Free State of Louisiana

From an article appearing in The Daily Intelligencer of Wheeling, VA (WV) on June 7, 1864:

Courtesy of Chronicling America

Transcription:

Mr. Cazabat, of Rapides, rose and said:  Mr. President, we have witnessed in this very hall, and upon this very floor, the dying struggles and the agonizing convulsions of slavery; but, thank God! the sacred cause of eternal truth and justice and human freedom has prevailed.  Louisiana stands now forever free and redeemed by the voice of her people--by the voice of her noble and worthy sons, such as young Wells of Rapides, Taliaferro of Catahoula and Edwards of Avoyelles.  Immortal trio!  Heaven bless them!  Mr. President, my views in regard to the provisos and amendments offered by the opposition have been duly and fully expressed by my friend, Mr. Fosdick of New Orleans.  I stand, Mr. President and members of this convention, upon the platform of immediate and unconditional abolition of slavery.  And now, in performance of my duty to my God, to my country and to my fellow man, I cast and record my vote--"yes!"

After the vote was announced three cheers were given for "the free State of Louisiana," and salvos of artillery and the general display of flags throughout the city demonstrated the satisfaction of the Union men.  Welcome to the free State of Louisiana!

Sunday's Obituary ~ Thomas S. Sorg

Courtesy of Chronicling America

Transcription:

Thomas S. Sorg died in Monroe, 19th of November, 1876, after a severe and painful spell of sickness lasting nearly six weeks.  His age was 34 years, 8 months and 12 days.

Deceased was born at Hesson, Germany, but was brought in infancy to this country.  At the outbreak of the late war he was living in Catahoula parish, and there joined the Confederate army, leaving with the first company.  He was taken prisoner at one time, and spent a term of imprisonment in Fort Deleware, he rejoined his command and served till peace was declared.

Deceased was a citizen of liberal views, a man of kind heart, a neighbor always ready to help and a husband and father devoted to his family.

Photograph by Michelle Woodham at FindAGrave.com

Thomas S. Sorg married Henrietta Holstein on February 9, 1870 in Ouachita Parish.

The following children were born to this marriage:

Clarence Holstein, 1873-1947
Julia Isabel, 1874-1907 (m. Martin Southern Squyres, 1863-1941)
Camilla Lilla, 1876-1964 (m. Thomas Lovelace Enright, 1873-1944)

Friday's Faces From the Past

Sicily Island Street Scene - Early 1940s

Family Recipe Friday ~ Banana Bread

From the kitchen of Harrisonburg resident, Miss Lula Routon:

Tuesday's Tune ~ The Boys of Fall

We're still a few months away from Fall and the kickoff of high school football but this song brings back so many memories of my home town, Sicily Island, that I wanted to use it for my first "Tuesday's Tune" post.  (H/T Heather at Leaves for Trees)

The Boys of Fall was written by Casey Beathard and Dave Turnbull.  In July 2010, the song was released by country music singer, Kenny Chesney.  The video below was released in September of 2010.

I have written in previous posts about the beginning of football on Sicily Island and the coach who led the Tigers for so many years.

One of my favorite clippings from a 1970 article written in the Alexandria Town Talk: