Joseph F. Derousse

Joseph F. Derousse, one of the descendants of the old French settlers of Randolph County, and a gentleman who enjoys to an unusually high degree the esteem and regard of his fellow-citizens, was born in Old Kaskaskia February 8, 1832, during the palmiest days of the ancient town.  He is a son of Francois, who in turn was the son of Joseph Derousse, and who was also born in the old French town.  Here he grew to manhood and was united in marriage with Julia Danis, who, like himself, was a representative of a prominent pioneer family.

     When our subject was about seven years old, Francois Derousse removed with the family to Pujol, a village some six miles from Kaskaskia, and there Joseph passed his youthful years.  Educational advantages were not good at the time he was a boy, and in consequence his early education was somewhat neglected.  April 19, 1856, he was united in marriage with the daughter of Antoine Casson.  Of this marriage four children were born, three of whom survive: Celia, who is the widow of Frank Menard; Octavia,  wife of Alfred Buatte and a resident of Wamego, Kan.; and Joseph, who married Letitia Udson, and is living near the crossing of the Grand Line and the Big Lane.

     After the death of his first wife, who passed away on the 30^th of September 1872, our subject was again united in marriage, in 1879, choosing as his wife Mrs. Sarah Pavau, the widow of Edward Pavau.  This union has been blessed by the birth of two children, only one of whom is now living, Denis Leou, a bright lad of fourteen years.  Mr. Derousse had twelve grandchildren, eight of whom are now living.  The family is one of prominence in the community, and the children, who have been given excellent advantages, are highly respected in the localities where they reside.

     In the spring of 1893, Mr. Derousse moved to his present holding, lot No. 45, Third Survey, Kaskaskia Commons, and here he and his family have a comfortable home, abounding with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.  Mr. Derousse is a member of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest congregation in the west, having been founded by Pere Marquette on his tour of the Valley in 1672.  Like all the old French, Mr. Derousse has been a life-long Democrat and votes the straight ticket.  While preferring to devote his attention to personal affairs, he has consented to serve in a number of official positions, in all of which he has discharged the duties with characteristic energy and efficiency.  For three years he has held the office of School Trustee, and for nine years served as School Director.

Submitted by Eileen

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