Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1910-09-30

The Town of st. Joseph in its earliest
stages was nothing more than a landing
on the bank of the Mississippi River, and
bore the name of "Dinsmore's Landing"
which it inherited from a fatboatman by
that name who located here.
The portion of land lying between the
Pamela plantation and the school section
was at this time owned by Mr. Jno Snod-
grass, and the first house was built near
the present site OF Mr.. r. II. Whitney's
residence by a Mr.. Price, who was a
brother-in-law of Mr.. Snodgrass, from
whom the field located just back of town
acquired its name. The hedge of Cherokee
roses which surrounded this field at one
time attracted much attention for its
beauty.
The first store was owned by Mr.. Dins-
more, for whom the landing was named,
and was located near where the Farrar
house now stands.
This section of the country was origi-
nally part of Concordia parish, being
separated in 1913, and named 'Tensas."
st. Joseph, being near the centre of the
then populated area, which was princi-
pally along the highlands, near the river,
was made the seat of the new government.
1t is not generally known how st. Joseph
derived its name, but is believed to have
taken it from Lake st. Joseph, beauti-
full body of water some miles to the north
of us, and which in its turn was named
by a Catholic priest who is said to have
passed through this section, naming the
lakes prior to the passing of this territory
to the United States.
The contract for the first Court House
was let in 1915, just go years to the day
before the contract was signed for the
erection of the present very handsome
temple of justice.
Inc 1858 the first school building was
erected on the present site OF the Episco-
palian Church.
The Tensas Gazette, one of the Oldest
publications of North Louisiana, was es-
tablished in St. Joseph some years before
the war. Its exact age is difficult to de-
termine, all files and records of its history
antedating the great conflict between the
States having been swept away by the
mercless hand of war.
Mr.. Jno. Harper, father of Mr.. Jos.
NJ. Harper, of this parish, was the first
Sheriff of the new parish of Tensas, hav-
ing Mr.. Lewis for his deputy.
The present Episcopal Church was COM
pleted about 1871 and was the first
church built here. The construction of
this edifice was begun through the efforts
of the Rev. T. T. Castleman, who hav-
ing died before its completion, was sue
ceeded by Rev. Jno. Johnson as the first
stationed rector to this church. Miss Je-
nette Haderman and Mr.. Douglass Wal
worth were the first couple married in
this church. Mrs. Walworth, who is still
| liNAllS, 10 u WlltCi VI llOlC dlit VI
interesting facts relative to Tensas parish
The Masonic building, one of the old
land marks of st. Joseph, was erected by
the Masonic Order in this parish in 1885.
The lower story, large and airy hall,
has for years been the scene of many
happy gatherings OF both youth and age.
In 1885 the Catholic Church was built,
being dedicated in 1856 by Bishop from
Natchitoches.
In the year 1901 the Village of st. Jo-
seph was Incorporated, the United States
census of the preceding year giving us
some $50 inhabitants. All municipal
offices in st. Joseph are mere hon.
orary positions, there being no emolu.
ment attached to any office save that o.
Town Marshal. The gentlemen who have
freely given their time and attention t.