Donato BELLO
Two Families One Love
Written by: Alex D. Lee
Edited by: Aggie Donatto-Briscoe
One of my most interesting finds in my 7 year research on my family ancestry has to be my family connection to Donato BELLO. Donato was born about 1740 in Corand, Naples, Italy to Victor BELLO and Marie De La MARO. By the time he was a teenager he was making trips from Italy to North America. It was in New Orleans where he would take interest in a quateronne libre named Marie Jeanne TALLIEFERT and have 3 children with her, to-wit, Martin, Celeste and Catherine. He would later marry Suzanne MOREAU of Alabama on 15 Jan 1765. From this union the following were born: Catherine Josette, Maximillien, Judith, Valerie, Sophia and Don Louis BELLO. Shortly after he was married to Suzanne Donato his family relocated to Opelousas Post under a Spanish land grant. There he became head of the Opelousas Militia. Donato died on 13 Dec 1787 in Opelousas, Louisiana.
Donato’s son with Marie Jeanne, later became the head of the family ensuring that all of his siblings would live a secured and prosperous life. Martin began establishing himself by purchasing slaves and property. It wouldn’t take long for him to be recognized as one of area’s more prominent men of color, even owning more than the average White man, of course with the association of his father’s network. Martin and his siblings of color held close ties with their father’s legitimate heirs. Martin was even close with his father’s wife’s family. On 19 Oct 1797 he purchased property from Suzanne MOREAU’s brother Celestin. After the death of Suzanne MOREAU, Martin acted as curator for his late brother Maximillien’s children. This in itself would show how closely associated the siblings from the different women were.
Martin acting as curator for Maximillien BELLO’s children
Jan 1818
Even after Suzanne’s death the two families remained close. Through Martin’s hard work ethic and social ties, he was able to become one of the wealthier of his siblings, in fact he owned nearly quadrupled the number of slaves and property than all of his father’s legitimate heirs. As a result, his White nephew Carlos worked as manager on his son Francois Auguste DONATO’s plantation.
1860 Census of Francois Auguste DONATO
In the 1860 census Auguste was living with his wife Denise MEUILLON along with Carlos SOIGNIER [SONNIER], a manger of Auguste’s estate. Denise was the child of Jean Baptiste MEUILLON, a wealthy cotton planter, and Celeste Donato BELLO, Auguste’s paternal Aunt. Carlos SONNIER is the son of Auguste’s first cousin Josephine POIRET. Josephine POIRET is the daughter of Judith BELLO, the half-sister of Martin Donato BELLO, Auguste’s father. This census not only shows how well-established Auguste was as a planter but it also shows the family relationship between Donato BELLO’s legitimate descendants he had with his wife Suzanne MOREAU and his line of descent with Marie Jeanne TALLIEFERT, femme de couleur libre [free woman of color], both women being natives of New Orleans.
It’s a common belief in this age of society that the White families didn’t associate with the Black families. An example of this was shown in the movie “Feast of all Saints” stemming from Anne Rice’s novel where the main Character Marcel played by Robert Ri’card, was forbidden from going to his father’s plantation by his legitimate family who may have not known of his existence. However, this 1860 census it obviously shows that the families remained close. As a researcher I constantly explain that it’s in everyone’s best interest to not assume that the people of the past lived or thought of race relations of today. This can be seen in the relationships between Donato BELLO’s two families. An example of this is the fact that after the Civil War, Carlos married Auguste’s slave child Eugenie. They were married on 28 Sep 1886: SONNIER, Charles m. 28 Sept. 1886 Eugenie DONATO (Opel. Ct. Hse.: Mar. #14182). Carlos and Eugenie lived and raised their family in Mallet, Louisiana where they intermarried into the extended family of Donato BELLO.
Jean Baptiste GUILLORY and wife Lucia SONNIER
Lucia is the daughter of Carlos SONNIER and Eugenie DONATO
1860 census of Belizaire MEUILLON
Another example to show the close relationships of Donato BELLO’s two families is this 1860 census of Belizaire MEUILLON with Eloi SONNIER, Carlos’s brother, living as a manager on her plantation. Belizaire was another first cousin of Josephine POIRET. Belizaire is the daughter of Jean Baptiste MEUILLON and Celeste Donato BELLO. While serving as a manager on Belizaire’s plantation, Eloi had a son named Antoine SONNIER with Belizaire’s slave Eulalie who took the surname ALCENDOR after slavery.
I guess you can say it was definitely a family affair between Donato BELLO’s descendants.
The history was very interesting. My wife is a direct descendant of Judique Bello, Donato’s daughter through Suzanne Moreau. What I think most of us researching this topic would like to know is from who and where do Donato Bello’s parents, Victor and Maria de la Maro descend. Have you researched that? No one seems to have info on it.
in case this helps … Donato Bello (B c 1740- 13 Dec 1787) (s Victor BELLO m Marie De La MARO) of Corand, Naples, Italy…… Bello Donato of Corand, Naples; Archdiocese of Naples (Victor & Marie De La Maro) M: 15 Jan 1765 Suzanne Moreau of Alabama (New Orleans Church: V. B 1764-1774 (Rev Donald J Hebert – Additional Entries 1756-1904) ….. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65253368/donato-bello
I couldn’t find anything n Victor Bello and Marie de la Maro. Thoughts on Marie de la Maro: doesn’t de la Maro translate to “of the Sea?” If so, was her surname ever really known? Victor Bello was a sailor. Is de la Maro another version of Moreau? Is it a difference between French and Italian dialect?
Darrell
Hello, I am also a descendant of a Bello-I got the Italian DNA. I am caucasian,and have Guillory in my tree as well. I have hard copies I have yet to inter it is so much work. I wish we had a picture. Thanks Rachel-
Hello, I am also a descendant of a Bello-I got the Italian DNA. I am caucasian,and have Guillory in my tree as well. I have hard copies I have yet to inter it is so much work. I wish we had a picture. Thanks Rachel-
Hi, Alex. I am one of Theophile Poullard’s grandsons. My mom was Edna Poullard Cola, his youngest daughter.
I called him “Popee,” he was my best buddy. If your research is correct, he was even older when he died than we thought. His headstone in St. Mathilda’s cemetery has his DOB as April 20, 1880. I see that you found evidence that he was born on July 8, 1877. I’m big on plausible evidence (I’m a trial lawyer), so I’m more persuaded by the date you’ve found. And yes, his dad was Alphonse.
Thanks for your hard work. I was thrilled to find your post when I googled Popee’s name. Feel free to email me when you have time; I’d love to hear from you.
Peter
Hi there! My email is bmtalex409@gmail.com
Hi, Alex. I am one of Theophile Poullard’s grandsons. My mom was Edna Poullard Cola, his youngest daughter.
I called him “Popee,” he was my best buddy. If your research is correct, he was even older when he died than we thought. His headstone in St. Mathilda’s cemetery has his DOB as April 20, 1880. I see that you found evidence that he was born on July 8, 1877. I’m big on plausible evidence (I’m a trial lawyer), so I’m more persuaded by the date you’ve found. And yes, his dad was Alphonse.
Thanks for your hard work. I was thrilled to find your post when I googled Popee’s name. Feel free to email me when you have time; I’d love to hear from you.
Peter
Hi there! My email is bmtalex409@gmail.com
thanks for this. Helped me figure out this corner of the tree. I think I’m descended through Maximillien Bello-Jeanne Dupre.
thanks for this. Helped me figure out this corner of the tree. I think I’m descended through Maximillien Bello-Jeanne Dupre.
I am a direct descendant of Joseph Valentin Moreau & Marie Jeanne Andre dit LaFleur and Donato Bello & Suzanne Moreau. Very complicated genealogy but proud to be part of that dual family. Have been tirelessly searching for a marriage date for Donato and Marie Jeanne Taillefert/ro and I can’t find one, thus, assume just happily having the 2 families. Answer to question of Donato’s parents: Victor Bello, Donato’s father was a Ship Captain from City of Descoran/Corand, Kingdom of Naples, Campania, Italy. Thank you, Alex Lee (also descendant of Lee family of Rapides Par., LA)
I am a direct descendant of Joseph Valentin Moreau & Marie Jeanne Andre dit LaFleur and Donato Bello & Suzanne Moreau. Very complicated genealogy but proud to be part of that dual family. Have been tirelessly searching for a marriage date for Donato and Marie Jeanne Taillefert/ro and I can’t find one, thus, assume just happily having the 2 families. Answer to question of Donato’s parents: Victor Bello, Donato’s father was a Ship Captain from City of Descoran/Corand, Kingdom of Naples, Campania, Italy. Thank you, Alex Lee (also descendant of Lee family of Rapides Par., LA)
Thank you for doing this as I am too, a descendent through my great grandmother Eunice Bellow. I have been attempting to complete my family tree on both on my parents side as far back as possible. However, depending on race some census records only go back as far as the mid 1800’s. You are probably already aware of this, but the book “Creoles of Color in the Bayou Country” describes the land ownership of Bello descendents. Once again thank you. Please feel free to contact me at: ebony1k24@gmail.com.
Thank you for doing this as I am too, a descendent through my great grandmother Eunice Bellow. I have been attempting to complete my family tree on both on my parents side as far back as possible. However, depending on race some census records only go back as far as the mid 1800’s. You are probably already aware of this, but the book “Creoles of Color in the Bayou Country” describes the land ownership of Bello descendents. Once again thank you. Please feel free to contact me at: ebony1k24@gmail.com.
Love it Cousin! Love is greater. We could all put that in our hearts and try to live by it.
Love it Cousin! Love is greater. We could all put that in our hearts and try to live by it.
Hello Cousin, This is all so exciting! I happened upon your article while researching Donato Bello. I am a descendent of his daughter Catherine. Now the mystery is which Catherine – Suzanne’s Catherine or Marie Catherine. I look forward to learning more about our family
Hello Cousin, This is all so exciting! I happened upon your article while researching Donato Bello. I am a descendent of his daughter Catherine. Now the mystery is which Catherine – Suzanne’s Catherine or Marie Catherine. I look forward to learning more about our family
Mr. creolealex, this is a fascinating story. I came upon it because I was researching Susanne Moreau, who is in my Lafleur family tree….In other research, found that the ‘legal family’ of Donato used his last name Bello ( and it is still around, but, as Bellow now) ,and the ‘natural family ‘ used the last name Donato. Anyway, this is my link to this story … in case it helps someone’s research …. Regarding the Lafleur family – this Susanne Moreau is the daughter of Marie Jeanne Lafleur m to Joseph Valentin Moreau (most of their descendants are in the area of Avoyelles Parish). Marie Jeanne Lafleur is the daughter of Jean Baptiste Andre ‘dit Lafleur’ m to Marguerinte Brignac. They lived primarily in the Fort Toulouse area of Alabama b4 coming to Louisiana. Another of their children – Jacques Santiago Andre Lafleur ‘Tapske’ is the main progeniteur of the Lafleur family in our area. He married Marie Anne Fonteneau, the daughter of Philippe ‘St Philippe’ ‘dit Bellevue’ Fonteneau m to Marie Nicole Jeanne Brignac ….
Mr. creolealex, this is a fascinating story. I came upon it because I was researching Susanne Moreau, who is in my Lafleur family tree….In other research, found that the ‘legal family’ of Donato used his last name Bello ( and it is still around, but, as Bellow now) ,and the ‘natural family ‘ used the last name Donato. Anyway, this is my link to this story … in case it helps someone’s research …. Regarding the Lafleur family – this Susanne Moreau is the daughter of Marie Jeanne Lafleur m to Joseph Valentin Moreau (most of their descendants are in the area of Avoyelles Parish). Marie Jeanne Lafleur is the daughter of Jean Baptiste Andre ‘dit Lafleur’ m to Marguerinte Brignac. They lived primarily in the Fort Toulouse area of Alabama b4 coming to Louisiana. Another of their children – Jacques Santiago Andre Lafleur ‘Tapske’ is the main progeniteur of the Lafleur family in our area. He married Marie Anne Fonteneau, the daughter of Philippe ‘St Philippe’ ‘dit Bellevue’ Fonteneau m to Marie Nicole Jeanne Brignac ….
in case this helps … Donato Bello (B c 1740- 13 Dec 1787) (s Victor BELLO m Marie De La MARO) of Corand, Naples, Italy…… Bello Donato of Corand, Naples; Archdiocese of Naples (Victor & Marie De La Maro) M: 15 Jan 1765 Suzanne Moreau of Alabama (New Orleans Church: V. B 1764-1774 (Rev Donald J Hebert – Additional Entries 1756-1904) ….. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65253368/donato-bello
Hi my name is tesfanesh ledet and im also a descendant of Donato Bello and also Jean Baptiste Gillory margaritas son I’m aware that they are two because Gregorie had a first wife and named his white son the same as his mixed son I’m his descendant and also found out that alot of the first cousins in that family married eachother and I have a st andre born Vasquez who had a child with a Mateo they all intertwined with the gillory and the Bello’s
Are you able to trace Donato Bello’s roots beyond Victor Bello and Maria de la Maro?
Hi my name is tesfanesh ledet and im also a descendant of Donato Bello and also Jean Baptiste Gillory margaritas son I’m aware that they are two because Gregorie had a first wife and named his white son the same as his mixed son I’m his descendant and also found out that alot of the first cousins in that family married eachother and I have a st andre born Vasquez who had a child with a Mateo they all intertwined with the gillory and the Bello’s
Are you able to trace Donato Bello’s roots beyond Victor Bello and Maria de la Maro?
I was traced to Maximilian donato bello
all the way to now Durousseau
I was traced to Maximilian donato bello
all the way to now Durousseau
What’s crazy to me is how many different connections there are to all of the different lines that started in different parts of the french new world that would end up in Louisiana. My connection to Donato is through his wife Suzanne’s family in Quebec. My Ancestor, Louise was Suzanne’s Aunt on her dad’s side. The difference being, my family wouldn’t find our way to Louisiana from Quebec until the 19th century, 3 generations after Suzanne and we settled in New Orleans, not CENLA. And this isn’t the first time I’ve found things like this. In my family at least, it seems to be super common – especially with families from Quebec/French Canada.
Oh, and in case anyone is interested in how the New Orleans side of the family connects, their arrival came through Michel LeFrancois who was born in Quebec in 1814 and died in Pensacola. They settled in New Orleans for a while where several of his kids stayed and the rest followed him & his wife to Florida. His wife’s name was Helen Charlotte McCutcheon, also born in Quebec in 1816.