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Note: studied carpentry and later became an expert joiner and constructionist. In 1856 after having become interested in the colony at Dallas, decided to leave his native land. Seeking freedom and prosperity for this three sons, Francois, Pierre Jr., and Joseph, he sailed for New Orleans, bound for La Reunion. Here they arrived in the spring of 1856, shortly before the disastrous freeze which almost ruined the growing colony. Due to his knowledge of building Monsieur Girard, assisted by his sons, helped to construct many of the rock houses on the colony townsite. After the dissolution of the society of colonization, he purchased land to the south of the colony, whereupon he erected his home. In 1859 his sons built the last rock house to be erected upon colony lands. This small house was built for Alphonse DeLord, one of the colonists, and was located on Westmoreland Avenue. Monsieur Girard died in Dallas many years later.
Excerpt: White Cliffs of Dallas by George Santerre
Note: Monsieur Pierre Girard was born in the central part of France near Lyons. He
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