Biography of 	Goreau, Thomas W.;  Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by 	Mike Miller February 1998

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Goreau, Thomas W., of New Orleans, master plumber, is a leader 
in his calling, always prepared to adopt and use the latest 
methods and appliance.  He was born in New Orleans, Nov. 26, 1876, 
the son of Louia  and Virginia (Torr) Goreau.  Mobile, Ala., was 
the birthplace of the other Goreau, and he was a painter by trade 
until his coming to reside in New Orleans, where he followed the 
occupation of news vendor and retail merchant for many years.  
He died in his 48th year in 1889.  Mrs. Virginia (Torr) Goreau 
is a native of Virginia, one of the descendants of John Torr, who 
emirated to the United States from England in 1607, with the early 
settlers of Jamestown, led by Capt. John Smith.  At the ripe old 
age of 84 years, she is residing in New Orleans.  Thomas W. Goreau, 
to whom this biography refers, is the oldest of a family of 5 
children 2 of whom are dead-Louis, the 2d son, and Virginia, the 
4th in the order of birth.  The three living are  Thomas W. Goreau,  
Nelson G. Goreau, manufacturer of modern plumbing material, and 
Mary, the wife of George Brostrom of New Orleans going through 
the usual primary and grammar grade courses of the public schools, 
then entered Soulé college, New Orleans, and undecided, after 
completing his studies, as to the choice of a profession or trade, 
Mr. Goreau elected to take a business course in a commercial 
college in Chicago, receiving in due time a diploma entitling 
him to seek a position in mercantile or financial life.  But he 
chose along industrial and mechanical lines, and entered the 
plumbing establishment of his uncle, Thomas Torr, at Galveston, 
Tex., serving his apprenticeship for several years.  After 
receiving his exequatur as a mechanic, Mr. Goreau became a 
journeyman plumber, traveling from place to place for 7 years 
and finally to locating in New Orleans in 1901.  Possessing an 
energetic and resolute disposition, Mr. Goreau soon took active 
interest in the civic life of New Orleans, identifying himself 
with all movements for the social and political betterment of 
the community.  In politics he is thoroughly independent, supporting 
the men and measures that, in his opinion, will best subserve the 
public weal.  He is a member of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' 
bureau, of the New Orleans Association of Commerce and of the Elks.  
The marriage of Mr. Goreau and Miss Margaret Marron of Waterproof, 
La., was solemnized Nov. 9, 1899.  One son, Howard T. Goreau, was 
born of their union.  Besides being one of the foremost men in the 
plumbing business, Mr. Goreau has made several important and useful 
inventions of a mechanical nature, among which is the well-known 
Goreau water filter.

Source:  Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, 
Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic 
Form (volume 3), pp. 182-183.  Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D.  
Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.