Henry Stewart Gossens, Rapides Parish Louisiana Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890 HENRY STEWART GOSSENS. The occupation which is now receiving the attention of Mr. Gossens has been his chief occupation the greater part of his life, and it is but the truth to say that he is thoroughly posted and well informed, and his labors in this direction have contributed very materially to the reputation Alexandria has as a business center. He was born in this city on June 10, 1857, to Louis and Sarah (Stewart) Gossens, who were born in Belgium and Mississippi, respectively. In early life the father was a printer, which trade he learned in this city, but he subsequently turned his attention to merchandising, and was giving his undivided attention to this occupation, when his death occurred in 1882, at the age of fifty-seven years. He had always been interested in the progress and development of this section, and was also quite active, politically, and filled many municipal offices in the city. He was a keen, practical man of business and succeeded eminently in getting a large share of the business and the solid confidence of her leading men. Socially he was a Mason. His widow and two sons, Louis F. and the subject of this sketch, survive him. The latter grew to manhood in this section, receiving his scholastic advantages in Alexandria, and his knowledge of mercantile life was acquired in his father's store, he taking entire control of the establishment upon the death of the former. It has greatly advanced in standing and patronage since being under his management, and he has built up an enviable reputation for safe, thorough and reliable transactions in the affairs of every day life, and has added much to the commercial standing of the place. He has followed in his worthy father's footsteps, and has ever taken a prominent part in public matters, and has served his ward as one of the city aldermen for several years, and has also been marshal and collector of the same. He is a member of the Stonewall Hook & Ladder Company of the fire department of the city, and has in many other ways shown his interest in the welfare of the place. Miss Julia Sterksc, a native of Alexandria, became his wife, she being a daughter of Joseph and Theresa (Hagendornk) Sterksc. Personally Mr. Gossens is liberal, generous and high-minded, and he is undoubtedly the soul of honor and kindness of heart. His life has been full of kind and generous deeds, and it can be truly said of him that he never violated a friendship nor forgot a kind action done him.