Francois Vidrine, Sr.

Francois Vidrine, Sr., son of Jean Baptist Vidrine and Eloise Pitre,  filed a claim for homestead on 20 May 1862, and was granted a Homestead by the United States on 28 September 1891, for 82 9/100 acres in what was to become L'Anse Grise. One of the requirements for being granted a Homestead was to live on and improve the property for a least 5 years. The location of that land, according to United States' Homestead Certificate No. 1963, Application 5720, is the "North Half of the North East quarter of section fourteen, in Township four South, of Range one West of Louisiana Meridian, in Louisiana." This is located along, and on the south side of, Red Fox Ln., beginning approximately 1/4 mile from Hwy. 13, 1/2 mile long, and 1/4 mile wide. Francois, Sr. was living there in 1886 when his first wife, Marie Elise Guillory, died, according to her succession dated 25 January 1886, recorded at the Opelousas Court House, Succ. # 4689. That property was referred to on the succession papers as located "on the Mamoth [Mamou] Prairie." Living on this property today is Mark & Paula Guillory, Bonita Vidrine, Dowell & Pinky Lafleur, James & Sue Bogard and Mitch & Lisa Mire. Francois Vidrine, Sr. owned this property until he sold the eastern half to Francois Vidrine, Jr. and the western half to Dorselie Vidrine, his sons. Francois, Sr. continued to live on in his home on the half owned by Dorsilie, until his death in 1906. His original home site is where Bonita Vidrine now lives.

Photos of Francois Vidrine, Jr.