Map of Morning Star Plantation, undated

This collection contains materials relating to the Coignet and Gaudet (Gaude) families, primarily the descendants of Guillaume Alfred Coignet and his two wives, sisters Charlotte and Stephanie Gaudet. The bulk of the collection consists of original correspondence (with translations) and printed sheet music. In addition, there are report cards, school assignments, poems, cards, notes, obituaries and death notices, genealogical research materials, certificates, newspaper clippings, photographs, volumes, and other printed materials. The collection is divided into seven series: Family Correspondence, Financial Materials, Genealogy and Family History, Other Papers, Printed Materials, Volumes, and Photographs. Series 1 (Family Correspondence) consists letters written by and to Coignet and Gaudet family members between 1872 and 1937. Topics include family news, illness, birthdays and holidays, education and school life, music, the Spanish-American War, Octave Coignet’s trip to Paris, and World War I. Series 2 (Financial Papers) contains correspondence, receipts, and other materials written by and to members of the Coignet and Gaudet family relating to the operation of plantations and additional business ventures, banking, and taxes. Series 3 (Other Papers) includes report cards, school assignments, calling cards, postcards, prayer cards, poems, recipes, and notes reflecting the activities of Coignet family members. Series 4 (Genealogy and Family History) includes obituaries, remembrances, clippings, lineage charts, certificates, and various research materials relating to Gaudet and Coignet families. Series 5 (Volumes) consists of account books and ledgers, booklets, guides, a scrapbook, and a recipe book. Series 6 (Printed Materials) includes newspaper clippings of poetry, obituaries, graduation announcements, and an editorial, along with workbooks of music lessons and published sheet music. Series 7 (Photographs) consists of photographs of the Coignet family.

All translations included in this collection were created and added by Ellender Memorial Library volunteers and staff.