Lavialle, Piere Joseph

Lavialle, Piere Joseph, a Roman Catholic prelate, was born in Mauriac, France, in 1820, and received both a collegiate and theological education in the universities of his native city. In 1843 he came to the United States, and was ordained priest the following year. After a year's service in New York City he was made professor of theology in St. Mary's College, Lebanon, Ky., and in 1855 was appointed president of the same institution. In 1859 he declined the proffered bishopric of Savannah, but in 1865 accepted that of Louisville. He died May 11, 1867. Bishop Lavialle was a man of great zeal and energy. He founded several educational and benevolent institutions in his diocese. His character was such as to win him the esteem not only of his own people, but of the citizens generally. — American Annual Cyclopaedia, 1867, page 428.