Antoine Odier
Antoine Odier | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Republic of Geneva |
| Died | August 19, 1853 (aged 87) Paris, France |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, politician |
| Years active | Late 18th century – mid 19th century |
| Known for | Banking, political career, protectionist economic advocacy |
Antoine Odier (15 May 1766 – 19 August 1853) was a notable French financier and political figure. Originally born in the Republic of Geneva, he acquired French citizenship amid the upheavals of the French Revolution (1789–99). Beginning his career in the Indian cotton trade, Odier later established a banking firm in Paris during the Bourbon Restoration period. Politically inclined toward liberalism, he supported the July Revolution of 1830 and opposed the takeover by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in 1851. He was a proponent of protectionist economic measures and led efforts opposing tariff cuts.
Family background
The Odier family traced its roots to the Dauphiné region and was part of the ancienne noblesse or old nobility. One forebear escaped religious persecution following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, relocating to Geneva. The family formed alliances through marriage with Geneva’s patrician merchant class. Jacques-Antoine Odier, Antoine’s father, played a pivotal role at Senn, Bidermann et Cie., founded in 1781 to produce Indian cotton textiles at Wesserling and export painted fabrics. When company leaders shifted operations to France and Belgium in 1782, Jacques-Antoine remained responsible for managing affairs in Geneva.
Business career
Born on 15 May 1766 in Geneva, Antoine Odier joined Senn, Bidermann et Cie early in his career, overseeing its outlet in Ostend. After the monopoly held by the Compagnie des Indes ended, he moved this operation to Lorient in 1791. He became a French national under the 1790 legislation granting citizenship to descendants of refugees. A supporter of the Girondins, he was detained in 1793 but freed following the Thermidorian Reaction of 1794.
Following his release, Odier managed company interests in Ostend and Hamburg, where he married Susanne Boué, herself descended from Protestant refugees. Their offspring included Jacques-Antoine—who would later become a regent of the Bank of France—and Edmond-Louis among others.
Amid trade disruptions caused by British policies, Odier refocused on domestic industry, successfully advancing painted canvas production. From 1795 onward, he led Gros, Davillier, Roman et Cie (later Gros, Davillier, Odier et Cie), which took control of Wesserling’s Indian cotton manufacturing operations. By 1803, Antoine and his father were among ten partners in Gros, Davillier et Cie. He also entered into partnerships with his brothers-in-law and influential merchants such as Jacques Bidermann from Winterthur.
Odier’s wealth and status expanded during the Bourbon Restoration when he founded a banking institution in Paris that became part of the prestigious haute banque parisienne, alongside firms like Ardoin, Dassier, d’Eichthal, Vernes, and de Waru. His bank endured for two generations. He held positions on the Paris Commercial Court as both member and president; served as censor for the Bank of France; participated on the Supervisory Board overseeing the Sinking Fund and deposits and consignations; and joined the Superior Council of Commerce starting in 1819.
Political career
Throughout the Bourbon Restoration era, Odier represented Seine in the Chamber of Deputies from 24 November 1827 until 16 May 1830 as part of the liberal opposition faction. He supported the government during the July Revolution and endorsed initiatives led by Jacques Laffitte and Casimir Pierre Périer. Under the July Monarchy, he was reelected deputy for Seine from 19 July 1830 to 31 May 1831.
In 1831, Odier assumed office as general councilor for Seine. He secured reelection as Deputy with backing from government supporters for terms spanning 5 July 1831 to 25 May 1834 and again from 21 June 1834 to 3 October 1837. He chaired the Association pour la défense du Travail national—formed to resist tariff reductions—working alongside prominent industrialists like Auguste Mimerel and Joseph Périer.
On 3 October 1837, he was elevated to Peer of France and received the Legion of Honour decoration in 1846. Odier maintained alignment with government factions until the upheaval of 1848 but opposed Napoleon III’s regime thereafter. Following the coup d'état of 1851, he declined an invitation to join the Consultative Commission. Antoine Odier passed away on 19 August 1853 in Paris.
Publications
- Investigation into combed long wool yarns, twisted into cord and roasted (1836), Ministry of Public Works, Agriculture, and Commerce.
- Study on linen and hemp yarns and fabrics (1838), Ministry of Public Works, Agriculture, and Commerce.