I am looking for info on my family members last name. They came from France to the United States around the late 1800's. When they got here there was an argument about how the last name was going to be spelled. I believe they were from Le Havre, France. I can't speak French nor can I read it either. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Leo LaMatry

My step father was Raymond La Matry - he grew up in Kansas City , Missouri and he said the name was spelled Le Metre or La Maitre. That's all I can recall - he said his family was from France near the Italy border.

Hi,

Lois J. Reece married a Leo La Matry in Kansas City & had 8 kids with him back in 1912-1925. Do you know anything about this family???
Thanks so much!
-Mel

My stepfather Raymond Ambrose La Matry had a sister named Agnes and he was from Kansas City Mo. He also had brothers named Jim, Jerry,Leo etc. I believe his mother was Lois and his dad was Leo. They were Catholic from a French town near the Italian border. French was spoken in their home. I have a picture of the family in earlier days.

I would love to see that picture! From what I have heard from Ginger La Matry, her grandma Lois was very tall. I don't know where Lois would have learned French though... but Leo Lawrence La Matry's parents were from France so I don't doubt it! :). I have done the tree on Lois' side. Backround info on Lois: Lois Jane Reece (sometimes spelled Reese), born 1886 in Kansas. The 2nd of 7 children; her parents were James Wesley Reece & Agnes Marie Solomon. Her siblings were: James Westly, Earl Richard, Agnes Marie, Gerald James (two other children died young or at birth). She lived primarily in Kansas City, Missouri but her father James worked for the railroad company so since they were working on the Colorado tracks at the time they moved frequently between KC & Denver area's. Lois stayed in KC from what I understand, but her siblings moved around. Earl & Agnes ended up in Pueblo, Colorado. James & Gerald went to Shawnee, Kansas. Lois's mother Agnes is Scotch & Irish, and her father is mostly Welsh.
I hope this answers some information about your "Lois" side :). Where are you located? I am in California (Bay Area). I know we have a couple La Matry's here in the area.
Do you have a copy of the picture I could see? I'd love to see how Lois looked.

I am getting confused. Ray La Matry was born somewhere about 1915 January 5th. He talked about his sister Agnes, his brother Leo, James, Kansas City, Missouri and he had 2 children from a first marriage - Ginger (Virginia) and James. In the picture titled - all the kids there are 7 young people- 6 boys & Agnes the girl. The boys appear to be in their twenties and Agnes a teenager.He said French was spoken in their home and wine was served with dinner always. Ray was in the South Pacific during WW2 and he was injured pretty severely at one point. I wish I could remember more names - perhaps if I hear the names. If you send me your email address - I will forward the picture.

I now remember some info-Ray married Ada Mae Ewing and they got divorced I believe soon after or during WW2. Ray said his siblings were Agnes, Joseph, James, Johnny, Jerry, and Leo. Joseph married a Clara Cobb. He did mention a Francis but she is not in the picture. One of the sisters became a nun. Ray was in the seminary a short time but did not become a priest. He became a baker and a shoe salesman.
I am in Northern California near Sacramento.

Wow! Well I am in Northern California too, but more towards the beach.. I am in San Mateo. Well I'd love to see the picture sometime; from what I hear Ray and his siblings all resemble closely to Lois, their mother. You can email me at: littlemalynda@aol.com if you'd like. It's my home email addy.
Talk to you soon then!
-Mel

Yeah, it's the same family. There were two girls, Frances (who died at 24 of pnuemonia) and then Agnes, and there were 5 boys. My email address is: littlemalynda@aol.com and I'd love to see the picture! Is Ray's father or mother pictured? I'm not too sure about the whole French thing, but I wouldn't doubt it... I know all the Reece ladies were very well educated, and it's highly possible they would have learned a second language during their schooling.
Talk to you soon!
-Mel

Yeah, it's the same family. There were two girls, Frances (who died at 24 of pnuemonia) and then Agnes, and there were 5 boys. My email address is: littlemalynda@aol.com and I'd love to see the picture! Is Ray's father or mother pictured? I'm not too sure about the whole French thing, but I wouldn't doubt it... I know all the Reece ladies were very well educated, and it's highly possible they would have learned a second language during their schooling.
Talk to you soon!
-Mel