1914 Biography - Alexander Grouchy, Jr.

Grouchy, Alex., Jr., mayor of Baton Rouge, president and general manager of the Istrouma hotel, was born in New Orleans March 23, 1870, of French parents. His father, Alex., and mother, Zoe (Dupuy) Grouchy, have a family of 4 children, of whom Mayor Grouchy is the eldest. The others are Julia, Frank and Emma. Since the age of 8 the subject of this sketch has been a resident of the capital of Louisiana, when his father and mother removed from the Crescent City, where they had won deserved reputation the conduct of the restaurant business. After receiving primary and grammar education in the schools of Baton Rouge, young Grouchy was sent to Spring Hill college, Alabama, where he studied for 3 years. Leaving college, he began his business career in New Orleans as clerk in the employ of a lumber company, and next at the desk in the office of a firm of sugar merchants. In 1893 he was united in wedlock to Miss Victoria Gass of Baton Rouge, and they took up their residence in that city the following year. Mr. Grouchy established, and conducted with much success, the Capital and the Grouchy hotel, and in 1908 became manager, and now is president and business head of the Istrouma, one of the finest and best-known establishments of its kind in that section of the state, and favorite headquarters of social and political gatherings. Always taking lively interest in public affairs and in civic activities, Mr. Grouchy enjoys great popularity. He was elected to the city council in 1910 and next received the votes of his fellow councilmen for the position of mayor, filling the unexpired term of Hon. Jules Roux. In April, 1914, he was elected as the first mayor under the commission form of government. Having joined the Order of Elks, Mr. Grouchy rose to the exalted office of district deputy for the state of Louisiana, during the year 1912; he also is a member of the Paternal Order of Eagles and of the Order of Red Men. With his wife and 2 children Mr. Grouchy lives happily in Baton Rouge. The eldest of their family is Hazel, a charming young girl of 19, and the younger, Cyrill, is 17 years of age.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, page 186.