Hehon, Louis

Submitted by Mike Miller

Louis Dehon, merchant, Donaldsonville, La. Among those actively engaged in merchandising, and whose reputation for promptness and integrity is unquestioned, is Louis Dehon, of Donaldsonville, La. He was born in Iberville parish of that state in 1861, received a fair education in the public schools, and then went to New Orleans, where he began business for himself as a dyer, continuing at this for three years. He then returned to Iberville parish, embarked in merchandising, and followed this for three years, or until 1882, when he moved to Donaldsonville, where he continued the same business. He carries a stock of goods valued at about $15,000, and his yearly sales equal $60,000. In connection he also follows the occupation of a cooper, and this gives him a net profit of $15,000 annually. and he does an advancing business of $25,000 yearly. He owns a number of small places in Ascension parish, and gets a revenue of about $1,500 from his tenants. Mr. Dehon is a member of the Knights of Honor, Donaldsonville lodge, and he at one time held the office of postmaster at Highland postoffice. In 1887 he was married to Miss Helena Heflern, of Donaldsonville, La., and they have two children--a son and daughter: Louis and Ada. Mr. Dehon's father, Jules Dehon, was born in Belgium in 1828 and in 1853 came to Louisiana where he followed the tailor's trade until his death in 1882. He was the father of five living children, Louis being next to the youngest, and all married except a son who is now engaged in the dyeing business in Philadelphia. During the Civil war the father was agent for many of the planters on the coast. He was never much of a politician, but was often urged to accept official positions but as often refused. He was a member of the Catholic church as were all the family.

Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, (vol. 1), p. 373. Published by the Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.