Laurent Laurent

Many of our common ancestors find their final resting place in St. Louis Cemetery #1 and #2, including members of the Laurent family, primarily associated with New Orleans. The lineage of this family can be traced back to Laurent Laurent of Landoire, near St. Pol de Leon, Finistere, Bretagne, France.

The journey of one significant ancestor commenced on May 25, 1718, as he departed France aboard the vessel “La Duchesse de Noailles” and eventually settled in Fort Toulouse, situated at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapossa rivers. Engaging in mercantile activities, he likely operated an inn. His wife, Jeanne Mahou, was among the early “casket girls” or “fille à casette,” married under the supervision of a priest responsible for ensuring the propriety of marriages among early settlers.

Their progeny included three children: Simon, Joseph, and Marie Jeanne. All Laurents can be traced back to Simon Laurent, a native of Fort Toulouse within the province of Louisane, in the Diocese of Canada.