Grant, J. G.

Submitted by Mike Miller

The furniture trade of New Orleans, like every other staple branch of business, comprises every class of dealer with corresponding ratios of value and excellence. As in everything else so in furniture, it always pays to get the beat, and an establishment which has gained an excellent reputation for just methods, is that of J. G. Grant, whose salesrooms are located at 28-30 Camp street. Mr. Grant manifests an intimate knowledge of the needs and requirements of all classes of the community, and he is to be congratulated upon the large measure of success achieved in his undertaking.

A native of the isle of Erin, he was born in 1848, and when a child came with his parents to America, locating temporarily in Marietta, Ohio, and later permanently at Bethany, Va. (now W. Va.). After obtaining a common-school education he began learning the printer's trade, which he followed for about six years, when his eyes became injured through an accident and he was forced to abandon that calling. Later he secured a position with a furniture factory in Evansville, Md., in which he learned the trade of cabinet-making. From Evansville he moved to St. Louis, where he opened up a email furniture store, but later on his attention was given to the real estate business. From this he entered the employ of J. H. Chambers & Co., publishers, becoming so thoroughly conversant with the business that he established a branch house for them in Atlanta, Ga., and subsequently one in Chicago, Ill. His salary was at first $65 per month, but so essential did he make himself to his employers that it was increased to $2,400 per annum. After remaining with this company for twelve years he located in New Orleans, where he embarked in the furniture business in 1884 as a member of the firm of Rhodes, Finley & Co., and at the end of twelve months Mr. Rhodes retiring, the firm became Finley & Grant, and fifteen months later Mr. Grant bought out his partner. The business was commenced on the installment plan, but when Mr. Grant became the proprietor he established it on a cash basis, and now conducts a wholesale and jobbing business throughout Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. Mr. Grant's establishment has grown steadily in public favor, and as a business man he is known for his honesty and fair dealing.

He was married in New Orleans to Miss Emma Kastler, a native of Chicago, Ill., in 1885. Mrs. Grant is of French descent and was educated at Ottawa, Ill. She is a lady of much natural refinement, which has been strengthened and enriched by culture, and she, as well as her husband, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have three children: Walter, John K. and Hastier. Mr. and Mrs. Grant move in the highest social circles of New Orleans, and he is prominent in the I. O.0. F. and the K. of H.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), pp. 451-452. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.