Ascension County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....Maurin, Major Victor - March 9, 1875
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Mary K. Creamer marykcreamer.00@gmail.com April 9, 2020, 11:46 pm


source: The Donaldsonville Chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current,
March 13, 1875, Image 2

ANOTHER OLD CITIZEN GONE. - Death of Major Victor Maurin. - Early in the 
afternoon of Tuesday last, the community was shocked by the intelligence of 
the sudden death of Major Victor Maurin, one of the oldest and most 
respected merchants and citizens of Donaldsonville, which sad even occurred 
at his residence on Lessard street, about half past two o'clock. Major 
Maurin had gone from his store to dinner in his usual health, and at the 
request of an inmate of the family ascended to a room upon the second floor, 
with a hatchet, for the purpose of nailing a broken piece of furniture. It 
was while engaged in, or about to begin this work that he dropped dead from 
heart disease. His neice (sic), having occasion to visit the room in search 
of a book, a few moments after, discovered the body of her uncle prone upon 
the floor, with all signs of life extinct. The news of this tragic 
occurrence spread like wildfire, and soon a large number of sympathizing 
people had gathered at the house to tender their aid, and condolence to the 
stricken family in their dire extremity. Mrs. Maurin was absent from town, 
on a visit to Labadieville, but a messenger was immediately dispatched to 
summon her home, and it can be imagined what a sad and dreary journey the 
return trip was for the bereaved lady. It was feared, Wednesday morning, 
that she would not reach here before the hour fixed for the funeral, which 
was four o'clock in the afternoon, but when the Era No. 10 came out of the 
Bayou and Capt. Dalferes learned the situation of affairs, he at once put 
back with his boat, and meeting Mrs. Maurin a few miles down the Bayou 
brought her to town.

The funeral took place at the appointed hour, and was perhaps the largest 
ever seen in Donaldsonville, the numerous attendance indicating the 
universal respect and admiration felt for the estimable deceased. The 
cortege, as it moved from the Maurin residence to the Catholic Church, was 
in the following order: 1. The Silver Cornet Band; 2. The honorary members 
of Phoenix Fire Company, followed by the active members in full uniform; 3. 
The St. Cecile Brass Band; 4. Honorary and active members of Ascension Hook 
and Ladder Company; 5. The hearse, attended by eight pall bearers; 6. 
Relatives of deceased; 7. Members of the Masonic order, without regalia, 
members of the old company of Donaldsonville Cannoneers, and a large throng 
of people belonging to none of the organizations. On the way to the church, 
and from there to the cemetery, dirges were played alternately by the two 
bands, and a multitude of heavy hearts beat time to the mournful music. 
During the beautiful and solemn services in the church, conducted by Rev. 
Father Cuppens, the spacious sanctuary was crowded to its utmost capacity, 
while many persons were compelled to remain outside. The procession moved to 
the cemetery in the order above named, with the exception that the priest 
and his attendants walked in the lead followed by the hearse. At the tomb an 
affecting scene ensued. The voice of the reverend priest as he chanted the 
burial service mingled sadly with the sobs of the mourners, producing a 
feeling of awe and commiseration in the hearts of all present, and as the 
crowd ebbed slowly away at the conclusion of the last sad rites, many an eye 
glistened and many a bosom heaved in sympathy with the suffering relatives 
of the good man whose loss all so deeply deplored.

Victor Maurin was born in this parish on the 2nd of October, 1818, and was, 
therefore, at the time of his death in the 57th year of his age. Having been 
in business here since boyhood, and maintaining during all the long period 
of his life a character for the strictest integrity, benevolence, courage, 
public spirit, and all the attributes that go to form the exemplary citizen, 
successful tradesman and model man, is it any wonder that he was looked up 
to and beloved by this people, or that his demise should awaken sorrow and 
regret in the hearts of all who knew him.

In the early days of the late war Major Maurin entered the struggle in the 
Confederate service as Captain of the Donaldsonville Cannoneers, an 
organization comprising some of the first citizens of Ascension parish, that 
took part in several of the principal battles of the war and became noted 
for heroic conduct upon the field of strife. While in the army Capt. Maurin 
was promoted to Major, and would have doubtless attained still higher rank 
but for his modest and unassuming disposition which led him rather to shrink 
from notoriety than court it. As a soldier he was as brave as the bravest, a 
strict disciplinarian, though neither cautions or inhumane, and was beloved 
by all the men of his command. He came home on a furlough but once during 
the war, in 1865, and while returning to his post of duty in Virginia he met 
Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, and being informed of the 
surrender of the army of Lee at Appomattox, he remained with the fugitive 
President's small body-guard, and with them was shortly afterward captured 
by Federal troops. 

Again seeking the peaceful mercantile occupation which he had left at the 
beginning of the armed conflict. Major Maurin continued the even tenor of 
his way until last Tuesday, when his long and useful life was brought to an 
abrupt close, as related above. Few men carry with them to the grave in such 
a general degree the love and esteem of their fellow-citizens as has Major 
Victor Maurin. If the number and earnestness of the prayers for the repose 
of his soul are any indication that they will be granted, his mourning 
relatives may take consolation from the assurance that "their loss is his 
eternal gain," and in realms of celestial bliss he awaits reunion with the 
loved and cherished ones of earth.

Though he is gone from among us, the example of his pure and noble life will 
remain to guide the footsteps of the coming generation in the way of 
righteousness and virtue. Those who pattern after him will be useful and 
honorable members of society. - Vale! Requicscat in pace.


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