By Ray L. Bellande

BILOXI FAMILIES

EUGENE BAKELER

Eugene Bakeler (1854-1923) was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, February 26, 1855, the son of Eugene Bakeler and Anastasia Munch. He and married Marie Adoraline Chevalley (1865-1940), of New Orleans, and the daughter of Emile Robert Chevally and Julia Modere. They had four children: Arthur, Albert Bakeler (1889-1973), Robert and Marshall. Mr. Bakeler is a member of the Knights of Honor. He is engaged in a general news, tobacco and cigar business. He commenced his business career as a check boy in the store of D.H. Holmes, and rose to the position of salesman at the age of eighteen. He has been a resident of Biloxi seventeen years, during which time he served as alderman under ex-Mayor Ladnier's administration and made a good reputation as such. He always had a fascination for the news business, buys direct from the publishers and has the finest establishment of its kind on the Gulf coast. After the destructive fire he was the first doing business in the burnt district which speaks well for his pluck and enterprise. He is not selfish, but attributes his business success largely to his estimable wife. He was a string advocate in the election for the Gulf & Ship Island railroad, and believes in the future prosperity and greatness of Biloxi.

Bakeler’s Restaurant

The Bakeler Restaurant was situated opposite the L&N Depot. In June 1894, Mr. Bakeler exhibited a large red snapper frozen in a 300-pound block of ice by the Hygeia Ice Works. The Piscean sculpture made an attractive exhibit.(The Biloxi Herald, June 30, 1894, p. 8)

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, June 30, 1894.

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THE NICOLAS MARINO BENACHI FAMILY

New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi

Nicolas Marino Benachi (1812-1886) was born on the Greek Island of Khios. Khios is located in the Aegean Sea off the west coast of Turkey. It is believed to have been the birthplace of Homer. Khios is known for its school of epic poets, the Homeridae, and it sculptors. It became a Greek possession in 1912. Today with the adjacent islands of Cyclades, Dodecanese, Lesbos, and Samos, Khios forms the Greek department called Aegean Islands.(Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary-1988, p. 261)

NICHOLAS MARINO BENACHI (1812-1886)

[image made March 1998 by Ray L. Bellande. Courtesy of James G. Derbes, NOLA]

N.M. Benachi immigrated to the United States. His brother, Emmanuel Benachi, became Mayor of Athens. Anthony Benachi, a son of Emmanuel, donated his Athens home for the prominent Benachi Museum. Nicolas M. Benachi settled at New Orleans, Louisiana. Here he made his livelihood in the New Orleans cotton trade with the Greek firm, the Ralli Brothers. They were international cotton brokers with offices in London, Cairo, Athens, and India.(Derbes, et al-1998, p. 4) Another branch of the Benachi family in partnership with the Choremi clan operated in the cotton business at Alexandria, Egyptfrom the mid-1800s until dispossessed by Nasser (1918-1970).(Choremi, July 1998)

Nicolas M. Benachi married Catharina Grund (d. 1853). They were the parents of four children: Michel Benachi (1841-1853), Marie B. Botassi (ca. 1842-1894+), Marino Benachi (1853-1853), and Pandia N. Benachi (c. 1857-1886+). The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853, took the lives of Catharina G. Benachi and two of her children, Michel Benachi and Marino Benachi, while they vacationed in August, at Biloxi, Mississipi. In late September 1856, an inventory of the estate of Mrs. Benachi was filed in the 2^nd District Court at New Orleans. The results of this survey showed that the Benachi Estate was valued as follows: Movable objects (primarily furniture)-$331; Two slaves-$1800; and Immovable property (real estate)-$16,550; and Mr. Benachi’s interest in Ralli & Company-$12,293. The credit of the community against N.M. Benachi was $6740, leaving him a net worth of $37,713.(2^nd District Court of New Orleans, September 1856)

The following is a summary of what is currently known of the lives of the first family of N.M. Benachi:

Michel Benachi (1841-1853)-died at the age of twelve during the 1853 Yellow Fever Epidemic.(The New Orleans Picayune, September 4, 1853, p. 2, c. 6)

Marie Benachi Botassi (ca.1842-1894+)-married Demetrius Nicholas Botassi in December 1862.(Murray, p. 108) A son, Demetrius Botassi was born at New Orleans on November 15, 1865. She appears to have spent most of her life as a resident of Paris, France. Mr. Botassi was living in New York City in 1886.(Inventory of the Succession of N.M. Benachi-1886) No further information.

Marino Benachi (1853-1853)-died at the age of five months during the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1853.(The New Orleans Picayune, September 4, 1853, p. 2, c. 6)

Pandia N. Benachi (c. 1857-1886+)-married Sarah Ann Stohr in January 1877.(Murray, p. 108) Pandia N. Benachi was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida in 1886.(Inventory of the Succession of N.M. Benachi-1886) No further information.

After the demise of his wife, Catharina Grund, N.M. Benachi married a minor, Anne Marie Bidault (1837-1897), on November 13, 1856. She was a native of Bordeaux and the daughter of Antoine Bidault (1800-1875) of New Orleans and Desire Marie Gilbert (1810-1870+), who was in France in 1856. The couple had a marriage contract drawn up. It consisted of three clauses: 1) no community gains and separate properties between the two parties. 2) husband to contribute to the expense of the marriage. 3) donation of $10,000 to Mrs. Anne B. Benachi from the Succession of N.M. Benachi. The agreement was notarized by Abel Dreyfous, Notary Public for the Parish of Orleans, prior to their wedding in November 1856.(HARCO Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Mrs. A. Benachi v. Marie Batassi, et al, August Term 1894).

The children of this union were: George N. Benachi (1857-1858), Anthony N. Benachi (1858-1916), Helene Benachi Frangopulo (1860-1886), Irene B. Bidault (1862-1942), Belisarie N. Benachi (1864-1923), and Diomede N. Benach (1866-1930). A summary of the lives of the second family of N.M. Benachi follows:

George N. Benachi (1856-1858) was born on August 31, 1857 at New Orleans. He died at New Orleans on October 13, 1858.(The Daily Delta, October 14, 1858, p. 2, c. 5.)

Anthony Nicolas Benachi (1858-1916)-was called Tony. He was born April 10, 1858, at New Orleans. Tony Benachi made his livelihood in the Crescent City as a cotton broker and at Greenville in the Mississippi Delta.(The Biloxi Herald, February 16, 1916, p. 2, c. 7)

In 1900, he appears to be residing in the Benachi House on the beachfront at Biloxi and employed as a cotton classer.(1900 Federal Census-Harrison County, Mississippi)

A.N. Benachi seems to have been a bon vivant, and yachting at Biloxi was a favorite pastime. Benachi owned the Royal Flush, a sixteen-foot catboat, which competed annually in the Biloxi Regatta. The swift craft also sailed in match races for sizeable prize money.(Ocean Springs Record, April 2, 1998) He organized the West End Yacht Club at Biloxi in August 1900. Tony Benachi served as first commodore while brother, Zio, was vice-commodore.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, August 7, 1900, p. 8, c. 3).

A.N. Benachi expired at Biloxi , on February 16, 1916, while residing at 422 Elmer Street. His remains were interred in the Benachi plot in the Biloxi Cemetery.(The Biloxi Herald, February 16, 1916, p. 2, c. 7)

Helene Benachi Frangopulo (1860-1886)-was born at New Orleans circa December 1860. She married Nicholas S. Frangopulo in April 1883.(Murray, p. 108) They were childless. Helene B. Frangopulo expired in the Benachi home at 425 Bayou Road on February 19, 1886.(The Times Picayune, February 20, 1886, p. 4, c. 5). No further information.

Irene Benachi Bidault (1862-1942)-was born at New Orleans on September 28, 1862. She married Louis A. Bidault of New Orleans, at Mississippi City in July 1903. Justice J.J. Herbert officiated.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, July 17, 1903, p. 6, c. 2) She may have been previously married to William S. Douglas in June 1886.(Murray, p. 108). No further information.

Besari or Belisaire or Belizarius N. Benachi (1864-1923)-was called Zio. He was born on October 26, 1864 at New Orleans. Zio married Sallie Doyle (d. 1952) at New Orleans in November 1899. She was a Mobile native and resident of Biloxi.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, November 7, 1899, p. 8, c. 2) Three children were born from this union: Edward Anthony Benachi (1904-1921), Thomas W. Benachi (1902-1982) of Chicago and Berwyn, Illinois, and Helene Anna Benachi Waldo (1911-1980) of Huntington, West Virginia and Wilmington, North Carolina.

The spouses of Thomas Benachi and Helene Benachi Waldo were Lise Benachi (1907-1987) and Kenneth C. Waldo (1897-1986) respectively. Thomas and Lise Benachi expired at Berwyn, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, while Mr. and Mrs. Waldo passed at Wilmington, North Carolina.(Family Tree Maker (CD ROM-Social Security Death Index, United States, 1937-1996, Volume 1 and Volume 2)

In 1904, Zio Benachi was a bookkeeper for the New Orleans Acid & Fertilizer Company, which was located at 204 Carondelet. The family resided at 376 Millaundon. (Soards (1904), p. 115)

At the time of his demise in 1923, Zio was associated with the Planters Fertilizer & Chemical Company of New Orleans. Mr. Benachi resided at 7901 South Claiborne with his wife, Sallie Doyle, and their two children.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, February 14, 1923, p. 6, c. 3)

Sallie Doyle Benachi passed on September 5, 1952, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kenneth C. Waldo, in Huntington, West Virginia. She had three grandchildren.(The Times Picayune, September 13, 1952, p. 2, c. 6.)

Diomedes N. Benachi (1866-1930)-may have been called Eugene. (Federal Census 1880-Orleans Parish, Louisiana). In 1904, he made his livelihood as a drayman with his residence located at 924 Philip Street.(Soards (1904), p. 115.) D.N. Benachi passed on January 27, 1930. His remains were interred at the St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery on Esplanade Avenue in the Crescent City.(The Times Picayune, January 28, 1930, p. 2, c. 7). No further information.

The Benachi-Torre House

2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana.

[photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in March 1998]

The outstanding center-hall, Classic-style house built in 1859 for Nicholas Benachi and his second wife, Anna Marie Bidault, for $18,000. This was the site of an earlier Bayou Road residence designed for Joseph Zeringue in 1806 by Barthelemy Lafon. The earlier building housed the Bellanger boarding school from 1832 to 1838.

BENACHI-TORRE HOUSE

Benachi purchased it with grounds measuring 135 feet front by three arpents depth in 1852 for $11,134. He lived in the earlier maison de maitre with his first wife and children for a short time, but Mme. Benachi died and two of the children died in the yellow fever epidemic in 1853 at their summer home in Biloxi. When Benachi remarried, he demolished the early house, building this one for his new wife. The Benachi family kept its residence until 1886, when Peter Torre purchased it. The house and grounds remained in the Torre family, although the three-arpent depth of the lot has been cut by the extension of Laharpe Street. The house and detached, two-story service building are enclosed on the spacious grounds by a high cast-iron fence having a Gothic style gate. The ensemble is one of the city’s major landmarks. Although the floor plan reflects the traditional American, center-hall plan, the single windows on either side of the entrance and second level door are unusual for New Orleans. Paired box columns supporting the double galleries are another variation from the norm. Adding sophistication to the façade are the pilasters at the corner of the flushboard front. The $18,000 building price in 1859 is high and is reflected in the excellent quality of interior millwork and plaster decoration. The complex was donated to the Louisiana Landmarks Society in 1978 by heirs of Peter Torre.

(Christovich, et al, 1980, p. 146)

The Benachi-Torre House is now owned by James G. Derbes. Mr. Derbes, a New Orleans attorney, acquired this historic home in July 1982, from the board of Trustees of the Lousiana Landmarks Society for $227,000.(Derbes, et al, 1998, p. 4) Councilor Derbes resides in the Benachi-Torre House and lets rooms to bed and breakfast patrons. He also owns and rents the Esplanade Villa at 2216 Esplanade Avenue. Mr. Derbes refers to his properties as the Cotton Brokers’ Houses as both edifices were once possessed by prominent cotton traders of the 19^th Century.

N.M. Benachi was Consul of Greece at New Orleans, a speculator in real estate and slaves, a hunter, horseman, and founder of the Greek Orthodox Church in the Western hemisphere.(Derbes et al-1998, p. 4) In July 1964, a Trisagion, a traditional Greek Othodox memorial service, was held at the tomb of N.M. Benachi in the St. Louis Cemetery on Esplanade Avenue, in recognition of his founding the Greek Orthodox community in the Western Hemisphere in 1864. The ceremony was integrated into the 13^th international conference of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America hosted at the Jung Hotel.(The Times Picayune, July 31, 1964, Section 3, p. 3, c.2)

In 1870, Mr. Benachi made his livelihood as a wholesale merchant at New Orleans. He resides with his wife and five children in the Seventh Ward. His mother-in-law, Marie Gilbert, resided with the family as well as two domestics, William Stewart (1853-1870+) and Hubert Darley (1819-1870+), a black female. Benachi’s net worth was $34,000 of which real estate accounted for $25,000. (Louisiana Federal Census 1870)

By 1880, Benachi was the Greek consul at New Orleans. His sons, Antoine and Belisaire Benachi, were clerks in a store at this time. Three domestic servants were in the Benachi household: Louis Chapon (b. 1845) from France and Louisiana natives, Augustine Johnson (b. 1858) and Anne Millet (b. 1859).(Louisiana Federal Census 1880)

In addition to his land possessions in Louisiana, N.M. Benachi began acquiring land on the seashore at Biloxi, Mississippi in March 1851. At this time, he bought from J.W. Lavillebeuvre for $6500, a tract in the Louis Fayard Claim No. 143 (Section 26, T7S-R9W) which had 232 ½ feet on the beach front and ran north to the Back Bay of Biloxi. Jacques Fayard was to the west and A. Blondeau to the east.(1.) This particular tract of land was traded within the Benachi-Bidault family several times between 1867 and 1876. Pandia N. Benachi sold the parcel to the Pelican Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 in February 1876. Leon Bertoli was president of the fire company at this time.(2) The Biloxi beach front parcel came back to N.M. Benachi in January 1879, when Leon Bertoli of the Pelican Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 quitclaimed it to him.(3)

N.M. Benachi had many land conveyances in the Biloxi area. Unfortunately, they are metes and bounds descriptions and can be located for the most part only in a general sense.

Present day Benach Avenue at Biloxi was originally the path for ingress-egress from the N.M. Benachi beachfront home to Pass Christian Road (now Howard Avenue). In the 19^th Century, there was no road from the Biloxi Lighthouse eastward towards the village of Biloxi for some distance. (Holland-June 1998) It wasn’t until November 1909, that the City of Biloxi began acquiring a seventy-five foot strip for street and bulkhead purposes from the landowners in this area. The name of the throughway was to be West Beach Street or Front Street.(4)

It is believed that the magnificent live oaks that line this thoroughfare today are the result of Mr. Benachi’s foresight. In December 1905, The Biloxi Daily Herald reported:

Benachi Avenue, from Howard Avenue to the beach, was ordered graded and shelled. This is good new to those living on that beautiful “Avenue of Oaks”. When completed it will form one of the most beautiful thoroughfares in the South or anywhere else.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 6, 1905, p. 1, c. 2)

The N.M. Benachi house on the beachfront at Biloxi was moved sometimes in the 19^th Century to a position west of present day Benachi Avenue and east of the Biloxi Lighthouse. It was relocated to the west to allow the Benachi driveway-road, which became Benachi Avenue to reach the beachfront. W.P. Kennedy acquired the Benachi home. It was demolished several years after Hurricane Camille of August 1969.(Herron Kennedy, June 1998)

Information on the Benachi House in local journals is rare. It was reported that the Benachi edifice at Biloxi, was entered by thieves on the night of March 29, 1885. Joseph Cody, one of the keepers of the Benachi place, was severely cut on the arm by one of the perpetrators. The villains fled without being identified.(The Daily Picayune, April 1, 1885, p. 1, c. 5)

N.M. Benachi family tomb St. Louis No. 3 Esplanade Avenue, NOLA

[image by Ray L. Bellande December 1997]

N.M. Benachi died intestate on February 8, 1886, at New Orleans. He left the following lands at Biloxi with an estimated value of $15,000.

Bounded South by the front bay or Gulf of Mexico. East by property now owned by John Cleary. North by Section line and West by the estate of Jacques Fayard having a front on said front bay or Gulf of Mexico of three hundred and twenty two feet-six inches running back due North between parallel lines to said section line a distance of 40 arpents more or less. Also one lot bounded South by lands of Henry Miller. West by property now owned by Dr. Maloney. North by the property of Charles Fayard. East by above described lot measuring North and South eight hundred feet, East and West.(Harrison County Chancery Court Cause No. 676, August 1894)

From the transcription of the Inventory of the Succession of Nicholas M. Benachi-February 1886, provided by James G. Derbes of New Orleans, the appraised value of the N.M. Benachi Estate was as follows:

Value of movable effects-$471.00

Value of shares of stock-$450.00

Value of silverware-$42.50

Value of claims-$200.00

Value of real estate-$11,715.00

Cash-$521.05

Total-$13,399.55

In August 1894, Mrs. Benachi petitioned the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi for a forced heirship sale of these lands. She told of her marriage contract with N.M. Benachi and the clause where she was entitled to $10,000 from his estate.(HARCO Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Anna Benachi v, Marie Botassi, et al, August Term 1894)

N.M. BENACH HOUSE at BILOXI

[photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande of a pencil drawing of the N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi by Kathy Kennedy. Courtesy of Herron Kennedy 119 Benachi Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi]

In August 1895, Special Commissioner, F.G. Hewes, conveyed to Anna Benachi the lands at Biloxi in the estate of her late husband for $8000.(5)

Several months before her demise in November 1897, Mrs. N.M. Benachi with her son, Diomedes N. Benachi, as attorney-in-fact, platted a subdivision titled, “Benachi Addition to the City of Biloxi”. This strip of land is 275 feet in width and extends about 1700 feet north of Howard Avenue.(2^nd Judicial District Harrison County Chancery Court, Copy Book 1, p. 9) Present boundaries of the Benachi Addition are: north by Division Street, east by Graham, south by Howard Avenue, and west by Benachi Avenue. The heirs of Mrs. Anna Benachi sold the last parcel of land here in May 1905.(6)

After Mrs. Benachi’s death, Zio, Dio, and Irene Benachi in May 1903, sold their ¾ interest in what was known at Biloxi, as “the Benachi property” to Patrick Kennedy for $8,250. Tony Benachi retained his ¼ interest in the beachfront tract and became a business partner of Mr. Kennedy.(7)

The Benachi house was relocated in July 1903 from its original site to the lot west of the new street [Benachi Avenue] across from which it now stands.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, June 4, 1903, p. 6)

Entrepreneur, Patrick Kennedy (1845-1913), was born May 1845, in Gaulestown, Kilkenny County, Eire. He immigrated to the United States in 1866. Circa 1871, Pat Kennedy married, probably at New Orleans, the Irish immigrant widow of Bernard McKenna, Margaret M’Kenna (1845-1905). She was the mother of eleven children, five of whom were alive at the commencement of the 20^th Century.(Federal Census 1900-Harrison County, Mississippi) Mrs. Kennedy had a brother, Thomas P. McKenna (d. 1920), who resided at Long Beach, New Jersey.(The Daily Herald, July 26, 1920, p. 3, c. 1)

The family of Pat and Margaret Kennedy were: William P. Kennedy (1873-1951), and John J. Kennedy (1875-1949). Her M’Kenna children were: Mary M. Hodgins, (d. 1895), Sarah M’Kenna (1861-1903), Katherine M. Coyle (1864-1952), and Margaret M. Baltar (1870-1945).

The Patrick Kennedy family arrived at Biloxi from New Orleans on a permanent basis, in the early 1890s. They had established summer residency here in 1884. At New Orleans, Mr. Kennedy was initially engaged in the cooperage business. He later operated a retail soda water operation.(The Biloxi Herald, March 10, 1913, p. 1)

One of Pat Kennedy’s first business ventures on the Mississippi Gulf Coast was to ship raw oysters. He operated as P. Kennedy & Company.(Biloxi Herald, November 12, 1892) The renown, turn of the Century, Kennedy Hotel was erected by this family on the southeast corner of Reynoir Street and Railroad, just east of the L&N Depot. The land on which the Kennedy Hotel was built was acquired by W.P. Kennedy from the Estate of Marie Harvey Bellande (1840-1894) as a result of a forced heirship sale, Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 710, “ Ida Bellande Gossow v. Antoine V. Bellande, et al”.

The Kennedy Hotel occupied the site of the 1882 homestead of Captain Antoine V. Bellande (1829-1918), a French immigrant bar pilot, and his family. The Depot Saloon, which was operated by Captain Bellande’s son, Joseph A. Bellande (1868-1961), was also on the hotel parcel.(Bellande-1991, p. 31 and p. 42)

Two of Pat Kennedy’s sons, William P. Kennedy and John J. Kennedy, made important contributions to the economic and history of Biloxi. William P. Kennedy was originally in the drug business as Kennedy & Folkes. He later became engaged in the seafood business and is credited with bringing the first trawler to Biloxi.(The Daily Herald, December 24, 1951, p. 6, c. 3)

John J. Kennedy served the people of Biloxi as Mayor for fourteen years. He managed the Kennedy Hotel for many years after his father passed. At the time of his demise, J.J. Kennedy was the US comptroller of customs at New Orleans.(The Daily Herald, September 13, 1949, p. 1, c. 6 and p. 4, c. 4)

The Benachi property at Biloxi was defined as having a 322-foot front on the Gulf and running north to Howard Avenue with John Cleary to the east and Mrs. Henry Miller to the west.(8) A good approximation of “the Benachi property” in current view would place Benachi Avenue at the center of the parcel, with strips of land 140 feet wide on each side, running north to Howard Avenue.

During the years of the next decade, Patrick Kennedy (1845-1913) and A.N. Benachi sold lots from “the Benachi property”. The four beachfront tracts, two on each side of Benachi Avenue, were conveyed between 1904 and 1912.

In February 1904, William P. Kennedy (1873-1951) acquired the tract west of Benachi Avenue upon which the N.M. Benachi home was apparently situated.(9) William W. Baltar purchased the lot just east of William P. Kennedy in August 1904, from his step father-in-law, Pat Kennedy, and A.N. Benachi for $2100.(10)

In late 1905, William Winslow Baltar (1870-1928) had a two-story home constructed on his lot by J.E. Greene, one of the largest contractors in South Mississippi. The Baltar home cost $2600.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 20, 1905, p. 1, c. 4)

The two beachfront lots on the east side of Benachi Avenue were acquired by Martha J. Johnson of Chicago in 1905, and Sarah Kennedy in 1912.(11,12) The “Fabacher House”, now owned by Walter Blessey IV, at present day 948 West Beach, was erected for Rinaldo Everitt on the beachfront lot that he acquired from Martha Johnson in December 1905.(13) The Everitt-Blessey (commonly known as the “Fabacher House”) was probably erected in early 1906.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, December 20, 1905, p. 1, c. 4)

REFERENCES:

Chancery Court Land Records

1 Harrison County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 5, pp. 515-516.

2. Harrison County, Mississippi Land Deed Book 15, p. 14.

3. ------------------------------------------------- Book 16, pp. 305-306.

4. ------------------------------------------------- Book 40, p. 205.

5. ------------------------------------------------- Book 33, p. 75.

6. ------------------------------------------------- Book 66, p. 419.

7. ------------------------------------------------- Book 55, p. 583.

8. ------------------------------------------------- Book 55, p. 583.

9. ------------------------------------------------- Book 61, p. 37.

10. ------------------------------------------------- Book 90, p. 558.

11. ----------------------------------------- ------- Book 69, p. 51

12. ------------------------------------------ ------ Book 105, p. 445.

13. ----------------------------------------- ------- Book 70, p. 574.

Books and Essays

Ray L. Bellande, From Marseille To Mississippi, (Bellande: Ocean Springs, Mississippi-1991).

Mary Louise Christovich and Roulhac Toledano, New Orleans Architecture, Faubourg Treme and the Bayou Road, Volume IV, (Pelican Publishing Company: Gretna, Louisiana-1980).

James G. Derbes and William D. Reeves, “Benachi House and Esplanade Villa”, (2257 Bayou Road and 2216 Esplanade Avenue),(unpublished essay-1998).

Nicholas R. Murray, Hunting For Bears, Orleans Parish, Louisiana Marriages, 1830-1900, (Murray: Hammond, Louisiana).

Bradford O’Keefe Burial Book No. 6, “Anthony Nerlas (sic) Benachi”, (Biloxi Public Library Archives), p. 33.

Soards New Orleans City Directory (1904), (Soards Directory Company Ltd.: New Orleans-1904).

Webster’s New Geographical Dictionary, (Merriam- Webster Inc.: Springfield, Massachusetts-1988), p. 261.

The New Orleans WPA Guide: The Federal Writers Project Guide to 1930s New Orleans, (Pantheon Book: New York-1983).

CD ROM

Family Tree Maker (CD ROM), “Thomas Benachi”, “Lise Benachi”, “Helene B. Waldo”, and “Kenneth Waldo”, Social Security Death Index: United States, 1937-1996, Volume 1 and Volume 2.

Court Cases

2^nd District Court of New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, “The Inventory of Catherine Grund Benachi”, September 25, 1856.(Recorded in Volume 6, Act 141)

Transcription of “Inventory of the Succession of Nicholas M. Benachi”, February 24, 1886. (from James G. Derbes)

Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 676, Mrs. A. Benachi v. Marie Botassi, et al, August Term 1894.

Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 8286, Estate of B.N. Benachi, May 1922. (see also HARCO Will Book 5, p. 259)

Federal Census

Louisiana Federal Census 1870-Orleans Parish, “Nichol Benachi”, 7^th Ward, p. 446.

Louisiana Federal Census1880-Orleans Parish, “N.M. Benachi”, 7^th Ward, Roll No. 462, p. 652.

Journals

The Biloxi Herald, “Local Happenings”, November 12, 1892.

The Biloxi Herald, “Mrs. Anna Benachi”, November 13, 1897.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Doyle-Benachi”, November 7, 1899.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “West End Yacht Club”, August 7, 1900.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, March 11, 1903.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, June 4, 1903.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Benachi-Bidault”, July 17, 1903.

The Biloxi Daily Herald,” “Benachi Avenue To Be Shelled”, December 6, 1905.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Big Building Improvement”, December 20, 1905.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “City News”, December 20, 1905.

The Biloxi Herald, “Patrick Kennedy, Pioneer Citizen of Biloxi, Passes Away”, March 10, 1913.

The Daily Delta, October 14, 1858.

The Biloxi Herald, “Tony Benachi Is Claimed By Death”, February 16, 1916.

The Daily Herald, “Thomas P. McKenna”, July 26, 1920.

The Daily Herald, “Zio Benachi Dead”, February 14, 1923.

The Daily Herald, “John J. Kennedy, Ex-Biloxi Mayor, Dies at Residence”, September 13, 1949.

The Daily Herald, “W.P. Kennedy Sr. Is Buried Sunday With Catholic Services”, December 24, 1951.

The Daily Picayune, “Biloxi”, April 1, 1885.

The Daily Picayune, “N.M. Benachi Dead”, February 9, 1886.

The New Orleans Picayune, “Marino Benachi”, September 4, 1853.

The New Orleans Picayune, “Michel Benachi”, September 4, 1853.

The Ocean Springs Record, “Sous Les Chenes”, April 2, 1998.

The New Orleans Picayune, “Mrs. N.M. Benachi”, September 4, 1853.

The Times Picayune, “Mrs. Nicholas Frangopulo”, February 20, 1886.

The Times Picayune, “D.N. Benachi”, January 28, 1930.

The Times Picayune, “Mrs. Louis Bidault”, May 18, 1942.

The Times Picayune, “Greek Service Honors Leader”, July 31, 1964.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Baltar Holland-home interview at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 8, 1998.

Herron Kennedy-telephone interview June 11, 1998

James G. Derbes-home interview at New Orleans, Louisiana on June 23, 1998

Alec M. Choremi-letter of July 21, 1998, from Locust Valley, New York 11560.

Photographs

Image 1-Nicholas M. Benachi-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in the Benachi-Torre House at 2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana in March 1998. Courtesy of James G. Derbes.

Image 2-Benachi-Torre House-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande in March 1998 of 2257 Bayou Road, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Image 3-N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi-photograph taken by Ray L. Bellande of a pencil drawing of the N.M. Benachi House at Biloxi by Kathy Kennedy. Courtesy of Herron Kennedy 119 Benachi Avenue, Biloxi, Mississippi.

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THE HOLLEY FAMILY

THE MISSISSIPPI COAST

The Holley family came to the Mississippi coast from New York in the late 1820s. It appears from Federal census data that there were five brothers and a sister all born at

New York: George Holley (1800-1883), Benjamin Holley (1802-1860+), William Holley (1803-1850+), Charles Holley (1805-1857), Rebecca H. Norberg (1809-1880+), and Nicholas Holley (1810-1860+). Their mother, Rebecca Holley (1783-1860+), was born at New York. Their father was a native of Rhode Island, and appears to have died before 1850.

Benjamin Holley (1802-1860+) married Burissa Bradford (1808-1881), a native of Montville, New London County, Connecticut. She died on October 1, 1881. Some of their children were: Lyman B. Holley (1839-1894), Louis Holley (1841-1892), and Anson H. Holley (1843-1895), Sarah H. Hahn (b. 1846), and Mary Holley (b. 1847).

1850 Census

George Andrews 23 Carpenter New Hampshire

Caroline Andrews 22 Alabama

Nancy Noals 7 Alabama

George Holly 50 Carpenter New York

Rebecca Holly 67 New York

Rebecca Norburg 40 New York

William H. Norburg 21 Mass.

Benjamin Holly 40 Pilot New York

Burrisa Holly 42 Conn.

Lyman Holly 10 Miss.

Lewis Holly 9 Miss.

Anson Holly 7 Miss.

Sarah Holly 4 Miss.

Mary Holly 3 Miss.

Charles Holley 43 Mariner New York

Urseline Holley 32 Miss.

Charles Holley 14 Miss.

Jane Holley 12 Miss.

Dorothy Holley 10 Miss.

Rosanna Holley 6 Miss.

Alice Holley 1 Miss.

Nicholas Holley 40 Ship carpenter New York

Mary A. Holley 30 Miss.

Henry Holley 9 Miss.

Emma Holley 6 Miss.

Arthur Holley 2 Miss.

William Holley 45 Mariner New York

Adele Holley 38 Miss.

Nicholas Holley 17 Seaman Miss.

Margaret Holley 15 Miss.

Alfred Holley 13 Miss.

Delphine Holley 11 Miss.

William Holley 10 Miss.

Rovina Holley 6 Miss.

1860 Census

Biloxi

George W. Andrew 89? Master Carpenter New Hampshire

Caroline Andrews 29 Miss.

Asa Andrews 2 Miss.

John Andrews 3/12 Miss.

Rebecca Holley 77 New York

Rebecca Norberg 51 New York

William H. Norberg 31 Justise of the Peace Miss.

Benjamin Holley 58 Justice of the Peace New York

Burissa Bradford 52 (wife) Conn.

Lyman B. Holley 20 Clerk Miss.

Lewis Holley 18 Clerk Miss.

Anson Holley 16 Miss.

Sarah Holley 14 Miss.

Mary A. Holley 12 Miss.

George Holley 60 Probate Judge New York

Jane E. Holley England

Pass Christian

Nicholas Holley 27 Carpenter Miss.

A. Holley (f) 27 Dressmaker Miss.

Jo Holley (m) 4 Miss.

D. Holley (f) 7/12 Miss.

Flint Creek

Nicholas Holley 50 Farmer New York

Mary Ann Holley 41 Miss.

Henry Holley 19 Miss.

Arthur Holley 11 Miss.

Walter Holley 8 Miss.

Martha Holley 6 Miss.

Mary Ann Holley 4 Miss.

John Holley 1 Miss.

1870 Census

North Biloxi

Marian Holley 45 Keeping House Miss.

Henry Holley 25 Laborer Miss.

Emma Holley 23

Walter Holley 19

Martha Holley 17

Arthur Holley 13

Mary Holley 11

John Holley 9

George Holley 75 Probate Judge Miss.

Sarah Holley 68 Miss.

William Holley 30 Seaman Miss.

Eliza Holley 26 Keeping House Miss.

Julia Holley 3 Miss.

Biloxi

George Andrews 47 Carpenter Mass.

Caroline Andrews 38 Keeping House Ala.

John Andrews 9 Miss.

George Andrews 5 Miss.

Dudley Andrews 4 Miss.

Anson Holley 26 Laborer Miss.

Adelia Holley 24 Keeping house Ireland

(living with Maria Younghans, the lighthouse keeper)

Burissa Bradford Holley 62 Keeping House Conn.

Lyman Holley 30 Carpenter Miss.

Louis Holley 28 Miss.

Mary Holley 22 Miss.

Mississippi City

Frederic Holley 35 Seaman Miss.

Sarah Holley 28 Keeping House Miss.

Emma Holley 11

John Holley 4

Laura Holley 2

Marcellim Holley 60 Keeping House Miss.

Cooley Holey 35 Laborer

John Holey 30

Snow Holley 23

Henry Holley 19

Nancy Holley 17

Toby Holley 12

Robert Holley 10

Camille Holley 27 Keeping House Miss.

Jasper Holley 12

Flora Holley 10

Victoria Holley 3

Edward Holley 1

compiled for Jean Andrews Cecil

January 20, 1998

by Ray L. Bellande

PO BOX 617

Ocean Springs

Mississippi 39566-0617

(288) 872-3880

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JACOB ELMER

Jacob Elmer (1812-1894) was a Swiss immigrant having been born at Canton Glarus in Switzerland, the same area of the Hosli and Abbley family origination. Mr. Elmer came to Biloxi in 1836 and circa 1837, he married Barbara Gettendorf (1823-1858), a native of Winweiler, Rhein Kreis, Bavaria. In 1850, Jacob Elmer was a merchant at Biloxi worth $15,000.(HARCO Census, p. 27). His children with Barbara Gettendorf were: Helena Elmer (b. 1838), Anna Elmer (b. 1839), Jacob Elmer (1843-1885), John P. Elmer (b. 1843), Henry M. Elmer (1844-1868), Frederick William Elmer (1847-1926), Augustus Elmer (b. 1848), Otho Elmer (1851-1926+), and Charles Elmer (1852-1926+).

After the demise of his wife in 1858, Jacob Elmer married Louisa B. Wetzel (1844-1894) in January 1863.(HARCO County Marriage Book 4). She was the daughter of German immigrant, Jacob Wetzel (1802-1860+) and ? . Her mother was dead before 1860. Their children were: Coresta E. Bachino (1866-1900+), Effee Elmer Dulion (b. 1866), Clarence Elmer (1868-1901), Percy L. Elmer (1873-1949), Edward Ross Elmer (1878-1934), and the twins, Albert Elmer (1881-1900+) and Arthur Elmer (b. 1881).

Jacob Wetzel's siblings raised by Jacob Elmer were: Julia Wetzel (b. 1853), and Catherine Wetzel (b. 1855).

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The Israel S.N. Ritch Family of Biloxi

The Beginning

1850

The family of Israel S.N. Ritch (1817-1858+) arrived at Biloxi, Mississippi in the late 1840s. Israel S.N. Ritch, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and his wife, Priscilla Pebukst (1816-1905), of Norfolk, Virginia, settled here, probably coming from Alabama. They acquired their first land in the village of Biloxi, almost an acre, on Lameuse Street, in October 1848, from Arne Bernard, the son-in-law of Robert Delauney. Mr. Ritch paid $280 for the tract. For the next 124 years, a member of the Ritch family would reside on the original family homestead at 211 Lameuse Street. (HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 5, p. 118)

From Federal Census data, local journals, and funeral home records, it can be ascertained with a high degree of certitude that Mrs. Priscilla Ritch had been married previously, probably in North Carolina, to Thomas E. James. At Biloxi, in 1850, Israel S.N. Ritch made his livelihood as a carpenter, an occupation that he would pursue until his demise. In addition to their baby, Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+), there were three adolescents, all shown as Alabama natives, but probably born in North Carolina: Mary F. James (1838-1850+), Elizabeth C. James Miller Mohan (1838-1914), and Thomas James (1842-1860+), residing in the Ritch household. The family has real estate valued at $500. (Guice, 1972, p. 41)

The Property of Priscilla Ritch

In March 1851, Priscilla Ritch made an affidavit to the County Clerk declaring her separate property from her husbands.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 5, pp. 491-492) She listed the following real property:

1860

By 1860, it appears that Israel Ritch has passed on. The widow, Priscilla Ritch, is head of the household and owns real estate valued at $300. She has given birth to James Monroe Ritch (1852-1919) at Biloxi, and Jacob M. Ritch (1858-1876), in Louisiana, probably New Orleans. Others living with Mrs. Ritch are Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+), Thomas (James) Ritch (1842-1860+), and Elizabeth James Miller (1838-1914).(Guice, 1981, p. 10)

Elizabeth James Miller had married Joseph Miller in June 1859, at Harrison County, Mississippi. (Guice, 1981 p. 10)

1870

In 1870, Priscilla Ritch is keeping house and owns real estate valued at $400. Her sons, James Monroe Ritch and Jacob Ritch, are living with her. Also in the under the Ritch roof is the Black family of Kentucky born, Henry Lewis (1834-1870+), which includes: Kitty Lewis (1856-1870+), Nancy Lewis (1867-1870+), and Elizabeth Lewis (b. 1870).(Guice, 1981, p. 21)

1880

In 1880, Priscilla Ritch is living in Biloxi with her son, James Monroe Ritch, who is a laborer.(Carvin, 1981, p. 42)

1900

P. Ritch 12/1816, Va. Va. Va. Seventeen children-two alive

Elizabeth C. Mohan March 1838, Alabama, Ga., Va. Seven children- 2 alive.

The Children of Israel Ritch and Priscilla Ritch

I. Joseph Ritch (1849-1860+)

Joseph Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi. No further information.

II. James Monroe Ritch (1852-1919)

James Monroe Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 22, 1852. There is a high probability that he had an illegitimate child, James Rich (1879-1912) with Josephine Taltavull. (Bradford-O’Keefe Bk. 3, p. 227)

James Monroe Ritch married Mary Ann Flanagan (1853-1934) at New Orleans on December 24, 1884. She was born October 23, 1853, at New Orleans, the daughter of two Irish immigrants, James Flanagan and ? Walsh. The Ritch family moved to Biloxi after the wedding.(The Daily Herald, June 25, 1934, p. 5 and Bradford-O’Keefe Bk. 21, p. 248)

The children of James Monroe Ritch and Mary Ann Flanagan were: John Martin Ritch (1886-1930), Thomas Enoch Joseph Ritch (1889-1947), Mary Alma Ritch (1890-1964), and Priscilla Ritch (1893-1972).

James Monroe Ritch was a member of the Biloxi Elks Lodge. Was buried in the Old Biloxi Cemetery under the auspices of the Methodist Church.(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1919, p. 4 and August 11, 1919, p. 4)

The Children of James Monroe Ritch and Mary Ann Flanagan Ritch

1. John Martin Rich (1886-1930)

Born at Biloxi, Mississippi on June 24, 1886.

2. Thomas Enoch Joseph Rich (1889-1947)

Enoch Ritch was born at Biloxi, Mississippi on March 11, 1889. Graduated from Biloxi High School and earned a scholarship to Washington and Lee University at Lexington, Virginia. Ritch served as a private in the U.S. Army with the 6^th Division of the 53^rd Infantry in WWI. He relocated to Michigan after WWI. He expired at Douglas, Michigan on August 14, 1947. Buried Ritch family plot Old Biloxi Cemetery.(The Daily Herald, August ?, 1947, p. 6)

3. Mary Alma Ritch (1890-1964)

Mary Alma Ritch was born September 29, 1890, at Biloxi, Mississippi. Attended a summer normal at Chicago in August 1919. Expired April 14, 1964.

The 1898 Back Bay (Main Street) School

GOOD LAND PLAT OF North Main Street of July 1893.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 29, pp. 340-341)

Located on the west side of Main Street between Bradford Street and Bayview Avenue. In August 1893, W.F. Gorenflo was adjudicated two parcels of land on Main Street by the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi. The future Back Bay school site was situated on the tract, which was described as: 550 feet north-south on the west side of Main Street and 76 feet east-west, bounded on the north and west by the Estate of F. Moran, on the south by Gaspard Didier, and on the west by Main Street. (HARCO, Ms. Minute Bk. 4, p. 529)

The land for the Back Bay school was donated by William F. Gorenflo (1844-1932). The building was erected with funds provided by William K.M. Dukate (1852-1916) and donated to the City on September 6, 1898. A school in this section of Biloxi was desperately needed and sincerely appreciated by the Back Bay residents.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, September 7, 1898, p. 4)

In early October 1898, Mrs. S. Booth was the first teacher assigned to the Back Bay school. The new furniture for the structure had not arrived and old seats were temporarily installed in school.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 2, 1898, p. 8) Attendance at the commencement of the school in October 1898, was forty-seven students.(The Biloxi Daily Herald, October 5, 1898, p. 8)

The City of Biloxi sold the Back Bay Ward school to Bishop R.O. Gerow, Bishop of the Natchez Diocese, for $250 in August 1929. In the deed the structure is described as “The Gorenflo School”. The sale included all fixtures, attachments, pluming, lighting, etc.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 182, pp. 510-511)

In September 1926, prior to the sale, the Roman Catholic parish of St. John’s commenced utilizing the building for a parochial school. It was staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from their Reynoir Street convent. This marked the fourth Roman Catholic school in Biloxi, as the Sacred heart School and Academy, Our Mother of Sorrows, and St. Michael’s had opened previously. A fifth, St. Theresa’s, was to be built shortly.(The Daily Herald, August 28, 1926, p. 2)

1910

Miss Alma Ritch began her teaching career in September 1910, at the Back Bay School. She was one of four new instructors in the Biloxi School System. Her salary was $40 per month. Miss Ritch taught first and second grade. At this time, Miss Winnie Gorenflo was the Principal. Miss Ethel Dismukes, the other instructor, taught art.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1910, p. 4)

1915

In September 1915, faculty consisted of Miss Katie Henley, principal, and Miss Alma Ritch, Ione Dulion, and Caroline Gilbert.(The Daily Herald, September 3, 1915, p. 1)

1921

In September 1921, faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal, Miss Priscilla Ritch, Miss Grace Hightower, Miss Ione Dulion, and Miss Veronica Lacaze.(The Daily Herald, September 12, 1921, p. 1)

The Gorenflo School

The approximate 6.5 acres that would become the site of the 1924 Gorenflo School on Lameuse Street was once the John Comstock Bradford (1855-1928) homestead. He acquired this parcel from his mother, Burrisa Jane Elder Bradford (1830-1917), for $200, in February 1898.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 37, p. 475)

In June 1923, J.C. Bradford conveyed his large Lameuse Street tract to the Trustees of the Biloxi City Schools, W.F. Gorenflo (1844-1932), W.J. Grant (1875-1932), Elbert L. Dukate, Susan Snell Tonsmeire (1879-1953), and Lille Bourdon Devitt (1884-1951), for $10,000.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 138, pp. 466-467)

Here in 1923-1924, a school building designed by architect Carl E. Matthes (1896-1972) was erected. Called Back Bay Elementary School. Its area of educational responsibility included: All north of the L&N Railroad from Caillavet to Lee Street, including the east side of Caillavet and the west side of Lee; north of Division bounded by Caillavet and Seal.

The First School Year

When classes commenced in early September 1924, the faculty consisted of Miss Alma Ritch, principal and 1^st grade; Miss Evelyn McShane, 1^st grade; Miss Pricilla Ritch, 2^nd and 3^rd grades; Miss Lizette Mackie, 3^rd and 4^th grades; Miss Irma L. Harvey (1898-1965), 4^th and 5^th grades; Miss Veronica LaCaze, English, geography, spelling, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades; Miss Inez Rich, arithmetic, history, writing, 6^th , 7^th, and 8^th grades.(The Daily Herald, September 9, 1924, p. 3)

1925

Faculty-Miss Alma Ritch, principal, 1^st grade; Evelyn McShane, 1^st and 2^nd grade; Prisicilla Ritch, 2^nd and 3^rd grades; Lizette Mackie, 3^rd and 4^th grades; Veronica LaCaze, penmanship, spelling, physical education, and music for the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades; Mrs. H.H. Roof, arithmetic, geography, hygiene, and civics for the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades; Mary Will Dent, English and history for the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grades.(The Daily Herald, August 31, 1925, p. 3)

4. Priscilla Ritch (1893-1972)

Priscilla Ritch was born April 9, 1893, at Biloxi, Mississippi.

In July 1912, she and Florence Holley attended the summer normal at Wiggins, Mississippi.(The Daily Herald, July 16, 1912, p. 8)

Attended a summer normal at Chicago in 1919. Expired October 18, 1972

The Will

Miss Ritch wrote her will on August 6, 1971. It was filed for probate on October 20, 1972 with Albert Mallard and W.J. Wadlington as co-executors.

Land Sale

In February 1974, Albert Mallard sold the Biloxi Development Commission-Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Biloxi, the Ritch homestead at 211 and 213 Lameuse Street, for $41,000. The lots had 60 feet on Lameuse Street and 170 feet westward.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 46, pp. 266-267) Another lot in the same area was vended by Mallard also to the Biloxi Development Commission.(HARCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 46, p. 268)

III. Jacob M. Ritch (1858-1876)

Jacob M. Ritch died in 1876. Buried in the Old Biloxi Cemetery. No further information.

REFERENCES:

Books

Earnest A. Carvin, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1880 Census, (Mississippi Coast History & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1981)

Julia C. Guice, et al, Harrison County, Mississippi Marriages (1841-1899), (City of Biloxi, Mississippi-19??).

Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1850 Census, (Mississippi Coast History & Genealogical Society: Biloxi, Mississippi-1972)

Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1870 Census, (Community Development Department of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi: 1981)

Julia C. Guice et al, The Harrison County, Mississippi 1860 Census, (Community Development Department of the City of Biloxi, Mississippi: 1982)

W.W.A. Smith, Biloxi City Directory, Volume I, 1905, (The Biloxi Daily Herald Printry: Biloxi, Mississippi-1905)

Chancery Court Records

The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 615, “W.F. Gorenflo v. Gaspard Didier et al”, August 1893.

The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Cause No. 1934, “The Estate of Prisicilla Ritch”, 1905.

The Harrison County, Mississippi Chancery Court Will Book 3, “The Will of Priscilla Ritch”, February 1905, p. 68.

The Harrison County, Mississippi 2^nd Judicial District Chancery Court Cause No. 2753, “The Estate of Priscilla Ritch”, October 1972.

Journals

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Biloxi’s Public School”, September 7, 1898.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Teachers Assigned”, October 2, 1898.

The Biloxi Daily Herald, “Public Schools”, October 5, 1898.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Schools Open September 12”, September 3, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Schools Will Open Monday”, September 9, 1910.

The Daily Herald, “Local News Paragraph of Interest”, July 16, 1912.

The Daily Herald, “James Ritch Dead”, December 23, 1912.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mohan Drops Dead On Street”, November 17, 1914.

The Daily Herald, “List of Teachers for City Schools of Biloxi is Out”, September 3, 1915, p. 1.

The Daily Herald, “Antoine-Rich Marriage”, September 17, 1918.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Landmark Passes Away”, August 7, 1919.

The Daily Herald, “Ritch Buried”, August 11, 1919.

The Daily Herald, “Public School Assignments”, September 9, 1924.

The Daily Herald, “School Work Begins Again”, August 31, 1925.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Has New School”, August 28, 1926.

The Daily Herald, “Martin Ritch Buried”, August 15, 1930.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Mary Ann Ritch Dies”, June 25, 1934.

The Daily Herald, “Thomas E.J. Ritch Dies”, August , 1947.

The Daily Herald, “Retired School Principal Is Taken By Death”, April 14, 1964.

The Daily Herald, “Miss Priscilla Ritch”, October 19, 1972.

The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, “Local Paragraphs” (Mohan), May 14, 1880.

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CROATIAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

ANTICICH

Grego Anticich (1886-1954) was born in Dalmatia the son of Mat Anticich and Christine Lulich. Married Mary Skrmetti (1898-1947), daughter of Nick Skrmetti (1855-1918) and Margaret Jakoich (1862-1947). Expired 2-9-1954. She died 3-28-1947. Veronica Anticich Cangemi (1919-1998).

Seafood

Biloxi Packing and Trading Company Inc. was incorporated at New Orleans in September 1920. W.H. Anticich, president and Grego Anticich, secretary-treasurer.(MOB 1246, p. 286)

Anticich Canning Company incorporated in September 1933. Principals: Grego Anticich, Mijo Anticich (1885-1967), and Mary Skrmetti Anticich (1898-1947).(Harrison County, Ms. Charter Copy Book 6, p. 487)

AVANOVICH

BARHONIVICH

John Barhonovich (1856-1931) native of Yugoslavia died on 1^st Street in Biloxi on March 29, 1931. His father was Frank Barhonovich and mother Antonia ? Children: Frank J. Barhonovich (1885-1930) and Antonia B. Pierotich.(The Daily Herald, January 30, 1931, p. 2)

BARICEV

BARICH

BARONICH

BONICICH

BUDINICH

John Joseph Budinich (1876-1957) married Catherine Battaya (1884-1932), the daughter of John Battaya (1856-1917) and Julia Knox (1858-1944). Children: George Rudolph Budinich (1914-1957), Ruth (1915-1987) and Francis J. (1911-1989) died at BSL

CERENICH

CONOVICH

Tony Conovich came to America in 1904. Lived at Handsboro. Sought citizenship in 1918.(The Daily Herald, March 20, 1918, p. 3)

COPAITICH

Anthony Copaitich (d. 1902) drowned while oystering on the Pass Christian reefs in late March 1902. He was a hand on the Belle Casino, a schooner, capitained by Toney Bunicich.(The Biloxi Herald, March 29, 1902, p. 8)

COSMICH

Mary Elizabeth Cosmich (1876-1946)

COVACEVICH (KOVACEVICH)

Captain Jack Covacevich (1834-10-22-1918) son of Franch Covacevich and ? Dulcich.

Anthony Joseph Covacevich (1883-7-3-1943)

Mrs. J.D. Covacevich (1852-1913)

Frank married Ella Williams on June 3, 1896 (NBVM)

COVICH (KOVICH)

Jerry B. Covich (1894-1951) son of Mater Covich and Jeanette Yancin. (died 6-28-1951)

CVITANOVICH

DUBAZ

John (Giovanni) Dubaz (1855-1931) was born son of George Dubaz and June 1855 and died February 15, 1931.

DUJMOV

Tony Dujmov married Stose Antonio ? (1897-1990)

FORETICH

Anthony Foretich (see The Daily Herald, April 29, 1940, p. 2)

GABRICH

GELUSICH

GERICEVICH

GIADROSICH

GILLICH

Rosa G. Gillich (1902-1980) was born at Milna on the island of Brac, Croatia. Married Mike Gillich. Four daughters: Lucille G. Barq married Ed Barq; Agnes Gillich; Donna Mae Gillich; Mrs. Frances Duke; Andrew M. Gillich; and Mike Gillich.(The Daily Herald, August 7, 1980, p. A-2)

GLAVAN

Marko George Glavin (1885-1957) was born March 25, 1885, in Privlaka, a fishing village on the Dalmatian Coast about twelve miles northwest of Zadar, Croatia. It was from Zadar that Marco G. Glavan immigrated to America landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. On January 20, 1915 he applied for naturalization papers at the U.S. District Court in Biloxi. Mr. Glavan resided at 118 Jackson Street.(The Daily Herald, January 21, 1915, p. 2)

Marco G. Glavan married Ella Mazaro (1895-1954), the daughter of Luka Mazaro and Anna Zec or Setz (1864-1945). Marco and Ella M. Glavan settled at 199 Oak Street in Biloxi. Here they reared their five children: Eurylda Glavin aka Sister Joseph Frances Glavan (1915-2002); Sylvia Rita Glavan (1918-2004); Mary Ann Glavan Konish (1921-1997) married John Konish; Herbert Glavan; and Marco G. Glavan II (1923-1986).(The Daily Herald, March 12, 1954, p. 12)

Eurilda Glavan (1915-2002) entered the St. Joseph's Academy in NOLA on March 19, 1937 as a novice in the Society of the Sister of St. Joseph.(The Daily Herald, march 20, 1937, p. 2)

GOSPODINIVICH

Vincent Gospodinovich (1882-1964) was born December 14, 1882 at Vis, Dalmatia. He made his livelihood at Biloxi as a fisherman. His wife, Jacobina Trebotich, was the daughter of Mateo Trebotich (1853-1935) and Kate Sekul. Mateo was born September 30, 1853 at Bobovisce, Brac, Dalmatia. Mateo expired on September 6, 1935. Their corporal remains were interred in the Biloxi City Cemetery. Jackie Tabb, the granddaughter of Vincent Gospodinivich and Jacobina Trebotich, went to Croatia in 1985 and visited the Trebotich family home on the island of Brac.(Jackie Tabb, January 18, 2007)

GRUBISCH

Dominick (1884-1921)

GRUICH

GUBICICH

GULESICH

HALAT

Mike Halat (1879-1929) married Frances Grass (1887-1969), a native of Brac, a Dalmatian island. Children: Paul, Anastatia, Marguerite, Peter, Frances, Josephine, and Mike Jr.

JELUSICH

Anthony Jelusich married Albertha Conovich on January 5, 1926.(The Daily Herald, January 5, 1926, p. 2)

KASOVICH

Gabriel Kasovich (1909-1979) married Doris M. Ferguson Kasovich (1913 to 2-22-1999)

KERSANAC

John J. Kersanac (1884-1959) son of Joseph Kersanac and Antonia Barhonovich.

KULUZ

The Kuluz family at Biloxi founded by Mateo Kuluz (1865-1936) and Frances Dragicevich (1866-1938). Mateo Kuluz immigrated to USA in 1891 and settled at Ostrica, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Frances Kuluz and Antonio Kuluz joined him in 1896. Remainder of Kuluz children born in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Children: Antonio Kuluz (1891-1956) married Annie Mazaro; Ellen Kuluz (b. 1898) married Talianicich; Nicholas Kuluz(1896-1978); Vincent 'Visco' Kuluz (1898-1987) married Margaret Pavlov (1912-2008); Dominick Kuluz (1903-1930+); Mary Kuluz (b. 1904)' Catherine Kuluz (1908-1920+).(1920 Harrison County, Ms. Federal Census T625_876, p. 31B, ED 39)

MAGAS

Veronica Magas (1896-2005) was born at Molat, Croatia, the daughter of George Magas Jr. (1872-1929) and Mikela Bistirlich Magas (1878-1952), the daughter of Anthony Bistirlich and Antonio Crvicich. Veronica had a sister, Violet Magas Omas (1910-1986), and a brother, George Magas (1926-1926). Veronica was reared at Biloxi and married Marko Matulich. For many years she resided in Metairie, Louisiana. She expired at Ocean Springs, Mississippi on July 17, 2005. Her corporal remains were interred at New Orleans in the St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 21, 2005, p. A5)

MARICICH

Luka Maricich (1893-1963) was born May 3, 1893 on the Island of Brac off the Croatian coast. Married Danica ? Maricich (1894-1966). Two children: Anthony Marcich (1931-1984) and Jerry P. Maricich (1932-1989). Lived at 424 Bohn Street. Expired July 15, 1963. Danica died in December 1966.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Bo. , p. and Bo. , p. .

MARTINOLICH

Matteo Martinolich (1861-1948) was born at Austria, the son of Frank Martinolich (1826-1912) and Maria ? (1829-1896).

MATTESICH

MATULICH

MAVAR

John S. Mavar (1880-1960) married Olivia Skrmetta (1888-1955), daughter of Nicholas Skrmetta and Margaret Jaksic. Children: John S. Mavar "" (1907-1973) m. Antonia Gentillich (1909-1991); Margaret Rita Mavar (1910-2002) m. Joseph Lawrence Jr. (1902-1975); Sam Mavar (1912-1993) m. Lucy A. Mavar (1916-2004); Mary Antonia Mavar m. Pascal F. Taliancich (1902-1976); Nicholas Mavar (1914-2003) m. Irma Summerlin (1919-2001); and Victor Mavar. Founded Mavar Fish and Oyster Company circa 1926.

MIHOJEVICH

Steve Mihojevich (1872-1947), a 1903 Dalmatian immigrant and the son of Tony Mihojevich and Mary Doukstoni, married Frances Martinich (1872-1956), also a native of Dalmatia. Her father was Matthew Martijich and mother, Frances Trebotich. She came to Biloxi circa 1904. Their children were: Antonio 'Tony' Mihojevich (1902-1982); Peter Mihojevich (1907); Katrina Mihojevich (1908) m. Frank Kovacevich; Joseph Mihojevich (1909-1991) m. Marguerite Fountain; and Frances Mihojevich (1913) m. Mike Sekul. The Steve Mihojevich family resided at 220 Myrtle Street on Point Cadet. Mrs. Frances Mihojevich expired at Biloxi on July 9, 1956. Steve died on April 12, 1947.(Bradford-O’Keefe Burial Book 38-A, p. 111 and 1920 Harrison County, Mississippi Federal Census T625_876, p. 30B, ED 39)

Angelina 'Angie' Russo (1907-2008), native of NOLA and the daughter of Salvador Russo and Olivia Fallo married Tony Mihojevich (1902-1982) on April 27, 1927 at Nativity BVM in Biloxi, Mississippi. Children: Stephanie M. Pizzetta (1935-1987) and Claudette M. Quigley. Employed at the Gulf Central Seafood factory. Angie R. Mihojevich expired at her home on 220 Myrtle Street in Biloxi on January 23, 2008. Burial Southern Memorial Park cemetery at Biloxi, Mississippi.(The Sun Herald, January 24, 2008, p. A6)

MICKLETICH

Stanislaus

MISKO

George Misko (1878-1971) was born on the island of Brac off the Dalmatian coast. He arrived at Biloxi in 1903 and became a crewman on the Julia H., a schooner owned by the Lopez-Dunbar and Company. During the off-season he worked on the track gang of the local street carline.(The Daily Herald, April 22, 1971, p. 2)

Children: Anthony Misko (1911-1993), Elizabeth M. Gutirrez (1913-2001), John Misko, Albert Misko ( ), Peter Misko (1923-1985).

Peter Misko Sr. (1881-1959) came to Biloxi before 1910 via Croatia, New York, and Chicago. He landed at New York in 1905. Married Katrina "Katie" Skrmetta (1884-1948), the daughter of Nicholas Skrmetta (1855-1918) and Frances Trevizan. Children: Anthony Misko (1909-1910), Nicholas A. Misko (1911-1994), Peter Misko II (b. 1914), Steve Misko (b. 1916), Joseph R. Misko (1916-1990), Lawrence Misko (1918-1984), Lucretia Misko Skrmetta (1920-2006), and Francis Misko (b. 1923). Peter Misko Sr. made his livelihood as a fisherman. Family lived on East Beach Street (1910) and later Pine Street (by 1930).(1910 and 1930 Harrison Co., Mississippi Federal Census T624_740, p. 27A, ED 33 and R1146, p. 248, ED 2)[for good description of family and early life at Biloxi, see The Sun Herald, August 27, 2006, p. F11)

MLADINICH

Andrew Mladinich (1877-1938), a native of . Son of Jacob Mladinich and Dina Filipich. Son Andrew Mladinich (1920-1955).

Andrew Mladinich came to America in 1902 and Biloxi in 1905. Applied for naturalization in May 1922. Lived at 237 Cedar Street at the time. Wife born in Louisiana.(The Daily Herald, June 2, 1922, p. 3)

Expired on April 12, 1938.

Ernest Mladinich (1875-1953), son of Jacob Mladinich and Dina Filipich and a native of the village of Milna on the Island of Brac in the Adriatic Sea just off the Damaltian coast of Croatia. Spouse, Catherine Bonacich Mladinich (1874-1962), also a Croat, had acquired their land on Point Cadet in December 1931.

Ernest Mladinich expired on January 20, 1953. He had come to Biloxi from Croatia, then a part of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, in 1901. Mladinich was a veteran of the Austrian Navy. He and wife, Katherine Bonacich, were the parents of two children: Ernest Mladinich II and Dina M. Kuljis. (The Daily Herald, January 20, 1953, p. 4)

MOZARRA

Lucas Mazaro married Annie Zelz.

Children: Helena Margarite (b. 1896)

NICOVICH

Joseph Nicovich (1883- ) was born in Louisiana of a Croatian father and Louisiana mother. Circa 1915, he married Camilia Rosa Anglada (1892-1977), the daughter of William Anglada (1869-1945) and Laura Bosarge (1875-1937). In 1918, Joseph Nicovich worked as a machinist for the Gulfport Packing Company and resided at 944 Division Street in Biloxi. By 1920, the family had moved to Reynoir Street and Joseph worked as a fisherman. Children: Marco W. 'Buck' Nicovich (1916-2002); Emma Jeanette Nicovich (1919-2008); Althea Nicovich Harbison Gleason (1921-1996) m. Ora Reynold Harbison (1917-1988); Dorrell D. Nicovich (1925-1996) m. Jeffie Faye Ladner (1930-2004); Dora E. Nicovich Auerbach (1925-1983) m. Herman L. Auerbach; Annie Mae Nicovich (1926-1926); Rosie Nicovich m. Hayes Gordin? and Mr.Robinson; Mildred Justine Nicovich Edwards m. Billy J. Edwards; ; and Marguerite L. Nicovich Renaud (1928-1993) m. Leo U. Retnaud .(1920 Harrison Co. Ms. Federal Census T625_876, p. 17A, ED and The Sun Herald, February 4, 2008, p. A4)

PERESICH

PIEROTICH

John Pierotich (1877-1942), son of Matthew Pierotich. Expired March 9, 1942.

PITALO

Louis A. Pitalo (1891-1959), son of George Pitalo and Anastasia Trebotich, married Ursula Sekul (1900-1975). Children: George Pitalo (1923-1931); John A. 'Crash' Pitalo (1925-2007) married Margie V. Kennedy; and Estelle Pitalo married Robert Himmel.

POLOVICH

Vincent Polovich (1882-1952), son of Maitre Polovich and Mary Krich, married Lucy Misko Polovich (1892-1975) sister of George Misko (1878-1971). Children:

Matre Polovich (1917-1998); Vincent Joseph Polovich (1926-2007) married Edith Polovich; Lucretia Polovich married James Clements; Marie Polovich married ? Chiovari; Anthony V. Polovich married Peggy Migues.

RAGUSIN

RODOLFICH

Stephan Rodolfich (1887-1971) and Johanna Molitva Skrmetta (1886-1980) were born at Brac, Croatia. Six children: Steve Rodolfich (1919-1981), John Rodolfich, Nicholas D. Rodolfich (1915-2005), Sophie Rodolfich, Mary R. Barich (1908-1997), and Stephania R. Olier.

SAVIN

The Savin brothers

Another family of southern European origin to settle at St. Martin before 1920, was the Savin brothers, Antonio Savin, (1881-1920+), John Savin (1885-1920+), and Marion Savin (1889-1920+). They were from the island of Molat off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The Savin brothers immigrated to America between the years 1911 and 1913. At St. Martin, Tony Savin had a truck farm, John toiled as a garage mechanic, probably for James Ferguson (1897-1920+), and Marion fished. The Savin place was north of St. Martin Bayou between the lands of Van Eaton Seymour and Charles Dundolph and also south of the Ocean Springs-Biloxi Road (now Le Moyne). In April 1922, John Savin married Elizabeth Latimer. She was the daughter of Judge J.A. Latimer (1859-1922) and Jane Seymour. Judge Latimer may have been the first person to own an automobile in the eastern St. Martin community.

SEKUL

Anton Sekul (1854-1940)

Steve Sekul

Roco Sam Sekul (1878-1947) born at Bobovisci, Dalmatia.

SICHNICK or SICHIRICH

Niko Sichnick married Annie Elmer on December 2, 1893. He and Mrs. Gardner Sheehan, his daughter, expired at Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 2nd and August 7th, 1934 respectively.(see The Daily Herald, October 3, 1934, p. 5)

SIMONICH

Victor Simonich (18-1916) was born in Fiume, now Rijeka, Croatia on September 9, 1862. He immigrated to America arriving at New Orleans in 1881. Victor came to Biloxi circa 1897, where he became engaged as a fruit dealer and grocery merchant. On September 9, 1891, he married Matilda Bonicich or Swansine (1874-1948), the daughter of Tony Swansine and Maria Butinich.(The Daily Herald, July 4, 1916, p. 3 and The Daily Herald, September 12, 1891, p. 1)

Victor Simonich and family resided at 407 Magnolia Street. He and Matilda were the parents of: Louise (b. 1893), John (b. 1895-1967), Albert (1897-1900), Joseph (1907-1965)

SIMNICH

SKRMETTA/SKREMETTI

(See Mississippi Gulf Coast Historical and Genealogical Society, “A Genealogy of the Skrmetti/Skrmetta family”, Vol. 31, No. 2-June 1995, Biloxi, Mississippi-1995, pp. 62-74)

SKRNICH

John Skrnich Jr. (1918-2007) married Flora Gazzo (1924-2001). Children: John Skrnich III (1941-1941); Mike Skrnich (b. 1943); Danny Skrnich (b. 1945); and Debbie S. Watts. Biloxi fisherman from 1934 until 1987. Captain of the 'Deborah'.(The Sun Herald, February 9, 2007, p. A5)

SMOLCICH

Joseph Smolcich (1893-1967) married Frances Cvitanovich (1901-1979), both born on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Children: Matilda Smolcich (b. 1920), Sam Smolcich (1934-2006)

STEPANOVICH

SWANZINE

Joseph Swanzine (1871-1922) married Mary Micheltich. Children: Joseph (b. 1896), Victoria (b. 1898) and Mary Anne (b. 1900).

TALIANICH

Tony Talianich (1916-1931) was born at New Orleans. Stepson of John Zorich. Three brothers: Grego Talianich; Mattio Talianich; and Steve Zorich; two sister: Eva Talianich and Mary Zorich.(The Daily Herald, January 30, 1931, p. 2)

TALIJANICH

Pascal F. Talijanich (1902-1976) was born in Yugoslavia on May 16, 1902. His father was Baracha Talijanich and mother, Kate Lovic. Married Antonio Mavar on April 25, 1937.(The Daily Herald, April 26, 1937, p. 6)

Pascal died on May 8, 1976.

TREBOTICH

TROJANOVICH

In January 1978, George Trojanovich, a native of Trsteno, Croatia, became engaged to Esther L. Cantrell of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.(The Ocean Springs Record, February 2, 1978, p. 13)

WESCOVICH

ZORICH

REFERENCES:

The Biloxi-D'Iberville Press, "Tony Ragusin, oldest living outstanding citizen", January 22, 1997.

The Biloxi Herald

The Biloxi Herald, “City News”, March 29, 1902.

The Biloxi Herald, “Covacevich elected ward 1?”, January 7, 1907, p. 1.

The Daily Herald, “Naturalization Papers”, January 21, 1915.

The Daily Herald, “Victor Simonich Kills Himself At Home Tuesday”, July 4, 1916.

The Daily Herald, “Servian (Tony Conovich) American”, March 20, 1918, p. 3.

The Daily Herald, “Jelusich-Conovich”, January 5, 1926, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, “Mike Holot (sic), Biloxi Fisherman Falls From Boat, Drowns”, August 30, 1929.

The Daily Herald, “Search For Holat’s Body”, August 30, 1929.

The Daily Herald, “Body of Fisherman Brought to Biloxi”, August 31, 1929.

The Daily Herald, “Mike Halat Buried”, September 4, 1929.

The Daily Herald, “John Barhanovich Dies”, January 30, 1931.

The Daily Herald, “Tony Talianich Dies”, January 30, 1931.

The Daily Herald, “John Dubaz, Sr. Dies”, February 16, 1931.

The Daily Herald, "Witness ceremonies", March 20, 1937, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, “Anthony Ragusin, age 78, dies”, April 15, 1940, p. 10.

The Daily Herald, “60 years married for Foretichs”, April 29, 1940, p. 2.

The Daily Herald, “Ernest Mladinich Dies”, January 20, 1953.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Glavan Expires”, March 12, 1954.

The Daily Herald, “Marco Glavan Death”, December 26, 1957.

The Daily Herald, “Biloxi Shrimp Festival King (George Misko) of 1964 Dies, April 22, 1971.

The Gulfport Daily Herald, “Lucas Mozarra Commits Suicide”, May 10, 1910.

The Ocean Springs Record, “Engagement Announced”, February 2, 1978.

The Daily Herald, “Mrs. Rosa G. Gillich”, August 7, 1980.

The Ocean Springs Record, "Veronica Magas Matulich", July 21, 2005.

The Ocean Springs Record, "Mrs. Perina Rudolfich Lees", March 9, 2006, p. A5.

The Sun Herald, "Legendary 'Mr. Biloxi' , the Man who lured Keesler, dies at 94", March 4, 1997.

The Sun Herald, "Ragusin was 'Mr. Biloxi'-Man who put city 'on the map' dies", March 4, 1997.

The Sun Herald, "Mr. Nicholas Dominic Rodolfich", December 3, 2005, p. A10.

The Sun Herald, "Sam Smolcich", February , 2006, p. A

The Sun Herald, "Hazel Marie Giadrosich", April 18, 2006, p. A6.

The Sun Herald, "Peter Misko Jr. looks forward to a century of living", August 27, 2006, p. F11.

The Sun Herald, "Mr. Anthony 'Crash' Pitalo', January 23, 2007, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Mr. Vincent Joseph Polovich", January 23, 2007, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Mr. John Skrnich Jr.", February 9, 2007, p. A5.

The Sun Herald, "Angelina Russo Mijojevich", January 24, 2008, p. A6.

The Sun Herald, "'Miss Angie' was Point Cadet's pride", January 25, 2008, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Emma Jeanette Nicovich", February 4, 2008, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Wilma 'Lee' Coleman Stepanovich", February 4, 2008, p. A4.

The Sun Herald, "Margaret Pavlov Kuluz", March 22, 2008, p. A10.

The Sun Herald, "Margaret Kuluz's 95 years all about 'the 3 F's' ", March 24, 2008, p. A4.