Her sister-in-law found mention of a book
entitled Lives of Quiet Desperation: The
Ancestry Of A Louisiana Frenchman
by Gary M. Lavergne,
noted author of A
Sniper In The Tower: The Charles Whitman Murders. June 28, 1998: A few days ago, my first cousin, Betty Lavergne Whetnall, dropped by as she often does :-) She was extra excited about her longstanding genealogy project, which she has worked on for 11 years now. She then informed me of some information she found; and it blew me away.
Her sister-in-law found mention of a book
entitled Lives of Quiet Desperation: The
Ancestry Of A Louisiana Frenchman
by Gary M. Lavergne,
noted author of A
Sniper In The Tower: The Charles Whitman Murders.
Our local libraries did not have a copy, so they contacted the State Library who did. She brought this book over for me to read. I cannot fully express what I felt while reading the stories and the information Mr. Lavergne provided in his book.
I laughed and cried over "Growing Up Cajun" because I can relate to so much of what he said. When I read the other chapters, I was totally and completely overwhelmed. The history of The Lavergne Family is so rich and extremely interesting. I really could not believe my eyes!!! I was already pretty darn proud to be in the family; but WOW! My biggest regret now that I know all of the information Mr. Lavergne has provided for our family is that my father, his brothers, and their sister never knew :-( The whole book is excellent! I contacted Gary immediately. Unfortunately he was out; and when he did return my call, I was unavailable.
The following day, Betty and I sat here and found his website. I immediately wrote him through e-mail. Gary, I can't thank you enough for replying so promptly upon your return home and for everything you have done for The Lavergne Family :-)
Gary has so generously given me permission to repost information from his book. I will never be able to thank you enough, Gary!!!
Louisiana's French Amalgam by Gary M. Lavergne, copied with permission. (Please do not copy Mr. Lavergne's article without his express written consent.)
Quebec City And The Emergence Of Louis Lavergne by Gary M. Lavergne, copied with permission. (Please do not copy Mr. Lavergne's article without his express written consent.)
Expanding New France (The Lavergnes Move South To New Orleans And West To Opelousas) by Gary M. Lavergne, copied with permission. (Please do not copy Mr. Lavergne's article without his express written consent.)
The complete vitae of Gary M. Lavergne!!!
My Father's Family Tree -- a short version, info provided was researched by Betty Lavergne Whetnall :-)
My First Cousin's Website -- the information provided in our family tree was researched by Betty Lavergne Whetnall.
Feel free to link to this page if you like!
June 29, 1998: This morning, I had the incredible pleasure of speaking with Gary Lavergne; and I am quite honored :-) Cousin Betty informed me earlier that we are fifth cousins to Gary -- that's not really too far down the line :-) Gary and I had a really great conversation, during which he offered me the use of the above graphic of his book (he's the baby in the photo)! Once again, Gary, thank you for everything!!!!
July 9, 1998: I heard from Gary again today. I sent him some info on "Jean Lavergne" that my cousin had found; and he hit a goldmine on information, which are at the following URLS: The Descendants of Louis Lavergne (English) and The Lavergnes of Limousin (English). These documents were in French; but someone graciously translated them for us. Some of the words have been lost in translation, though. I thought this might be of interest to add! Gary, thank you for everything!!!!
February 15, 1999: I heard from Gary again today with news that the entire book, Lives of Quiet Desperation is now on-line :-) Be sure to check it out!! Lives of Quiet Desperation: The Ancestry Of A Louisiana Frenchman!! Gary, again, thank you for everything!!!!
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