Records, Resources, and Repositories

Veterans Research, Identifying Local Resources

Image of Albert Nelson (right) and comrade. WWI, France
Albert Nelson (right) with comrade, WWI France

My mother is from New Roads, Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, and has subscribed to her hometown newspaper, The Pointe Coupee Banner for many years. Back in September she shared an article that was written by  local historian, Brian J. Costello. The article, part of a series, was written in recognition of the Centennial anniversary of World War I ¹.  In it, Costello recounts the “rally day” held on August 26, 1917 in New Roads at which time the parish bid farewell to its departing soldiers.  The rally, parade, and celebration was sponsored by the Pointe Coupee Chapter of the American Red Cross and  other local organizations. The other organizations were the Woodmen of the World Camp 271, the Woodman Circle, and the Knights of the Maccabees.   He  lists  information  about parish residents who volunteered or were drafted to serve, where they were from, where they served, and if they were a…