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LOUIS JUCHEREAU DE ST. DENIS
St Denis was one of sixty French Canadians who were brought to France in 1698 to be a ready force if Iberville?s first journey to America proved that colonization was feasible and desirable. Although he was only 22, he was one of three officers designated as ?Captain of the Canadians?. He arrived at Biloxi with Iberville on Jan 6, 1700; served as ?advance man? for Iberville?s exploration of the Mississippi River; and was sent with Bienville to explore the Natchitoches and Caddo areas of the Red River. He was then chosen as commander of Fort de la Boulaye on the Mississippi River where he served from 1701 until the fort was abandoned in 1707.
After serving briefly as commander of the fort at Biloxi, he was selected by Governor Cadillac as his agent to seek out the Spanish. Highlights of his life read as a novel. He fought the Alabama and Chitimacha Indians; visited Mexico City twice (and was imprisoned both times); married the granddaughter of a Spanish Commandant; led a Spanish Expedition to east Texas; defeated the Spanish at Dauphin Island and Pensacola; and served with distinction as Commandant of the Natchitoches District. He was knighted by King Louis XV.
After serving as the Commandant of the Natchitoches District for 22 years, he died on June 11, 1744. In relating the details of his funeral, one observer stated that 5,000 Indians came and wept as though their father had died.
Ruffin W. Gray, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
Bom in Grayson, La. Grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas. Enlisted in the US Army on Nov 11, 1942. Awarded pilot wings and commission in May 1944. Flew P-38s in the SW Pacific in World War II and F-80s in Korea. Served as Squadron Commander of units in Korea, South Carolina, and Germany. Flew reconnaissance for the US Navy in Greenland and the Canadian Artie.
Distinguished graduate of the National War College in 1968. Served as Executive Officer for the Vice Chief of Staff of the USAF and retired in 1971 as Commander of Ellington Air Force Base.
Met Frances Wells on a blind date in 1952 and married in 1953. Five children (one daughter and four sons and eight grandchildren). Moved to Diamondhead in February 1999. Member of Main Street United Methodist Church.