1914 Biography - Samuel I. Reymond

Reymond, Samuel I., successful and prominent merchant of Baton Rouge, La., in which city he was born Dec. 12, 1861, is of French descent and a son of David Francis and Henrietta (Isett) Reymond. The paternal grandfather was the first representative of the family in this country, coming from Geneva, Switzerland. The mother was a daughter of Col. Samuel Isett, from whom the son takes his middle name. When a young man, David Francis Reymond came with his father to Baton Rouge, in which city the son became a prominent merchant. He served in the Confederate army throughout the Civil war and died at the early age of 39 years, but his wife survived him many years, dying at the age of 68. Six children were born to their union, these being as follows: David M., now a banker of Baton Rouge; Samuel I., the subject of this sketch; William Philip, associated with his brother in business; Anna, now the wife of William C. Whitaker of Baton Rouge; Fannie, the present secretary and treasurer of the S. I. Reymond Co., Ltd., and Henry F., who is engaged in the real estate business in Baton Rouge. Samuel I. Reymond began his business career at the early age of 11 years. His father died when the son had attained his 12th year, and from that time on the son was practically the head of the family. During the succeeding 11 years the young man was employed as a salesman for one of Baton Rouge's largest dry goods houses. At the age of 21 years he embarked in business on his own account, and his efforts have been rewarded with a most gratifying success. In 1902 the firm of S. I. Reymond Co., Ltd., was incorporated. The firm operates a large and modern department store. Mr. Reymond, while giving the closest of attention to the conduct of this large private business, and necessarily, yet does not allow his private business interests to monopolize his attention to the exclusion of matters of vital interest to the people of the city in which he lives, as well as those of the contiguous regions of the country. As an evidence of this, it may be mentioned that he has served 10 years as a member of the board of aldermen of the city of Baton Rouge. He is a member of the Episcopal church, the Knights of Pythias, and Knights of Honor. In 1889 Mr. Reymond was married to Miss Effa Shaffer, a daughter of Capt. John J. Shaffer, a prominent planter and owner of "Magnolia Plantation," in Terrebonne parish. Mr. and Mrs. Reymond have 1 son, Dalton Shaffer Reymond. Mr. Reymond had been previously married to Miss Lillie Burnett, who died about 1 year after their marriage, leaving no child.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, page 570.