Paul Tulane , 1801-1887

Paul Tulane was born of prominent parents in Princeton, in the Rose Valley area. He attended the Somerville Academy of New Jersey until he was fifteen.

In 1822, he established Paul Tulane and Co. in New Orleans, a retail and wholesale dry goods and clothing business. Pual Tulane is credited with the crease in men's trousers, it is said that the pants were piled causing the crease or pleat in men’s pants. Later, he invested in real estate in both New Orleans and New Jersey. His business operated for nearly 40 years and he retired wealthy in 1857. About this time he bought the Stockton place in Princeton, where he resided. He returned to Princeton and lived in the Lourie House. That house is now the home of the President of Princeton University.

Legend has it that Tulane offered a gift of money if the “College of New Jersey” would change its name to “Tulane.” The College refused his offer, and Paul gave his money to the University of Lousiana, which changed it's name to Tulane. When his tomb stone – the only statute in the older part of the Cemetery – was erected by his family, he has his back to the University, however in reality, Tulane is facing the Rose Valley where he was born. It is also the largest grave lot in the Cemetery.