I've lived in Metairie many years, and I've heard people pronounce the city and parish of Tangipahoa both as ""Tangipahoa" and ""Tangipaho" without the final A. Will you please tell me which is correct?

P.B. Jennings

Dear P.B.,

The preferred pronunciation is TAN-ji-pah-HO-uh. However, I know lots of folks who pronounce the word without the final A. I guess it's not important, since we all know the place we're talking about.

The parish of Tangipahoa has an interesting history. The name itself means 'ear of corn" or 'those who gather corn." This description refers to the Native American tribe of the Acolapissa, who were there to greet the Le Moyne brothers when they arrived in Louisiana. The Acolapissa Indians graciously helped Iberville find the shortcut through Pass Manchac so that he could avoid the long journey down the Mississippi River to get to Biloxi and his brother Bienville.

The parish was also part of an area known as the Florida Parishes. These parishes were not part of the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1810 they revolted and declared themselves the Independent Republic of West Florida. The revolution was quelled after 72 days. The area remained a boundary between Spanish and American territory until Louisiana was made a state in 1813 and the Florida Parishes were included.

The town of Tangipahoa also comes with a good story. The first settlers were women. Rhoda Holly Singleton Mixon arrived from South Carolina by wagon train in 1806 with her young daughter, Martha ,and a group of slaves. 'Granny Mixon," as she came to be called, bought many acres, which were subsequently subdivided and sold by her grandchildren in 1869.

Hey Blake,

I am a descendent of Samuel Jarvis Peters. I know he was a businessman here, and I hear from my older relatives that he was mayor of New Orleans at one time. Is this true and can you give me any information on him and what he did?

Keith Bowman

Dear Keith,

I'm sorry to tell you that your ancestor is well known, but not as famous as your family would like to think. Samuel Jarvis Peters was never mayor of New Orleans; however, he was an important figure in the development of the city. He even had a school named in his honor.

Peters was one of the movers and shakers who were responsible for building the American section of New Orleans. When New Orleans was divided into three municipalities in 1836, the idea was sponsored by Peters. There were three city councils, but only one mayor. During this time, he was politically active in the Second Municipality (American District). This arrangement lasted until 1852.

One of the Uptown plantations subdivided in 1849 was Rickerville. The widest street in the faubourg was named for Samuel Peters, president of City Bank. This street's name was changed to Jefferson in 1924.

Peters, along with actor and businessman James H. Caldwell, was active in promoting the construction of the magnificent St. Charles Hotel beginning in 1835. Peters, President of the City Bank, was probably the man who persuaded James Gallier Sr., an unknown architect, to plan and design this glorious domed building for $10,000.

Born in Toronto, Canada, on July 30, 1801, Peters is also known as the 'Father of Public Education in New Orleans." When the Louisiana Legislature passed an act in 1841 requiring each municipality to establish a public school, Peters led in establishing a new school district in the Second Municipality, and for years served as director of the school system. Later, there was even a school named in his honor. He also proposed a public library, which opened in 1845, and personally chose many of its books.

Peters was also active in national politics. He went to the national Whig convention in 1848 and played an important role in the nomination of Zachary Taylor for president. Peters came close to being named secretary of the treasury.

Your illustrious ancestor died on Aug. 11, 1855 and was buried in Washington Cemetery, also called Lafayette Cemetery No.1 here in New Orleans.

Even though he was never mayor, you and your family have much to be proud of.

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• Sarah Andert
• Samuel Jarvis Peters was a respected mover and shaker who is known as the "Father of Public Education in New Orleans." He died in the mid-1800s and is buried in a tomb in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, along with dozens of his relatives.