Hargis, Levi M.

Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and
Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 192-193.  Edited by Alcée
Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

Hargis, Levi M., of Thibodaux, parish of Lafourche, educator, was born Dec. 20, 1834, in Ascension parish, near Donaldsonville, La., the son of Thomas Hargis (native of Virginia; died at Thibodaux), and Felonize (Cailloutte) Hargis (born in St. James parish; died at Thibodaux).  Thomas Hargis was an architect.  The subject of this sketch was educated in private schools, finishing his studies under the tuition of Prof. Shipstein, with whom he subsequently was associated in the conduct of a school in partnership with Drs. Moorehead and Hall.  Mr. Hargis next taught in Thibodaux college, his special branch being mathematics; and became principal of that institution, remaining in charge for 22 years; then taught in a private school for 3 years, when he was again called to fill the principalship of Thibodaux college. After 8 years of service, he resigned in 1908, and established a private school, which he conducted until 1911, in which year he retired from work.

With the exception of 5 years of service in the Confederate army, in Company G, Lafourche Creoles, 18th La. regiment, first serving as 1st corporal, and next promoted to first lieutenant, and then to captain, Prof. Hargis was engaged in educational work from his 18th to his 77th year. 

Jan. 23, 1867, Prof. Hargis married Miss Mary Aucoin, of Thibodaux, daughter of Hubert Aucoin, a native of Lafourche parish, son of Hyacinthe Aucoin, who also was born in the parish of Lafourche.  Mr. and Mrs. Hargis have only 1 daughter living, of 4 children.  Her name is Lucille M. Hargis.  The family are members of the Catholic church. In his long and useful career, devoted to education, Prof. Hargis had neither the time nor the inclination to belong to clubs and associations, but mindful of his duties as a citizen, he always showed an interest in public matters by affiliating with the Democratic party, and exercising his right of suffrage.