He comes from a Jewish family from Haut-Rhin (68) who settled in Besançon at the beginning of the 19th century. He and his descendants have several patrons and philanthropists, but we can say that he was one of the main benefactors of the City. His father, a traveling merchant, made a fortune and became a banker. His son married this profession, then his heirs after him.
–
He offers his birthplace
“This is Adolphe Veil-Picard, born in 1824 at 47 Grande-rue,” reveals historian Lionel Estavoyer. “He restored this house before giving it to the municipality in 1869, with the sole instructions that it be used for charities and a secular school for girls. The facade was adorned with symbols recalling its membership in a Masonic lodge. He was not the only contributor, since two large plaques list the donors who paid more than 10,000 gold francs at the time. “
–
The achievements we owe him
Adolphe Veil-Picard, who joined the City Council in 1865, contributed to many achievements in Besançon, such as water supplies. He had the Saint-Paul asylum room built, endowed the popular library, favored the archaeological excavations of Saint-Jean and especially endeavored to build the quays of Battant, including the one that today bears his name, a district where his mother was born.
In 1924, a statue bearing his effigy was erected on a monument in Place Granvelle, rue de la Préfecture side, to recall the influence that this man had for the education and town planning of the city. He will have spent more than 1 million gold francs, drawn from his fortune.
–
