Limantour, Julio M.

Mexican businessman, statesman, and diplomat Julio M. Limantour was an investor and stockholder in a number of corporations covering the industrial, banking, and transportation sectors of the Mexican economy at the beginning of the 20th century, during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz. He was born on June 17, 1863 in Mexico City, the younger son of Frenchman José Yves Limantour, Sr., and Adela Marquet de Limantour. Limantour's oldest brother, José Yves Jr., was the Minister of Finance during the years 1893-1911. The Limantour family had acquired most of their wealth in real estate, which was passed on to their sons who continued to expand their holdings.

In 1887 Julio Limantour married Elena Mariscal, daughter of Ignacio Mariscal, who was Minister of Foreign Relations on several occasions over a period of more than 27 years. The couple had seven children, two of whom died in their infancy.

Limantour was a member of the Ayuntamiento Constitucional de México and later a member of the Congreso Nacional. He was assigned to the Mexican Legation in Paris and held the position of attaché for several years. In 1899 while residing in Paris, he was named a chevalier (member) of the Legion of Honor by the French President for his participation in the establishment of the Liceo Francés in Mexico. He was also a member of several cultural and charitable societies, including the Junta de Beneficencia Privada and the Comisión Nacional del Centenario de la Independencia.

Julio Limantour was an investment partner in the banking firm of Hugo Scherer Jr. and Company for many years. He was well-known in Mexico City’s business circles and abroad. Along with engineer Juan Navarro and Carlos Moricard, Limantour joined in a society to build a railroad line in Veracruz. In 1900 Navarro had acquired the rights to a railroad concession granted in 1898 to build a railroad line to run from Córdoba to Huatusco. The railroad was known as the Ferrocarril de Córdoba a Huatusco and by its acronym FCCH. The construction of the railroad as well as the transportation of passengers, products and supplies were affected by the weather, topography, and infectious diseases, which were more prevalent near the coast. Construction was also delayed by the need for specialized equipment, some of which had to be acquired from firms in the United States and overseas. In 1907 Mr. Limantour acquired a private rail car in the United States which he had renovated and which bore the name “Lolita”.

Besides his work with the FCCH, Limantour was a member of the Junta Directiva Encargada de la Conservación y Reparación de Carreteras, and was appointed by President Díaz as Comisario Inspector de Ferrocarriles, assigned to the Ferrocarril de Chihuahua al Pacífico.

Among the many companies in which he was a stock holder were the Banco Nacional de Mexico, the Compañía Manufacturera de Cigarros sin Pegamento, El Buen Tono, S.A., the Compañía Mexicana de Dinamita y Explosivos, the Compañía Mexicana de Construcciones y Obras de Ingeniería, S.A., Ferrocarriles Nacionales de México, Cervecería Moctezuma, and the Société Financière pour l’Industrie au Mexique. He also invested in other railroad companies, including the Ferrocarril del Noroeste de México, in several tramways and automobile companies, and a number of mining companies. He was a member of the board of directors of several companies besides being president of the FCCH and the Cía. Cristalera Mexicana de Puebla, S.A., among others.

Due to multiple occupations and delicate health Limantour eventually resigned from several companies. He died in Mexico City on October 11, 1909. The FCCH was sold to the Ferrocarril Mexicano in 1909 after his death, and the private car “Lolita” was bought by the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico, around 1910.

From the guide to the Julio M. Limantour Papers 1994-05. N/A., 1836-1939, (Benson Latin American Collection, The University of Texas at Austin)