Edouard Bermudez was born on January 19, 1832 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He was the son of Judge Joachim Bermudez of New Orleans and his wife, Emma Troxler. The family, of French and Spanish blood, had wide connections in Latin America, in France, and in Spain. The father became a noted citizen, as judge of the probate court.
Edouard was familiar from his youth with several languages, French, Spanish, German, in addition to English. His formal education was received in Spring Hill College near Mobile in 1851 and in the office of Justice Thomas B. Monroe of Kentucky, with whom, after the custom of those days, he read law. Returning to New Orleans after his course with Justice Monroe, he passed his examinations creditably and received his degree in law from the University of Louisiana (now Tulane) in 1852. Though not yet of legal age to practise, Bermudez was presented for the bar by Judah P. Benjamin.
Though not yet of legal age to practise, Bermudez was presented for the bar by Judah P. Benjamin. A well-established practise of his profession was interrupted by the political disturbances preceding the Civil War. Bermudez was a member of the Convention of 1860, and was one of the minority who opposed the secession of Louisiana from the Union. When the war began, however, he entered the Confederate army as a lieutenant in the 16t Louisiana Infantry. He became judge-advocate of the brigade; served as adjutant, provost-marshal-general, and post commandant at Mobile; and after the cessation of hostilities held the position of assistant city attorney of New Orleans. He was removed from office in 1867 as "an impediment to reconstruction, " by order of General Sheridan.
Bermudez resumed his private practise of law. With the gradual passing of the evil days of "radical" rule, the people of Louisiana set about the reorganization of the government. Governor Wiltz made a fortunate and wise selection of Edouard Bermudez to fill a place on the bench of the supreme court of the state. He was appointed in April 1880 for a term expiring in 1892. During the very bitter conflict regarding the Louisiana lottery, it was characteristic of Bermudez that he held firmly to the principle that he was a jurist and not a politician, and that he would not as chief justice take an active part in the controversy, but would decide points of law according to the law when cases were brought before him. It was always understood that Bermudez was a lottery man, but it was perfectly clear that the more sinister elements in the lottery camp could not make use of him. The severe strain told upon his health, however; with unflinching courage and devotion he was able barely to complete his term upon the bench. He died in New Orleans, August 22, 1892.
Bermudez was a man of great vigor, of most scholarly tastes and was favorably known to both the French and English elements in the state. He was of high temper, but patient, clear-headed, and firm on the bench.
In January 1853 Edouard married Amanda Elizabeth Maupassant.
