Pg. X

Charles Creuzet was born in the city of Lyons, France, May 15th, 1793, and came to this country in 1803, at ten years of age, landing in New York. In the same ship, and of the same party, came Genevieve Pistor, who afterward became his wife. From 1803 to 1817 hi lived in New York and Baltimore, and made several trips to the West Indies, where his mother was then living. He volunteered and served in the defence [sic] of Baltimore when that city was threatened by the British during the war of 1812. In 1817 he was married in New York city, [sic] and at once started for the West, accompanied by his wife and her mother and family. Of the latter was the sister of Mrs. Cruezet, Mrs. Margaret Menager, who is still an honored resident of Gallipolis – the last one of those who crossed the ocean together and sought a home here. At Pittsburgh he embarked in a flatboat, and landing at Gallipolis, was induced to remain.

Here he lived all his life, and from 1825 in the same house. He engaged in mercantile pursuits in which he prospered. Later he became interested in manufacturing, and by careful and skillful management built up a large business, retiring from active life in 1863. He was enterprising and liberal, sympathetic and kind to the unfortunate, and rich in all those qualities which are the elements of complete manhood.

It was probably not until after his death that the great charity and unostentatious benevolence of the man was fully appreciated. He was never known to bestow anything for the sake of personal aggrandizement, or for gaining popularity. His favors were granted in a manner such that the recipients knew not whence they came, until by after investigation conclusive evidence was, without his knowledge, gained of their source. A score or more of men in this vicinity who are now enjoying the comforts of an ample fortune, testify to the fact that they owe it all to the unexampled and disinterested kindness of mr. Creuzet, who was a friend in the time of need.

It is sufficient to say of his wife, that, in all those noble benevolent attributes for which he was distinguished, she was fully equal. Mr. Creuzet died at Gallipolis, on Saturday evening, July 31st, 1880, aged 87 years. His wife died February 17th, 1870, aged 77 years.