Leslie Barbee Sabine Parish, Louisiana

No history of this parish is in any manner complete without notice of Leslie Barbee, the most prominent pioneer of Port Jesup, who came to this parish in 1842.

He was born in Wake County, North Carolina, January 16, 1812, and died in 1900. He was a son of Mark and Tempey (Garner) Barbee, who were of English and Scotch descent, respectively. When he came to this country he located at Fort Jesup and engaged in agricultural pursuits, although he was known as a "Jack of all trades," and could turn his hand to any useful employment.

He engaged in the mercantile business in 1860, in which he continued for many years. He always took a prominent part in parish affairs and in 1878-79 represented the parish in the State Legislature.

Mr. Barbee was married in 1838 to Miss Argenene, a native of Georgia, and to them were born six children: Caroline, wife of M, P. Hawkins (deceased); Mary J., wife of W. W. McNeely (deceased); William H. (deceased), Joseph L., Nellie, wife of W. A. Ponder (deceased), and Nettie, wife of Amos L. Ponder, Joseph L. Barbee is now a resident of Fort Jesup and has a pretty home there. He has a family of six children, Joseph L., Jr., being the eldest.

He has been engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits all his life. William H. Barbee was during his lifetime engaged in the mercantile business at Fort Jesup, besides taking a part in every move for the good of his parish and community, occupying at various times several public positions.

He wife was Miss Emma Draughon. He died March 11, 1908, his wife's death occurring a few years prior to that time. Five children were born to them: Leslie, Effie, wife of I. L. Pace; Rena, wife of Reese Pattison; Wm. J., and Nona.

Sabine Parish | AHGP Louisiana

Source: History of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, by John G. Belisle, Sabine Banner Press, 1913.