Hartson, Maurice J.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Hartson, Maurice J., of New Orleans, insurance agent, was born in Jefferson, Tex., Jan. 2, 1871, the son of Sigmund Hartson, a native of Hamburg, Germany, who came to America when about 20 years of age, and engaged in the wholesale dry goods business in New Orleans. He moved to Jefferson, Tex., in 1870, opening a general merchandise store. In the midst of a successful career he died in Jefferson at the age of 29 years, July 19, 1871. His wife, Alida Freche, born in New Orleans, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Freche, both natives of France. Mr. Freche was engaged in the wholesale cooperage business, and was also widely-known as an expert in champagne and wines, and in the blending of these products. He was for many years a resident of New Orleans, and was a successful man of affairs. Mrs. Hartson remarried after the death of her husband, and is still residing in New Orleans, the widow of Dr. J. F. Mojonnier. Maurice J. Hartson is her second son by first marriage, the eldest having died when 6 months of age. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools, and the high school, of New Orleans. After working as clerk for about 2 years on Mississippi river steamboats, he went to Orange, Tex., to take up a position with the firm of Lutcher & Moore, lumbermen; thence moved to Birmingham, Ala., returning to New Orleans, and securing employment with the American Sugar Refining Co.; next entering the service of the Southern Pacific R. R. Co. as manager of the Poydras warehouse. When that warehouse was absorbed by the N. O. Warehouse Co., Mr. Hartson was made manager of the latter, and was in charge until June, 1913, on which date he had been manager for 20 years. Since 1904 he has been in the general insurance business. He is vice-president of the Homeseekers' Building & Homestead association of New Orleans; was twice elected vice-president of the Louisiana Homestead league. In 1904, Mr. Hartson was elected councilman-at- large for the third municipal district of New Orleans, during of the most heated of political campaigns in New Orleans. He was made chairman of the Public Order committee, serving 4 years. In 1908, he was re-elected without opposition, and again was chairman of the Public Order committee, until chosen chairman of the committee on Streets & Landings, to succeed Samuel T. Gately, deceased. He also served on the Police & Public Buildings committee, and on the Finance committee. Many important measures, for the good of the community, and of the district he represented, were adopted by the city council, through the efforts of Mr. Hartson. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and of the Knights of Columbus. Married, Oct. 10, 1900, Miss Marguerite Anne Calonge, daughter of F. W. and Augusta Corinne (Bienvenu) Calonge, of New Orleans. Mr. and Mrs. Hartson have 7 children: Marguerite, Lillian, Maurice, Jr., James A., Mildred and Miriam (twins), and William J. The family resides in Mr. Hartson 's handsome home, No. 2523 Columbus street.

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 915-196. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.