Felix Pierre Poché facts for kids
Felix Pierre Poché (born May 18, 1836 – died June 21, 1895) was an important judge in Louisiana. He served as a Justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court for ten years, from 1880 to 1890. He was also a lawyer and played a role in politics after the American Civil War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Felix Pierre Poché was born in St. James Parish, Louisiana. His family had French Acadian roots. He went to public schools in Louisiana until he was 16 years old.
After that, he attended St. Joseph's College in Bardstown, Kentucky. He finished college in 1855.
Becoming a Lawyer
After college, Poché stayed in Bardstown, Kentucky. He studied law with Charles A. Wickliffe, who used to be the Governor of Kentucky. Poché became a lawyer in Kentucky.
Later, he moved back to Louisiana. He continued his law studies with Judge Roman in Thibidiaux. In 1859, he officially became a lawyer in Louisiana. The next year, he started his own law practice in St. James Parish.
Service During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Felix Poché joined the Confederate States Army. He started as a Captain of Infantry in June 1862.
Public Service and Law
After the war ended, Poché became very active in Louisiana politics. In 1866, he was elected to the Louisiana State Senate. He also helped write the state's new laws in the Constitutional Convention of 1879.
In 1878, Poché helped start the American Bar Association. This is a big group for lawyers in America. He was a Vice-President of this organization for eight years.
Serving on the Supreme Court
In 1880, Felix Poché was chosen to be a senior associate justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court. He served a ten-year term. Many people in Louisiana wanted him to stay on the court longer. However, he was not appointed for another term after 1890.
Later Life
Felix Pierre Poché passed away in New Orleans in 1895. His old home, the Judge Poché Plantation House, is now a recognized historical place. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
