Hi Ethel I looked for them in the 1900 Rapides census and they weren't there under either spelling. Marguerite

Hi Ethel I went back and looked at the wife;s name and it is Amelie not Annie. It was difficult to read. Marguerite

Hi Ethel I found an E S Rodriguez in the 1910 Rapides census. E S Rodriguez 60 LA LA LA farmer Annie ? wife 57 " " " M J ? 29 " " " Lucille dtr 22 " " " Florien son 14 " " " Is this your family? I'll try to send you an image. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Marguerite

Thanks a bunch. Seems to be the family, but not sure of connection to the Rodrigues family who had a daughter named Sarah Amanda who married a Gordon. Thats the family I am trying to connect. If you have access to the 1900 Rapids Census, perhaps you could check for this same family? I will try to go farther back later. Ethel

He and his wifeAmelie are buried in Old Rapids Cemetery. They should be on 1910 census. Would appreciate a lookup. Thanks. Ethel.

Hello Carolyn You can contact the Rapides Parish Library at llbw85@hotmail.com and request a copy of the death certificate for Rose if they have one. Let me know if you get it. Marguerite

Would someone be kind enough to lookup an obit for me. I am looking for a Rose K. O'Shee died about Feb 21, 1969. Lived at one time in the Alexandra area and is buried in the Old Rapids Cemetery in Pineville. Thanks for any help. CarolynGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

Thank you so much. Randy ----- Original Message ----- From: Clemi Blackburn To: LARAPIDE-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 12:23 AM Subject: Re: [LARAPIDE] Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. KIA USS Arizona Randy ... As always, your postings are amazing. This one is certainly no exception. Thank you so much for telling us about the man and the humanity. Sadly, reminders are necessary. Bobby Willis was a gift to his family and you've generously shared him with us in such a vivid way. It's a keeper. Take care, clemi ----- Original Message ----- From: <randywillis@ev1.net> To: <LARAPIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 1:09 PM Subject: [LARAPIDE] Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. KIA USS Arizona > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/481 > > Message Board Post: > > Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. > Service #274- 48 64 > > He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. > > > by Randy Willis > www.randywillis.org > randywillis@ev1.net > > Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. was born February 2, 1923. He was graduated, in 1939, from Natchitoches High School in Louisiana. > > His half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that their father encouraged Bobby to join the military and "make something of himself." Bobby's mother had died when he was barely 11-years-old. His family's patriotic background was too influence him, also. > > Bobby's ancestors had fought in most of the major wars in America and served their country well. His father's brother and Bobby's uncle, Daniel Oscar Willis, M.D., served in United States Army Medical Corps in World War I and was commissioned as a Captain on August, 1917. He began his medical practice in 1904 and was the first medical doctor in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. His commanding general, Brigadier General Charlie B. Lindsey, wrote to General John. J. Pershing of him with these words: "He has been one of the most efficient medical officers I have ever served with during my many years of service in the army." > > Bobby's cousin, Dr. Greene Strother, captured more Germans in World War I than any other soldier, besides the famed Sgt. York. Greene Strother was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He also served as chaplain to General Claire Chennault’s "Flying Tigers," while in China as a missionary. > > Bobby's grandfather, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., enlisted, September 29, 1861, at Camp Moore, Louisiana, in the Confederate Army as a Pvt. 5th and served in the famed Washington Artillery of Louisiana. Daniel H. Willis, Jr.'s obituary, in the Alexandria Town Talk, dated June 23, 1900, stated: "He participated in all the hard battles of that army and for bravery, soldierly bearing, discipline and devotion to duty, he was unexcelled in his entire Brigade." > > > Bobby's great-great-great grandfather, the Rev. Joseph Willis, was a Patriot during the Revolutionary War. Joseph joined the legendary General Francis (the "Swamp Fox") Marion's small army. Marion's men operated out of the swampy forest of the Pedee region in the lower part of South Carolina. Their strategy was to surprise the enemy, cut their supply lines, kill their men and release any American prisoners they might have. He and his men then retreated swiftly back again to the thick recesses of the deep swamps. They were feared, very effective and their fame was widespread. Rev. Joseph Willis’ tombstone reads: "First Baptist Preacher of the Word West of the Mississippi River." > > With this heritage, and only 17-years-old, Bobby enlisted in the Navy (as Seaman First Class (S1/C), on July 31, 1940 at New Orleans. He reported aboard the USS Arizona, October 8, 1940, from NTS San Diego as Apprentice Seaman (AS). On November 30, 1940, he was promoted to S2/C and on May 1, 1941, he was promoted to S1/C. Between November 22-28, 1940, he was at the US Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA. > > He served for 14-months on the USS Arizona before it was destroyed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. > > Two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bobby's father (Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr.) received a message from the Rapides Parish Sheriff that he was trying too reach him. He rushed to the Sheriff's Department. Bobby's half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that when their father returned, she knew the moment he walked in the front door that it had been confirmed that Bobby had been killed from the expression on their father's face. My father was Bobby's first cousin. He and many other of Bobby's cousins rushed too enlist and one of America's finest hours began. > > Bobby's father, Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr., first married Eula Rosalie Hilburn in 1903, and had the following children: Flossie Litton Willis (b. August 5, 1905; d. September, 1985) and Ilie Jewel Willis (b. March 8, 1907; d. May, 1995). Eula was born March 10, 1884 and died February 6, 1919, at only age 34, of the flu. > > Bobby's father then married his mother, Julia Mae Johnson on June 13, 1922. Bobby's mother was born September 4, 1899 and died February 17, 1934, at age 34. As mentioned before, Bobby was barely 11-years-old at time of his mother's death. > > Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. and Julia Mae Johnson Willis had the following children: Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis Jr. (b. February 2, 1923; d. December 7, 1941), Glenn Dewey Willis (b. May 8, 1924), and Billy Edward Willis (b. June 2, 1925; d. August 6, 1991). > > The doctors said Bobby's father died of a heart attack in 1951; the family said it was of a broken heart. > > Ilie Jewel Willis Close wrote to me about Bobby and her childhood. Much of their youth was spent at their grandmother's home, The Old Willis Place: > > "The home was a gathering place for all the family. There was always food cooked for family and friends. There was lots of blackberries, huckleberries and fruit of all kinds for good pies. The home was about a quarter of a mile from Barber's Creek, [Babb's Bridge, Louisiana, near present-day Long Leaf] known to be one of the coldest and clearest waters in the area. Grandma [Julia Ann Graham Willis] would walk down and swim sometimes twice a day. She said that was what had prolonged her life. All of the children and grandchildren loved to go swimming with her. > > She was reared a Methodist but later joined the Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian. She read the Bible daily. We use to joke and say 'she didn't think there would be anyone but Baptist in Heaven.' Her hobby was making quilts and she kept the family supplied with her hand work. > > She was bitten by a ground rattler at the age of 75 and survived with home remedies. Her son, Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis, said at the time she would live to 90 and she lived to be 92. She was a very wonderful and a remarkable woman, a real pioneer." > > Another grandchild of Julia Ann Willis and first cousin to Bobby was my uncle Howard Willis; he told me she would sit on the front porch of The Old Willis Place and eat an orange and latter eat the orange peal. He ask her why she ate the peal and she said "I don't know, I think it's good for you." He said "she would read her red-lettered Bible on the front porch and then sometimes pull out her late husband Daniel Willis' Civil War picture and get a tear in her eye.' He died 36 years before her, she never remarried. > > My father and Bobby's first cousin, Julian Willis, said Bobby was the nicest person he ever knew. When news came of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and then the confirmation of Bobby's death, my father said that he and other family members were deeply grieved but all had a resolve that Bobby's death would not be in vain. > > Our families motto, as corny as it may seem, was "God, country and family." Bobby had descending from a long list of ministers. The account above testifies to his and his families patriotism. Family and God were at the center of every activity. My uncle once told me that they grew up much like the Walton's on TV. > > I pray we never forget the cost of our precious freedom. > > Randy Willis > randywillis@ev1.net > http://www.randywillis.org ==== LARAPIDE Mailing List ==== Have you backed up your data lately?

Randy ... As always, your postings are amazing. This one is certainly no exception. Thank you so much for telling us about the man and the humanity. Sadly, reminders are necessary. Bobby Willis was a gift to his family and you've generously shared him with us in such a vivid way. It's a keeper. Take care, clemi ----- Original Message ----- From: <randywillis@ev1.net> To: <LARAPIDE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 1:09 PM Subject: [LARAPIDE] Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. KIA USS Arizona > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/481 > > Message Board Post: > > Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. > Service #274- 48 64 > > He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. > > > by Randy Willis > www.randywillis.org > randywillis@ev1.net > > Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. was born February 2, 1923. He was graduated, in 1939, from Natchitoches High School in Louisiana. > > His half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that their father encouraged Bobby to join the military and "make something of himself." Bobby's mother had died when he was barely 11-years-old. His family's patriotic background was too influence him, also. > > Bobby's ancestors had fought in most of the major wars in America and served their country well. His father's brother and Bobby's uncle, Daniel Oscar Willis, M.D., served in United States Army Medical Corps in World War I and was commissioned as a Captain on August, 1917. He began his medical practice in 1904 and was the first medical doctor in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. His commanding general, Brigadier General Charlie B. Lindsey, wrote to General John. J. Pershing of him with these words: "He has been one of the most efficient medical officers I have ever served with during my many years of service in the army." > > Bobby's cousin, Dr. Greene Strother, captured more Germans in World War I than any other soldier, besides the famed Sgt. York. Greene Strother was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He also served as chaplain to General Claire Chennault’s "Flying Tigers," while in China as a missionary. > > Bobby's grandfather, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., enlisted, September 29, 1861, at Camp Moore, Louisiana, in the Confederate Army as a Pvt. 5th and served in the famed Washington Artillery of Louisiana. Daniel H. Willis, Jr.'s obituary, in the Alexandria Town Talk, dated June 23, 1900, stated: "He participated in all the hard battles of that army and for bravery, soldierly bearing, discipline and devotion to duty, he was unexcelled in his entire Brigade." > > > Bobby's great-great-great grandfather, the Rev. Joseph Willis, was a Patriot during the Revolutionary War. Joseph joined the legendary General Francis (the "Swamp Fox") Marion's small army. Marion's men operated out of the swampy forest of the Pedee region in the lower part of South Carolina. Their strategy was to surprise the enemy, cut their supply lines, kill their men and release any American prisoners they might have. He and his men then retreated swiftly back again to the thick recesses of the deep swamps. They were feared, very effective and their fame was widespread. Rev. Joseph Willis’ tombstone reads: "First Baptist Preacher of the Word West of the Mississippi River." > > With this heritage, and only 17-years-old, Bobby enlisted in the Navy (as Seaman First Class (S1/C), on July 31, 1940 at New Orleans. He reported aboard the USS Arizona, October 8, 1940, from NTS San Diego as Apprentice Seaman (AS). On November 30, 1940, he was promoted to S2/C and on May 1, 1941, he was promoted to S1/C. Between November 22-28, 1940, he was at the US Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA. > > He served for 14-months on the USS Arizona before it was destroyed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. > > Two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bobby's father (Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr.) received a message from the Rapides Parish Sheriff that he was trying too reach him. He rushed to the Sheriff's Department. Bobby's half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that when their father returned, she knew the moment he walked in the front door that it had been confirmed that Bobby had been killed from the expression on their father's face. My father was Bobby's first cousin. He and many other of Bobby's cousins rushed too enlist and one of America's finest hours began. > > Bobby's father, Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr., first married Eula Rosalie Hilburn in 1903, and had the following children: Flossie Litton Willis (b. August 5, 1905; d. September, 1985) and Ilie Jewel Willis (b. March 8, 1907; d. May, 1995). Eula was born March 10, 1884 and died February 6, 1919, at only age 34, of the flu. > > Bobby's father then married his mother, Julia Mae Johnson on June 13, 1922. Bobby's mother was born September 4, 1899 and died February 17, 1934, at age 34. As mentioned before, Bobby was barely 11-years-old at time of his mother's death. > > Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. and Julia Mae Johnson Willis had the following children: Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis Jr. (b. February 2, 1923; d. December 7, 1941), Glenn Dewey Willis (b. May 8, 1924), and Billy Edward Willis (b. June 2, 1925; d. August 6, 1991). > > The doctors said Bobby's father died of a heart attack in 1951; the family said it was of a broken heart. > > Ilie Jewel Willis Close wrote to me about Bobby and her childhood. Much of their youth was spent at their grandmother's home, The Old Willis Place: > > "The home was a gathering place for all the family. There was always food cooked for family and friends. There was lots of blackberries, huckleberries and fruit of all kinds for good pies. The home was about a quarter of a mile from Barber's Creek, [Babb's Bridge, Louisiana, near present-day Long Leaf] known to be one of the coldest and clearest waters in the area. Grandma [Julia Ann Graham Willis] would walk down and swim sometimes twice a day. She said that was what had prolonged her life. All of the children and grandchildren loved to go swimming with her. > > She was reared a Methodist but later joined the Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian. She read the Bible daily. We use to joke and say 'she didn't think there would be anyone but Baptist in Heaven.' Her hobby was making quilts and she kept the family supplied with her hand work. > > She was bitten by a ground rattler at the age of 75 and survived with home remedies. Her son, Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis, said at the time she would live to 90 and she lived to be 92. She was a very wonderful and a remarkable woman, a real pioneer." > > Another grandchild of Julia Ann Willis and first cousin to Bobby was my uncle Howard Willis; he told me she would sit on the front porch of The Old Willis Place and eat an orange and latter eat the orange peal. He ask her why she ate the peal and she said "I don't know, I think it's good for you." He said "she would read her red-lettered Bible on the front porch and then sometimes pull out her late husband Daniel Willis' Civil War picture and get a tear in her eye.' He died 36 years before her, she never remarried. > > My father and Bobby's first cousin, Julian Willis, said Bobby was the nicest person he ever knew. When news came of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and then the confirmation of Bobby's death, my father said that he and other family members were deeply grieved but all had a resolve that Bobby's death would not be in vain. > > Our families motto, as corny as it may seem, was "God, country and family." Bobby had descending from a long list of ministers. The account above testifies to his and his families patriotism. Family and God were at the center of every activity. My uncle once told me that they grew up much like the Walton's on TV. > > I pray we never forget the cost of our precious freedom. > > Randy Willis > randywillis@ev1.net > http://www.randywillis.org

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Willis, Hanks, Graham, Lawson, Stark, Stagg, Strother, Soileau, Rougeou, Deroussel, Slaughter, Smith Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/488 Message Board Post: Aimuewell Willis Rev. Joseph Willis' youngest son Aimuewell Willis (b. May 1, 1837; d. Sept. 8, 1937) by Randy Willis randywillis@ev1.net http://www.randywillis.org Aimuewell Willis was Rev. Joseph Willis' youngest son. He was born at the old Joe Willis Crossing on the Calcasieu River in Rapides Parish, Louisiana on May 1, 1837. Aimuewell Willis, married twice and settled, in 1925, five miles southeast of Leesville. His first wife was Marguerite Leuemche, and his second wife was Lucy Ann Foshee (b. Jan. 28, 1868; d. Jun 17, 1960). He was a Civil War Veteran (Company D Cres. LA Inf. CSA). He was also known as "Uncle Ame" by his friends. His obituary listed the following surviving children: Luther J. Willis [b. Jul. 19, 1908; d. Apr. 24, 1958], J. E. Willis, Elbert Willis, Earl Willis, Elzie Willis [b. Nov. 20, 1900; d. Nov. 21, 1991], Everett L. Willis [b. Oct. 14, 1875; d. Nov. 14, 1958], Mrs. George [Effie Willis] Titus, and Pearl Willis Haymon. At the time of his death he had 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He died, at age 100, on September 8, 1937 and is buried at the Castor Cemetery in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. Rev. John Houston Strother, Jr. interviewed Aimuewell Willis in 1933. The interview was later published in The Baptist Message, on July 8, 1937. I quote: "Then I asked him of his father. He sat up, his voice became mellow, and his expression cheerful. (No memory seemed so rich to him, even when coming back over those 75 years). (With pleasure he told of carrying the wasted form in his arms from bed to chair and back again)." Rev. Strother also stated, that as of 1937, nine descendants of Rev. Joseph Willis had become preachers. I visited with Aimuewell's daughter, Pearl Willis Haymon, of Denver, Colorado in December of 1980, and a short time later with Aimuewell's son Elzie Willis, near Leesville, Louisiana. It was a strange feeling talking with someone whose grandfather was born in the 1750's. Joseph was about 79 when their father was born and, Aimuewell was in his eighties when they were born. No photograph exists of Rev. Joseph Willis. The photograph below from Durham and Ramond's book, Baptist Builders in Louisiana (1934), is of Aimuewell, listed as Rev. Joseph Willis in error. Randy Willis randywillis@ev1.net http://www.randywillis.org Researching: Willis, Hanks, Graham, Lawson, Stark, Stagg, Strother, Soileau, Rougeou, Deroussel, Slaughter and Smith.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Willis, Hanks, Graham, Lawson, Stark, Stagg, Strother, Soileau, Rougeou, Deroussel, Slaughter, Smith Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/487 Message Board Post: My great-great grandfather Rev. Adolphe Stagg in the Civil War Randy Willis randywillis@ev1.net http://www.randywillis.org My great-great grandfather, Rev. Adolphe Stagg (b. Dec. 17, 1834; died Apr. 17, 1914). He married Ultima Caratine (and later Cordelia Pevy). He was a pioneer Baptist preacher to the French speaking people of Louisiana. He was the father of Mary Stagg Hanks who married Nathan Hanks; they were the parents of Nina Hanks who married Robert S. Lawson. They were the parents of my mother Ruth Lawson who married my father Julian Willis. Randy Willis randywillis@ev1.net http://www.randywillis.org Researching: Willis, Hanks, Graham, Lawson, Stark, Stagg, Strother, Soileau, Rougeou, Deroussel, Slaughter and Smith.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Willis, Hanks, Graham, Lawson, Stark, Stagg, Strother, Soileau, Rougeou, Deroussel, Slaughter, Smith Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/481 Message Board Post: Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. Service #274- 48 64 He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randywillis@ev1.net Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis, Jr. was born February 2, 1923. He was graduated, in 1939, from Natchitoches High School in Louisiana. His half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that their father encouraged Bobby to join the military and "make something of himself." Bobby's mother had died when he was barely 11-years-old. His family's patriotic background was too influence him, also. Bobby's ancestors had fought in most of the major wars in America and served their country well. His father's brother and Bobby's uncle, Daniel Oscar Willis, M.D., served in United States Army Medical Corps in World War I and was commissioned as a Captain on August, 1917. He began his medical practice in 1904 and was the first medical doctor in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. His commanding general, Brigadier General Charlie B. Lindsey, wrote to General John. J. Pershing of him with these words: "He has been one of the most efficient medical officers I have ever served with during my many years of service in the army." Bobby's cousin, Dr. Greene Strother, captured more Germans in World War I than any other soldier, besides the famed Sgt. York. Greene Strother was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He also served as chaplain to General Claire Chennault’s "Flying Tigers," while in China as a missionary. Bobby's grandfather, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., enlisted, September 29, 1861, at Camp Moore, Louisiana, in the Confederate Army as a Pvt. 5th and served in the famed Washington Artillery of Louisiana. Daniel H. Willis, Jr.'s obituary, in the Alexandria Town Talk, dated June 23, 1900, stated: "He participated in all the hard battles of that army and for bravery, soldierly bearing, discipline and devotion to duty, he was unexcelled in his entire Brigade." Bobby's great-great-great grandfather, the Rev. Joseph Willis, was a Patriot during the Revolutionary War. Joseph joined the legendary General Francis (the "Swamp Fox") Marion's small army. Marion's men operated out of the swampy forest of the Pedee region in the lower part of South Carolina. Their strategy was to surprise the enemy, cut their supply lines, kill their men and release any American prisoners they might have. He and his men then retreated swiftly back again to the thick recesses of the deep swamps. They were feared, very effective and their fame was widespread. Rev. Joseph Willis’ tombstone reads: "First Baptist Preacher of the Word West of the Mississippi River." With this heritage, and only 17-years-old, Bobby enlisted in the Navy (as Seaman First Class (S1/C), on July 31, 1940 at New Orleans. He reported aboard the USS Arizona, October 8, 1940, from NTS San Diego as Apprentice Seaman (AS). On November 30, 1940, he was promoted to S2/C and on May 1, 1941, he was promoted to S1/C. Between November 22-28, 1940, he was at the US Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA. He served for 14-months on the USS Arizona before it was destroyed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He was the first casualty from Rapides Parish, Louisiana in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana (his last hometown) was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post in honor of his service and duty to his country. (This American Legion Post no longer exists) He is entombed in the USS Arizona at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bobby's father (Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr.) received a message from the Rapides Parish Sheriff that he was trying too reach him. He rushed to the Sheriff's Department. Bobby's half-sister (Ilie Jewel Willis Close) told me that when their father returned, she knew the moment he walked in the front door that it had been confirmed that Bobby had been killed from the expression on their father's face. My father was Bobby's first cousin. He and many other of Bobby's cousins rushed too enlist and one of America's finest hours began. Bobby's father, Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr., first married Eula Rosalie Hilburn in 1903, and had the following children: Flossie Litton Willis (b. August 5, 1905; d. September, 1985) and Ilie Jewel Willis (b. March 8, 1907; d. May, 1995). Eula was born March 10, 1884 and died February 6, 1919, at only age 34, of the flu. Bobby's father then married his mother, Julia Mae Johnson on June 13, 1922. Bobby's mother was born September 4, 1899 and died February 17, 1934, at age 34. As mentioned before, Bobby was barely 11-years-old at time of his mother's death. Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. and Julia Mae Johnson Willis had the following children: Robert "Bobby" Kenneth Willis Jr. (b. February 2, 1923; d. December 7, 1941), Glenn Dewey Willis (b. May 8, 1924), and Billy Edward Willis (b. June 2, 1925; d. August 6, 1991). The doctors said Bobby's father died of a heart attack in 1951; the family said it was of a broken heart. Ilie Jewel Willis Close wrote to me about Bobby and her childhood. Much of their youth was spent at their grandmother's home, The Old Willis Place: "The home was a gathering place for all the family. There was always food cooked for family and friends. There was lots of blackberries, huckleberries and fruit of all kinds for good pies. The home was about a quarter of a mile from Barber's Creek, [Babb's Bridge, Louisiana, near present-day Long Leaf] known to be one of the coldest and clearest waters in the area. Grandma [Julia Ann Graham Willis] would walk down and swim sometimes twice a day. She said that was what had prolonged her life. All of the children and grandchildren loved to go swimming with her. She was reared a Methodist but later joined the Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian. She read the Bible daily. We use to joke and say 'she didn't think there would be anyone but Baptist in Heaven.' Her hobby was making quilts and she kept the family supplied with her hand work. She was bitten by a ground rattler at the age of 75 and survived with home remedies. Her son, Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis, said at the time she would live to 90 and she lived to be 92. She was a very wonderful and a remarkable woman, a real pioneer." Another grandchild of Julia Ann Willis and first cousin to Bobby was my uncle Howard Willis; he told me she would sit on the front porch of The Old Willis Place and eat an orange and latter eat the orange peal. He ask her why she ate the peal and she said "I don't know, I think it's good for you." He said "she would read her red-lettered Bible on the front porch and then sometimes pull out her late husband Daniel Willis' Civil War picture and get a tear in her eye.' He died 36 years before her, she never remarried. My father and Bobby's first cousin, Julian Willis, said Bobby was the nicest person he ever knew. When news came of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and then the confirmation of Bobby's death, my father said that he and other family members were deeply grieved but all had a resolve that Bobby's death would not be in vain. Our families motto, as corny as it may seem, was "God, country and family." Bobby had descending from a long list of ministers. The account above testifies to his and his families patriotism. Family and God were at the center of every activity. My uncle once told me that they grew up much like the Walton's on TV. I pray we never forget the cost of our precious freedom. Randy Willis randywillis@ev1.net http://www.randywillis.org

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/480 Message Board Post: any info on these two families would be most appreciated. The Glass' are said to come from Boyce, while the Turnages come from Elmer. Thank you

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hayes Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/456.1 Message Board Post: What is his middle name?

Hello imsosweet I am related to the O'Shee family you mention who lived in Alexandria/Pineville cities. Denis and Rose O'Shee are buried in the Old Rapides Parish Cemetery in Pineville. Denis was born Dec 6, 1878 and died Sept 27, 1911. Rose was born Feb 28, 1880 and died Feb 21, 1969. What is it you need to know about the family and how are you related to them? I will be happy to help you any way I can. Marguerite

Hello list, I am looking for any family members of the Dennis and Rose Oshee family. I know the family was living in the Alexandra area from about 1910 to 1920. Would appreciate any assistance or suggestions. CarolynGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com

I have located on the net an article concerning the death fo Winsome Ware in 1929. The article says she is the daughter of Rev. E. O. Ware, Baptist minister. In the accident in which she was killed, her sister, Mrs. W. L. Wharton of Baton Rouge, was injured. My great uncle was W. L. Wharton. He was a dentist who died in Alec but lived in Port Barre, LA. This might be his wife. Can sks find an obit or info on Rev. Ware and family. Also, if there is an obit for Winsome Ware I would like to know what it says. The article I have is from the Winn Parish Enterprise newspaper. Thanks in advance for any assistance. Carolyn Tregre Luling, LA

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hebert, Gagnard, Hingle, Shuff, Fontenot, Reed, Roy, Manuel Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/478 Message Board Post: Hello! My father had his information published on our Creole or non-Acadian Hebert family. It can be located in La Voix Des Prairies Volume5 October 1984 Number 19 Starting on page 69 Ms. Rosie Wells is a very good researcher and is helping research this family also. Ville Platte Library has copies of La Voix Des Prairies and these: The Alexandria Genealogical Library - Downtown Alexandria Louisiana State Library Dupre Library - Lafayette Calcasieu Public Library Nicholls State University Library New Orleans Public Library This was published by the Evangeline Genealogical & Historical Society - founded 1980 He has compiled much more and would like to share with others and learn more. I have tried to get a copy of Joe Hebert's book to see about the "Mobile connection" but have not been able to locate it or confirm that this Hebert line came from Mobile with the Fontenots etc. I have contacted Burgundy and had some good help from Mr. Jaques Louvel but no sure family connections. Martigny Le Comte is a very small village even to this day and the church records were probably burned during the Revolution. We want very much to learn the origins of our family. Please forward to persons who will interested in this data and more. My father also has information on my mother's Guillory/Berzas, Deshotel side. My Hebert family is from the Joachim line. Fontenots, Shuff, Deshotels, Ortegos, Gagnards.... Please contact us for more information. We want to share, learn, and join people doing research in this area. Thank you and we look forward to hear from you! Michael Adan Hebert P.O. Box 575 Alexandria, LA 71309 318-445-2411 x203 (WK#) Rapides Parish Library Roland Hypolite Hebert P.O. Box 273 Pine Prairie, LA 70576 Rosie Wells provided great information. Generation No. 1 1. Francois Hebert of Martigny le Comte in Burgandy, France (Philippe & Marguerite Lambert, both dec'd.) m. 9 Apr. 1771 Marie Anne Marcantel (Francois & Anne Rondot, dec'd.) Wits: Marcantel & Philippe Hebert (PCP-2, part 2, 105 also PCP-4, 66) BRDA, V. 2, p. 360 Children of Francois Hebert & Marie Marcantel: 1) Joseph Hebert, b. unknown 2) Joachim Hebert, Sr. b. Bef. May 07, 1781, Ouachita, Territory of New Orleans; d. Bef. July 02, 1823, St. Landry Parish (LSAR: Opel.: 1823) 3) Dorothy (Cecile) Hebert, b. Abt. 1770, St. Landry Parish, d. Abt. 1797, St. Landry Parish Generation No. 2 2. Joseph Hebert (Francois, Philippe) was b. unknown. He married Elizabeth Fontenot September 09, 1816, Opel. Ch., d/o Francois Fontenot and Therese Hingle. She was b. November 29, 1799, Opel. Ch., d. August 17, 1839, Opel. Ch. Notes for Elizabeth Fontenot: Isabelle Fontenot (Francois & Therese Aygle (Hingle) b. 29 Nov. 1799, bt. Sunday, 1 Feb. 1801. Pats: Philip Fontenot & Marie Brignac; Mats: Jacob Aygle & Martha Paquet; Spons: Joseph Andre Pons (Andrepont) & Magdeleine Fontenaut. Fr. Pedro de Zamora (Opel. Ch.: v. 1-B, p. 189) Hebert, V. 1-A, p. 311 Marriage Notes for Joseph Hebert and Elizabeth Fontenot: Elisabeth Fontenot, native of this parish (minor d/o Francois Fontenau, native of this parish & Therese Hingle, native of Mobile & inhabitants of the Prairie Mamou area in this parish) m. 9 Sept. 1816 Joseph Hebert, native of this parish (minor s/o Francois Hebert, native of la bourgogne in France & Marie Marcantel, native of la Pointe Couppee, inhabitants of this parish at prairie mamou). Wits: Joachin Hebert, groom's eldest brother representing the parents, Francois Fontenot, brides father, Francois Fontenot fils (Jr).), Vital Pepin, Valeri Roy, Nice, William Henry Hargeroeder. Fr. Michel Bernard Barriere (Opel. Ch.: v. 1-B, p. 189) Hebert, V. 2-A, p. 275 Children of Joseph Hebert & Elizabeth Fontenot: i. Joseph Hebert, b. July 14, 1817, Opel. Ch. ii. Onezime Hebert, b. January 30, 1919, Opel. Ch. iii. Marie Hebert, b. January 18, 1821, Opel. Ch. iv. Francois Hebert, b. April 22, 1823, Opel. Ch. v. Paul Hebert, b. September 28, 1825, Opel. Ch. vi. Leon Hebert, b. January 09, 1828, Opel. Ch. vii. Hilaire Hebert, b. January 09, 1830, Opel. Ch. viii. Irma Hebert, b. September 05, 1831, Opel. Ch. ix. Adolphe Hebert, b. July 03, 1836, Opel. Ch. 3. Joachim Hebert, Sr. (Francois, Phillippe) was born Bef. May 07, 1781, Ouachita, Territory of New Orleans and died Bef. July 02, 1823 in St. Landry Parish (LSAR: Opel.: 1823). He married (#1) Therese Gagnard, d/o Jacques Gagnard and Ursule Juneau. Therese Gagnard was born. Abt. 1782, and died July 21, 1806 in St. Landry Parish, bur. age 23 yrs. Opel. Ch. Joachim m. (#2) Marie Fontenot January 27, 1811, Opel. Ch., d/o of Francois Fontenot and Therese Hingle. She was b. Bef. December 14, 1794, Opel. Ch. Children of Joachim Hebert and Therese Gagnard are: i. Joachim Hebert, Jr., bt. August 18, 1803, age 18 months, Opel. Ch. ii. Celeste Hebert, bt. August 15, 1804, age 6 mo., Opel. Ch. Children of Joachim Hebert and Marie Fontenot are: iii. Leufroy Hebert, b. May 13, 1812, bt. Opel. Ch., m. Louise Miller (Jean Frederic Miller, Jr. & Elise Fruge), July 09, 1831, Opel Ch. Louise was b. May 24, 1815, Opel. Ch. iv. Emerente Hebert, b. January 23, 1814, Opel. Ch. v. Marcelite Hebert, December 11, 1815, Opel. Ch.; d. Bef. January 26, 1857 (Opel. Ct. Hse.: Succ. #2973-A) vi. Pauline Hebert, b. April 28, 1818, Opel. Ch.; d. August 23, 1850, Opel. Ch. vii. Cyprien Hebert, September 28, 1820, Opel. Ch. At first glance, it appeared Joe Hebert and I had followed the same Hebert families, however, I do not have any descendants from Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes. Calcasieu Parish was created in 1840 from St. Landry Parish. The earliest records can still be found in St. Landry Parish. Remember, our ancestors did not move, the parish boundaries changed. The Lake Charles fire of 1910 destroyed the Calcasieu Parish Court House and the early records of the Catholic Church. These records begin in 1913. Jefferson Davis Parish was created in 1913 from Calcasieu Parish. These records also begin in 1913. Brothers, Joseph & Joachim Hebert, sons of Francois Hebert and Marie Anne Marguerite Marcantel, married in st. Landry Parish, sisters, Elizabeth & Marie Fontenot, daughters of Philippe Fontenot dit St. Philippe and Marie Nicole Brignac. Francois Hebert m. Marie Anne Marguerite Marcantel in Pointe Coupee. Question: Was Francois Hebert at the Poste des Alibamons before he married? Philippe Fontenot dit St. Philippe m. Marie Nicole Brignac in Mobile, AL. Philippe Fontenot dit St. Philippe and two of his sons, Joseph Philippe LaRose Fontenot and Louis Philippe Fontenot, rendered Patriotic Service during the Rev. War. (DAR Patriotic Index). I decend from both sons. Question: Have you looked for your Heberts in the DAR Index? If they rendered patriotic service during the Rev. War, the book should tell you where they served and that may answer the question of whether or not they were at the Poste des Alibamons. Regards, Rosie Morein Wells

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/WEB.2ACI/477 Message Board Post: I found a post somewhere about a memorial to the people buried in the cemetery of the Pineville Insane Asylum. Does anyone know if this was ever done?

-----Original Message----- From: Joe Sanders, Jr. [mailto:SandersJoeJr@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 11:05 AM To: Morgan Edward Johnson Subject: Query: Rapides Parish DATE: Wed Apr 21 09:05:11 2004 NAME: Joe Sanders, Jr. EMAIL: SandersJoeJr@aol.com URL: QRYTEXT: I would appreciate any information on Ed Pembrook/Pembroke who lived in Rapides Parish, the Pineville area. He was born about 1854 in Louisiana. He married Caroline Lamott December 28, 1868 in Alexandria. They had a son named Denis Pembrook who was born in 1870. I believe that Ed's father's name was Denis Pembrook who was born in Maryland. I have additional information on this family and would like to share as well as obtain additional information on Ed and Caroline. Ed Pembrook was my great great grandfather.