From the sunny land of France comes the enterprising and capable gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, and what was the misfortune of that land is the good fortune of this, for Mr. Jacques has been a first class citizen of the United States for a number of years and has wrought for the advancement of Nez Perces County in various ways for a long time. His native spot is La Canourgue, near Bordeaux, in southern France, and the date of his birth, January 1, 1854. His parents were Stephen and Rose (Vieillevigne) Jacques. The father was born near La Canourgue in 1825 and died in 1885 there. The mother was born in the same vicinity and died in 1897. Our subject worked with his father, who was a wealthy man of his section, and there gained his education, finishing the same by a course in college.
After the days of schooling were over, he went to farming for himself and did well. He had a fine piece of land and could have sold it for a large amount as it was well set to choice vines, but later an insect destroyed the vines, and Mr. Jacques became discouraged. He then determined to try his fortune in the United States and accordingly came hither, landing in New York, having left his family in France. He labored for a time and then came to Lewiston, where he worked for Louis Delsol. He went to Spokane in 1889, the year after the fire. He started a restaurant and did well. Four years were spent there and then Mr. Jacques came back to Lewiston, going thence to Camas prairie, near Grangeville. Returning to Lewiston, he remained there a few years to educate his children, and then came to Lapwai and started a general merchandise establishment. For three years he did well and then, the reservation opening, he located the land where he now lives, six miles east from South Lapwai. He moved his store to the land, erected all needed buildings and has continued in the mercantile business since that time. He handles stock in addition to the store and also does a general farming business. Mrs. Jacques made a visit to France and visited the native places.
On May 28, 1880, in France. Mr. Jacques married Miss Flavie, daughter of Francois Jarrousse. She was born in 1858. To them have been born the following children: Noeme, wife of Harry Walruth, in Pierce City; Maria, Emile, Eugene, at home. Mr. Jacques has four sisters in France and one brother in South Africa. He and his family are adherents of the Catholic Church.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903