Local History: Theard Street & the Division of Morgan

Local History: Theard Street & the Division of Morgan

Covington History segment provided by local historical writer Ron Barthet. View Ron’s blog Tammany Family here.

Where did Theard Street in Covington get its name, especially considering almost every other street is either a number or the name of a President? Information from records researched by Jack Terry offered this possibility.

Arthur Theard
Tract called Morgan Commerce and Virtue

Thomas Collins acquired a parcel of land in the town of Wharton designated as a square called Morgan Commerce and Virtue (C-1 415 21 Jan 1832) along with a number of other lots in the Division of St John as a result of a court judgement against the Gibson’s.   

This specific tract was not specifically spelled out in the partition documents.  It is most likely part of the 13 squares between Adams and Madison streets.  Thomas Collins sold the parcel called Morgan Commerce and Virtue to Alexander Buchannon and John Lewis Theiling (F-1 15 10 Mar 1837).   

One of the maps of downtown Covington by Ron Barthet.
Click the image to view more maps by Mr. Barthet.

This property was then acquired by Sarah Delano at a State of Louisiana tax sale from an unknown owner on 20 March 1875 who in turn sold the property to Arthur Theard on 11 June 1877 (I 258).  The tract called Morgan Commerce and Virtue divides it from the Division of Winter and separates it from the Division of St John according to the property description in I  258.  

Arthur Theard sold his interest in the Division of Morgan Commerce and Virtue.  To insure clear title Theard obtained from the decedents of John Theilan a conveyance of their ½ interest in Morgan Commerce and Virtue.  In addition Theard obtained a release of any claims to the property from John Buchannon in exchange for square 2 in the Division of Morgan Commerce and Virtue (I 351 27 Oct 1879)

Theard St., which at one time was on the edge of town, is now flanked by key government offices.

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