Blayney T. Walshe emigrated from Ireland with his parents and began working in a New Orleans clothing store as a boy. After serving in the Confederate army, Walshe returned to New Orleans and opened his own store on Canal Street in 1868. B. T. Walshe’s was known for its fair prices, money-back return policy, and fashionable clothing. Walshe made yearly trips to New York to select new stock for his store. He retired from the business in 1881 to pursue a career in local politics.