Wednesday, January 31, 2007

The search for an image of Shreveport & Bossier co-founder Mary Bennett Cane, 1810ish - 1902


"Mary Bennett Cane was at one time called 'The Mother of Shreveport,'" says Barbara Langston. "She and her father, Samuel Bennett, and her 1st husband, William Bennett, and her 2nd husband, James Cane, founded Bossier City - then Cane's Landing - and Shreveport. They are identified by the State Historical Marker in Shreveport by the Red River, noting the place of the Cane-Bennett Trading Post.

She's my great, great, great grandmother. I have a lot of history on her, but no likeness or picture. Local historians and the University are also looking for a picture of her -- we all have been for years.

When I saw ShreveportBlog, it occurred to me that you might be able to help by getting the word out that we're looking, and maybe somebody will have a lead or clue on an attic full of old pictures which might contain something helpful.

Mary came to Louisiana in the late 1820's, and died in Shreveport in 1902. Any help you could provide will be so appreciated."

Barbara Langston

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whoa, that photo! Shreveport girls haven't changed that much, eh? Or is that a Bossier gal? :)

Unknown said...

Wow, I'm such a goober. I hope she finds a picture of Mary. Please keep us updated on this mystery. I'm serious. I love me some Shreveport history.

Unknown said...

Did she marry her brother? Why does her father have the same last name as her first husband?