Orleans Parish, LAGenWeb
Our Families' Journeys Through Time
Submitted by Mike Miller
De Buys, Rathbone Emile, Ph. B., a member of the American Institute of Architects. In Louisiana the name of De Buys has long been identified with the best interests of the state in commercial, professional, and social activities. The family lineage is traced in an unbroken line for many generations and always it is found in places of responsibility and marked by high endeavor and worthy achievement. No more honorable name adorns the annals of the Crescent City, and among those who now bear it worthily, is Rathbone E. De Buys, the well-known architect of New Orleans. He was born in that city Dec. 1, 1874, and is a son of James Gaspard and Stella (Rathbone) De Buys, both natives of New Orleans, the former or whom was born Dee. 10, 1850, and the latter Feb. 19, 1855. The Rathbone family is also one of much antiquity and eminent respectability. After acquiring the necessary preliminary education, Mr. De Buys entered Tulane university, from which he was graduated in 1896 with the degree of B. E. in civil engineering. This was followed in the succeeding year by the B. E. in architecture. In 1897 he received the degree of Ph. B. from Yale university. At the last named he was a student in the Sheffield and the art schools. Because of a certificate of merit in military science received from Yale, Mr. De Buys is eligible to appointment as first lieutenant in the regular army of the United States. Upon graduating he was appointed assistant city engineer of New Orleans by civil service examination. After one year in this position he resigned it to take up the practice of architecture, which he has pursued continuously to the present time. That he is especially fitted for this calling is evidenced by the great variety and high quality of his work. Among the leading buildings of the city with which his name is identified may be named Loyola university, Stanley Thomas hall, "Gesu" McDermott Memorial church, Marquette hall, Nicholas Burke Seismograph, U. S. Immigration station, Marine barracks and officers quarters, City Bank & Trust building, New Orleans Country club, Tulane gymnasium, Richardson Memorial dormitory, Henderson Sugar Refinery, and the residences of Nelson Whitney and Mrs. John A. Morris. Mr. De Buys is a member of the American Institute of Architects, and socially he belongs to the Elks and to the Boston, New Orleans Tennis, and Rigolets clubs. In politics he is a democrat, and in addition to the position of assistant city engineer, he has been a member of the city building code commission and of the civil service examining board. In religion he adheres to the principles of the Catholic church. His marriage with Miss Corinne von Meysenberg was solemnized Feb. 2, 1901, and they are the parents of the following children, Alice Olga, Maxine Elinor, and Alfred Rivalier. Mrs. De Buys is a daughter of Baron Ernst von Meysenberg by his wife, whose maiden name was Louise Quentell.
Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, volume 3, p. 754. Edited by Alcee Fortier, Lit. D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.
Parish Coordinator: Marsha Holley
State Coordinator:
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