Death Notices Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

                                                                                        
Lucien Soniat Died in this city on Friday, last, at the home of his only sister, Mrs. Amadee Fortier, Lucien Soniat Du Fossat, a scion of one of Louisiana's oldest and best Creole families, a successful planter, a well known and highly esteemed citizen, a 'brave Confederate veteran, an enthusiastic lover of his native state and a promoter of every good work looking to public development, or the acquisition of happiness by its citizens. He was born January 14, 1846, in the old ancestral home in Tchoupitoulas Plantation In Jefferson Parish, where he spent his life and which he was successfully conducting at the time of his death. It was under this hospitable roof that the great Henry Clay was entertained when he visited Louisiana to attend the wedding of his brother, John Clay, to Miss Duralde, the great aunt of the deceased. The family of Soniat du Fossat had Its origin in medieval times, the head being Guy Guillaime de Sauhnac, chief of the Knights Templar, who was one of the crusaders and killed at the battle of Man- south. The first of this family who came to Louisiana in 1751 was Chevalier de Sauhnac de Fossat, an officer in the French army and later married Mathurln Dreux. Joseph Soniat du Fossat, a son of the above, married (1801) Louise Duralde, a daughter of Martin Duralde, Commandant of the Post of Opelousas. Martin Duralde, Jr., married the daughter of Henry Clay, while his sisters married John Clay, Gov. Clalborne, Valeiian Allain (parents of the wives of Gov. Penn and Leon Cusachs) and the above Joseph Soniat. From Joesph Soniat du Fossat and Louise Duralde came Theodore Soniat du Fossat, who married Amenaide La Branche and these were the parents of the deceased. In course of time the name of Sauhnac became Soniat and as such has remained. The subject of this sketch may well claim descent from a devoted crusader, since his own life was an earnest crusade for the Right. He received his early education at home under the tutorship of Prof. Sam'l. Brown and afterwards studied at Audubon College In New Orleans and Jefferson College in St. James. At the early age of 17 years, impelled by duty, his ruling guide throughout life, he made his way through the lines of the Northern soldiers, then holding this city and by a circuitous route after many delays reached Charleston, S. C., where he joined the battery of Capt. Win. M. Bridges, with which he served to the close of the war, participating In many of the engagements which occurred almost daily at this period. Returning In April, 1865, to his home, he engaged In planting which he .pursued with great enthusiasm to his death. In politics he was a Democrat and held many positions of honor without emoluments. He was President of the Police Jury of Jefferson Parish, member of the State Board of Agriculture and Immigration and of the Pontchartrain Levee Board. He was President of Audubon Agricultural Association, Vice-President of State Agricultural Society and of the Sugar Planters' Association. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Sugar Experiment Station, his labors are well remembered. His efforts in locating the same and his unswerving support in maintaining it, has forever endeared him to all of the Professors and Scientists of this Station and School. His death leaves of the original Executive Commute only two members, devoted tireless workers, In the cause of agriculture, Hons. Jno. Dymond and Henry McCall, and If the prayers and wishes of their numerous friends be fulfilled they will yet be with us many more years. The earnest support which Mr. Soniat so generously gave throughout his life to every progressive agricultural movement, has placed his name on the lips of thousands of farmers in this great state to all of whom  the news of his untimely death will send pangs of poignant sorrow. In social life foe was a great favorite. He was a member of the St. John's Rowing Club, the Athenee Louisianais, the Historical Society, and Camp No. 2, Army of Tennessee, C. S. V. He was formerly .associated prominently with some of the carnival organizations and gave even afterwards his loyal ' support. His funeral occurred at St. Stephen's Church and was largely attended. Many old soldiers came and .as a last token of esteem, draped his casket with the Confederate flag, which he so devotedly followed in his youth. His numerous relatives were there to pay devoted homage to a beloved member of a noble family. His friends from all walks of life attended in great numbers to attest their sincere regard and high appreciation. And why not? Who is he, Jew or Gentile, Catholic or Protestant, white or black, young or old, that has been brought within the radius of his influence that has not felt his benefaction and retired with his benediction? Noble man! The old St. Louis cemetery holds your mortal remains, but the fragrant memory or your preeminent virtues will linger in the minds and hearts of us all, until fame and Immortality shall claim you for Its own. "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man Is Peace." WILLIAM CARTER STUBBS source: The Louisiana Planter and Sugar Manufacturer 1909