It was an excellent idea, and I remember the old Buck who used to call himself the founder of establishments of that nature, or rather the first introducer of them to the notice of Englishmen, poor old Courtois." John Courtois is said to have been a native of Picardy, where he was born about the year 1737 or 1738.

He repaired to this country while yet young, in the character of _valet de chambre_ to a gentleman who had picked him up in his travels; and, as he came from one of the poorest of the French provinces, he "took root," and throve wonderfully on his transplantation to a richer soil.
On the death of his master, he removed to the neighbourhood of the Strand; and St.Martin's Street,.

Leicester Square, became the scene of his industry and success.

At a time when wigs were worn by boys, and a Frenchman was supposed the only person capable of making one fit "for the grande monarque," he commenced business as a perruquier, and soon acquired both wealth and celebrity.

To this he joined another employment, which proved equally lucrative and appropriate, as it subjected both masters and servants to his influence.