JOSEPH PHILIBERT AND FLORENCE ORTES

Notes from Wanda Lee (Brink) Gines

Joseph Philibert was born in Canada, son of Jon Baptiste Philibert and Marie Trudel. Florence Ortes was born in St. Louis, the daughter of Jean Baptiste Ortes and Elizabeth Barada. One history book lists a license for a tavern to Joseph Philibert in 1812 but other than that his occupation is unknown. According to the St. Louis Church records they were married on June 7, 1803. Their first child was born February 13, 1804. His name was Joseph. I have been in contact with a decendant of this couple granddaugter of another son, Benjamin. Her name is Philibert and she lives in Arlington, Virginia. She states that according to the St. louis Church records, Joseph and Florence Ortes Philibert's son Joseph died as a young child. At this writing I don't know who is right, but draw your own conclusions. This Joseph Philibert died February 6, 1866. In the probate of his estate it lists as heirs:

Joseph Philibert residing in Stone County, Missouri, John B. Augustus, Henry, Benjamin, Adolpus, Edward C., Margaret Eliza, wife of Andrew S. Barada, children of the deceased residing in the county of St. Louis. Ziliva, wife of Mathew Legg, Augusta, wife of Andrew ?, Julius, Emily, Gustavus, children of Elizabeth, wife of Augustus ? and daughter of the deceased.

Ernest, Emily and Leon Nadeau, children of Maria Louise, wife of Narcissus Nadeau and daughter of the deceased, all residing in the county of St. Louis.

Benjamin Philibert was named as administrator of the estate. The inventory was listed as follows:

2 city lots, current funds in the bank $4950.18, 1 high-post bedstead, 1 mattress, 1 feather bed, 1 lounge (very old), 1 sofa, 1 card table, 2 tables with marble top, 3 looking glasses, 1 hat rack, 1 carpet, 1 lamp (globe), 3 candelabras or candlesticks, 1 eight day (old) clock, 1 clock with globe, 8 chairs, 1 rocking chair, 1 wash stand.

I am proceeding on the assumption that this Joseph Philibert who died in St. Louis, February 6, 1866, is the same one that married Florence Ortes until I prove otherwise. (This is not THE correct method.)

As told by Aunt Dolly: Canadian born Joseph Philibert was the first white settler in present Stone County, MO. He fur traded with kinsmen, the Chouteau's, of the Missouri Fur Co., in St. Louis, Mo. He was brother to Gabriel Philibert, father of Mary Constance Philibert who married Daniel Boone III, son of Daniel Morgan Boone, and grandson of Daniel Boone.