Pothier, O. L., M.D. [Oliver Louis Antione]

Images submitted by Marsha Holley: Passport 1  Passport 2

Submitted by Mike Miller

Pothier, O. L., M. D., of New Orleans, was born Aug. 28, 1864; the son of L. B. Pothier, of Quebec Province, Canada, and E. J. (Carriere) Pothier of Beaumont, near Bordeaux, France. At the age of 18, Dr. Pothier's father left his native place and went to Troy, N. V. Three years later he joined the Canadian colony in New Orleans, and soon after his arrival, married Miss De Blanc. Their conjugal life was very brief, for the young wife died 6 months after the wedding. Mr. Pothier was one of the pioneer hardware merchants in New Orleans, first in partnership with Joseph Lenes, next with Mr. Lefaucheux, and lastly with Mr. Oennchen. He died Sept 18, 1870, at the age of 42 years. Mrs. Pothier, his second wife passed away Jan. 18, 1893, aged 49 years. They were the parents of 3 children, O. L. Pothier; Louise, (Mrs. L. O. Lemarie) ; and Blanche, (Mrs. Allison Owen). Dr. Pothier was educated in Miss Lanaux's private school; Montreal college, Canada; Laval university, Quebec, Canada. On account of financial reverses in his family, he could not finish his studies at the university, and returned to New Orleans, taking employment as clerk in a drug store in July, 1884. In November of that year he entered the medical department of the Louisiana university, now Tulane, without relinquishing his work in the drug store; and in 1889 graduated as M. D. Was interne of Touro infirmary in 1886 and 1887; and from 1887 to 1889, filled a similar position at the Charity hospital. After graduating, he practiced medicine in Mississippi for 18 months, and was called back to New Orleans by the illness of his mother; and before he had arrived, was informed by Dr. P. E. Archinard that he had been selected secretary of the Tuberculin commission, consisting of Drs. Matas, De Roaldes, P. E. Archinard and Joseph Jones. He served as secretary 4 months, and has since been continuously in practice in New Orleans. He was appointed clinical assistant of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat hospital, in Feb., 1891, and held that position for 2 years. In 1893 Dr. Pothier was appointed assistant pathologist, and that same year became assistant demonstrator of Pathology, Bacteriology and clinical Microscopy under Dr. P. E. Archinard at Tulane university. For 4 years he held a position in the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat hospital; and in March, 1895, was appointed pathologist of the Charity hospital, serving as such, and also at Tulane, until 1905, when he was chosen demonstrator in Pathology and Bacteriology. Was associate professor of Pathology at Tulane in 1909, during about 12 months, when he resigned. Dr. Pothier left the Charity hospital Feb. 13, 1913. Since Aug. 28, 1912, he has been filling the position of professor of Pathology and Bacteriology at Loyola university. In 1901 Dr. Pothier served on the mosquito commission for New Orleans parish; and was appointed on the first commission of the United States Marine hospital service to visit Vera Cruz for the purpose of investigating yellow fever, and to corroborate the report of Drs. Reed and Carroll. He is physician and pathologist for the French Benevolent and Mutual Aid society; and the French hospital; was a Member of the Orleans parish Medical society; the Louisiana State Medical society; the American Medical association. April 21, 1895, Dr. Pothier married Miss Marie Lemarie of New Orleans. They have 2 sons, O. L., Jr., and Marcel L. Pothier. The doctor is a Roman Catholic; in politics he is a loyal democrat, and a national republican.

Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 554-565. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.