This home of Italianate architecture with a New Orleans influence was constructed in 1870.

202 North Third Street

Ernest Woracek was born March 25, 1836 in Bohemia to Ernest & Elizabeth (Sesiker) Woracek. He  immigrated to the United States in 1852 when Ernest was just 16. He married Ann Klisner and they made their home in Louisiana. They had three children; Mary A (1860-1900) wife of Joseph H. Gaston, Elizabeth  (1871-?) wife of John C. Dickson, and Ernest (1873-1923).

Ernest was  Captain in the Civil War.  After the war he become a member of the firm of Dreyfus  & Woracek. The firm sold hardware, cutlery, stoves, tinware, and agriculture implements.

Ernest was hit with tragedy when his wife Annie, age 36, passed away on October 25, 1875 leaving him with children aged 15, 4 & 2. April 8, 1878 he married again to Helen Barr, daughter of Israel and Mary Barr of Louisiana.  She  was born December 29, 1839.  October 21, 1891 Helen petitioned for a divorce and ask to be given the home at 202 North Third for her residence.  December 7, 1892 the judge ruled Ernest had to provide a quit claim deed within 15 days.  Helen dies March 28, 1893. It appears the building transfer was never completed because 202 North Third  remained with Ernest’s children through at least the 1920 census.

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