and west by an alley.(3) Caillavet conveyed this property to Phillip Lestrade (1832-1912) on January 5, 1876, as partial repayment for a debt owed Lestrade in a partnership that they had once partcipated.(4)
Raymond Caillavet also had a career in public service in Harrison County and as a city official at Biloxi. He served as Justice of the Peace District 1 (1873-1875), Corner and Ranger (1875-1877), Mayor of Biloxi (1877-1882), Corner and Ranger (1889-1891), and City Councilman (1894-1895). In the January 1879 mayoral election, Caillavet defeated J.R. Harkness receiving 151 of the 200 votes cast.
Raymond and Celina J. Caillavet reared their family at New Orleans and Biloxi. Their children were: Marie Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940), John Caillavet (b. circa 1867-pre 1870), Aristide Bertrand Caillavet (1868-1898), Emma Rose C. Murray (c. 1869-1955+), Alice C. Bellande (1872-1955), Edward Caillavet (1874-1923), Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885), William (1879-1940), Lillian C. Holley (1883-1967), Louise C. Morgan (1881-1965).
Raymond Caillavet expired on February 16, 1898. Mrs. Caillavet died on March 15, 1903. Both are buried at the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
Marie Blanche Caillavet (1865-1940)-born December 12, 1865, at New Orleans. She moved from Biloxi to New Orleans circa 1915, where she resided at 830 Governor Nicholls in the Vieux Carre.. Blanche never married. She kept house for her sister, Emma, before she married William P. Murray. Miss Caillavet died April 19, 1940 at New Orleans. Mrs. Calvin Strayham and Alice Bellande, her sister, were with her when she died. Blanche Caillavet's remains were interred at the Biloxi Cemetery.
John Caillavet-born circa March 1867, at New Orleans. Probably died before 1880. This may be the same person as Aristide Caillavet. No further information.
Aristide Bertrand Caillavet (1868-1898)-born February 10, 1868 at New Orleans. Aristide Caillavet married Ellen Gannon on June 17, 1890 at Biloxi (BVM). She was the daughter of Patrick Gannon and Anna Pennel. Their children were: Celina (b. 1890), Arthur Aristide (1893-1893), Mary Winnie Mon (1895-1977), Edward Aristide (1898-1963). Aristide Caillavet died on January 19, 1898. He was buried at the Biloxi Cemetery.
Emma Rose Caillavet Murray (1869-1955+)-born 1869, at Biloxi. Emma Caillavet married William P. Murray on May 19, 1891 at New Orleans. Their children were: Edgar Murray (b. 1891) and Robert Murray (1893-1955+). Emma C. Murray's remains are buried at New Orleans.
Alice Louise Caillavet Bellande (1872-1955)-born October 7, 1872, at Biloxi. She married Peter Bellande (1871-1933) on August 19, 1894 at BVM. Peter Bellande made his livelihood as a bartender and a policeman. They resided at 837 Lameuse Street. Children: Roy P. Bellande (1895-1964), Faye B. Davidson (1898-1974), Aristide C. Bellande (1901-1976), Elliott A. Bellande (1904-1977), Ruth B. Ragusin (1906-1993), Marcel J. Bellande (1909-1982), Alton L. Bellande (1912-1970). Alice C. Bellande died on July 10, 1955. Buried at Biloxi Cemetery.
Edward Caillavet (1874-1923)-born December 1874, at Biloxi. Edward Caillavet relocated to New Orleans circa 1896. He was familiarly known as "Nig" Caillavet. Edward Caillavet died November 15, 1923, at Jackson, Louisiana, after a long illness.
Clarissa Rita Caillavet (1877-1885)-born April 22, 1877. Died April 10, 1885. No further information.
William Fernand Caillavet (1879-1940) born January 14, 1879, at Biloxi. He married Eulalie Rita Louge (1887-1941) on March 19, 1910. W.F. "Grits" Caillavet made his livelihood as a carpenter. The family resided at 701 West Howard Avenue at the time of his demise on February 27, 1940. Rita Louge Caillavet was the daughter of Michael J. Louge and Mary Fayard of Biloxi. She was born on July 17, 1887 at Biloxi, and died there on June 21, 1941. Their children were: William (1911-1912), Irma Lucille (1912-1994), and an unnamed son (1914-1914).
Lucille Caillavet, their only surviving child never married, and lived on Thomas Street most of her life. She was close to Arnice Sanders Wagner of Mobile, the daughter of her aunt, Mrs. T.J. (Eugenie) Louge Cox. All members of this family are buried at the Old Biloxi Cemetery.
Louise Clemence Caillavet Morgan (1881-1965)-born February 3, 1881, at Biloxi. As a young woman, she worked as a salesgirl in the Julius Cahn establishment. Louise married Alvah Clark Morgan (1881-1979) who she met while he worked in Biloxi as the cashier at the L&N freight depot. Their nuptial vows were taken on August 28, 1911, at New Orleans. Al Morgan was born at Trilla near Matoon in south central Illinois. After leaving Biloxi in 1911, the Morgans resided at Memphis, Forth Worth, and Wichita Falls, Texas before settling at Denver, Colorado in 1917. Mr. Morgan worked for the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company until 1931. Their only child, Trilla Morgan Reilly (1913-2004), was born at Fort Worth, Texas on April 25, 1913. She was named for Trilla, Illinois, the birthplace of her father. Louise C. Morgan died November 6, 1965, at Denver, Colorado.
Mary Liliana Caillavet Holley (1883-1967)-born July 19, 1883, at Biloxi. She was known as Lillian. Lillian Caillavet married Anson Holley (1882-1967) at Biloxi on January 29, 1907. They resided at 139 Magnolia Street. The Holley children were: Anson Holley, Jr. (1908-1975),
Lillian H. Maumus (1910-1981), Lionel Holley (1910-1993), Pat H. Daley (1913-1986), and Raymond Holley (1920-1940). Anson Holley built Biloxi schooners for U.S. "Lel" Desporte and the C.B. Foster Packing Company.
REFERENCES:
1. Harrison County Land Deed Book 10, p. 614.
2. ------------------------- Book 11, p. 522-523.
3. ------------------------- Book 15, p. 24-25.
Nap L. Cassibry, II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume I, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1986), p. 48.
Nap L. Cassibry, II, Early Settlers and Land Grants at Biloxi, Volume II, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississppi-1986), p. 24, p. 50, and pp. 118-119.
--------------------, The Ladner Odyssey, (Mississippi Historical and Genealogical Society: Biloxi,
Mississippi-1988), p
Gladys de Villier, The Opelousas Post, (Polyanthos, Inc: Cottonport, Louisiana-1972) p. 25.
Grady Howell, To Live and Die in Dixie, (Chickasaw Bayou Press: Jackson, Mississippi-1991), pp. 30-33 and p. 566.
Jerome Lepre, The Caillavet Family, (Mississippi Coast History and Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1984), p. 30, p. 66, and p. 76.
Jerome Lepre, Catholic Church Records Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi, (Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi: Biloxi, Mississippi-1991), pp. 45-48.
Harrison County, Mississippi Register of Commissions, pp. 22, 26, 28, 37, and 51.
Harrison County Chancery Court Cause No. P-2781B, "Estate of Irma Louise Caillavet", August 26, 1994.
Journals
The Biloxi Herald, "William Murray-Emma Caillavet", May 19, 1891, p. 4, c. 1. see also July 18, 1891, p. 4.
The Biloxi Herald, "Uranie Cailavet", December 28, 1895, p. 8, c. 2.
The Biloxi Herald, "Aristide B. Caillavet", January 22, 1898, p. 8, c. 1.
The Biloxi Herald, "Captain Raymond Caillavet", February 19, 1898, p. 5, c. 4.
The Biloxi Herald , "Zeline Caillavet", March 16, 1903, p. 6, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Holley-Caillavet", January 29, 1907.
The Daily Herald, "Louge-Caillavet", March 21, 1910, p. 8, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Moran (sic)-Caillavet", August 30, 1911, p. 8.
The Daily Herald, "Edward Caillavet Dead", November 16, 1923, p. 3, c. 3.
The Daily Herald, "Blanche Caillavet dies", April 20, 1940, p. 7, c. 2.
The Daily Herald, "Mrs. Wm. Caillavet Dies", June 23, 1941.
The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, "Elections at Biloxi", January 10, 1879, p. 3, c. 2.
The Sun Herald, "Lionel J. Holley, Sr.", February 23, 1993, p. 2.
U.S. Census-Harrison County, Mississippi (1850, 1860, 1870,
1880, and 1900).
Personal Communication:
Hazel M. Bellande-September 1995.
Fern Davidson Dubaz O'Neal-September 1995.
Laura Thompson Creel-September 1995.
Trilla Morgan Reilly-September 1995.
Thelma G. Bellande-October 1995.