Bio: Thomas R. Geren, Webster Par., Louisiana
Source:  Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez
Date: April 2000



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===Thomas R. Geren, a prominent and successful merchant of Minden, La., 
is a native of Louisiana, born in what is now Webster Par., Louisianaon May 9,
1845, and is the son of John Geren, and the grandson of Thomas Geren, 
one of the pioneers who settler here about 1826.  John Geren was born 
in North Carolina, and came to Louisiana with his father when but a 
lad.  He was reared in Webster Par., Louisianaand was married to Miss June 
Drew, a native of Virginia, but who was reared and educated in 
Tennessee.  She was the daughter of Newell Drew, and aunt of Judge 
Drew, Jr., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.  After his 
marriage John Drew opened up a large farm, and was the owner of a 
large number of slaves before the war.  His death occurred in 1862.  
His wife had died in 1850.  Of the six children born to his parents-
three sons and three daughters-Thomas R. Geren was the third in order
 of birth, and is the only one besides a sister, Narcissa (who became 
the wife of Mr. Goodlove, of Arkansas), now living.  He was reared to 
mature years in Webster Par., Louisianasecuring a fair education, although
he is principally self educated, and in 1862 he enlisted in the Minden
Rangers, an independent company.  He usually served as an escort for 
some general.  He participated in the bloody fight at Franklin, a 
number of engagements on the Mississippi, including the battle of 
Corinth, served on both sides in the river, and was on active duty 
until the close.  Returning to Minden after the war he was engaged 
in clerking for several years, and in 1885 the present firm of Geren 
& Moreland was established.  This firm carries a general stock of 
merchandise, large and complete in every detail, and are doing an 
immense amount of business.  Mr. Geren is a member of the town council, 
and secretary of the town board, and is also secretary of the school 
board of Minden Female College.  He has taken a great interest and 
used his best endeavors toward promoting the cause of education.  Mr. 
Geren was married in this parish on April 29, 1869, to Miss Almina 
Smith, a native of Alabama, but who was reared and educated in 
Louisiana, and the daughter of J. B. Smith, one of the early settlers 
of this parish.  To this union have been born three children: Lucy 
Clair (wife of J. F. Hill, a merchant of Minden), James H. (a young 
man in the store), and Watta Hayes.  Mr. and Mrs. Geren with their 
children, are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Geren is a Royal 
Arch Mason, being at the present time worshipful master of Blue Lodge.  He is also a member of the K. of P., having served through the chairs of that order.  He is not only held in high esteem as a business man, but by his pleasant, agreeable manner has won a host of warm friends.