This story is about Israel Lessin Hebert, a founding member of James O. Hall Post 19 of the American Legion, Department of Louisiana. He signed the Application for Post of American Legion on September 24, 1919. The Application was approved on October 10, 1919, which is considered the founding day of the Post.
Israel was born in Lafayette Parish on April 15, 1896. He resided near Maurice, LA until he was drafted into the U. S. Army during World War I. His first duty station was at Camp Joseph P. Robinson, located near Little Rock, Arkansas. He was transferred to New York and remained there for the rest of his military service. His ability to speak French was used to assist in the deployment of troops to France. He rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant while on active duty with the Army.
After his discharge from the Army Israel attended St. Charles College at Grand Coteau, LA. For a short time Israel taught Math at St. Charles College. While in Grand Coteau he met Joe Houssiere from Jennings. Joe recruited Israel to work for the Houssiere car dealership in Jennings. Israel married Annette Joachim Houssiere on June 22, 1921. They have seven children: Francis, Eugene, Lawrence, Richard, Therese, Gertrude and Eileen.
In addition to being a founding member of James O. Hall of the American Legion, Department of Louisiana, Israel is a founding member of Knights of Columbus Council 2012 from Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Jennings. He was the Council’s Grand Knight from 1927 to 1928. He and three of his Brother Knights operated a Dry Goods store in Jennings in the 1920’s, and the 2nd floor of the building was used as a meeting place for both the KC Council and the American Legion Post. The building was located at the intersection of Main Street and Academy Avenue in Jennings, where JD Bank is currently located.
Israel became an Insurance Agent, and he owned and operated Hebert and LeBlanc Insurance Agency in Jennings. He died on October 29, 1989 and is interred at Calvary Cemetery in Jennings. His son Richard Hebert still resides in Jennings, along with some of Richard’s children and grandchildren.
