Orphanages in Louisiana - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

pfoleysm58 — 2013-04-27 18:57:44Z

My Father, Donald A. Dale, his brother's, AJ, William C. and Sister, Ailleen spent their early youth in the GPOA. They were born in Silver Creek, Mississippi and later moved with their Father to New Orleans. They lived on the street for a while, I believe it would have been the early 30's and then placed in the orphan asylum. They were all separated and lost to each other after their stay but managed to find each other again later as adults. The youngest brother, William C., was adopted (not formally) and later attended Tulane University to study medicine. Once he finished medical school he moved to California and began his practice. It was there that he located his two older brothers, both of whom had settled in California. My Dad and my Uncle AJ had managed to locate each other when both were serving in the US Navy in San francisco years earlier. I've attached a photo that was taken at the orphan asylum when they were children. From left, AJ, Donald (in the rear), Ailleen and brother William. My Dad died of esophageal cancer 8 years ago. Curiously all 4 developed cancer, William died of renal cancer, Ailleen of lung cancer and AJ, the surviving brother, suffered from rectal cancer. Bad juju? Penny Dale

Re: Methodist Home Hospital, New Orleans, 9-13-66

sibu03 — 2013-03-10 17:56:35Z

New FB page for adoptees, birth moms and others associated with Methodist Hospital Home in New Orleans, LA.

Come join us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MHHReunions/

Re: Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

wcjr113 — 2013-03-04 14:43:14Z

Check the book by Mary Lou Widmer entitled Margaret, Friend of Orphans. I can tell you that the Female Asylum was located on Clio St. in New Orleans, that it closed in 1938, and was torn down in 1966.
When the girls reached a certain age they were transferred to St. Elizabeth's on Napoleon Ave., which was later purchased by Ann Rice and today has been renovated into condominiums.
If you will check the online records of the New Orleans Public Library you will find a wealth of information.
W. H. Cook

Re: Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

wcjr113 — 2013-03-04 14:40:36Z

Check the book by Mary Lou Widmer entitled Margaret, Friend of Orphans. I can tell you that the Female Asylum was located on Clio St. in New Orleans, that it closed in 1938, and was torn down in 1966.
When the girls reached a certain age there were transferred to St. Elizabeth's on Napoleon Ave., which was later purchased by Ann Rice and today has been removated into condominiums.

Re: Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

clarew2 — 2013-03-01 23:37:55Z

Hello Barbara:

I'm adjunct professor at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Part of my research is on peonage and involuntary servitude, including young children who were placed in reformatory schools and orphanages, and how they were made to work hard with very long hours, and spent very little time in school.

I'm writing to you, because while I was doing a search for Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans (in particular, St. Elizabeth's Orphanage) I came across your post (below).

I noticed in your post you mentioned that your maternal grandmother live there at St. Elizabeth's for 8 years (between 1915 and 1923), and had horrible memories of the place during the time she was there.

A good friend and I are trying to help this lady who said she too, lived at St. Elizabeth's in 1979 (from the time she was 10-years old), and says she has some horrible memories of the place during her time there, too. She is trying to locate others who may have been there either before and/or after she was, and who can confirm some of the things that she witnessed.

Did your maternal grandmother happen to mention some of the horrible memories she recalled while she was staying at St. Elizabeth's? Is there anyone else in your family that she may have spoke to about her stay there (if she didn't go into detail with you)?

I would very much appreciate any information you might be able to provide on some of the things that your grandmother shared about what she or others endured while living at St. Elizabeth's, because it may help the lady who lived there and is trying to locate others who also lived there and can help confirm some of things she has related to us.

If there are others on this list who have living relatives who were at St. Elizabeth's Orphanage, I'd like to hear from you as well.

Please email me at: clarew3@juno.com

Thanks,
Clare

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

annebilllanders113 — 2013-02-11 14:38:42Z

Hi Shelia..The pics that I have are hard copy and I got them from the newspaper there in New Orleans. I called and talked to them and they found them and I bought the copies. I've had several requests for copies so I will see if my son can take some pics of them that I can transmit them to folks. I hesitate to take the framed ones apart to have them copied. Why don't you send me your name and address and I'll put this on my do list. Keep in touch and remind me as I'm not getting any younger. Have a good week!
Bill Landers
Hernando, MS
662.429.7419

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

shelak11 — 2013-02-11 00:51:01Z

Hi Bill
I was reading the messages regarding the German Protestant Orphan Asylum and I read that you have pictures of the orphanage before it was torn down.
My mother and her sister were placed there in 1940 and I was hoping you could email me pictures of it.
I would greatly appreciate it.
thank you for your time
sheila

Re: Methodist Home Hospital, New Orleans, 9-13-66

sibu03 — 2013-02-06 16:37:54Z

Hi there--we have just started a Facebook page for anyone searching for their birth mom, child or any family, from the Methodist Hospital Home in New Orleans.

Please feel free to join us!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/603514122997650/

Re: Catholic orphange in Pineville, LA

bettyfernau — 2013-01-29 01:16:44Z

Have you been able to find out anything about the records from the St. Joseph's Orphanage located in Pineville, LA? My grandmother and her siblings were placed in the orphanage sometime between 1910 and 1920. I find them on the 1920 census, but I'm unable to find any record of my grandmother's siblings after that. I've also heard stories that the orphanage burned down.

My grandmother, Kate Armand, would have been 21 as of the 1920 census, so she's not on there...and she died in 1974 so I can't ask her anything. I believe these children are my grandmother's younger siblings, but I have absolutely no data about them after the 1920 census:

Euphemia Armand 14
Josephine Armand 12
Delsa Armand 7
Joseph Armand 4 11/12

And since Delsa and Joseph were not born as of 1910, I don't even have them in my family tree.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Index of Orphanages in Orleans Parish

gduplantier — 2013-01-04 17:31:38Z

I recently found this link of orphanages in Orleans Parish with lists of children. Page down past the 1970 City Directory and the first index is listed as "bhrfl1860.txt".

http://files.usgwarchives.net/la/orleans/history/directory/

Hope this helps someone with there search.

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

sremi353 — 2013-01-01 00:40:08Z

Hello Maureen! Great to hear from you. I fished out the Milton F. Morales 25-page genealogical paper, and found that the cover letter was written to Jim on 2-15-96. I'm sure my mother got this copy from your father-in-law, my Uncle Jim. If you haven't seen it, I'm happy to scan or send snail mail. Just let me know! I believe my mom has your mailing address. ~~Seana

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

littlebirdy52 — 2012-12-31 17:47:27Z

Hi, I'm so glad to hear from you. I would love to have a copy of the family history of Milton. I don't have it and didn't know it existed. It would be great to fill in the gaps of Jim Hartnett's memory. He knows very little about Zachary. But, he thinks he may have come from Mexico, TX or Spain. I found the name Morales prominent in Spain and the Canary Islands, specifically, in the Sephardic Jewish population. Do you know anyone in the Morales clad who has had their DNA tested? That would prove any connection to Spanish-Jewish migration (possibly through New Orleans). His parents may have died enroute and maybe he was left in an orphanage? Let me know how you want to share the family history. Thanks again. Maureen

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

sremi353 — 2012-12-31 13:03:31Z

I am the granddaughter of Alva, daughter of William. I have (as I'm sure you do) a copy of Milton Morales' family history. I've long been fascinated by Zachary and his beginnings. My dad always said his grandfather was from Spain, but none of this seems to add up. Let me know if you'd like the history, if by chance you don't have it.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

gumbeaux2 — 2012-11-23 20:17:00Z

I was very persistent when contacting the Sisters in Wichita. I am glad to hear what your grandmother said about the Sisters in 1902 being kind because I have really been concerned about how my grandmother was treated. She obviously was treated well because she was a refined lady who was very religious and I never saw her lose her temper or mistreat anyone. If the Sister is successful in helping me find any records for my grandmother, I can ask her if she will help others. She won't be making a trip to Wichita again until June. She has led me to believe that such records exist so I can only hope for the best. These records from the St. Joseph Orphanage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are in a collection called the Medaille Collection. I will keep you posted on her progress. Thanks for your information. gumbeaux2

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

Paulbro1990 — 2012-11-22 14:13:54Z

My grandmother was placed there shortly after her birth in 1902. She remembered little of the stay other than the sisters were kind. My wife and I visited the convent, on north Lincoln, in Wichita several years ago and the sisters all but denied that there even was an orphanage. They told us that if there are records they reside at the diocese. I have tried many times to get information but - no success. I fail to understand the stone wall from the convent and from the Catholic Church.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

gumbeaux2 — 2012-11-14 16:50:38Z

I contacted the Catholic Children's Home in Wichita, Kansas where the files are currently housed for the Baton Rouge St. Joseph's Orphanage. I have been in touch with a Sister who represents them and knows their records who has been looking for my grandmother's records. Mr grandmother was listed as a boarder on the 1900 census, but later in 1910 as an orphan. The boarder records are in Baton Rouge, but the orphan records are in Wichita , Kansas. My grandmother's records were not found in Baton Rouge so the Sister is checking in Wichita for her records as an orphan. The Sister who is helping me seems to be the main researcher for such records and when she contacted the current Sister who is in charge of archives for the St. Joseph's Academy records, she said there was a list of the children who attended St. Joseph's Catholic School from that time period. If I were you I would contact the St. Joseph's Academy's archivist and ask her to check for you. I don't know her name because I went through this Sister. Thanks for the information and let me know what you find out. I will tell the Sister I am working with what you said. Couldn't get your post for a while. It wouldn't show. Thanks, gumbeaux2

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-11-01 05:07:57Z

Bill will send you an email shortly but wanted to say here that it turns out my Grandfather and sibblings were taken to the Protestant Orpahnage not the German one. I heard back from Tulane today. Thanks for all the encouragement here. You never know when you motivate someone and they get importatn info so thanks to all.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-25 00:35:10Z

I will email you right now! thanks for the reply.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

annebilllanders113 — 2012-10-24 13:14:18Z

Hi..Good to hear from you. I can't remember what all I put in my post about my gfather. He passed away when my father was 10 years old and about all he and the rest of the family knew was about the orphanage, his brother (who served in the Spanish American War) died shortly after and his mother spoke german and left them there to come back after getting land in the west with their father. It's taken me all of my 75 years to find out the entire story of the family, visited the block where the orphanage stood, and talked to someone who remember it. Only one building still stands today (the chapel) as a private residence. On my next trip to NO I plan to see if I can see the building and see if the cemetery is still in the back yard, which is very large. I even found my guncles grave over in MS. I could go on forever about my search..I gave a 2 hour talk to a family reunion group a couple of years ago. You take care and let's keep up the conversation.
William E Landers (Bill)
6214 Robertgson Gin Rd
Hernando, Mississippi 38632
662.429.7419
blandersms@gmail.com

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:57:15Z

thanks I will do some googling.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:56:37Z

Has anyone tried this and had any luck?

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:55:46Z

Mike, I would love to do that. Can we link up on FB?

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:54:03Z

Can you tell us of any place we can find more info on the web? Thanks

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:52:55Z

Not sure if you will get a message that I put here but I too am looking for more info about the early 1970's and my Grandfather and Great Grandmother are listed on the 1880 census. Are yours? As I said maybe we can link up here or on fb? Let's talk about what we know.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-24 02:51:03Z

Bill Landers hoping you get this. My Grandfather William Sidney was listed just 8 people above your family. He was even the same age as Edward Landers! When I found this 1880 census 6 months ago I thought to meet someone who had a relative there with my Grandfather and Great Aunt Helen Taylor would be so neat! Hope you respond to this so we can talk more. I printed what you wrote. One thing I was looking at was that my relatives seem to be rare in that they were not born in LA. It says their Father was but that is not true. Mississippi is unless a boundary changed. It says their Mother was born in Nebraska not true. Her parents were living there at that time. Anyway, anyone from that census we should start a group or something. I am on facebook. Just an idea.

Re: Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

brendamorvant1954 — 2012-10-23 19:10:29Z

i found this searching for my gr-gr.
1870 census. m. a. derian lived in the new orleans girls asylum as listed by the census taker in left margin.
previos page where names start, it says sister of mercy.
after that dead end, might have to drive to new orleans to get in church archives.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

cstege22 — 2012-10-23 03:59:20Z

My Grandfather William Sidney Taylor and his sister Helen were at the Protestant Orphanage in New Orleans in the 1880 census. I know it was down in the main street. My Mom in the 1960's met with some of the administrators to try to find our Taylor family but she was told there was a fire and 1871 and around that time the records were burnt. Does anyone know if this is the same orphanage because I will try again. I did find some info last year saying there had been a fire and records lost so I gave up. Thanks. Would love to see the photos if they are online anywhere.

Re: Looking

Willfer95758 — 2012-10-17 18:30:41Z

I wish it were true. The only records that I have on my birth mother is that she was born on 9-16-42. Sorry. I am not sure where to trun now. I guess I will never know my birth mother.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

MARYJOCALD — 2012-10-10 14:00:06Z

My Mother-in-law was also at St. Joseph in 1915-18. I have sent a request to the Diocese Of Alexandria, La & the Archive priest replies that all records are lost from that time period but they have records starting in the 19401's when St Joseph moved to Alexandria

Half Orphan

sucordes1 — 2012-09-17 04:27:15Z

My great grand mother was a "half orphan" and spoke of being in an orphanage in New Orleans. She was assigned to keeping sheep at night. She should be there in the 1870 census. Where can I find the census for the female orphan asylum in New Orleans? What Parrish was it in?

Re: Looking

duggerbuddsup — 2012-09-09 15:20:28Z

Your post certainly sparked my interest because I am looking for a half brother that was born in a Methodist home for girls in New Orleans when my mother was 13 or 14 yrs. old. Her last name was Kitchens at the time. Do you think that this could be a match? She was born March 23, 1946.

Methodist Home Hospital, New Orleans, La

duggerbuddsup — 2012-09-09 15:06:20Z

I am looking for my brother who I have just learned of. My mother name was Margie Kitchens. All I know is she was sent to New Orleans when she was 13 after getting pregnant. She was born in 1946 so it would have been around 1959 or 1960. I was told she had a boy and she gave him up for adoption. I would love to find him. I know this is a long shot but I have hope. My name is Jimmy Dugger Jr.

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

littlebirdy52 — 2012-08-15 20:22:51Z

Hi again, I was researching orphanages in Fort Worth, TX in a vain attempt to find the origins of Zachary Donovan Morales. Ft. Worth/Houston, was the larges city in TX and orphanages were beginning to be founded there around the time of Zachary's birth. Zachary Taylor was also prominent there so maybe he was named after him? Anyway, I am wondering if Zachary was born in TX and then taken to an orphanage in New Orleans, which had more established orphanages, after his parents died? Anyone find any evidence of his birth in Fort Worth?

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

littlebirdy52 — 2012-08-09 07:30:58Z

Hi, Zachary may not related to Luis and Juliana Luna even though they are included on a census form with a son named Zacarias. The dates and locations just don't jive with any other data. One of the Morales cousins does think he was born in Texas (acc to her father) but, he also could have been left in an orphanage in New Orleans (acc to Zachary's wife). I can't find any mention of him in any official paperwork until he shows up in Caldwell, KS ranch (cow herder), acc to one census account (assuming that his him!). He does not appear to have fought in any wars. And, his life seems to have begun at the time of his marriage as far as most census records go. His wife told a granddaughter that Zachary grew up in an orphanage run by someone named Lafleur. But, the only orphanage run buy a Mme Lafleur, was likely torn down to make way for a highway through the center of New Orleans. It might be the same small orphanage the infamous Lady Marmalade mentions in her bio.

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

BFamilyTies — 2012-08-09 00:45:32Z

Hi There,

Zachary is my 3rd Great Grandfather. Can you give me any information you have on his parents? Luis and Juliana Luna?

Thank you so much!

Kernstock information

DonnaMiller40 — 2012-07-18 13:05:41Z

My husband's great grandmother lost both parents at a young age. Parent's were Johann and Catherine Franck Kernstock from Germany. Louisa was possibly born in Germany. Elizabeth may have been her middle name and the name Catherine may be in there somewhere. Records I find conflict as well as dates. Louisa married a John Miller and had 8 children.

Louisa was about 9 years older than her siblings. Frances Kernstock (female) and August Kernstock (male). Kernstock is not a very common name there so this has helped some. I have made contact with a decendent of the Walle's but not a direct line....but very helpful in connecting the dots.

Frances Kernstock married Henry Walle and August married a Miltie/Mittie Spence both had children.

I have found August Kernstock's name (age 9 or 11 - can't remember off hand))listed on the 1880 census at the German Orphanage in Louisana but can find nothing on the 2 girls. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

JamieHebrank — 2012-06-02 17:45:53Z

New Orleans (La.) Office of the Mayor
Records of the Disposition of Destitute Orphans
Transcription, vol. 1 (1852-1893)

It's online

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

JamieHebrank — 2012-06-02 17:45:11Z

New Orleans (La.) Office of the Mayor
Records of the Disposition of Destitute Orphans
Transcription, vol. 1 (1852-1893)

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

JamieHebrank — 2012-06-02 17:44:06Z

Found some info for you:

New Orleans (La.) Office of the Mayor
Records of the Disposition of Destitute Orphans
Transcription, vol. 1 (1852-1893)

Re: German Protestant Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

JamieHebrank — 2012-06-02 17:07:28Z

My name is Deb Elliott, I use to be in this home in the early 60's. Will you please email me any photo's you have, for I only have one. My email is: delliott7756@yahoo.com

Thank you

Re: Female Orphan Asylum in New Orleans

maryannreeves1 — 2012-05-15 18:11:34Z

My grandmother was in the New Orleans Female Asylum in 1906 until she was eighteen in 1915. This orphanage was operated by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. It was located at 1404 Clio Street. In 1921, it became a Catholic working girls' boarding house. This info came from a newspaper article that I found in my Grandmother's papers. I can not find any records about this either. Since there were several of these orphanages in NOLA, I would really like some info and/or records of this particular one. If anyone has any info please let me know.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

Paulbro1990 — 2012-04-25 09:01:24Z

Is it possible to learn the name of this sister? If she is going to Wichita and looking at the records - I am wondering if she could look for my grandmother as well? Her name was Elsie Lou or Lau. Her mother - my great grand mother was Rose or Rosa Lou or Lau. I will be glad to contact the sister if that is better. I live in Florida but was born and raised in Wichita. Tell me what you think and how best to proceed to see if the sister will also look for my grandmother. Thank your for your reply.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

bbshamburger1 — 2012-04-24 03:59:33Z

This is true. If family tales are correct one of my aunts was put in the girls home here until her older sister could take care of her becuse the parents had died.

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

bbshamburger1 — 2012-04-23 03:29:40Z

thank you, I would appreciate it. I sure hope you have luck. I know what it is to search so hard and want it so much. Again I wish you luck.
Bobbie

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

gumbeaux2 — 2012-04-22 16:46:34Z

I corresponded with a Sister who works with church records in my city. I was directed to her by the genealogy librarian. My grandmother was in a Catholic orphanage. The Sisters who ran the orphanage are no longer in my city,so I emailed a contact (another Sister who worked with such records)in their new location which was Wichita, Kansas. She had no luck with locating any information on my grandmother, so I contacted her once a month to see if she had made any progress on finding someone who could locate the records. Finally she located a Sister in Tennessee who knew the records and she called me. She is making a trip to Wichita in June and agreed to look for the records. So hopefully she will have success in finding some information on my grandmother. This is my final hope of finding information about my grandmother. Hope you have some suuces. I can let you know if any records are found. bayoucher2

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

bbshamburger1 — 2012-04-21 22:28:46Z

It is very hard to get any information out of the home. I had a friend who used to go to New Orleans with some others and they would sit all day and copy adoption records.She died a few years ago and I have no idea how she did it. Do you have any papers at all? perhaps a court number would be of help. Where are you located? Could you get to the State Archives?

Re: St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls in 1900-1918

Paulbro1990 — 2012-04-21 15:52:36Z

bayoucher2 -

I too had a grandmother in this orphanage from 1902 to ???. We went to the location and we were told there were no records - but in my heart I knew that was not true. This visit was over 10 years ago and I have been hitting brick walls ever since. My grandmother was like the children mentioned in one of your responses. My great grandmother was alive and living in Wichita but could not pay for my grandmothers care so my grandmother was taken to the orphanage. My grandmother was born out of wedlock so I suspect the sisters at the convent took care of her and took care of the birth.

So - my big question is - Who did you reach out to that is willing to give you information? I want to talk to them as well. Your posting is the first glimmer of hope I have had on this in 10 years!!!! Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

littlebirdy52 — 2012-04-14 06:20:06Z

That came from the written 'oral' history we have from Margaret Cutshall. She said Zachary was educated at a NO monastery, then, in his 20's, he was taken to Colorado by a man named Young. Supposedly he took him there so he could restore his health and learn to ride horses. Maybe fresh air and horseback riding was considered a 'cure' back then? I wonder what illness befell Zachary and who Mr. Young was? I went to the trouble to trace the name "Young' and there was a store clerk names Young but I don't know if it was him. I also checked the names of Mormon agents in N.O. thinking that perhaps Brigham Young or, his sons were in N.O. at the time. Brigham Young did aid thousands of converts who were primarily streaming into N.O. from Europe at the time. And, he did order metal grill-work from artisans there but, there is no record of him spending time there. I had the thought Zachary might have traveled to CO, to a new Mormon settlement that sprung up after they left Iowa. But Zachary seems to have settled in Caldwell, KS and then, Indiana, where he met Margaret. But, I haven't found any further census records or evidence of his travels outside the one that mentions him working as a 'cow herder' and the marriage record, from KS. So, he remains a puzzle. He got a pretty good education while in New Orleans so, he may have finished his education at one of their several monasteries. So many records must be lost by now!

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

sandemontano52 — 2012-04-14 05:54:43Z

And I am granddaughter of Zachary's son, Henry. What evidence is there that he was in Colorado? I had never heard that part of his story before.
Thanks,
Sande

Re: Looking for Info about a Convent-Orphanage named Le Fleur in New Orleans

littlebirdy52 — 2012-04-14 05:48:19Z

Hi, I am actually the wife of your cousin Kevin, son of Jim Hartnett, grandson of Zachary, through Zachary's daughter, Alva Morales. I am glad you asked around while you were in New Orleans. I am currently looking for a smaller orphanage run by a woman names La Fleur. I found mention of such an orphanage, included in a story of the infamous Lady Marmalade, who apparently was reared in Mdme. La Fleur's orphanage. I am not sure why Zachary chose to relocate to Co and then Caldwell, KS. He was apparently frail or recovering from an illness. I think it is likely he was orphaned at sea and the records have been long lost as to where he was born. The Canary Islands have a lot of Morales surnames and the is the origin of the earliest "Islenos" colonists, sent by the Spanish to protect their interests in New Orleans. And the first official appointed by the King of Spain was named Morales. But, that was years before Zachary arrived. Nice to hear from you!