Goreau, Thomas W.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Goreau, Thomas W., of New Orleans, master plumber, is a leader in his calling, always prepared to adopt and use the latest methods and appliance. He was born in New Orleans, Nov. 26, 1876, the son of Louia and Virginia (Torr) Goreau. Mobile, Ala., was the birthplace of the other Goreau, and he was a painter by trade until his coming to reside in New Orleans, where he followed the occupation of news vendor and retail merchant for many years. He died in his 48th year in 1889. Mrs. Virginia (Torr) Goreau is a native of Virginia, one of the descendants of John Torr, who emirated to the United States from England in 1607, with the early settlers of Jamestown, led by Capt. John Smith. At the ripe old age of 84 years, she is residing in New Orleans. Thomas W. Goreau, to whom this biography refers, is the oldest of a family of 5 children 2 of whom are dead-Louis, the 2d son, and Virginia, the 4th in the order of birth. The three living are Thomas W. Goreau, Nelson G. Goreau, manufacturer of modern plumbing material, and Mary, the wife of George Brostrom of New Orleans going through the usual primary and grammar grade courses of the public schools, then entered Soulé college, New Orleans, and undecided, after completing his studies, as to the choice of a profession or trade, Mr. Goreau elected to take a business course in a commercial college in Chicago, receiving in due time a diploma entitling him to seek a position in mercantile or financial life. But he chose along industrial and mechanical lines, and entered the plumbing establishment of his uncle, Thomas Torr, at Galveston, Tex., serving his apprenticeship for several years. After receiving his exequatur as a mechanic, Mr. Goreau became a journeyman plumber, traveling from place to place for 7 years and finally to locating in New Orleans in 1901. Possessing an energetic and resolute disposition, Mr. Goreau soon took active interest in the civic life of New Orleans, identifying himself with all movements for the social and political betterment of the community.

In politics he is thoroughly independent, supporting the men and measures that, in his opinion, will best subserve the public weal. He is a member of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' bureau, of the New Orleans Association of Commerce and of the Elks. The marriage of Mr. Goreau and Miss Margaret Marron of Waterproof, La., was solemnized Nov. 9, 1899. One son, Howard T. Goreau, was born of their union. Besides being one of the foremost men in the plumbing business, Mr. Goreau has made several important and useful inventions of a mechanical nature, among which is the well-known Goreau water filter.

Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 182-183. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.