1892 Biography - William Garig

William Garig, Baton Rouge, La. Nothing is more becoming to a country or affords better proof of the excellent spirit of its people than to find the reward of popular praise and popular honors bestowed upon those whose labors have been guided by a wise philanthropy and whose objects have been the advancement and welfare of mankind. It is therefore a matter of just pride that the subject of this record should be the recipient from his friends, his neighbors, and his fellow- men, as age advances apace upon his active career of usefulness, of fresh proofs of their confidence and respect. It is said by those who have an opportunity "to know whereof they speak," that no enterprise, whether of a commercial or social character, has ever been espoused by William Garig that did not end in a brilliant success. The brief outline of his career is quite worthy of record in these annals, and serves to corroborate the statement of enthusiastic admirers. He was born in East Baton Rouge parish, La., July 17, 1839, and his education was begun in that city. He became a student at Centenary college, where his capabilities aroused the admiration of teachers and fellow-students alike. When he had finished the course of study in this institution he took a complete and thorough training under the celebrated Rufus Dolbear, of New Orleans. This fitted him to enter the commercial life to which he seemed destined by natural ability and attainments to fill. In 1860 he entered the house of E. S. Dumee & Co., of New Orleans, as a clerk. When the first alarm of war between the North and South was sounded, young Gang left his desk to assume his part in the coming struggle. On the 11th day of April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the New Orleans cadets, commanded by Capt. Charles Dreux. This was the first volunteer organization to leave Louisiana for the battlefield. The first year Mr. Garig served in the campaign at Pensacola under Bragg, and was also in the Peninsular campaign under Magruder. When the term of enlistment expired the cadet disbanded, and the most of them joined other commands. Mr. Garig's patriotism had not been quenched, nor was it of a degree to brook inaction. The cause of his beloved "southland" was of too great moment for any of her sons to waver. He determined to fight until the last ray of hope had died out. He joined the Ninth Louisiana battalion of cavalry and served as adjutant in the memorable campaign which culminated in the siege and surrender of Port Hudson. With other defenders he was taken prisoner on the 9th day of July, 1863. He was first held at New Orleans, then at Johnson's island, Fort McHenry, and thence he was sent to Fort Delaware, where he was detained until the close of the conflict. When peace was declared Mr. Gang settled in Baton Rouge, having secured a position with the house of Archer & Henderson. In the abort space of two years he had gained a partnership in the business, the style of the firm being changed to Archer & Garig. Two years later the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Garig opened business on his own account in the building now occupied by Garig, Reddy & Co. By close attention to business and the exercise of his naturally excellent faculties he made rapid strides in the commercial world. It was not long before he became the leading wholesale grocer and steamboat agent of the city, and he continued to give this line his personal attention until of recent years, his partners assuming some of the responsibility upon becoming members of the firm. In 1874 Mr. Garig formed a partnership with C. K. David, and the result of this relation has been another large wholesale house, the firm name being David and Garig. In 1882 Mr. Garig was one of the prime movers in the action which resulted in the organization of the First National bank of Baton Rouge, of which he was elected president, a position he still holds. This institution is in a most flourishing condition, bearing the marks of a master hand. To him is also due in a great measure the organization of the stock company which founded the Baton Rouge Oil works in 1877. Conjointly with A. Doherty, he brought into existence the large wholesale and retail hardware establishment, which has prospered from its inception in 1883. He owns a large amount of stock in the Baton Rouge brickyard, the largest in the state, another institution which owes its existence to his wise management. He found it dragging out a troubled and feeble life, but through his energy and efforts new forces were brought to bear which have entirely rejuvenated the concern. He gives it his personal supervision. Mr. Garig is president of the Burton Lumber company, is president of the Baton Rouge Waterworks company, is a member of the board of directors of the Capital City Oil works, is a member of the board of directors of the Louisiana Fire Insurance company and Baton Rouge Ice company, and to him is due in a great degree the high commercial standing of these institutions. Although he has given so much of his time and energies to the development of the commercial industries of his city, he is keenly alive to her other needs, and is a strong patron of all educational enterprises. He is vice-president and executive officer of the board of directors of the Louisiana state university and Mechanical and Agricultural college located at Baton Rouge. His efforts in its behalf have been highly beneficial and it is rapidly advancing to that standard which will place it the peer of any like institutions in the South. He is also president of the board of directors of St. Mary academy, a chartered school for young ladies located at Baton Rouge. The forefathers of Mr. Garig were Hollanders and early settlers of Pennsylvania. His father and grandfather were both born in Louisiana and were planters by occupation; his mother was a Kleinpeter. He was married in 1872 to Miss Elvira Doherty, and three children have been born to them: McCalop, Lucy and Eleanor. He is a member of Capital lodge, K. of P., and president of the Istruma club, a purely social organization.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana, published in 1892, volume 1, pages 430-431.