Orleans Parish, LAGenWeb
Our Families' Journeys Through Time
Submitted by Mike Miller
S. Oteri. One of the best known and most deservedly popular establishments in the city of New Orleans, if not in the United States, is the wholesale fruit establishment of S. Oteri, which is located at 23-25 South Front Street. The successful and intelligent proprietor of this admirably conducted establishment was born at Palmero, Italy, and when ten years of age came to the United States, and after some time spent in the city of New York he went to Mobile, Ala., and about thirty-eight years since took up his residence in New Orleans.
Upon reaching this country he had but little means, with no knowledge of the English language, but began business in a humble way as a vender of fruit, and so well did he manage his business affairs that he was finally enabled to establish a wholesale fruit business and to obtain some stock in a number of vessels. Owing to the excellence of goods he handled, and the prompt and courteous attention paid to the requirements of patrons, a large and substantial trade was secured from the start, and has continued to broaden and grow until it is now colossal in its proportions. He is the proprietor of the Oteri Central American steam line, consisting of six large vessels, and in August, 1891, his books footed up $630,000 worth of wealth, besides their large outputs and consignments. He is the owner of large plantations in Central America and practically controls the fruit trade of North America. He is the largest importer in the world of tropical, foreign and domestic fruits and nuts, and is doing an immense commission and jobbing business besides.
Mr. Oteri was married in New Orleans to Miss Mary G. [Maria Gracia] Valenzons, who, after proving herself a devoted wife and mother, died at the age of forty-two years, leaving one child, Santo Oteri, who was born November 13, 1868. The latter received a good business education in New Orleans, graduating from a commercial college at the age of thirteen years. He has since been his father's business manager, and does all the office work. He is an efficient business man, and is a genial gentleman to meet. He is a fine specimen of physical manhood, and is an honor to the race from which he sprung. He is a member of the Young Men's Gymnastic club, and is in sympathy with the Catholic church.
Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 293. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.
Parish Coordinator: Marsha Holley
State Coordinator:
Marsha Holley
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