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ybe Fayard Family
One can only imagine the primitive conditions under wnich the immigrants in Louisiana lived and, given the hot, humid weather, the river, floods and other natural problems, it is not a wonder that some families literally died out early. Medical services were probably available but not necessarily adequate for the region.
Inasmuch as the marriage records for the 1740's are no longer extant, having been destroyed by the elements or by the great New Orleans French Quarter fire of 1788, no record can be provided for the marriage between Jean FAYARD dit LaLANCETTE to Francoise FISSEAU. It seems that Jean, the soldier, was married to Francoise FISSEAU in the early 1740's. The birth of the first recorded child, Marie Anne, took place in Natchitoches on September 7, 1744, so it is presumed that either at the time of the marriage, or a short time thereafter, Jean is with the service in Natchitoches. Another daughter, Marie Louise, is born in Natchitoches. The two baptisms are recorded in the Archives of St. Francis Church in Natchitoches.
"On Septemoer7, 1744, I, the undersigned Capuchin Priest,
Curate of the Parish of St. Francis of Natchitoches, have baptized with the ordinary ceremonies of the Church, Marie Anne, born of the legitimate marriage of Jean Fayard, soldier in the regiment of the marine detachment, and Francoise LaGarrene (Fisseau). Godparents are Jean Maderne, resident of this Post, and Marie LaCroix, who signed on the day, month and year as above."
Father Barnabe, Capuchin
Signed:
Jean Fayard
"On September 9, 1746, I, a Capuchin Missionary Apostolic Priest, Curate of the parish of St. Francis of the Natchitoches Post, have baptized with the ordinary ceremonies of the Church, Marie Louise, the legitimate daughter of Jean Fallyar (Fayard) LaLancette and Francoise Phisot, her father and mother. Godparents are Jean Louis Tresar, called Provencal, and Marie Francoise Bourdon who signed with me the day and year as above."
Father Eustache
Jean Fayart Jean Louis Bahan Bourdon
It would seem that shortly after the birth of Marie Louise, the Fayards moved back to New Orleans, because the initiation of a civil suit before the French Superior Council of Louisiana is instituted on May 21, 1748. However, before taking up the details of the suit, it would be good to give some background on the wife of Jean FAYARD, Francoise FISSEAU.
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