The legacy of Natale Maestri stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of immigrants who shaped the fabric of American society. Born in Italy in 1853, Natale embarked on a journey that would lead him to the bustling city of New Orleans, where he left an indelible mark on its history.
Natale Maestri was born in Campi Albareto, Italy on December 24, 1853, and also there his wife Melia was born February 16, 1856.
It was about the year 1861 that Natale Maestri accompanied his parents on their immigration to the United States, and he was reared and educated in New Orleans.
At the age of eighteen, Natale returned to Italy for a year, during which time he married Amelia Maestri in 1872 in Campi, Albareto, at the Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore Church.
Natale & Amelia received special permission from the church to wed because their fathers Cesare and Lazzaro were brothers.
Upon returning to the United States, Natale embarked on a career in the poultry business, later expanding into the livestock industry.
Active in the furthering of charitable and benevolent agencies in his home city, and in 1893 he provided and presented a modern swimming pool for the Beauregard children’s playgrounds in New Orleans. He was aligned in the ranks of the democratic party and he and his wife Melia were zealous communicants of the Catholic Church.
As Natale’s enterprises flourished, he became a prominent figure in New Orleans, embodying the ethos of the American Dream. His leadership in the Republic Ice Company and other ventures underscored his adaptability and foresight in an evolving society.
Throughout his life, Natale remained deeply connected to his heritage and faith, exemplified by his devout Catholicism and commitment to family values. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and the immigrant experience—a reminder that the pursuit of one’s dreams knows no boundaries.
In 1894, Natale founded the Beauregard Furniture Company serving as its president and virtually its sole owner until 1912. He was actively involved in charitable endeavors, exemplified by his provision of a modern swimming pool to his community in 1893.
A devout Catholic, Natale and his wife Amelia were zealous communicants of the Catholic Church.
In Mother Cabrini’s library, Amelia & Natale enable Charles Greco to attend mass and make it through the seminary. He later entered St. Joseph’s Seminary College in Covington in 1907, and was ordained a priest in New Orleans on July 25, 1918. Bishop Charles P. Greco referred to her as his “fairly godmother”.
Celebrating 50 years of marriage, in 1921 Natale and Amelia accompanied by their children returned to the old country. While visiting the couple wrote a check that made possible the renovation of the church the family had worshipped in for generations.
Natale Maestri passed away in 1937, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and devotion to his community and faith. His contributions to New Orleans and beyond continue to be remembered and celebrated to this day.
Over the past twenty-five years of exploring our roots, I’ve developed a special affinity for this particular ancestor. Sure, some might think I’ve got one foot in the loony bin for saying it, but I swear Natale’s the one nudging me to tell his tale—well, maybe his wife, Melia, is elbowing him too
His legacy set a high bar while reminding me of the values I hold dear and traits we should all strive towards.
A pivotal moment was finding a clue in Natale’s obituary about our ancestral church. It hinted at our family’s old church, which turned out to be a huge clue leading me right to our spiritual roots.
Visiting it felt like stepping into the past, experiencing our heritage and values.