Lemle, Gustave

Submitted by Mike Miller

Lemle, Gustave, New Orleans, popularly referred to as one of the best- known and ablest lawyers of Louisiana, was born at Alexandria, La., Jan. 21, 1862, and is a son of Louis and Rosalie (Levy) Lemle, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter in France. Both parents came to America in early life, but separately, their marriage taking place some time after their arrival in this country. The father engaged in the vocation of a planter, and later became a merchant in connection with his planting business. He was a successful business man and highly-respected citizen, and gallantly served the cause of the Southern Confederacy throughout the Civil war. The father died when the son was 6 years old. Gustave Lemle was educated in the public schools of Natchez, Miss., graduating from the high school. He also enjoyed the advantage of private tutoring under Alexander Campbell, a graduate of Yale college. The young man later received appointment to a cadetship at West Point Military academy, but unfortunately Congressman Leonard, who had named him for appointment, died before the confirmation of his appointee, and the assistant secretary of war annulled the congressman's designation in order that another aspirant for the place might be favored instead of Lemle. Later young Lemle became a clerk in the office of the parish recorder of mortgages, and while thus engaged began the study of law, and a little later enjoying the preceptorship of Judge O. N. Mayo and John S. Boetner. Still later he became confidential clerk in the law offices of H. R. Steele. He was admitted to the bar in the year 1883, and in 1884 formed a partnership with J. N. Luce and began the practice of law at Vidalia, Concordia parish.

This partnership was continued until 1892, when Attorney Lemle removed to New Orleans, where he has since resided and successfully practiced his profession. For a time after locating in the city, he was a member of the law firm of Lazarus, Moore & Lemle, later of Farrar, Leake & Lemle, which latter firm became Farrar & Lemle on the retirement of Mr. Leake. Since 1898 Mr. Lemle has had no partner in the practice of law. While at Vidalia, he was attorney for the New Orleans & Northwestern R. R., and since 1893 has been attorney for the Illinois Central R. R. His clientele now includes several large corporations. Mr. Lemle is a democrat in politics, and from 1884 to 1892 he was attorney, in civil matters, for Concordia parish, in which capacity he won an enviable reputation for efficient service. He attracted particular attention by the management of the finances of the parish at the time. Fraternally, Lawyer Lemle is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Chess, Checkers and Whist club, the Harmony club the Young Men's Gymnastic club, and the Southern Yacht club. He is also a member of the Congregation of Temple Sinai. In 1893 Mr. Lemle was married to Miss Barnett, of New Orleans. To their union 2 sons have been born, namely: Selim and Louis, aged respectfully 19 and 14 years.

Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, volume 3, p. 779. Edited by Alcee Fortier, Lit. D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.