The Shreveport Journal.
16 August 1920
Page 3
SUDDEN DEATH OF PROMINENT WOMAN MONDAY MORNING.
MRS. HELEN BONNETTE DIES AT LOCAL SANITARIUM AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.
Mrs. Helen Bonnette, 39 years old, head bookkeeper at the North Louisiana Sanitarium, died suddenly Monday morning at 4 o'clock, after a brief illness. Mrs. Bonnette had been away on her summer vacation and had just returned to the sanitarium Saturday. Sunday, according to Dr. Abramson, she suffered from a severe headache, which he attributed to acute indigestion. Her death came suddenly and unexpectedly at 4 a.m.
Mrs. Bonnette had been connected with the North Louisiana Sanitarium for the last three years and was well known. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. E. L. Solomon, of Alexandria, La., her son, R. E. Bonnette, 616 Olive street and her younger son, Saunders Bonnette, of Shreveport.
Funeral services have been announced for Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence, 1079 Dalzell street, to Forest Park cemetery, conducted by Dr. J. M. Owens, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
*************
The Town Talk.
Alexandria, Louisiana
3 November 1906
Page 5
Invitations have been issued by Mrs. Downing Saunders to the marriage of her daughter, Helen, to Dr. J. Valarus Bonnette, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1906, at 8:30 o'clock at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Pollack. They will be at home to their friends, after March 1, 1907, in Alexandria.
********************
Helen (alternate middle name-Katherine/Kathryn) Saunders worked for Dr. James Valarus Bonnette in Pollack, LA where he was a practicing physician who had lost his wife a few years prior. She was working as a governess to his daughter, Lucille Vivian Bonnette (Solomon Rust) in the 1900 US Federal Census for Grant Parish. Also employed by Dr. Bonnette was Helen's mother, Kate Downey Saunders, who was working as a housekeeper. An infant identified as Thomas Smith was one of the children in Helen's care. He possibly was renamed Reginald Valarus Bonnette, as an "adopted" son by that name was enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census for the household now located in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Reginald is also listed as a survivor in his grandmother (1919) and mother's (1920) obituaries. Helen and Dr. Bonnette married in 1906 and on 14 August 1910 in Alexandria, LA their son together, James Saunders Bonnette was born. Dramatic news about the Bonnettes made front page headlines in 1914:
The Times.
Shreveport, Louisiana
17 February 1914
Pages 1 & 2
DEMANDS CHILD AND IS PUT IN PRISON.
DR. JESSE V. BONNETTE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TRYING TO KIDNAP BOY.
HE DENIES THE CHARGE.
SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF FRIENDS - UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR BRINGS INTO LIMELIGHT AFFLICTION AND DOMESTIC TROUBLES OF FORMER PHYSICIAN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Efforts to get possession of his brother's 3-year-old son and alleged threats made against its mother, Mrs. James V. Bonnette, resulted in the arrest late Sunday night of Dr. Jesse V. Bonnette, of Okolona, Ark. As there was not formal charge against him, his detention merely for the purpose of giving him a hearing on Mrs. Bonnette's request that he be placed under a peace bond, he was released yesterday afternoon and handed over to friends, who were to take him to Alexandria. His brother, Dr. James V. Bonnette, is already in jail in that city on a lunacy charge. The entire affair is the outgrowth of a family difference over Dr. James Bonnette's son [James Saunders Bonnette], Dr. Jesse Bonnette having tried to gain possession of him against the desire of his mother. Mrs. Bonnette was joined Sunday night by her husband's daughter by his first wife, whom she had brought up from an infant.
VICTIMS OF DRUG HABIT.
Both brothers were declared by Detective Doherty, who, with Detective Cathey, made the arrest, to be addicted to an unfortunate drug habit. While in the hold-over yesterday morning Dr. Jesse Bonnette was visited by Dr. I. M. Calloway, of this city. Mrs. Bonnette wished the affair kept secret if possible, but Dr. Bonnette talked freely about it both at the time of his arrest and Monday morning. The story told the officers by Mrs. Bonnette and given out by them was as follows:
"Several days ago Mrs. Bonnette called Dr. Jesse Bonnette to Alexandria to take care of her husband, who had become violent and threatened her life. She gave him $250 to pay expenses on a trip to some other section in hop that the change would be beneficial to her husband. After giving his brother a dose of his favorite drug, Dr. Jesse Bonnette and Deputy Sheriff Potter, of Alexandria, who is also a Salvation Army worker, left with him for Lebanon, Tenn. Between Texarkana and Little Rock the effects of the drug wore off and the baggage car in which the trio was riding became the scene of a lively scrimmage before Dr. James Bonnette could be subdued.
WIFE COMES TO SHREVEPORT.
From Lebanon they went to Little Rock and were on their way back to Alexandria when Mrs. Bonnette learned they were returning. She at once came to Shreveport with her son in an effort to keep out of her husband's sight until his mental balance was at least partially restored. Her stepdaughter, who is also married, remained in Alexandria.
"Finding that Mrs. Bonnette and son were in Shreveport, Dr. Jesse Bonnette left his brother in Alexandria and came here after her, bringing his niece and the deputy sheriff with him. From a hotel he telephoned Mrs. Bonnette, demanding that she surrender the child, which she refused to do. Later he put the officer and his niece in an automobile and drove to the Commerce Street house where she was staying. There hs sent his niece in with a message that he would give Mrs. Bonnette half an hour in which to turn the boy over to him, but instead of returning with an answer the young lady fled to the hotel, got her belongs and came back to her stepmother.
"After waiting for a while he went back to the hotel and telephoned again."
"We had arrived at Mrs. Bonnette's house by this time and heard part of the conversation and after learning where Dr. Bonnette was talking from, arrested him and locked him up on a peace bone charge, which was to have been heard yesterday morning," said Detective Doherty.
SAYS HE WAS PEACEFUL.
Dr. Jesse Bonnette vehemently denied that he intended to kidnap the child, as Mrs. Bonnette seemed to fear. He declared his mission to be a peaceful one; that he merely purposed getting Mrs. Bonnette to return, with her child, to her husband.
The friends of Mrs. James V. Bonnette, who is a most estimable lady, sympathize deeply with her in the hour of trouble that has come to her. She was a Miss Saunders and was a governess in the family of Dr. James V. Bonnette at the time he was a practicing physician in Pollock. She married Dr. Bonnette there and he subsequently moved to Alexandria and opened a sanitarium. Dr. Bonnette is said to be possessed of considerable means.
CHARGED WITH INSANITY.
COMMISSION EXAMINES PHYSICIAN AND SUBMITS REPORT.
Special to The Times.
Alexandria, La., Feb. 16. - Dr. J. V. Bonnette, proprietor of the Bonnette Sanitarium here, is in the parish jail on the charge of being insane. He was examined by a lunacy commission composed of local physicians late this afternoon. The commission handed its report to Judge W. F. Blackman of the District Court, who states that he will not announce a decision on the subject until tomorrow. Dr. Bonnette has just returned from Hot Springs, where, it is said, he went for treatment for an injury received by falling from an automobile several weeks ago. On his return he was jailed on complaint made by his family. His wife and child are in Shreveport with relatives.
************
On Valentine's Day, days prior to the kidnapping drama, the Bonnette Sanitarium suffered damage from a fire set on the third floor. [The Town Talk; 16 Feb 1914; pg. 1] Dr. Bonnette was eventually committed to either State asylum-Pineville or Jackson, LA; Dr. Bonnette must not have gone or served little time because in July of 1914, the Town Talk announced the new and extra fancy Bonnette Sanitarium with a Dr. L. C. Willis from Philadelphia. [Committed article was in The Town Talk; 19 Feb 1914; page 5/New Bonnette Sanitarium article was in same newspaper of 11 July 1911; pg. 12] However, it wasn't long before both doctors were embroiled in a lawsuit.
The problems with the doctor brothers--James and Jesse started at the turn of the century when they were both arrested for selling intoxicating liquor and James also was on the criminal docket for an assault and battery charge, which he pled guilty to. [The Weekly Town Talk; 1 Nov 1902; pg. 4] J. V. also was embroiled in several lawsuits where he was on both sides of the suit. One of these included Helen suing for her baby grand piano, another suit was for divorce [The Town Talk; 12 Dec 1914; pg 2; divorce: Weekly Town Talk; 13 Feb 1915; pg. 6]
*********
In September 1914, despite the troubles with the law, Dr. J. V. Bonnette once again found himself arrested and turned over to Caddo Parish sheriff J. P. Flournoy for kidnapping his young son, James Saunders Bonnette. His accomplice was a man named L. V. Burnham. Dr. Bonnette arrived in Shreveport to try to reconcile with Helen. When she refused to consider that, he begged her to allow him to take James Saunders to town in order to buy him clothes, toys and take him to the picture show. Helen relented but only if his daughter, Vivian Solomon would be with them. Dr. Bonnette agreed. After walking through downtown, he, Vivian and James Saunders were put into an automobile and driven to Caspiana train station where they caught a train to Alexandria. After they didn't return, Helen contacted police, who figured out Dr. Bonnette and Burnham had left the city in an automobile. Bonnette and Burnham were arrested when authorities met the train in Natchitoches and returned Vivian and James Saunders to Mrs. Bonnette in Shreveport. No outcome of the grand jury was published.
In the 2 Jan 1915 Town Talk on pg. 5 it was reported Dr. Bonnette was ill and moved from the Bentley Hotel to the T. P. A. Hotel where he lived with L. B. Burnaman.
Dr. Bonnette was arrested on charges of perjury stemming from another fire at the new Bonnette Sanitarium which took place on 9 Nov 1914. He claimed to have not brought in large quantities of coal oil, which was found that he actually had then lied under oath. He was not charged with arson, but rather perjury. [The Shreveport Times; 27 March 1915; pg. 6]
Dr. Bonnette was not done with kidnapping young boys. On 2 April 1916, he and a trained nurse were caught at the Boise Hotel in Shreveport with a 15-day-old baby boy in a suitcase. He claimed they were on their way to Houston, TX where he had found a home for the infant. He told police he operates a foundling asylum also known as a "laying-in" hospital in Alexandria. He said he had placed 147 babies with homes since he established his baby mill. He had the baby in a travelling case meant for pet dogs, wrapped in a strip of flannel and no clothes or diapers on. They were released because Caddo District Attorney W. A. Mabry affirmed they had violated no laws. [The Times; 3 April 1916; pg. 10]
The Town Talk of 1 May 1918 [pg. 5] reported Dr. J. V. Bonnette was arrested at the union depot in Alexandria for disorderly conduct. Six years later, it is announced that a contest put on by the Harry H. Jordan and French Unique Cleaners, that Dr. J. V. Bonnette won the most votes to win the title of "Neatest Dressed" of Alexandria [The Town Talk; 2 April 1924, pg. 3
On 25 June 1924, Dr. Bonnette married Gladys Allen of Natchitoches. They had the following children: James V. Bonnette, Jr., Allen Randolph Bonnette and Lalla Ruth Bonnette.
*************
Son James Saunders Bonnette was born on 14 August 1910 and died in September 1992 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Stepdaughter Lucille Vivian Bonnette Solomon Rust was born 14 February 1896 and died 4 July 1937 in Pineville, Louisiana.
Adopted son Reginald "Jack" Valaras Bonnette was born on 14 November 1899 and died on 21 January 1984 in Las Vegas, NV.
16 August 1920
Page 3
SUDDEN DEATH OF PROMINENT WOMAN MONDAY MORNING.
MRS. HELEN BONNETTE DIES AT LOCAL SANITARIUM AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.
Mrs. Helen Bonnette, 39 years old, head bookkeeper at the North Louisiana Sanitarium, died suddenly Monday morning at 4 o'clock, after a brief illness. Mrs. Bonnette had been away on her summer vacation and had just returned to the sanitarium Saturday. Sunday, according to Dr. Abramson, she suffered from a severe headache, which he attributed to acute indigestion. Her death came suddenly and unexpectedly at 4 a.m.
Mrs. Bonnette had been connected with the North Louisiana Sanitarium for the last three years and was well known. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. E. L. Solomon, of Alexandria, La., her son, R. E. Bonnette, 616 Olive street and her younger son, Saunders Bonnette, of Shreveport.
Funeral services have been announced for Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence, 1079 Dalzell street, to Forest Park cemetery, conducted by Dr. J. M. Owens, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
*************
The Town Talk.
Alexandria, Louisiana
3 November 1906
Page 5
Invitations have been issued by Mrs. Downing Saunders to the marriage of her daughter, Helen, to Dr. J. Valarus Bonnette, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1906, at 8:30 o'clock at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Pollack. They will be at home to their friends, after March 1, 1907, in Alexandria.
********************
Helen (alternate middle name-Katherine/Kathryn) Saunders worked for Dr. James Valarus Bonnette in Pollack, LA where he was a practicing physician who had lost his wife a few years prior. She was working as a governess to his daughter, Lucille Vivian Bonnette (Solomon Rust) in the 1900 US Federal Census for Grant Parish. Also employed by Dr. Bonnette was Helen's mother, Kate Downey Saunders, who was working as a housekeeper. An infant identified as Thomas Smith was one of the children in Helen's care. He possibly was renamed Reginald Valarus Bonnette, as an "adopted" son by that name was enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census for the household now located in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Reginald is also listed as a survivor in his grandmother (1919) and mother's (1920) obituaries. Helen and Dr. Bonnette married in 1906 and on 14 August 1910 in Alexandria, LA their son together, James Saunders Bonnette was born. Dramatic news about the Bonnettes made front page headlines in 1914:
The Times.
Shreveport, Louisiana
17 February 1914
Pages 1 & 2
DEMANDS CHILD AND IS PUT IN PRISON.
DR. JESSE V. BONNETTE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TRYING TO KIDNAP BOY.
HE DENIES THE CHARGE.
SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF FRIENDS - UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR BRINGS INTO LIMELIGHT AFFLICTION AND DOMESTIC TROUBLES OF FORMER PHYSICIAN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Efforts to get possession of his brother's 3-year-old son and alleged threats made against its mother, Mrs. James V. Bonnette, resulted in the arrest late Sunday night of Dr. Jesse V. Bonnette, of Okolona, Ark. As there was not formal charge against him, his detention merely for the purpose of giving him a hearing on Mrs. Bonnette's request that he be placed under a peace bond, he was released yesterday afternoon and handed over to friends, who were to take him to Alexandria. His brother, Dr. James V. Bonnette, is already in jail in that city on a lunacy charge. The entire affair is the outgrowth of a family difference over Dr. James Bonnette's son [James Saunders Bonnette], Dr. Jesse Bonnette having tried to gain possession of him against the desire of his mother. Mrs. Bonnette was joined Sunday night by her husband's daughter by his first wife, whom she had brought up from an infant.
VICTIMS OF DRUG HABIT.
Both brothers were declared by Detective Doherty, who, with Detective Cathey, made the arrest, to be addicted to an unfortunate drug habit. While in the hold-over yesterday morning Dr. Jesse Bonnette was visited by Dr. I. M. Calloway, of this city. Mrs. Bonnette wished the affair kept secret if possible, but Dr. Bonnette talked freely about it both at the time of his arrest and Monday morning. The story told the officers by Mrs. Bonnette and given out by them was as follows:
"Several days ago Mrs. Bonnette called Dr. Jesse Bonnette to Alexandria to take care of her husband, who had become violent and threatened her life. She gave him $250 to pay expenses on a trip to some other section in hop that the change would be beneficial to her husband. After giving his brother a dose of his favorite drug, Dr. Jesse Bonnette and Deputy Sheriff Potter, of Alexandria, who is also a Salvation Army worker, left with him for Lebanon, Tenn. Between Texarkana and Little Rock the effects of the drug wore off and the baggage car in which the trio was riding became the scene of a lively scrimmage before Dr. James Bonnette could be subdued.
WIFE COMES TO SHREVEPORT.
From Lebanon they went to Little Rock and were on their way back to Alexandria when Mrs. Bonnette learned they were returning. She at once came to Shreveport with her son in an effort to keep out of her husband's sight until his mental balance was at least partially restored. Her stepdaughter, who is also married, remained in Alexandria.
"Finding that Mrs. Bonnette and son were in Shreveport, Dr. Jesse Bonnette left his brother in Alexandria and came here after her, bringing his niece and the deputy sheriff with him. From a hotel he telephoned Mrs. Bonnette, demanding that she surrender the child, which she refused to do. Later he put the officer and his niece in an automobile and drove to the Commerce Street house where she was staying. There hs sent his niece in with a message that he would give Mrs. Bonnette half an hour in which to turn the boy over to him, but instead of returning with an answer the young lady fled to the hotel, got her belongs and came back to her stepmother.
"After waiting for a while he went back to the hotel and telephoned again."
"We had arrived at Mrs. Bonnette's house by this time and heard part of the conversation and after learning where Dr. Bonnette was talking from, arrested him and locked him up on a peace bone charge, which was to have been heard yesterday morning," said Detective Doherty.
SAYS HE WAS PEACEFUL.
Dr. Jesse Bonnette vehemently denied that he intended to kidnap the child, as Mrs. Bonnette seemed to fear. He declared his mission to be a peaceful one; that he merely purposed getting Mrs. Bonnette to return, with her child, to her husband.
The friends of Mrs. James V. Bonnette, who is a most estimable lady, sympathize deeply with her in the hour of trouble that has come to her. She was a Miss Saunders and was a governess in the family of Dr. James V. Bonnette at the time he was a practicing physician in Pollock. She married Dr. Bonnette there and he subsequently moved to Alexandria and opened a sanitarium. Dr. Bonnette is said to be possessed of considerable means.
CHARGED WITH INSANITY.
COMMISSION EXAMINES PHYSICIAN AND SUBMITS REPORT.
Special to The Times.
Alexandria, La., Feb. 16. - Dr. J. V. Bonnette, proprietor of the Bonnette Sanitarium here, is in the parish jail on the charge of being insane. He was examined by a lunacy commission composed of local physicians late this afternoon. The commission handed its report to Judge W. F. Blackman of the District Court, who states that he will not announce a decision on the subject until tomorrow. Dr. Bonnette has just returned from Hot Springs, where, it is said, he went for treatment for an injury received by falling from an automobile several weeks ago. On his return he was jailed on complaint made by his family. His wife and child are in Shreveport with relatives.
************
On Valentine's Day, days prior to the kidnapping drama, the Bonnette Sanitarium suffered damage from a fire set on the third floor. [The Town Talk; 16 Feb 1914; pg. 1] Dr. Bonnette was eventually committed to either State asylum-Pineville or Jackson, LA; Dr. Bonnette must not have gone or served little time because in July of 1914, the Town Talk announced the new and extra fancy Bonnette Sanitarium with a Dr. L. C. Willis from Philadelphia. [Committed article was in The Town Talk; 19 Feb 1914; page 5/New Bonnette Sanitarium article was in same newspaper of 11 July 1911; pg. 12] However, it wasn't long before both doctors were embroiled in a lawsuit.
The problems with the doctor brothers--James and Jesse started at the turn of the century when they were both arrested for selling intoxicating liquor and James also was on the criminal docket for an assault and battery charge, which he pled guilty to. [The Weekly Town Talk; 1 Nov 1902; pg. 4] J. V. also was embroiled in several lawsuits where he was on both sides of the suit. One of these included Helen suing for her baby grand piano, another suit was for divorce [The Town Talk; 12 Dec 1914; pg 2; divorce: Weekly Town Talk; 13 Feb 1915; pg. 6]
*********
In September 1914, despite the troubles with the law, Dr. J. V. Bonnette once again found himself arrested and turned over to Caddo Parish sheriff J. P. Flournoy for kidnapping his young son, James Saunders Bonnette. His accomplice was a man named L. V. Burnham. Dr. Bonnette arrived in Shreveport to try to reconcile with Helen. When she refused to consider that, he begged her to allow him to take James Saunders to town in order to buy him clothes, toys and take him to the picture show. Helen relented but only if his daughter, Vivian Solomon would be with them. Dr. Bonnette agreed. After walking through downtown, he, Vivian and James Saunders were put into an automobile and driven to Caspiana train station where they caught a train to Alexandria. After they didn't return, Helen contacted police, who figured out Dr. Bonnette and Burnham had left the city in an automobile. Bonnette and Burnham were arrested when authorities met the train in Natchitoches and returned Vivian and James Saunders to Mrs. Bonnette in Shreveport. No outcome of the grand jury was published.
In the 2 Jan 1915 Town Talk on pg. 5 it was reported Dr. Bonnette was ill and moved from the Bentley Hotel to the T. P. A. Hotel where he lived with L. B. Burnaman.
Dr. Bonnette was arrested on charges of perjury stemming from another fire at the new Bonnette Sanitarium which took place on 9 Nov 1914. He claimed to have not brought in large quantities of coal oil, which was found that he actually had then lied under oath. He was not charged with arson, but rather perjury. [The Shreveport Times; 27 March 1915; pg. 6]
Dr. Bonnette was not done with kidnapping young boys. On 2 April 1916, he and a trained nurse were caught at the Boise Hotel in Shreveport with a 15-day-old baby boy in a suitcase. He claimed they were on their way to Houston, TX where he had found a home for the infant. He told police he operates a foundling asylum also known as a "laying-in" hospital in Alexandria. He said he had placed 147 babies with homes since he established his baby mill. He had the baby in a travelling case meant for pet dogs, wrapped in a strip of flannel and no clothes or diapers on. They were released because Caddo District Attorney W. A. Mabry affirmed they had violated no laws. [The Times; 3 April 1916; pg. 10]
The Town Talk of 1 May 1918 [pg. 5] reported Dr. J. V. Bonnette was arrested at the union depot in Alexandria for disorderly conduct. Six years later, it is announced that a contest put on by the Harry H. Jordan and French Unique Cleaners, that Dr. J. V. Bonnette won the most votes to win the title of "Neatest Dressed" of Alexandria [The Town Talk; 2 April 1924, pg. 3
On 25 June 1924, Dr. Bonnette married Gladys Allen of Natchitoches. They had the following children: James V. Bonnette, Jr., Allen Randolph Bonnette and Lalla Ruth Bonnette.
*************
Son James Saunders Bonnette was born on 14 August 1910 and died in September 1992 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Stepdaughter Lucille Vivian Bonnette Solomon Rust was born 14 February 1896 and died 4 July 1937 in Pineville, Louisiana.
Adopted son Reginald "Jack" Valaras Bonnette was born on 14 November 1899 and died on 21 January 1984 in Las Vegas, NV.
The Shreveport Journal.
16 August 1920
Page 3
SUDDEN DEATH OF PROMINENT WOMAN MONDAY MORNING.
MRS. HELEN BONNETTE DIES AT LOCAL SANITARIUM AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.
Mrs. Helen Bonnette, 39 years old, head bookkeeper at the North Louisiana Sanitarium, died suddenly Monday morning at 4 o'clock, after a brief illness. Mrs. Bonnette had been away on her summer vacation and had just returned to the sanitarium Saturday. Sunday, according to Dr. Abramson, she suffered from a severe headache, which he attributed to acute indigestion. Her death came suddenly and unexpectedly at 4 a.m.
Mrs. Bonnette had been connected with the North Louisiana Sanitarium for the last three years and was well known. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. E. L. Solomon, of Alexandria, La., her son, R. E. Bonnette, 616 Olive street and her younger son, Saunders Bonnette, of Shreveport.
Funeral services have been announced for Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence, 1079 Dalzell street, to Forest Park cemetery, conducted by Dr. J. M. Owens, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
*************
The Town Talk.
Alexandria, Louisiana
3 November 1906
Page 5
Invitations have been issued by Mrs. Downing Saunders to the marriage of her daughter, Helen, to Dr. J. Valarus Bonnette, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1906, at 8:30 o'clock at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Pollack. They will be at home to their friends, after March 1, 1907, in Alexandria.
********************
Helen (alternate middle name-Katherine/Kathryn) Saunders worked for Dr. James Valarus Bonnette in Pollack, LA where he was a practicing physician who had lost his wife a few years prior. She was working as a governess to his daughter, Lucille Vivian Bonnette (Solomon Rust) in the 1900 US Federal Census for Grant Parish. Also employed by Dr. Bonnette was Helen's mother, Kate Downey Saunders, who was working as a housekeeper. An infant identified as Thomas Smith was one of the children in Helen's care. He possibly was renamed Reginald Valarus Bonnette, as an "adopted" son by that name was enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census for the household now located in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Reginald is also listed as a survivor in his grandmother (1919) and mother's (1920) obituaries. Helen and Dr. Bonnette married in 1906 and on 14 August 1910 in Alexandria, LA their son together, James Saunders Bonnette was born. Dramatic news about the Bonnettes made front page headlines in 1914:
The Times.
Shreveport, Louisiana
17 February 1914
Pages 1 & 2
DEMANDS CHILD AND IS PUT IN PRISON.
DR. JESSE V. BONNETTE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TRYING TO KIDNAP BOY.
HE DENIES THE CHARGE.
SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF FRIENDS - UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR BRINGS INTO LIMELIGHT AFFLICTION AND DOMESTIC TROUBLES OF FORMER PHYSICIAN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Efforts to get possession of his brother's 3-year-old son and alleged threats made against its mother, Mrs. James V. Bonnette, resulted in the arrest late Sunday night of Dr. Jesse V. Bonnette, of Okolona, Ark. As there was not formal charge against him, his detention merely for the purpose of giving him a hearing on Mrs. Bonnette's request that he be placed under a peace bond, he was released yesterday afternoon and handed over to friends, who were to take him to Alexandria. His brother, Dr. James V. Bonnette, is already in jail in that city on a lunacy charge. The entire affair is the outgrowth of a family difference over Dr. James Bonnette's son [James Saunders Bonnette], Dr. Jesse Bonnette having tried to gain possession of him against the desire of his mother. Mrs. Bonnette was joined Sunday night by her husband's daughter by his first wife, whom she had brought up from an infant.
VICTIMS OF DRUG HABIT.
Both brothers were declared by Detective Doherty, who, with Detective Cathey, made the arrest, to be addicted to an unfortunate drug habit. While in the hold-over yesterday morning Dr. Jesse Bonnette was visited by Dr. I. M. Calloway, of this city. Mrs. Bonnette wished the affair kept secret if possible, but Dr. Bonnette talked freely about it both at the time of his arrest and Monday morning. The story told the officers by Mrs. Bonnette and given out by them was as follows:
"Several days ago Mrs. Bonnette called Dr. Jesse Bonnette to Alexandria to take care of her husband, who had become violent and threatened her life. She gave him $250 to pay expenses on a trip to some other section in hop that the change would be beneficial to her husband. After giving his brother a dose of his favorite drug, Dr. Jesse Bonnette and Deputy Sheriff Potter, of Alexandria, who is also a Salvation Army worker, left with him for Lebanon, Tenn. Between Texarkana and Little Rock the effects of the drug wore off and the baggage car in which the trio was riding became the scene of a lively scrimmage before Dr. James Bonnette could be subdued.
WIFE COMES TO SHREVEPORT.
From Lebanon they went to Little Rock and were on their way back to Alexandria when Mrs. Bonnette learned they were returning. She at once came to Shreveport with her son in an effort to keep out of her husband's sight until his mental balance was at least partially restored. Her stepdaughter, who is also married, remained in Alexandria.
"Finding that Mrs. Bonnette and son were in Shreveport, Dr. Jesse Bonnette left his brother in Alexandria and came here after her, bringing his niece and the deputy sheriff with him. From a hotel he telephoned Mrs. Bonnette, demanding that she surrender the child, which she refused to do. Later he put the officer and his niece in an automobile and drove to the Commerce Street house where she was staying. There hs sent his niece in with a message that he would give Mrs. Bonnette half an hour in which to turn the boy over to him, but instead of returning with an answer the young lady fled to the hotel, got her belongs and came back to her stepmother.
"After waiting for a while he went back to the hotel and telephoned again."
"We had arrived at Mrs. Bonnette's house by this time and heard part of the conversation and after learning where Dr. Bonnette was talking from, arrested him and locked him up on a peace bone charge, which was to have been heard yesterday morning," said Detective Doherty.
SAYS HE WAS PEACEFUL.
Dr. Jesse Bonnette vehemently denied that he intended to kidnap the child, as Mrs. Bonnette seemed to fear. He declared his mission to be a peaceful one; that he merely purposed getting Mrs. Bonnette to return, with her child, to her husband.
The friends of Mrs. James V. Bonnette, who is a most estimable lady, sympathize deeply with her in the hour of trouble that has come to her. She was a Miss Saunders and was a governess in the family of Dr. James V. Bonnette at the time he was a practicing physician in Pollock. She married Dr. Bonnette there and he subsequently moved to Alexandria and opened a sanitarium. Dr. Bonnette is said to be possessed of considerable means.
CHARGED WITH INSANITY.
COMMISSION EXAMINES PHYSICIAN AND SUBMITS REPORT.
Special to The Times.
Alexandria, La., Feb. 16. - Dr. J. V. Bonnette, proprietor of the Bonnette Sanitarium here, is in the parish jail on the charge of being insane. He was examined by a lunacy commission composed of local physicians late this afternoon. The commission handed its report to Judge W. F. Blackman of the District Court, who states that he will not announce a decision on the subject until tomorrow. Dr. Bonnette has just returned from Hot Springs, where, it is said, he went for treatment for an injury received by falling from an automobile several weeks ago. On his return he was jailed on complaint made by his family. His wife and child are in Shreveport with relatives.
************
On Valentine's Day, days prior to the kidnapping drama, the Bonnette Sanitarium suffered damage from a fire set on the third floor. [The Town Talk; 16 Feb 1914; pg. 1] Dr. Bonnette was eventually committed to either State asylum-Pineville or Jackson, LA; Dr. Bonnette must not have gone or served little time because in July of 1914, the Town Talk announced the new and extra fancy Bonnette Sanitarium with a Dr. L. C. Willis from Philadelphia. [Committed article was in The Town Talk; 19 Feb 1914; page 5/New Bonnette Sanitarium article was in same newspaper of 11 July 1911; pg. 12] However, it wasn't long before both doctors were embroiled in a lawsuit.
The problems with the doctor brothers--James and Jesse started at the turn of the century when they were both arrested for selling intoxicating liquor and James also was on the criminal docket for an assault and battery charge, which he pled guilty to. [The Weekly Town Talk; 1 Nov 1902; pg. 4] J. V. also was embroiled in several lawsuits where he was on both sides of the suit. One of these included Helen suing for her baby grand piano, another suit was for divorce [The Town Talk; 12 Dec 1914; pg 2; divorce: Weekly Town Talk; 13 Feb 1915; pg. 6]
*********
In September 1914, despite the troubles with the law, Dr. J. V. Bonnette once again found himself arrested and turned over to Caddo Parish sheriff J. P. Flournoy for kidnapping his young son, James Saunders Bonnette. His accomplice was a man named L. V. Burnham. Dr. Bonnette arrived in Shreveport to try to reconcile with Helen. When she refused to consider that, he begged her to allow him to take James Saunders to town in order to buy him clothes, toys and take him to the picture show. Helen relented but only if his daughter, Vivian Solomon would be with them. Dr. Bonnette agreed. After walking through downtown, he, Vivian and James Saunders were put into an automobile and driven to Caspiana train station where they caught a train to Alexandria. After they didn't return, Helen contacted police, who figured out Dr. Bonnette and Burnham had left the city in an automobile. Bonnette and Burnham were arrested when authorities met the train in Natchitoches and returned Vivian and James Saunders to Mrs. Bonnette in Shreveport. No outcome of the grand jury was published.
In the 2 Jan 1915 Town Talk on pg. 5 it was reported Dr. Bonnette was ill and moved from the Bentley Hotel to the T. P. A. Hotel where he lived with L. B. Burnaman.
Dr. Bonnette was arrested on charges of perjury stemming from another fire at the new Bonnette Sanitarium which took place on 9 Nov 1914. He claimed to have not brought in large quantities of coal oil, which was found that he actually had then lied under oath. He was not charged with arson, but rather perjury. [The Shreveport Times; 27 March 1915; pg. 6]
Dr. Bonnette was not done with kidnapping young boys. On 2 April 1916, he and a trained nurse were caught at the Boise Hotel in Shreveport with a 15-day-old baby boy in a suitcase. He claimed they were on their way to Houston, TX where he had found a home for the infant. He told police he operates a foundling asylum also known as a "laying-in" hospital in Alexandria. He said he had placed 147 babies with homes since he established his baby mill. He had the baby in a travelling case meant for pet dogs, wrapped in a strip of flannel and no clothes or diapers on. They were released because Caddo District Attorney W. A. Mabry affirmed they had violated no laws. [The Times; 3 April 1916; pg. 10]
The Town Talk of 1 May 1918 [pg. 5] reported Dr. J. V. Bonnette was arrested at the union depot in Alexandria for disorderly conduct. Six years later, it is announced that a contest put on by the Harry H. Jordan and French Unique Cleaners, that Dr. J. V. Bonnette won the most votes to win the title of "Neatest Dressed" of Alexandria [The Town Talk; 2 April 1924, pg. 3
On 25 June 1924, Dr. Bonnette married Gladys Allen of Natchitoches. They had the following children: James V. Bonnette, Jr., Allen Randolph Bonnette and Lalla Ruth Bonnette.
*************
Son James Saunders Bonnette was born on 14 August 1910 and died in September 1992 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Stepdaughter Lucille Vivian Bonnette Solomon Rust was born 14 February 1896 and died 4 July 1937 in Pineville, Louisiana.
Adopted son Reginald "Jack" Valaras Bonnette was born on 14 November 1899 and died on 21 January 1984 in Las Vegas, NV.
16 August 1920
Page 3
SUDDEN DEATH OF PROMINENT WOMAN MONDAY MORNING.
MRS. HELEN BONNETTE DIES AT LOCAL SANITARIUM AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.
Mrs. Helen Bonnette, 39 years old, head bookkeeper at the North Louisiana Sanitarium, died suddenly Monday morning at 4 o'clock, after a brief illness. Mrs. Bonnette had been away on her summer vacation and had just returned to the sanitarium Saturday. Sunday, according to Dr. Abramson, she suffered from a severe headache, which he attributed to acute indigestion. Her death came suddenly and unexpectedly at 4 a.m.
Mrs. Bonnette had been connected with the North Louisiana Sanitarium for the last three years and was well known. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. E. L. Solomon, of Alexandria, La., her son, R. E. Bonnette, 616 Olive street and her younger son, Saunders Bonnette, of Shreveport.
Funeral services have been announced for Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence, 1079 Dalzell street, to Forest Park cemetery, conducted by Dr. J. M. Owens, pastor of the First Presbyterian church.
*************
The Town Talk.
Alexandria, Louisiana
3 November 1906
Page 5
Invitations have been issued by Mrs. Downing Saunders to the marriage of her daughter, Helen, to Dr. J. Valarus Bonnette, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 1906, at 8:30 o'clock at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Pollack. They will be at home to their friends, after March 1, 1907, in Alexandria.
********************
Helen (alternate middle name-Katherine/Kathryn) Saunders worked for Dr. James Valarus Bonnette in Pollack, LA where he was a practicing physician who had lost his wife a few years prior. She was working as a governess to his daughter, Lucille Vivian Bonnette (Solomon Rust) in the 1900 US Federal Census for Grant Parish. Also employed by Dr. Bonnette was Helen's mother, Kate Downey Saunders, who was working as a housekeeper. An infant identified as Thomas Smith was one of the children in Helen's care. He possibly was renamed Reginald Valarus Bonnette, as an "adopted" son by that name was enumerated in the 1910 US Federal Census for the household now located in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Reginald is also listed as a survivor in his grandmother (1919) and mother's (1920) obituaries. Helen and Dr. Bonnette married in 1906 and on 14 August 1910 in Alexandria, LA their son together, James Saunders Bonnette was born. Dramatic news about the Bonnettes made front page headlines in 1914:
The Times.
Shreveport, Louisiana
17 February 1914
Pages 1 & 2
DEMANDS CHILD AND IS PUT IN PRISON.
DR. JESSE V. BONNETTE ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TRYING TO KIDNAP BOY.
HE DENIES THE CHARGE.
SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED TO THE CUSTODY OF FRIENDS - UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR BRINGS INTO LIMELIGHT AFFLICTION AND DOMESTIC TROUBLES OF FORMER PHYSICIAN OF ALEXANDRIA.
Efforts to get possession of his brother's 3-year-old son and alleged threats made against its mother, Mrs. James V. Bonnette, resulted in the arrest late Sunday night of Dr. Jesse V. Bonnette, of Okolona, Ark. As there was not formal charge against him, his detention merely for the purpose of giving him a hearing on Mrs. Bonnette's request that he be placed under a peace bond, he was released yesterday afternoon and handed over to friends, who were to take him to Alexandria. His brother, Dr. James V. Bonnette, is already in jail in that city on a lunacy charge. The entire affair is the outgrowth of a family difference over Dr. James Bonnette's son [James Saunders Bonnette], Dr. Jesse Bonnette having tried to gain possession of him against the desire of his mother. Mrs. Bonnette was joined Sunday night by her husband's daughter by his first wife, whom she had brought up from an infant.
VICTIMS OF DRUG HABIT.
Both brothers were declared by Detective Doherty, who, with Detective Cathey, made the arrest, to be addicted to an unfortunate drug habit. While in the hold-over yesterday morning Dr. Jesse Bonnette was visited by Dr. I. M. Calloway, of this city. Mrs. Bonnette wished the affair kept secret if possible, but Dr. Bonnette talked freely about it both at the time of his arrest and Monday morning. The story told the officers by Mrs. Bonnette and given out by them was as follows:
"Several days ago Mrs. Bonnette called Dr. Jesse Bonnette to Alexandria to take care of her husband, who had become violent and threatened her life. She gave him $250 to pay expenses on a trip to some other section in hop that the change would be beneficial to her husband. After giving his brother a dose of his favorite drug, Dr. Jesse Bonnette and Deputy Sheriff Potter, of Alexandria, who is also a Salvation Army worker, left with him for Lebanon, Tenn. Between Texarkana and Little Rock the effects of the drug wore off and the baggage car in which the trio was riding became the scene of a lively scrimmage before Dr. James Bonnette could be subdued.
WIFE COMES TO SHREVEPORT.
From Lebanon they went to Little Rock and were on their way back to Alexandria when Mrs. Bonnette learned they were returning. She at once came to Shreveport with her son in an effort to keep out of her husband's sight until his mental balance was at least partially restored. Her stepdaughter, who is also married, remained in Alexandria.
"Finding that Mrs. Bonnette and son were in Shreveport, Dr. Jesse Bonnette left his brother in Alexandria and came here after her, bringing his niece and the deputy sheriff with him. From a hotel he telephoned Mrs. Bonnette, demanding that she surrender the child, which she refused to do. Later he put the officer and his niece in an automobile and drove to the Commerce Street house where she was staying. There hs sent his niece in with a message that he would give Mrs. Bonnette half an hour in which to turn the boy over to him, but instead of returning with an answer the young lady fled to the hotel, got her belongs and came back to her stepmother.
"After waiting for a while he went back to the hotel and telephoned again."
"We had arrived at Mrs. Bonnette's house by this time and heard part of the conversation and after learning where Dr. Bonnette was talking from, arrested him and locked him up on a peace bone charge, which was to have been heard yesterday morning," said Detective Doherty.
SAYS HE WAS PEACEFUL.
Dr. Jesse Bonnette vehemently denied that he intended to kidnap the child, as Mrs. Bonnette seemed to fear. He declared his mission to be a peaceful one; that he merely purposed getting Mrs. Bonnette to return, with her child, to her husband.
The friends of Mrs. James V. Bonnette, who is a most estimable lady, sympathize deeply with her in the hour of trouble that has come to her. She was a Miss Saunders and was a governess in the family of Dr. James V. Bonnette at the time he was a practicing physician in Pollock. She married Dr. Bonnette there and he subsequently moved to Alexandria and opened a sanitarium. Dr. Bonnette is said to be possessed of considerable means.
CHARGED WITH INSANITY.
COMMISSION EXAMINES PHYSICIAN AND SUBMITS REPORT.
Special to The Times.
Alexandria, La., Feb. 16. - Dr. J. V. Bonnette, proprietor of the Bonnette Sanitarium here, is in the parish jail on the charge of being insane. He was examined by a lunacy commission composed of local physicians late this afternoon. The commission handed its report to Judge W. F. Blackman of the District Court, who states that he will not announce a decision on the subject until tomorrow. Dr. Bonnette has just returned from Hot Springs, where, it is said, he went for treatment for an injury received by falling from an automobile several weeks ago. On his return he was jailed on complaint made by his family. His wife and child are in Shreveport with relatives.
************
On Valentine's Day, days prior to the kidnapping drama, the Bonnette Sanitarium suffered damage from a fire set on the third floor. [The Town Talk; 16 Feb 1914; pg. 1] Dr. Bonnette was eventually committed to either State asylum-Pineville or Jackson, LA; Dr. Bonnette must not have gone or served little time because in July of 1914, the Town Talk announced the new and extra fancy Bonnette Sanitarium with a Dr. L. C. Willis from Philadelphia. [Committed article was in The Town Talk; 19 Feb 1914; page 5/New Bonnette Sanitarium article was in same newspaper of 11 July 1911; pg. 12] However, it wasn't long before both doctors were embroiled in a lawsuit.
The problems with the doctor brothers--James and Jesse started at the turn of the century when they were both arrested for selling intoxicating liquor and James also was on the criminal docket for an assault and battery charge, which he pled guilty to. [The Weekly Town Talk; 1 Nov 1902; pg. 4] J. V. also was embroiled in several lawsuits where he was on both sides of the suit. One of these included Helen suing for her baby grand piano, another suit was for divorce [The Town Talk; 12 Dec 1914; pg 2; divorce: Weekly Town Talk; 13 Feb 1915; pg. 6]
*********
In September 1914, despite the troubles with the law, Dr. J. V. Bonnette once again found himself arrested and turned over to Caddo Parish sheriff J. P. Flournoy for kidnapping his young son, James Saunders Bonnette. His accomplice was a man named L. V. Burnham. Dr. Bonnette arrived in Shreveport to try to reconcile with Helen. When she refused to consider that, he begged her to allow him to take James Saunders to town in order to buy him clothes, toys and take him to the picture show. Helen relented but only if his daughter, Vivian Solomon would be with them. Dr. Bonnette agreed. After walking through downtown, he, Vivian and James Saunders were put into an automobile and driven to Caspiana train station where they caught a train to Alexandria. After they didn't return, Helen contacted police, who figured out Dr. Bonnette and Burnham had left the city in an automobile. Bonnette and Burnham were arrested when authorities met the train in Natchitoches and returned Vivian and James Saunders to Mrs. Bonnette in Shreveport. No outcome of the grand jury was published.
In the 2 Jan 1915 Town Talk on pg. 5 it was reported Dr. Bonnette was ill and moved from the Bentley Hotel to the T. P. A. Hotel where he lived with L. B. Burnaman.
Dr. Bonnette was arrested on charges of perjury stemming from another fire at the new Bonnette Sanitarium which took place on 9 Nov 1914. He claimed to have not brought in large quantities of coal oil, which was found that he actually had then lied under oath. He was not charged with arson, but rather perjury. [The Shreveport Times; 27 March 1915; pg. 6]
Dr. Bonnette was not done with kidnapping young boys. On 2 April 1916, he and a trained nurse were caught at the Boise Hotel in Shreveport with a 15-day-old baby boy in a suitcase. He claimed they were on their way to Houston, TX where he had found a home for the infant. He told police he operates a foundling asylum also known as a "laying-in" hospital in Alexandria. He said he had placed 147 babies with homes since he established his baby mill. He had the baby in a travelling case meant for pet dogs, wrapped in a strip of flannel and no clothes or diapers on. They were released because Caddo District Attorney W. A. Mabry affirmed they had violated no laws. [The Times; 3 April 1916; pg. 10]
The Town Talk of 1 May 1918 [pg. 5] reported Dr. J. V. Bonnette was arrested at the union depot in Alexandria for disorderly conduct. Six years later, it is announced that a contest put on by the Harry H. Jordan and French Unique Cleaners, that Dr. J. V. Bonnette won the most votes to win the title of "Neatest Dressed" of Alexandria [The Town Talk; 2 April 1924, pg. 3
On 25 June 1924, Dr. Bonnette married Gladys Allen of Natchitoches. They had the following children: James V. Bonnette, Jr., Allen Randolph Bonnette and Lalla Ruth Bonnette.
*************
Son James Saunders Bonnette was born on 14 August 1910 and died in September 1992 in Tuscon, Arizona.
Stepdaughter Lucille Vivian Bonnette Solomon Rust was born 14 February 1896 and died 4 July 1937 in Pineville, Louisiana.
Adopted son Reginald "Jack" Valaras Bonnette was born on 14 November 1899 and died on 21 January 1984 in Las Vegas, NV.
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