Grace, William C.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), p. 524. Edited by Alcee Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

Grace, William L., M. D., of Plaquemine, parish of Iberville, city health officer, was born Nov. 17, 1867, in Plaquemine town; the son of Thomas E., and Elizabeth (Laughlin) Grace, the former a native of New York and the latter of Louisiana. Mrs. Grace's father and mother emigrated from Ireland to Louisiana, in the early days of the colony. Thomas E. Grace practiced law for many years, and was mayor of the town of Plaquemine in 1860. His family consisted of 14 children, in order of birth as follows: Thomas E., Jr., attorney (died) ; Joseph A.; 2 died in infancy; William L. (subject of this sketch); Charles E. Fred J., of Baton Rouge; A. K. in the insurance business; Rev. M. A., president of St. Charles college, Grand Coteau, St. Landry parish, La.; Mary, wife of Miles E. Davidson, a citizen of Holly Grove, Ark.; Henry J. (died at the age of 21 years); Desobry (died) Al. L., attorney, at Plaquemine; Ruth, who was the widow of P. V. Pellerin, and is now the wife of P. P. Barry, of Plaquemine, a traveling salesman. William L. Grace was educated in private schools, and at the Jesuits' college, Grand Coteau. He entered the medical department of Tulane university, graduating in 1894, and began practicing his profession at Plaquemine soon after receiving his degree. He owns a third interest in the People's drug store of Plaquemine, and is the city health officer. Member of the American Medical association, Louisiana State Medical society; ex-president and member of the Iberville parish Medical society, the doctor stands high in the ranks of the medical profession of the state. He is affiliated with the Benevolent Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and the Woodmen of the World. Dr. Grace married, Oct. 6, 1891, Miss Mary M. Dupuy, of Plaquemine, daughter of Charles E., and Celeste (Holliday) Dupuy. Dr. Dupuy was a sugar planter in Iberville, and served as postmaster of Plaquemine for more than 20 years. He was a soldier in the Confederate army during the Civil war. Of their union, Dr. Grace and wife had 10 children, one of whom, Elizabeth C., died at the age of 2 years; the others are, Thomas Charles, residing in Baton Rouge; Mary M.; William L., Jr., student at St. Charles college, Grand Coteau; Agnes Celeste, a pupil in the convent at Plaquemine; Ruth, also studying in the convent; Daniel R.; Hattie C., at school; Desdemona, and Kathleen.