Gauche, C. Taylor

Submitted by Mike Miller

C. Taylor Gauche, commissioner of public buildings of New Orleans, La., was born in that city, his natal day being December 23, 1844. His parents, Xavier and Madeline (Heckle) Gauche, were born in France and when young people came to the United States and were married in New Orleans, where the father became a successful crockery dealer, conducting a wholesale and retail business. He died in 1848, at the age of thirty-five years, and the mother at the age of sixty-seven, in 1881. They were devout members of the Catholic church and were classed among the leading French citizens of New Orleans. Although they commenced their married life with little means, they accumulated a fair share of worldly goods and Mr. Gauche was considered a substantial business man. He was married twice, his first wife bearing him one child and his last four children. C. Taylor Gauche was given the advantage of the schools of New Orleans and before he attained his seventeenth year he became a member of the Crescent regiment, but after a short time was discharged on account of his youth, although he had previously participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Farmington and held the rank of sergeant. After his return to New Orleans he took charge of his mother's business affairs and began selling crockery and glassware, which occupation is still receiving his attention. He is the manufacturing agent for the United States Glass company, doing only a wholesale business. He was for some time a member of the state board of health, which was the only office he ever held until the recent election, when he was elected commissioner of police and public buildings. In 1864 he became connected with the fire department of New Orleans. He is a member of the Commercial club, the Crescent Democratic club, and has also been connected with other social organizations. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary McPhelin-Farrell, a sister of the ex-district attorney, John McPhelin. She was born in Ireland and has borne her husband three daughters, her union with Michael Farrell resulting in the birth of three sons. On August 9, 1887, she died at the age of forty-five years, having been a faithful, affectionate and noble wife and mother.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), pp. 439-440. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.