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An old postal map dating back to the 1800s revealed there was once a community named Ramsey situated some five miles south of Abbeville along the Vermilion River.
It was named for James R. Ramsey, apparently a well-respected medical doctor. Warren Perrin, the well-known Cajun lawyer from the hamlet of Henry, said the property was once owned by a wealthy land owner and sugarcane grower named George Greig, who at the time owned 1,000 slaves. Greig built a sturdy two-story house in 1807. The old home was surrounded by some of the largest oak trees around. The old man was reported to be mean as a snake. It was rumored that George Greig’s slaves killed him and ran away. Greig had no heirs, which meant without heirs, the property went to the state of Louisiana. Perrin said, “Aristide Broussard, my great grandfather, purchased the property in 1930, and called it Turkey Island.” The old home was moved to the Buteaud land, south of where it was originally built, and where it still stands today [May 2021] nestled among the giant moss draped oaks. “It weathered numerous hurricanes over the years and so it’s in a state of disrepair,” said Perrin.
Ramsey was also the site of a killing that took place in late September 1893. The Abbeville Meridional of Saturday, September 30, 1893, titled: “The Killing of Ford” reported that Martin Bagley, an Irishman and one of the largest sugarcane growers in Vermilion Parish, reportedly shot and killed John Ford with a pistol shot to the head. Ford was said to be from Texas and had been in the parish for about 10 days and was employed as engineer on the steamer Mary Rose. After the pistol shot, Bagley went to Abbeville and turned himself in to Deputy Sheriff George E. Lyons.
Coroner Abshire and District Attorney Gordy went to the scene of the murder. A jury composed of George Delano, Ophelias Bourque, Hunter Ramsey, Adam Brasseaux, and Elias Broussard also went to investigate, which was continued the following Monday morning. Martin Bagley was placed in jail awaiting his preliminary examination. According to the newspaper article, Bagley claimed to have shot in self-defense. He hired an attorney in preparation of his hearing.
A Saint Landry Clarion article titled: “News and Comments” of October 28, 1893, reported that “Martin Bagley, a wealthy sugar planter of Vermilion Parish, who killed John Ford on September 24, was denied bail last week.” The Meridional of Saturday, October 21, 1893, titled: “Bagley Denied Bail” was hoping to give their readers the sworn testimony of all the pertinent witnesses. However, the preliminary inquiry of Martin Bagley was said to be too extensive. It was “nearly 100 pages of closely written legal cap.” To condense it would not do the story justice it said. Bagley soon saw how ugly things began to turn when the honorable Judge A. C. Allen of the 17th Judicial District denied bail. The paper reported the evidence in the case was concluded on October 8, 1893. Judge A. C. Allen said, “After a full, just and fair application of the facts and circumstances of the case, to this law, I am forced to conclude that Martin Bagley should not be admitted bail.” And just like that Bagley’s application for bail was denied and he was remanded to the parish jail.
A vicious rumor began circulating that said Martin Bagley was allowed to sleep in his own bedroom each night at Ramsey Plantation. If it was intended as humor, it missed its mark—no one was laughing, especially not Martin Bagley. However, it had created its desired effect. The rumor began to gain traction. The more it was repeated, the more infuriated the community became, which further divided the area. Fear is a great motivator of change. Bagley wasted no time in hiring Joseph A. Chargois, a noted defense attorney from Abbeville. If Bagley thought the case was turning ugly, it was fixing to get a lot worse.
On December 2, 1893, an ad in The Meridional titled: “$50 Reward $50” paid for by then Sheriff Alphonse L. LeBlanc, who offered $50 to “whomever will bring me sufficient proof to locate the slanderer.” It was the sheriff’s crowning moment. Back then fifty dollars was considered a large sum of money. That same $50 would be worth $1,050 today in 2021. The ad ran for several weeks, but there were no takers. In the same newspaper as above there was another article titled: “Special Notice” undersigned by P. L. Terrier, who informed the public that he was now in charge of “the financial portion of the business of Martin Bagley, agent, for both Ramsey and Lyons Plantation in all transactions that may take place from this date.” Terrier also had power of attorney for purchasing sugarcane for the aforementioned factories on the two plantations during grinding season of 1893.
On December 16, 1893, a lengthy article appeared in The Meridional titled: “The Bailing of Bagley” which stated in part “as is well known to the public, Martin Bagley has been confined in our parish jail since September 24, 1893, to answer to the charge of having murdered John Ford.” The article continued by saying in early October 1893, Bagley was denied bail by Judge Allen. Since that time Bagley became ill during his imprisonment. He again applied for bail on the grounds of being “dangerously ill and likely to die or have his health permanently impaired.” The newspaper published Dr. F. F. Young’s petition of December 6, 1893. Dr. Young wanted to certify that he was the attending physician of Martin Bagley, and that his patient was seriously ill with “acute inflammation of hepatitis of the liver and perityphlitis.
The jail where Bagley was confined was apparently kept terribly unsanitary. Dr. F. F. Young explained that his patient needed “proper nursing care with sanitary surroundings,” which in his estimation, regarding Bagley’s medical condition would take several months to improve. His professional belief was if his patient was not given proper medical care, he would in all likelihood perish from his illness. Judge Allen was caught in the middle. He was not wanting to show favoritism to one of Vermilion’s largest sugarcane growers. Bagley was examined by several physicians and each one was interviewed separately by Judge Allen.
The physicians were: F. F. Young M.D., W. D. White M.D., J.T. Abshire M.D. & Coroner; and by Robt. J. Young, M.D. The article indicated that each physician after examining Martin Bagley had determined that continued confinement as it was would “very likely prove fatal or permanently impair his [Bagley’s] health.” After hearing from all the above, the court made an unusual decision by allowing bail, which was set at $20,000. The Meridional of February 23, 1895, titled: “Town and Parish” reported Martin Bagley had furnished bail and was released “after nearly a month’s confinement.” That same newspaper titled: “For Sale” reported that Martin Bagley was selling two eighty-acre tracts of land at Prairie Greig. The property was “fenced and well ditched” and included one dwelling, two cabins, and multiple farm implements, along with four mules. The price was not listed, however, it did include “easy terms.”
When it rains, it pours. As if Martin Bagley’s legal troubles weren’t enough, the Meridional of Saturday, January 6, 1894, under the title: “Attention” followed by the Lyons plantation sugarhouse was set on fire intentionally. “It was the work of an incendiary” reported the newspaper. It was believed that “a number of hands who had been docked for lost time had expressed dissatisfaction thereat.” The total loss was estimated between $18,000 and $20,000 with only $10,000 insurance. The rest would “fall heavily on the owners, the Messrs. Bagley.”
Martin Bagley’s historic trial began in Abbeville in the spring of 1894 and lasted an entire week. When the jury began their deliberations on Saturday; they were locked away for the weekend. Monday came and went without a word from the jury. A look of uncertainty had to have been on Bagley’s face. Finally on Tuesday morning the jury said it was useless, they were deadlocked. The judge thanked the jury for their service and declared a mistrial. The entire community was split. According to The Lafayette Gazette of April 7, 1894, titled: “The Bagley Case” reported the jury was out fifty-five hours and were unable to agree on a verdict—eleven for conviction and one to acquit. It was also learned that after the jury was discharged, one of the jurors, J. D. Morgan, was arrested for perjury. . . . Note: Nearly a year later an article from the Abbeville Meridional of March 30, 1895, titled: “Town and Parish” mentioned Jeff D. Morgan’s perjury case had been continued. No mention of court proceedings, only that his perjury case was continued until “the next court term.” Try as I might, this author could not find any information regarding Morgan’s perjury trial other than he had been arrested for violation of his oath.
The Lafayette Gazette of Saturday, April 13, 1895, titled: “Bagley’s Case” reported that Martin Bagley’s murder trial was set to begin in Lafayette on Thursday, April 18th. The newspaper stated that Bagley was in Lafayette on Tuesday of the previous week and returned to Abbeville the following day. Back during that era, it was a day’s travel by horse. The saga of Martin Bagley’s court proceedings wore on as his second trail was getting ready to get underway in Lafayette. This time Bagley wasn’t taking any chances—he was loaded for bear due to his near conviction in Abbeville a year earlier. Bagley hired some of the best legal minds in the area according to the article above. All six of his attorneys were from south Louisiana.
The Meridional of April 27, 1895, titled: “The Bagley Case” reported that the murder case against the accused murderer, Martin Begley, was supposed to take place the previous Thursday morning hit a snag. Two material witnesses for the prosecution were “unavoidably absent” So, District Attorney Gordy moved to postpone the case until the following Saturday or Thursday. The defense team opposed the dates and asked for the case to be continued. A continuance was granted. It was said that a number of people from Vermilion Parish had come to Lafayette to see the trial, including Sheriff LeBlanc, Dr. Abshire, George Lyons, and Simonet LeBlanc, which was reported in the Lafayette Gazette of April 20, 1895, without a heading.
The Lafayette Advertiser of October 26, 1895, reported that Bagley was a native of Ireland having first lived in St. Mary Parish and later moved to Vermilion Parish where he “acquired considerable means and married a prominent lady of that parish.” In the same newspaper as above, Martin Bagley was sketched in a pencil and ink profile. He was shown wearing a thick shock of dark hair nicely combed. Bagley was dressed in a stylish suit and tie, clean shaven other than sporting a fin-de-siecle mustache, which was common during the turn of the century. Throughout history there are countless stories like the Martin Bagley case, but this one was reported to be the most famous case ever tried in Lafayette Parish. Of all the newspaper articles, there weren’t any that fully described what transpired inside the courtroom. We can only imagine what took place. You can bet the courtroom was crowded, probably standing room only since it generated a great deal of interest. We know Martin Bagley had a front row seat as he sat among his horde of intelligent lawyers and probably fingered his mustache while calmly watching the proceedings.
Bagley’s attorneys were: Judge John Clegg of New Orleans, Judge C. Deballion and Joseph Chargois of Lafayette, Chas Fontelieu of New Iberia, Robt. P. Obrien of Calcasieu and Mr. Southon of Houma. The honorable Minos T. Gordy, Lafayette Parish District Attorney, represented the state of Louisiana. Despite having what he thought was unassailable facts, Gordy knew he was in a fierce battle, especially when defense attorney, Southon from Houma had the floor. Southon confidently rambled on for two hours straight, meticulously tearing away at the prosecution’s air-tight case. Gordy wasn’t worried; he had clear and convincing evidence that the sugarcane grower was guilty as charged.
During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that John Ford was employed at Bagley’s planation, an argument ensued over wages and Ford was ordered to leave. Ford went to the plantation store to “arrange settlement preparatory to his departure.” Some of the items he had purchased on credit were returned. While at the store, Bagley informed the manager, Mr. St. Amant, not to give Ford any more credit, since “he had been discharged.” A heated argument occurred while inside the store between Bagley and Ford. That was when Ford left and went to a barge on the Vermilion. Bagley probably expected trouble, prior to leaving the store, he armed himself with a 44-caliber pistol and followed John Ford. At the boat is where the two men met again and it’s also where “the tragedy took place.”
The State claimed Ford was on deck of a steamer that was attached to the barge. Bagley was standing on shore approximately 15 to 20 feet distance from Ford. Bagley called out to Ford “to put back the mosquito bar which he carried under his arm.” Ford refused and Bagley fired the fatal shot which struck Ford in the head. Bagley immediately turned to a bystander J.P. Long and said, “Did you not hear me say to him twice ‘to put that bar back’ but he refused?”’ Evidence suggest that Long vanished. He could not be found to give testimony. During the court session, it was discovered that a razor was found on the ground near John Ford’s body. Defense attorney Clegg argued that “Ford was about to make an assault upon Bagley.” Clegg also stated that Ford had insulted Bagley and had threatened his life with the razor and intended to use it against Bagley if he hadn’t been shot first.
After three days of court proceedings, it finally came to an end on Saturday October 19, 1895. The article reported that the jury deliberated a short period of time. All throughout the proceedings Bagley maintained his composure even after the jury said, “Not guilty!” After thanking his attorneys, Martin Bagley walked out of the courthouse a free man. He was free, but probably on the brink of bankruptcy.

ERATH — Private Services for Erath native Lester Paul Schexnider,80, will be held at a later date.
Lester who passed away Thursday June 3, 2021 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. Lester had a large family and he loved spending time with them especially his grandchildren. He loved animals both great and small, as well as his best friend of 14 years, his dog Paco. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He never met a stranger and he will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Terry Hollier Schexnider of Erath, 2 sons, Darren Schexnider and girlfriend Cindy Walker of Delcambre, Michael Schexnider and fiancée Shantel Landry of Franklin, 3 daughters, Sendie Trahan and husband Mack of Erath, Betsy Hardy and husband Tony of Abbeville, and Nola Miguez and husband Robbie of Erath, nineteen grandchildren, Brooke Blanchard, Brittney Schexnider, Trinity Schexnider and fiancée Henry Clark, Maclynn Schexnider, Paige Landry, Michael Schexnider Jr., Cody Trahan and wife Shalli, Angel Lacoste and husband Chris, Draven Saucier, Gaven Vincent and fiancee Haylie Coon, Lili Burson, Alyssa Miguez and boyfriend Zack Blood, Kristen “Bebop” Miguez, Taylor Touchet, Trent Touchet, Trey Touchet, Triston Touchet and fiancée Tristan Vincent, Justin Broussard and fiancée Karyn White, and seventeen great grandchildren, Abigail, Gunner, Olivia, Stephanie, Johnny, Aleigh, Beau, Kylan, Kohen, Caden, Graci, Spencer, Zoei, Alayna, Maisie, Onyx, and Everly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Philomene Meaux Schexnider, 3 brothers, Robert Schexnider, Wilbert Schexnider and Frank Schexnider Jr. , a daughter, Victoria Touchet Schexnider and a great granddaughter Annagrace Lacoste.
Pallbearers for the service were Cody Trahan, Chris Lacoste, Trey Touchet, Draven Saucier, Justin Broussard and Gaven Vincent.
The entire family would like to extend a very special thank you to Bridgeway Hospice for the professional assistance, compassion and understanding in Mr Lesters final days.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath is in charge of arrangements 209 E. Putnam St. Erath LA 70533 (337)937-0405.

February 6, 1943 – June 6, 2021

Mrs. Juliette Langlinais was called home to her heavenly Father at 11:11 a.m. on June 6, 2021 surrounded by her beloved husband of 57 years, Stephen, and their five children.
Juliette, or Julie (as her friends knew her) was born and raised in the community of Henry, Louisiana, and settled with her husband in Erath after they married in 1964. In Erath, they raised their family.
As a high school 4-H student, she traveled to Chicago to represent Louisiana in the national cherry pie baking contest, which she won. During that time, she was also a member of the Juvinos, a local singing group, consisting of three young women from Henry High School.  They were invited to sing at many locations, including the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. They also competed and won the Bulldog Blackouts, a talent competition at USL, in 1961.
Mrs. Juliette (as she was called by her students) was well known in the community as a dynamic, conscientious, and hard-working educator.  Over her 37-year teaching career, most of which was at Erath Elementary as a fourth grade teacher, she influenced many hundreds of children.  She had a reputation of excellence, and took several groups of students to the state social studies fair, guiding them to 2 state championships.  In addition, she produced and directed several Christmas pageants at Erath Elementary, which involved students on all grade levels.  She was recognized as Teacher of the Year twice during this time.  Juliette was a member and former president of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization of leaders in the field of education.  She was a talented artist, who created many paintings, including the homesites of both her husband and herself.  One of her paintings hangs at Erath City Hall, commemorating the centennial of the town’s birth.  She also painted the Erath bobcat, which hangs in the entrance of the Erath High School gymnasium, which she proudly dedicated to her school in 1983.  
Juliette was a talented seamstress who enjoyed creating heirloom dresses and quilts for her grandchildren.  She had a dedication to detail and competed in and won various sewing competitions over the years.  She honed these skills as a member of local quilting and sewing groups.  She greatly enjoyed the company of these women, as well as those in her pokeno groups, with whom she played during and after her career.
After retirement, she enjoyed reading novels of Native American culture.  She volunteered her time assisting patients at Maison Du Monde, conducting bible study readings for the elderly and infirmed.  She was a minister of the Holy Eucharist for the patients as well.
A lifelong devout Catholic, Juliette was a member of the Catholic Daughters and Come Lord Jesus prayer group.  These women were instrumental in helping to strengthen her faith.  
The Langlinais family would especially like to thank Adrienne Delcambre, for the love, care, and companionship she provided for Juliette in the late part of her life.  Adrienne and Juliette cultivated a rare and special relationship that will never be forgotten and did not go unappreciated.
Visitation will be at David’s Funeral Home in Erath on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, beginning at 9:00 am.  A rosary will be led by the Catholic Daughters at 11:00 am.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Andre Metrejean at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, at 2:00 pm.  Interment will be at the Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Serving as pallbearers will be Juliette’s son, Benjamin, and her grandsons: Seth Bourque, Cole Bourque, Mason Granger, Grant Kimbell, and Rhett Kimbell.  Honorary pallbearers will be Reed Langlinais and Luke Harris.
Juliette is survived by her husband of 57 years, Stephen Joseph Langlinais, and five children:  Ann Lori Langlinais (Lynn Broussard), Dana Langlinais Granger (Nathan Granger), Carrie Langlinais Ferrell (Michael Ferrell), Benjamin Langlinais (Cherie Hollis Langlinais), and Bethany Langlinais Harris (Everitt Harris), and a sister, Merlyn Toups Reaux (Relie Reaux).  She had 16 grandchildren: Seth (Alicia), Cole (Peggy), and Alison Bourque;  Mason, Hannah, Regan and John Eric Granger; Grant and Rhett Kimbell, Dylan Ferrell; Reed Langlinais; Olivia, Luke, Elizabeth and Logan Harris.  Four great grandchildren are Kamren and Katelyn Earnest, and David and Asher Jennings.
Mrs. Langlinais was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Lena Toups of Henry, and her grandson, Ross Stephen Granger, who died on November(11) 11, 2016.  His jersey number was also 11.  Juliette passed away at 11:11 am on Sunday, June 6, 2021.  The family believes this is no coincidence, but a miracle and a message.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Juliette’s memory to the Ross Granger Memorial Fund, the American Heart Association, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Myles Anthony Gabriel
A son, Myles Anthony Gabriel, was born on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Abbeville General to Jamie Rossie Gabriel and Jamie Lee Menard of Kaplan.

Amora Ohara Williams
A daughter, Amora Ohara Williams, was born on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Abbeville General to Shakari Simone Williams of Abbeville.

Amelia Ryan Reynaud
A daughter, Amelia Ryan Reynaud, was born on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Ryan Reynaud of Abbeville. The mother is the former Brittanie Daniell Weekly.

Creed Joseph Olivier
A son, Creed Joseph Olivier, was born on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Abbeville General to Alexis Taylor Ardoin and Skylar Joseph Olivier of Lafayette.