A French Sea Captain's Wife
by
(Miss) Marie A. Cone
1959

231 N. 3rd St.
Ferandina Beach, Florida
March 6, 1959

Miss Margaret Manford
26 Rohde Ave.
St. Augustine, Florida


Dear Miss Manford:

Some time ago, I noticed that you were trying to get in touch with the descendants of St. Augustine Minorcans. I think the following might be of interest.

My great-grandmother was born in St. Augustine of Minorcan parents on August 5, 1822. I have always heard that she was the first white child born in St. Augustine after Florida was acquired by the United States, thus making her the first United States Citizen of St. Augustine. I have also heard that her birth is recorded in the Cathederal there. Her name was Margaret Andreu, the daughter of Mary Masters Andreu, and her husband's name was John or Joseph Andreu. They had several children: among them were Nicholas and Florence, both of whom lived for many years in Mayport, and I understand left many descendants.

Margaret Andreu was married when she was about 17 to Joseph Lasserre, a French sea captin, and they had 12 children. My grandmother, Selina Josephine Lasserre, was the third child. She was born in Brunswick, while my great-grandfather was engaged in building boats there. My mother was the oldest child of Selina Lasserre and her husband Joseph Ligeiur, and I am the oldest grandchild of the same Margaret Anrdeu. My mother, Nettie Ligeiur Cone (Mrs. J.J. Cone), is living here in Fernandina with me. She will be 88 in July and is the oldest descendant of Margaret Andreu Lasserre.

At the time of Margaret Andreu Lasserre's death in 1914, she left 24 grandchildren, of whom 12 are still living. Mrs C.P. Adams Sr., of this city is the only other one living here. Several live in Jacksonville and in south Georgia.

Thank you for your courtesy in reading this letter,I am,
Very truly yours,

(Miss) Marie A. Cone