GAYNARD
Jacques GAGNARD(GAYNARD) was born in Nantes, France, in about 1745. Jacques holds a prominent place in the history and genealogy of Avoyelles because he was the first commander of the Avoyelles Post.
It is believed, with assurance of accurancy, that he was named Commander of the Settlement of Avoyelles on January 2, 1783. Jacques was a second-lieutenant in the militia, served with Galvez at Pensacola during the American Revolution. Jacques' name appears a a member of the Opelousas Post militia in a "Review" of April 15, 1776.
His name is not found on the 1777 registar, indicating that he may have moved from the Post before that period.
Jacques married Ursule Juneau, daughter of Claude Juneau and Francoise Lemoine, in about 1780. Records show issue of five children from this marriage. The first child born is recorded as being so in Avoyelles. Jacques was buried on January 11, 1805, at the Opelousas Catholic Church at the age of 60 years.