The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1890-08-02
FIFTY YEARS AGO!
BY UNCLE SILAS
II
Continued from last issae.)

when q youth and engaged in mer-
chandise which occupation he pur-
sued until about 1871 when he renlov
ed to New Orleans as senior of the
firm of Laforest and Squires which
soon became one of the leading sugar
firms in that city. This partnership
lasted for many years, when meeting
with reverses it was dissolved. MIR.
Laforest subsequently became senior
partner III the firm of Lafnrest and
Desmare, which was en- ded by the war.
Nj. Lafofest was also in connection
with DIR. Scuddy, the owner Of a line
plantation in the interior near the
Malagay settlements.
Since the var Mr.. Laforest continued
on the same plantation until 1883
when he removed into Thibodaux.
and where he died, shortly afterward
full of years, esteemed and respected
by all who knew him, during his long
life.
Patrick II. Gary is a native of Vir-
ginia. He immigrated to Tllibodaux
q III January l, 1882, coming with Nj.
Alfred Willard, who was about enter
ing into the mercantile business. He
opened Mr.. MillarIs first stock OF
goods, in a wooden one story build
ing OH the corner of Levee and Green
streets. standing back some distance
from the bayou.
Mr.. Gary acted as salesman and
book keeper in the new store until
January 1885, then went to Texas, re-
naming in that State for six months,
when he returned to New Orleans.
In that city he met Mr.. Willard, who
invited him to his home, which INV
tation was gladly accepted as Mr..
Gary was unwell. He remained with
his friend until 1888, being in partner
ship with him during the years 1887
and 1888.
Then, friends rendering assistance
MIR. Gary formed a partnership with
George w. Squires, and taking a Mr..
Jenkins i'll with them opened IA store
on the orn of st. Louis and Leyee
streets, in which they continued un-
til 1910, when they dissolved the firm.
He was subsequently a steamboat
clerk and book keeper in New Orleans
until 1S45 when he returned to Thibo-
daax, and with Mr.. Adrien Leblanc
purchased a stock of goods from Dir.
Mathurin Bourg on the corner of Jack
son and Main streets.
This stock was removed to a brick
building situated on what is now the
market square, and fronting the ferry,
the firm existing for several years.
} Mr. Gary, after dissolving that part
nership. in connection with a Mr.. Haw-
ley built a foundry on or near the
spot now occupied by the shops of
w. II. Raglan above the railroad depot.
Having been burnt out Gary and Haw-
ley purchased the Thibodaux foundry,
Mr.. Hawley subsequently, selling to
his partner. He sold Il fourth interest
to c. NJ. ellis which he .fterwards re-
purchased and i'll 1856 or 1857 sold il
half interest to George Jackson which
firm continued until the war stopped
ments were made, extensions built
and additional lots and buildings pur-
chased.
Mr.. Gary had also engaged in sugar
planting, being part owner of the
Cross plantation three miles north OF
Thibodaux.
After the war Mr.. Gary sold his in
terest in the foundry, and that inter
est which he held Ill the plantation,
took the usual course of such proper
ties at that period, and spreading its
Mr.. Gary passed several years with
his lifetime friend, Mr.. A. a. Laforest
at his plantation some 20 miles Dortll
east of this town. He is now living
with his nephew hale and hearty in
the parish of Assumption, near Pain
courtville.
Mr.. Gary served as town trustee in
1854, 1856, and 1857.
The/pwn of Ihibodaux is indebted
to MfVGary perhaps, more than to
any other mar for the building Of the
bridge over the Bayou in 1857.
He was the largest stakeholder, and
did the necessary iron work. or mucl
of it, waiting for his pay until the re-
venues of the Bridge could liquidata
the amount. He was president of the
company for several years.
On the beautiful banks of the Bayou
Lafourclle he is passing the evening OF
his long and useful life in qIiet aBO
peace. and there are haIlt of the many
friends, who have known him ii Ill,
years gone by, that do not wish the
venerable ~octogenarian many years @
comfort and happiness.
Mr.. Pierre Ruuanet was Il physician
whose family owned the property nov
belonging tn tie Raglan brothers o.
the corner of Market ard Marona.
Streets, and believed to oe the frs
dwelling erected in Fhibodaux.
IIa rn.irnrI Lii nni.n Ii a ,rAanlnr