Non-Fiction Works - Jefferson Parish History
Frank Borne is passionate about the study and preservation of local history. At Southeastern Louisiana University, he earned a minor in history and, as a historian and a courthouse employee, Borne has researched thousands of probate and other records regarding the land and people of Jefferson Parish (county), which was established February 11, 1825.
Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2022
Third Edition Revised and Supplemented
Published by Frank J. Borne, Jr., October 2022; 866 pgs., hardcover, reference, b&w
Since Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, was established by Legislative Act on February 11, 1825, more than 1,400 men and women have been elected or appointed to political office in more than 130 positions in Jefferson Parish and its six municipalities. Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2022 provides lists of officials for all offices, over 100 years of election results, and short biographies of all office-holders. Research was performed using a myriad of primary sources from government documents such as probate records, marriage licenses, and land records; secondary sources including newspapers, books, and political memorabilia; and interviews or correspondence with officials. Previous editions of this book are considered by many to be the ultimate resource for Jefferson Parish political history and a valuable genealogical resource.
Included are 1) terms of service for each office and lists of the officials (130+ offices); 2) election results for each office (100+ years in some instances); and 3) short biographies of each official (1,400+ officials are profiled). Documented are Jefferson Parish municipal and parochial positions, the judiciary below the state appellate court, and the legislative delegation. The book is fully indexed by official and candidates for office.
Third Edition Revised and Supplemented
Published by Frank J. Borne, Jr., October 2022; 866 pgs., hardcover, reference, b&w
Since Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, was established by Legislative Act on February 11, 1825, more than 1,400 men and women have been elected or appointed to political office in more than 130 positions in Jefferson Parish and its six municipalities. Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2022 provides lists of officials for all offices, over 100 years of election results, and short biographies of all office-holders. Research was performed using a myriad of primary sources from government documents such as probate records, marriage licenses, and land records; secondary sources including newspapers, books, and political memorabilia; and interviews or correspondence with officials. Previous editions of this book are considered by many to be the ultimate resource for Jefferson Parish political history and a valuable genealogical resource.
Included are 1) terms of service for each office and lists of the officials (130+ offices); 2) election results for each office (100+ years in some instances); and 3) short biographies of each official (1,400+ officials are profiled). Documented are Jefferson Parish municipal and parochial positions, the judiciary below the state appellate court, and the legislative delegation. The book is fully indexed by official and candidates for office.
Images of America: Kenner
Co-Authored with Troy A. Broussard
Published by Arcadia Publishing, August 2013; 130 pgs., softcover, b&w
Available from Arcadia Publishing ($21.99, www.arcadiapublishing.com) or www.Amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.
In 1682, when French explorer Robert de La Salle landed his canoe expedition on the Mississippi River bank to find a massacred Native American village, he never could have imagined that 300 years later, the site would have grown into a city of over 75,000 residents and a major international airport. Louisiana’s fifth largest city, Kenner was built in the shadow of New Orleans based on a history intertwined with French plantations, antebellum plantations, agricultural farms, and rural subdivisions. Against a backdrop of Indian, French, Spanish, American, and Confederate control, it suffered river floods, hurricanes, epidemics, Civil War occupation, and governmental infighting, through which a rich heritage of freed slaves, French, Irish, German, and numerous Italian immigrants and settlers persevered and prospered. A host to vanished tribes, famous explorers, renowned entrepreneurs, world-class boxers, Confederate and Union troops, U.S. presidents, a pope, countless celebrities, tragic airline crashes, and record hurricanes, Kenner’s history is a tale worth telling.
Images of America: Kenner authors Troy A. Broussard and Frank J. Borne Jr. assembled poignant images from the City of Kenner archives and historical sites, The Historic New Orleans Collection, and the Library of Congress as well as public and private sources to document Kenner’s transformation from swamp to suburb.
Co-Authored with Troy A. Broussard
Published by Arcadia Publishing, August 2013; 130 pgs., softcover, b&w
Available from Arcadia Publishing ($21.99, www.arcadiapublishing.com) or www.Amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.
In 1682, when French explorer Robert de La Salle landed his canoe expedition on the Mississippi River bank to find a massacred Native American village, he never could have imagined that 300 years later, the site would have grown into a city of over 75,000 residents and a major international airport. Louisiana’s fifth largest city, Kenner was built in the shadow of New Orleans based on a history intertwined with French plantations, antebellum plantations, agricultural farms, and rural subdivisions. Against a backdrop of Indian, French, Spanish, American, and Confederate control, it suffered river floods, hurricanes, epidemics, Civil War occupation, and governmental infighting, through which a rich heritage of freed slaves, French, Irish, German, and numerous Italian immigrants and settlers persevered and prospered. A host to vanished tribes, famous explorers, renowned entrepreneurs, world-class boxers, Confederate and Union troops, U.S. presidents, a pope, countless celebrities, tragic airline crashes, and record hurricanes, Kenner’s history is a tale worth telling.
Images of America: Kenner authors Troy A. Broussard and Frank J. Borne Jr. assembled poignant images from the City of Kenner archives and historical sites, The Historic New Orleans Collection, and the Library of Congress as well as public and private sources to document Kenner’s transformation from swamp to suburb.
Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2005
Published by Frank J. Borne, Jr., September 2005; 834 pgs., hardcover, reference, b&w
Monograph XVII of the Jefferson Parish Historical Series
Since Jefferson Parish was established by Legislative Act on February 11, 1825, more than 1,000 men and women have been elected and appointed to political office in more than 130 positions in Jefferson Parish and its six municipalities. Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2005 provides lists of officials for all offices, 100 years of election results, and short biographies of all office-holders. Research was performed using a myriad of primary sources such as government documents and probate records, secondary sources such as newspapers, books, and political memorabilia, and interviews with officials. The book was accepted by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission as Monograph XVII of the body's Jefferson Parish Historical Series and is considered by many to be the ultimate resource for Jefferson Parish political history.
Published by Frank J. Borne, Jr., September 2005; 834 pgs., hardcover, reference, b&w
Monograph XVII of the Jefferson Parish Historical Series
Since Jefferson Parish was established by Legislative Act on February 11, 1825, more than 1,000 men and women have been elected and appointed to political office in more than 130 positions in Jefferson Parish and its six municipalities. Jefferson Parish Politicians of the Past and Present: 1825-2005 provides lists of officials for all offices, 100 years of election results, and short biographies of all office-holders. Research was performed using a myriad of primary sources such as government documents and probate records, secondary sources such as newspapers, books, and political memorabilia, and interviews with officials. The book was accepted by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission as Monograph XVII of the body's Jefferson Parish Historical Series and is considered by many to be the ultimate resource for Jefferson Parish political history.
Jefferson Parish's Modern Government on its Golden Anniversary 1958-2008
Published by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission, 2009; 138 pgs., hardcover, b&w
Monograph XVIII of the Jefferson Parish Historical Series
Available from the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
For more than 130 years, New Orleans’ suburban neighbor was governed by the same 19th century system as most other parishes in Louisiana. However, tremendous growth that began in the 1940s and lasted into the 1970s prompted Jefferson Parish’s citizens to seek a new form of government, one that would dispense with parochialism in favor of providing and coordinating public services for the greater good.
In 1958, Jefferson Parish established its president-council system and came into the modern age with a government headed by an executive with oversight by a small body of representatives of the people. In 2008, Jefferson Parish celebrated a half-century of rule under this system.
Jefferson Parish’s Modern Government on its Golden Anniversary, 1958-2008 presents a glimpse of what parish government was like before the modern system was developed and profiles the men and women who have served as parish president and councilmen. It provides generations to come with the opportunity to study and to understand Jefferson Parish’s first 183 years.
Published by the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission, 2009; 138 pgs., hardcover, b&w
Monograph XVIII of the Jefferson Parish Historical Series
Available from the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
For more than 130 years, New Orleans’ suburban neighbor was governed by the same 19th century system as most other parishes in Louisiana. However, tremendous growth that began in the 1940s and lasted into the 1970s prompted Jefferson Parish’s citizens to seek a new form of government, one that would dispense with parochialism in favor of providing and coordinating public services for the greater good.
In 1958, Jefferson Parish established its president-council system and came into the modern age with a government headed by an executive with oversight by a small body of representatives of the people. In 2008, Jefferson Parish celebrated a half-century of rule under this system.
Jefferson Parish’s Modern Government on its Golden Anniversary, 1958-2008 presents a glimpse of what parish government was like before the modern system was developed and profiles the men and women who have served as parish president and councilmen. It provides generations to come with the opportunity to study and to understand Jefferson Parish’s first 183 years.
Jefferson Parish Sheriffs: A Collection of Biographies of Jefferson Parish's Chief Law Enforcement Officers
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, January 2004, 32 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Arguably one of the most influential and powerful positions in Louisiana government is that of parish sheriff. He is the parish's chief law enforcement officer and tax collector, and he wields considerable political influence. In Jefferson Parish Sheriffs, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's top cop.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, January 2004, 32 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Arguably one of the most influential and powerful positions in Louisiana government is that of parish sheriff. He is the parish's chief law enforcement officer and tax collector, and he wields considerable political influence. In Jefferson Parish Sheriffs, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's top cop.
Jefferson Parish Clerks of Court: A Collection of Biographies of Jefferson Parish's Keepers of the Public Record
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, April 2005, 31 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Essential to the success of any civilized society is the proper maintenance and accessibility of the public record. Louisiana's clerks of court are the keepers of the public records for their respective parishes, and are charged with maintain marriage licenses, real estate transactions, and civil and criminal court records. The clerks serve as an impartial party to protect the sanctity of the public record for the judicial system. In Jefferson Parish Clerks of Court, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's keeper of the public record.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, April 2005, 31 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Essential to the success of any civilized society is the proper maintenance and accessibility of the public record. Louisiana's clerks of court are the keepers of the public records for their respective parishes, and are charged with maintain marriage licenses, real estate transactions, and civil and criminal court records. The clerks serve as an impartial party to protect the sanctity of the public record for the judicial system. In Jefferson Parish Clerks of Court, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's keeper of the public record.
Remembering Hurricane Betsy on Her 40th Anniversary: Recollections of a Storm that Affected a Generation
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2005, 36 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Until Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Betsy was the standard by which most area residents gauged the severity of storms. After an erratic path through the Atlantic Ocean and brushing Miami, Florida, Besty landed in Louisiana in September 1965, breaking levees that caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. What followed was an unprecedented federal effort to raise and fortify levees. Several decades with minimal serious tropical activity passed. In 2005, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Betsy's landfall, members of the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana provided their experiences of that dreadful storm. Ironically, Katrina, whose memory now eclipses all other storms, caused the delay of printing Remembering Hurricane Betsy. Katrina put to rest any notion that Betsy was the worst storm imaginable.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2005, 36 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Until Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area and the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, Hurricane Betsy was the standard by which most area residents gauged the severity of storms. After an erratic path through the Atlantic Ocean and brushing Miami, Florida, Besty landed in Louisiana in September 1965, breaking levees that caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. What followed was an unprecedented federal effort to raise and fortify levees. Several decades with minimal serious tropical activity passed. In 2005, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Betsy's landfall, members of the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana provided their experiences of that dreadful storm. Ironically, Katrina, whose memory now eclipses all other storms, caused the delay of printing Remembering Hurricane Betsy. Katrina put to rest any notion that Betsy was the worst storm imaginable.
Jefferson Parish Assessors: A Collection of Biographies of Jefferson Parish's Property Tax Appraisers
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2006, 30 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Among the more influential positions in local government in Louisiana is that of property tax assessor. His office's appraisals directly affect the financial status of homeowners and local government agencies. For much of the 20th century, the position of assessor was held by men from a few Jefferson Parish families. In Jefferson Parish Assessors, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's real estate appraisers.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2006, 30 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Among the more influential positions in local government in Louisiana is that of property tax assessor. His office's appraisals directly affect the financial status of homeowners and local government agencies. For much of the 20th century, the position of assessor was held by men from a few Jefferson Parish families. In Jefferson Parish Assessors, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Assessor's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's real estate appraisers.
Avondale-Waggaman: The Legacy of a Family and Its Land
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, February 2007, 11 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Until the Civil War decimated the Southern economy, large tracts of Jefferson Parish land were held by families who operated plantations. Among these was Avondale, located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River and owned by George Augustus Waggaman, who had served Louisiana in the United States Senate. A grand home rested near a cut bank in the river, and Waggaman, as was typical business practice in the early 1800s, owned dozens of slaves. Following his death in 1843, the plantation was run by his widow and son, and eventually was no longer profitable. Over the next few decades, the river consumed portions of the property. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed the levee system that would save area residents from the river's annual flooding, the Waggaman home was left on the river side of the levee. By the 1920s, the home had been entirely destroyed by the river's fury. Today, the communities of Avondale and Waggaman are home to thousands who reside in suburban-style tract housing.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, February 2007, 11 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Until the Civil War decimated the Southern economy, large tracts of Jefferson Parish land were held by families who operated plantations. Among these was Avondale, located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River and owned by George Augustus Waggaman, who had served Louisiana in the United States Senate. A grand home rested near a cut bank in the river, and Waggaman, as was typical business practice in the early 1800s, owned dozens of slaves. Following his death in 1843, the plantation was run by his widow and son, and eventually was no longer profitable. Over the next few decades, the river consumed portions of the property. When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed the levee system that would save area residents from the river's annual flooding, the Waggaman home was left on the river side of the levee. By the 1920s, the home had been entirely destroyed by the river's fury. Today, the communities of Avondale and Waggaman are home to thousands who reside in suburban-style tract housing.
Conrad Albrizio's "Industries of Louisiana": A Master Artisan's Jefferson Parish Legacy
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, August 2007, 13 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
By the 1950s, it was apparent to Jefferson Parish leaders that the courthouse, constructed in 1907, and its annex, constructed in 1929, were no longer large enough for the operations of parish government and the courts. Jefferson’s police jury contracted with two local, yet renowned, artists to provide artwork for the new facility. The artists, Conrad Alfred Albrizio and Leonard Theodore Flettrich, colorfully illustrated “Industries of Louisiana” and “The History of Law,” respectively, in areas of the building frequented by the general public. Albrizio’s mosaic, which consisted of thousands of tesserae glass tiles, was the larger of the two works and was located on the second floor near the courtrooms.
Albrizio's “Industries of Louisiana,” consists of nine figures representing segments of Louisiana life, culture, and commerce. Laborers are the theme of the work, including a teacher, a farmer in a corn field, a man harvesting sugar cane, a woman harvesting cotton, a fisherman, a scientist, an oil field worker, and a trapper. Also depicted is a young football player that Albrizio, an L.S.U. professor, included as an obvious reference to college football, arguably one of Louisiana’s favorite pastimes.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, August 2007, 13 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
By the 1950s, it was apparent to Jefferson Parish leaders that the courthouse, constructed in 1907, and its annex, constructed in 1929, were no longer large enough for the operations of parish government and the courts. Jefferson’s police jury contracted with two local, yet renowned, artists to provide artwork for the new facility. The artists, Conrad Alfred Albrizio and Leonard Theodore Flettrich, colorfully illustrated “Industries of Louisiana” and “The History of Law,” respectively, in areas of the building frequented by the general public. Albrizio’s mosaic, which consisted of thousands of tesserae glass tiles, was the larger of the two works and was located on the second floor near the courtrooms.
Albrizio's “Industries of Louisiana,” consists of nine figures representing segments of Louisiana life, culture, and commerce. Laborers are the theme of the work, including a teacher, a farmer in a corn field, a man harvesting sugar cane, a woman harvesting cotton, a fisherman, a scientist, an oil field worker, and a trapper. Also depicted is a young football player that Albrizio, an L.S.U. professor, included as an obvious reference to college football, arguably one of Louisiana’s favorite pastimes.
Jefferson Parish Coroners: A Collection of Biographies of Jefferson Parish's Chief Forensics Officers
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, December 2007, 20 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Jefferson Parish Coroners was the final in a series of four notebooks Borne dedicated to the oldest political offices in Jefferson Parish. Four officials, Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, and Coroner are independently-elected of the governing authority and perform specific ministerial duties. As forensic examiner, the coroner is an important, impartial party to the judicial system. In Jefferson Parish Coroners, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's chief forensics examiner.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, December 2007, 20 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
Jefferson Parish Coroners was the final in a series of four notebooks Borne dedicated to the oldest political offices in Jefferson Parish. Four officials, Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, and Coroner are independently-elected of the governing authority and perform specific ministerial duties. As forensic examiner, the coroner is an important, impartial party to the judicial system. In Jefferson Parish Coroners, Borne presents the history of the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office and biographies of the men who have served as the parish's chief forensics examiner.
Pierre A.C.B. Derbigny: Frenchman Rose to Prominence in Louisiana
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2009, 10 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
In October 2009, the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission dedicated a Louisiana highway marker at the site of the former home of Pierre Auguste Charles Bourgignon Derbigny, the first Jeffersonian to serve as Louisiana Governor. Derbigny was an accomplished individual having served Louisiana as Secretary of State, as a Supreme Court Justice, and as governor from 1828 until his death in 1829. He established a home in Gretna where the Jefferson Parish Courthouse sits today, and died tragically following a carriage accident. His son, Charles Zenon Derbigny, established his home upriver at Nine Mile Point. That home still exists today and was the site of the JHS incorporation on August 15, 1977. For the occasion, Borne authored Pierre A.C.B. Derbigny, which chronicles Derbigny's rise to prominence in the State of Louisiana's formative years.
Published by the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, October 2009, 10 pgs., b&w
Available from the Jefferson Historical Society of Louisiana, www.jeffersonhistoricalsociety.com.
In October 2009, the Jefferson Parish Historical Commission dedicated a Louisiana highway marker at the site of the former home of Pierre Auguste Charles Bourgignon Derbigny, the first Jeffersonian to serve as Louisiana Governor. Derbigny was an accomplished individual having served Louisiana as Secretary of State, as a Supreme Court Justice, and as governor from 1828 until his death in 1829. He established a home in Gretna where the Jefferson Parish Courthouse sits today, and died tragically following a carriage accident. His son, Charles Zenon Derbigny, established his home upriver at Nine Mile Point. That home still exists today and was the site of the JHS incorporation on August 15, 1977. For the occasion, Borne authored Pierre A.C.B. Derbigny, which chronicles Derbigny's rise to prominence in the State of Louisiana's formative years.