Pilet au canton de Vaud

[Chantel721]

Hello, everyone. I have been searching for information about my great great grandfather, Pierre Christian Pilet. The Swiss Register of Surnames lists almost all Pilets from Vaud so I hope I am doing this correctly. I believe he was born in Avenches, Vaud about 1 February 1829. I saw some information that Pierre Christian Pilet married Lise Catherine Adele Piaget in Les Verrieres Neuchatel about 25 November, 1853. They had at least two children that I know for certain. My great grandfather was James Albert Pilet (b. 19 May 1856) and a twin sister Lise Isabelle Helene Pilet (same birthday). I have seen some information regarding a possible older brother named Leon Ernest Alexandre Pilet (b. in 1854).

I believe that my great great grandmother Lise Catherine died in Switzerland at Les Verrieres in 1859).

According to information on US Census forms, my great grandfather arrived in America about 1868. In the 1870 US Census, I have found a household in Iberia, Louisiana, USA with a watch maker named Christian Pilet, an American wife, and two children, James and Helene, who are 14 years old. The information fits with my Swiss family, so I feel pretty sure that this is them. I do not know what ship they sailed on, and I do not have a passenger list that shows them traveling together as a family. I also do not know what happened to the older child Leon Ernest Alexandre.

Pierre Christian Pilet died in Iberia, Louisiana some time between 1873 and 1880.

I lost his daughter Lise Helene at the 1880 census. I assume that she married in America, but I have no record of it and do not know what her new name might have been.

My great grandfather James Albert died in New Orleans, Louisiana about 1922.

I would be most thankful for any information or clues about this family. I would also love to correspond with any Swiss cousins who may be found, but I, unfortunately, do not understand French so am limited to English communication.