1914 Biography - William H. Reynaud

Reynaud, William Henry, warden of the Louisiana state penitentiary, Baton Rouge, La., is a native son of Louisiana. He was born in West Baton Rouge parish Aug. 17, 1851, of French lineage; his grandfather, William Reynaud, a native of France, moved to the United States and settled in Baton Rouge, where he established a mercantile business. He was united in marriage to Miss Constance De Cousso, whose father was an officer in the French army. Their son, William Reynand, was born in Baton Rouge, and upon attaining manhood, graduated in medicine from the old Medical school of New Orleans. He practiced in the parishes of East and West Baton Rouge, and attained a high rank in his profession. He married Augustine Favrot, daughter of Louis Favrot, a representative of one of the oldest and best known French families of Louisiana. Mr. Favrot was a physician and planter in West Baton Rouge parish and at one time served as parish judge. William Henry Reynaud was reared in Baton Rouge and was educated in Magruder's collegiate institute of that city. He studied pharmacy, and for 26 years followed his profession, both in Shreveport and Baton Rouge. In 1896 he was appointed by Gov. Foster warden of the Louisiana state penitentiary, which was then under the lease system, and in 1900, when under new legislation, the state assumed charge through the board of control, Mr. Reynaud, from the experience gained during the previous 4 years, was appointed warden, which position he held until 1908, when he resigned. In 1912 he was again appointed warden, and now holds the office with the full confidence of the board of control. Mr. Reynaud has served as member of the police jury, as president of the school board of East Baton Rouge parish, where he rendered valuable service to the cause of education. He was vice-president of the state school for the deaf for 2 years, and then, for 16 years he served as treasurer of this institution. As representative from the parish of East Baton Rouge he was a member of the Democratic state central committee for 8 years, from 1896 to 1900. Mr. Reynaud is a Master Mason and Knight of Pythias. He has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Leontine M. Bonnecaze, who died leaving 2 sons, Henry F., and William L. His second wife was Miss Bessie D. Woods, and unto this marriage were born 2 sons, Andrew W., and Claud F., and a daughter, Miss Augustine E.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 375-376.