Obituaries found in old scrapbook in Clinton, East Feliciana Parish, La. Concerning residents of Rapides, Assumption, Orleans, Natchitoches, St. Landry, Lincoln and Ouachita Parishes. Prepared and contributed by Claude B. Slaton, 9/8/98 ------------------------------------------------------------------ ************************************************* Submitted to the LAGenWeb Archives ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** . ------------------------------------------------------------------ Year of death not always given, but seems to be in the 1894-1900 time period. ******************************************************* CRUIKSHANK--At the family residence, on Bayou Rapides, Rapides Parish, La., on Sunday, Dec. 5, 1897, Dr. James A. CRUIKSHANK, age 58 years, a native of this parish. The deceased was ill for several weeks before his death, which was caused by typhoid-malarial fever, the same disease that caused the death of his eldest son, on Oct. 18, 1897. Dr. Cruikshank was one of our best citizens; a man of irreproachable character, loved and respected by all who knew him. He was loved best by those who knew him best--his relatives and neighbors. An appeal for charity was never made to him in vain; and his professional services were always given to those in need, the sick and destitute. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. He was educated in Maryland, and stood at the head of his profession. The deceased leaves a wife, one son and a brother, besides many other relatives who reside in this parish. His remains were interred Monday afternoon at the family burying grounds, McNutt's Hill, the procession leaving the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Dr. H. C. Duncan, of Alexandria, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church, officiated at the funeral. The relatives of the deceased have the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of the TOWN TALK in the great affliction that has overtaken them. ******************************************************* CRUIKSHANK--At the family residence, on Bayou Rapides, Rapides Parish, La., on Monday, Oct. 18, 1897, at 6:55 a.m., James A. Cruikshank, Jr., son of Dr. James A. Cruikshank, aged about 26 years. The deceased was a moral, upright young man, and favorite with all who knew him. He was ill for about three weeks before his death, which was caused by continued fever. His father and other relatives have the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of all their large number of friends. The funeral took place Tuesday, at 11 a.m. The procession left the family residence at the above hour and proceeded to the family burying ground at McNutt's Hill, where was laid to rest the remains of this noble, Christian young man, who will be mourned by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. ******************************************************* NIXON--At Frostville, Ark., on Sunday, Nov. 7, 1897, at 10 a.m., Martha Cruikshank, wife of J. B. Nixon, aged 25 years. The deceased was a native of Rapides, a daughter of Mrs. J. T. Cruikshank, of Bayou Rapides. Her death was caused by malarial fever. The remains were interred at McNutt's Hill on Tuesday, Nov. 9th, at 10 a.m. There was a delay of 12 hours at Shreveport in bringing the remains to Rapides Parish, on account of quarantine regulations. Rev. Mr. Hoffpauir, of Boyce, officiated at the funeral, Rev. Dr. Duncan, of Alexandria, being ill. The procession moved from the residence of her mother on Bayou Rapides. Mrs. Nixon leaves a husband, mother, three sisters, three brothers, and many other relatives and friends to mourn her death. To all of these the TOWN TALK renders heartfelt sympathy. ******************************************************* (From Daily Picayune, Jan. 17) CAPTAIN F. C. LORET A Gallant Veteran and Useful Citizen Passes Away Captain Francis C. Loret, whose death was announced in the Picayune yesterday morning, was a great shock to his many friends on account of its suddenness, because he had been at his office as usual Saturday, and left at 5 o'clock in the best of health. Captain Loret was born in Assumption Parish on Feb. 18, 1829. He was given a good education, and settled in his native parish, where he rose to prominence, both socially and politically. He served as sheriff and treasurer of the parish, and in 1852 moved to New Orleans with his family. He was engaged with the firm of Theo. Frois, one of the largest houses in the city before the war. He subsequently moved to Canton, Miss., where he engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account, but remained there only a short time. Returning to New Orleans, he resumed his position, and when the war broke out he went to the front as a captain on the staff of General Mouton. He served valiantly and distinguished himself many a time. When the war was over he turned that page of his life over and said that the struggle had ended and that settled the lost cause. He settled down to business again and worked for A. B. James & Co., and at one time for D. H. Holmes, and about twenty years ago became associated with the firm of Yale & Bowling, which a few years ago became Jos. Bowling & Co., Limited, and with whom he has been ever since. He was in charge of all their credits, and was reckoned one of the best credit men in the city. He studied law to assist him in his specialty. He was one of the organizers of the Credit Men's Association and served as its president. At the recent meeting at Topeka of the National Association of Credit Men he read a very valuable paper on the subject of credits. His wife, who survives him, was Miss Blanchard, a sister of Captain Max Blanchard. He leaves also three sons, N. A. Loret, F. J. Loret, and F. C. Loret, Jr., who are all connected with the firm of Jos. Bowling & Co., Limited; also two daughters, Mrs. W. D. Kingston and Mrs. Jos. H. Hasam. ******************************************************* (from the Daily Picayune, Sept. 14.) THOMAS O'NEILL Death of a Prominent Builder and Veteran Citizen Yesterday forenoon Thomas O'Neill, a man of note and well known and highly esteemed in this community, died at his residence, No. 1910 Gravier Street, of apoplexy, superinduced by indigestion, from which he had been suffering for some time past. Mr. O'Neill was born in the Vale of Avoca, in the county of Wicklow, Ireland, 76 years ago. He was reared and educated in Dublin, Ireland, and there married Mrs. Bridget O'Toole, who survives him. The deceased came to this city on the 28th of March, 1849, and at once entered into the pursuit of the trade (that of builder) which he had mastered in the old country. He was an adept, and made his way at once to the front, becoming foreman under the most prominent builders and contractors of the day. He was foreman of construction of the St. Charles Hotel which was destroyed by fire a few years ago, and was engaged in the same capacity in the building of the old Odd Fellows' Hall, which formerly stood where the St. Patrick Hall, now the public library, now stands. In later years he built the Pickwick Club building, nearly every cotton press in this city, that stately edifice, the St. Joseph's Church on Tulane Avenue, St. Stephen's Church, on Napoleon Avenue, the magnificent Christ Church on St. Charles Avenue, the Newman residence, the Produce Exchange, the public baths and numerous other large and costly buildings in this city. He was the senior member of the firm of O'Neill & Koch, and had under contract and in course of construction at the time of his death the large public schoolhouse at the corner of Magnolia and Lafayette Streets, as well as a number of other large contracts. He was a prominent member of the Mechanics, Dealers and Lumbermen's Exchange, and his works as architect, builder and contractor stand and speak for themselves. In private life, Mr. O'Neill was charitable, just, kind and generous, and numbered his friends by the thousands. He was a devout and ardent Catholic, and was held in high esteem by the clergy and laity of the various Catholic churches in the city. His eldest son, Rev. Father O'Neill, he devoted to the church he loved so well, and at the time of his death he had three grandsons, Peter, Patrick, and Thomas Finney, who are now in colleges studying for the priesthood. The deceased leaves three children, Rev. Father O'Neill, Mrs. Berkery and Mrs. Finney; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One of the granddaughters is the wife of Dr. Will R. Harnan. The deceased was physically a wonderful man, for despite his three-score and ten years, he was straight as a young pine, stout, strong, and, considering his age, very active. ******************************************************* [one word illegible] AND HAPPILY WEDDED TWO HEARTS MADE ONE "Love is indestructible; Its holy flame forever burneth; From heaven it came, to heaven returneth." A delightful, bright, balmy Spring morning greeted the eyes of the good people of Alexandria last Tuesday, and was a source of joy to two people especially, who were to plight their troth. The marriage of Mr. Ambroze J. Hertzog to Miss Sarah Hunter took place Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock at the St. Francis Xavier Church, and was one of the most impressive and more largely attended than any that has occurred in Alexandria for years. The church always beautiful, was especially decorated with wonderful and rare flowers of beauty, for the occasion. In front of the altar, outside of the railing, was suspended a floral bell. At 8 o'clock that good and much loved priest, Father Menard, appeared at the altar. The bridal party then entered the church and amid the thrilling notes of a wedding march, beautifully rendered by Mrs. A. P. Williams, proceeded down the aisle. First came two little girls, Misses Pattie Hunter and Lula Dorsey, strewing flowers on the way. Miss Emily Crawford and Mr. Xavier Ransdell came next in order, then Miss Virginia Smith of Grand Cateau and Mr. Aaron Prescott, then Miss Fannie Hertzog of Magnolia, and Mr. Willie Baillio. Then followed the bride on the arm of her father, and was met at the altar by the groom. Father Menard then commenced the impressive and beautiful marriage ceremony of the Catholic Church, and followed with a lecture to the young people from this text, "God made you for Himself and he also made you for each other." The lecture was one of the prettiest on the subject of marriage ever delivered in Alexandria. The bridal party after the ceremony proceeded to the residence of the bride's parents, where refreshments were served and many toasts drank to the health and happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Hertzog. None but relatives and a few warm friends were present at the house. As the ladies, especially the young ladies, are always interested in knowing the bride's costume, TOWN TALK will say that she wore a handsome white crepe de phon dress en train, elaborately trimmed with surrah silk, ribbon, lace and orange blossoms, and never looked more lovely than on her bridal morn. Miss Fannie Hertzog, sister of the groom, wore a heliotrope crepon; Miss Virginia Smith a light blue crepe de chene; Miss Emily Crawford looked very pretty in a canary albatross. The Mass was grandly rendered by some of the finest voices in Alexandria, including Mrs. A. P. Williams, Mrs. C. L. Ransdall, Mrs. A. Rosedale, Mrs. A. F. Grayson, Miss Sarah Bogan, Messrs. L. V. Marye, Dr. I. Holland, Max Weizenberg, Henarie Williams. The bride is the daughter of Hon. R. P. Hunter, the well known and much esteemed attorney of this city. Mr. Hertzog is certainly a fortunate man, to carry away to his Natchitoches home one of the prettiest, most modest and refined of the ladies of Rapides. Mr. Hertzog is a prominent gentleman of Natchitoches Parish. He is well and favorably known to many Rapideans, having studied law and resided in Alexandria for a number of years. The presents received by the bride were both numerous and costly, but we will not on account of lack of time and space, attempt to enumerate them. Mr. and Mrs. Hertzog left for New Orleans same morning via the Texas & Pacific road, and will be guests at the St. Charles Hotel, in New Orleans. The bride wore as a traveling dress a cream colored crepon, trimmed with silk passmenterie. TOWN TALK extends its congratulations. May the two hearts made one today ever be blessed with the good things of earth, and their life always as bright as the sun that greeted them on their wedding day, Tuesday morning, April 26, 1892. ******************************************************* GILLESPIE--Died on Thursday, Oct. 26, 1899, at the residence of his grandson-in-law, S. B. Splann, near Opelousas, Col. John Crawford Gillespie, in his eighty-fourth year. Col. Gillespie was born in Montgomery County, Va., Jan. 8, 1816. He was the son of Rev. Samuel P. V. Gillespie, of the M. E. Church, who served the church in the State of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi. Col. Gillespie was a man of remarkable integrity of character, and filled many positions of trust in State and National employ. In 1842 he married Miss Evalina N. Foard, of Alabama, and in 1873 emigrated to Texas, residing at Bryan until 1880, when he came to Opelousas and took charge of his wife's estate in that vicinity. He was for years an earnest member of the M. E. Church, South, and was well informed in all that pertained to the history of that church. It was most interesting to converse with him upon church subjects. His experience was rich, and his knowledge of men and things extended. It was in his personal Christian life that he was more than interesting, and became a teacher. How beautiful was his faith, simple and child-like his trust! When he talked of his Lord, his mercy, love and grace, it was evident he spoke out of the fullness of his heart. He had tasted and seen that the Lord was good. The promises had for him a reality that came of testing, and Christ was indeed to him a present Savior, whom he loved and of whom he was under no circumstances ashamed, but whose honor was his chief delight. The Bible was his chart, and the Spirit his guide. He was a great sufferer, and was confined to his room almost continually for the past two years. His end was in peace, and he fell 'on sleep' as an infant upon its mother's breast. T.K.F. ******************************************************* CALCOAT--Mrs. Sarah E. Calcoat (nee Powell) was born April 1, 1851; married to W. A. Calcoat, Dec. 1, 1870; passed peacefully away June 24, 1899. Sister Calcoat has been a loyal member of the Methodist Church for about fifteen years. So long as health admitted she was a regular attendant at church. For eleven years Sister Calcoat was an invalid, most of the time confined to her bed. She bore her suffering patiently, and set her friends an example of fortitude. She leaves behind a husband, two sons, two daughter and many friends to mourn her death. Her loved ones and friends were faithful and untiring during all her sickness. She has fought her fight against sin and misery, and has gone home to her reward. Loved ones, grieve not that she is through with this world of sin, sorrow, and troubles. May you prove faithful to her God, that you may someday meet her in that bright world where loved ones meet to part no more. H. W. Ledbetter Simsboro, La. ******************************************************* Wedding Bells On the morning of December the 19th, 1894, was solemnized at Wilmer Memorial Chapel, the marriage of Miss Annie Paul Mathews to Mr. Charles Lambe Hardy. This happy event had been anticipated with unusual interest. The loved and lovely bride is a descendant of the Mathews and Chase families, who are numbered with the aristocracy of the "Old South". Mr. Charles Lambe Hardy, the deservedly popular groom, is on of the successful sugar planters of Rapides. Seldom have we witnessed a prettier wedding than their's. The radiant sunshine of a brilliant winter morning glorified the scene. The beautiful decorations accorded with the elegant simplicity of the chapel's interior. This labor of love, and the large gathering of friends, attested the sincerity of their admiration of this fortunate couple. Fair girls brought holly and palmetto to deck the chancel, until a very bower of tropical green awaited the bridal party. To the strains of Tanhausser's march they entered, she, the fairest of them all, with slow and steady step, the light of youth and new born hopes lending added beauty to her soft, brown eyes. Her wedding robe was of rich silk, with rare old lace and lilies of the valley for garniture, and a filmy veil enveloped her in its graceful folds. The maid of honor, Miss Mendora Mathews, appeared a vision of regal beauty, gowned in creamy white, with fur trimmings, a Gainsborough hat, and carrying a bouquet tied with broad, white ribbon. The brides maids, Misses Annie Callen and Pattie Carnal, wore Japanese crepe and bengaline. Large white hats shaded their sweet girl faces. The groomsmen were the Messrs. Marshall Jackson and Dr. Penick. The ushers Messrs. Hardy and Carnal. While the Angel's Serenade was exquisitely rendered by the accomplished organist, Miss Emily Smith, the solemn and beautiful Episcopal marriage rite was performed. The Rev. C. D. Thorp and Rev. Herman C. Duncan officiated. Immediately after the ceremony, the party repaired to "Chaseland" the home of the bride's parents, where a sumptuous breakfast was enjoyed before Mr. and Mrs. Hardy departed on their wedding journey, bearing with them many heartfelt wishes for their future happiness and prosperity. ******************************************************* Joel E. Mathews Departed this life near Lecompte, Rapides Parish, La., on the 17th day of Dec., 1897, at the age of 55 years, 2 months, and 15 days. It is often that the heart trembles and the hand falters when we speak of the dead, especially when we would speak in true and loving words in memory of a friend, or a relative, who has crossed over the "river of death." When we would portray in fitting words the noble traits and kind deeds of the dead, that live in memory's sacred niche; when the heart enshrines and guards with love divine. Thus this writer finds himself in speaking of the dear and beloved friend who but a moment ago passed over the river "to rest". At an early age Joel E. Mathews joined the Confederate army from his native state, Alabama, serving with credit and distinction throughout the war, guarding ever his honor and his people with the same intrepid bravery which has characterized him in his civil life for the past thirty years, at last to sheathe his sword of mortal life as bright and stainless as he did when the "Banner was furled" at the end of the war, to be placed in its scabbard forever--the sword he so nobly bore in defense of his honor, his home and his country. He was followed to the grave by many sorrowing relatives and friends and with them many "old comrades in arms." All knew him but to love him, for in peace, as in war, he was brave, generous, and always considerate for his fellow man. How well can it be said of Joel E. Mathews that he was a true man--God's noblest work. That he was honest to a fault; while in friendship and love he was as immovable and staunch as the "Rock of Ages". Always faithful, always true; and with one voice, all can say: A good man has gone to his rest. He was borne to his grave with a flower, a song, a prayer--with hearts full of love--"the bond" of God between man and man. We have place him away in his lowly tenement of clay, and while we lift our bowed heads and grief-stricken faces from the "new mound" that marks his resting place, we do so in holy reverence and belief that the "gates ajar" are open to receive him, where the just and good are made perfect. He leaves behind him to mourn his loss a loving and devoted wife, [page torn] -ters and two sons and a [page torn]. ******************************************************* Obituary Alice E. Price (nee Barron) was born in Amite County, Miss., April 14, 1855, and died at her home near Holloway, Rapides Parish, La., July 24, 1897, surrounded by a host of friends and loved ones. Her sickness was of long duration, but she was never heard to murmur or complain. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, when quite young and was happily converted to God, from which time she lived a fully consecrated, Christian life, ever trying to do her Father's will. She was married to Isaac C. Price, May 14, 1874. She was a devoted, faithful, affectionate wife and mother. Two days before she died she told her husband that her stay on earth was short and she wanted to talk with him and the children before she became too weak to talk. He said: "You feel ready to go, don't you?" "Yes," she replied, "I feel like I will go sweeping through the gates." She then called the children up, one by one, and told them she was going to leave them; that she wanted them to be good children and meet her in Heaven. She told the little ones, who have not yet joined the church, to join the church, and when they go to church to sit on the front seats and behave themselves well. Then turning to her husband she said, "I know you will meet me in Heaven." While talking about dying, she said, "I thought I would dread death, but I do not." She left word for all of her people to meet her in Heaven. She was conscious to the last moment, and a few moments before she breathed her last breath, she called her children, kissed them all good bye, then fell sweetly asleep in Jesus' arms. When I bade her farewell, she grasped my hand and said, "continue to pray, that I may enter through the pearly gates, into the new Jerusalem." Three children preceded her to the better land, while her husband and seven children are left behind to mourn her loss. The church is poorer because of her loss; the neighborhood will miss her gentle and kindly life, while many kindred and friends bewail the absence of the loved and lost. But we "sorrow not as those who have no hope." She lives! where sickness, tears, nor sorrow shall never come. May we, like her, so live that when our summons comes to join the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death, we'll go not like the quarry slave, scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, we'll approach our graves like one who "wraps the drapery of his couch around him and lies him down to pleasant dreams." Her pastor Pineville, La., Aug. 13, 1897 ******************************************************* The Messenger! "Oh, not in cruelty, not in wrath, The Reaper came that day; 'Twas an angel visited the green earth And took the blossom away." DIED--At the family residence, Monroe, La., on Thursday, Sept. 15, 1898, MABEL HELEN, eldest daughter of T. C. Evans and Mary L. Sleet, aged 28 years, 1 month, and 3 days. Her remains were interred in the family cemetery, at Henderson Hill, Rapides Parish, on Friday evening, Sept. 16, 1898. Her illness was so brief that the icy hand of death was upon her before the loving ones around the bedside realized that Mabel was gone. To our selfish human hearts it did seem oh, so hard, so untimely, that she should be cut down in the bloom of youth with all the bright promises of life before her, but God is too wise to err, and in His infinite wisdom knew what was best for her and the weeping ones left. In submission, we bow to His holy will, even feeling thankful that He did lend to us her sweet spirit for these short years. No wonder she fell asleep with so much quietude and calmness, breathing that name, "Mama." Heaven had shed its luster on her soul and took her spirit to realms of the "Great Beyond." To her relatives we tender our deepest sympathy, and to her heart-broken father, sister, and brothers, whose heads are bowed down in sorrow, our hearts are bleeding for you. "She has passed away like a gentle breath, And her eyes are closed in the sleep of death. Tender and loving and wise and good-- Ah, too good for this sinful earth. Only the Angels knew her worth; So they called her unto them Decking her brow with a diadem. Better to smile when such a life Gives up the battle of earthly strife; Better to know her tasks are done, Trials ended and glories won. Tears are vain when soul so bright Wings its way to the gates of light." A cousin Boyce, La., Sept. 20, 1898 ******************************************************* In Memoriam. Died in this city on the seventeenth March, 1898, Louise Marguerite, beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. W. Calvit, aged two years and three months. Little Louise has left us In the spring-time of the year, While the earth is clad in beauty, Still we feel so lonely here. A small and delicate flower Destined so soon to die, Only to be transplanted In the beautiful home on high. Then grieve not for your loved one-- She is better off to-day, And I trust that you will meet her, When the mists have cleared away. She has joined that happy band, Not lost, but gone before, Where sickness, pain and death Will trouble her no more. How sad to see her die; But we know 'twas for the best-- Safe in the arms of Jesus Louise is now at rest. Oh, why should we complain? God gave his only Son To die for us; so let us say: My God, Thy will be done. A friend March 28, 1898 ******************************************************* In Memorium. MILLER--At the family residence on Bayou Rapides, Rapides Parish, La., Sunday, July 21, 1895, at 5 a.m., Emily Janie Miller, aged 18 years and 7 months. "I sometimes hold it half a sin To put in words the grief I feel; For words, like Nature, half reveal And half conceal the Soul within." A bright, glittering star has been kissed by the ruthless hand of death. "Janie" passed over the river, and now rests under the shade of the trees. Alas! how frequently death claims just such gifted ones, who are capable of achieving so much for the benefit of humanity. Too much can scarcely be said of this noble girl who has bidden adieu to earthly sorrows. That Janie possessed talents beyond the ordinary "school girl," I, as one of her classmates for several sessions at the "Normal" can well verify. Tis hard, oh, so hard to give her up. In the bud of thy glorious womanhood the cruel grave snatched her from us. Shall we never see her more on earth? Echo answers--never. At midnight the sobs of a broken-hearted mother are heard as she reaches fourth her hand to caress the darling child, but, lo! the place by her side is but an empty space. A beautiful white-winged bird, named "Hope" has flown from paradise, sent by the angelic hand of her who now rests with seraphims in that blessed retreat, where no sorrow ever comes, and bade me look upward to those golden realms where Janie is waiting to welcome her loved ones when they, like she, have found rest. Adieu, adieu, forevermore. "Annie" Pineville, La. July 24, 1895 ******************************************************* Died: At the home of her childhood, on Bayou Rapides, on Sunday morning, July 21st, 1895, Janie, aged 18 years and 7 months, the beloved and only child of Mrs. A. A. Miller. When a life so sweet, joyous and full of promise is thus cut off, and hearts are left crushed and desolate, we blindly try to fathom the inscrutable ways of God. Janie was one of the brightest and best beloved pupils of the State Normal, having attended it five years. In a few more months she would have graduated, but alas, her winsome smile and sweet voice will be known no more. The class of '96 will have its vacant chair, but the memory of a sweet brown eyed girl will live for many a year in the hearts of those who loved her, and walked in the sunshine of her presence. To her relatives we tender our deepest sympathy, and to the sorrowful, heart-broken mother, whose head is bowed to the chastening hand of God, our hearts are bleeding for you. Janie was a loving, dutiful daughter, happiest when making others happy, and the embodiment of gentleness, sweetness and grace. We know the void in your life and heart cannot be fathomed, but the song of her life that has been hushed on earth, will be sung in Heaven, through all eternity. Your daughter, young and fair, will be waiting for you at the gates of Paradise when the broken link and the broken heart will be healed. "Say not good night, but in a brighter world bid me good morning. Daylight breaketh, Janie, in its beams your soul awaketh. What through night should close around us, dim and dreary to the view-- Though our souls should walk in darkness, far away that morning hearketh Into endless day for you." Classmate ******************************************************* In Memory of Janie Miller On last Sunday morning, July 21, as the beautiful sun peeped over the eastern horizon, God, in his allwise providence, sent an Angel messenger to earth to bear the immortal spirit of Janie Miller home to glory. Janie lacked only a few months of being nineteen years old; was the only child of her widowed mother, Mrs. A. A. Miller. Her mother had used every effort in her power to educate her only daughter. Janie was a member of the senior class of the State Normal College located at Natchitoches, La. She stood high in her class and possessed every accomplishment which that noble institution is capable of conferring. She was bright intellectually and was a noble, obedient young lady to her mother and to everyone. Even to the last, when she was in the very jaws of death, she aroused somewhat to take the last dose of medicine and the last nourishment on earth. After this her spirit was gently borne to its Immortal home. She was the guiding star of her mother's life and was beloved by all who knew her. She had always told her mother she would die when she was nineteen years old. During her last illness on one Sunday evening she looked out the door at the leaves on the shrubbery in the front yard as the gentle breezes of Heaven blew them to and fro and remarked, "This would be a pretty evening for me to die." Little did we all know that she had her every thought fixed on Heaven then, and that God, her loving Father, had chosen her as His. It was only a few days before her last illness that she had the old family cemetery cleaned out and told her mother she wanted to be buried by her father; pointing out the exact spot where she now rests. Grieve not, dear mother and loved ones, God hath not erred. In the great judgment you will all be reunited with Janie, the one you all loved so well. A Friend ******************************************************* In Memory of Little Taylor Texada. The Angel of Death has visited our community and taken from our midst one of our most promising boys, little Taylor Texada, a bright youth who had the esteem of all who knew him. His untimely death has cast a gloom over our hearts and home. Your life was brief, dear boy, but like the morning rose diffuses its fragrance and glory, your life shed a transcendent radiance over your happy home and loved ones. While we must submit to the fiats of an All Wise Providence, the awful summons leaves us desolate, and we can only take comfort in the thought that your sweet and pure spirit has soared above the clouds of earth-born care and woe, and you now enjoy the full fruition of our Savior's blessings. We truly sympathize with the grief-stricken parents and relatives in their bereavement. Farewell, dear boy, your short life has left a surviving love and you will ever dwell in our memories. It sorely grieves us to know we will never more see your bright, familiar face in its accustomed place of duty, but may your wafted spirit be as a beacon of light to lead us to seek that peace that is past finding out, and bid those with whom you trod the joyous path of duty, make an altar of your tomb, where chastened hearts may offer praise to God. "Sleep in Jesus' blessed sleep, From which none ever wakes to weep; A calm and undisturb'd repose, Unbroken by the last of foes." A Friend ******************************************************* In Memoriam. Died, at his residence on Bayou Lamourie, Rapides Parish, La., Aug. 11th, after a short illness, Joseph Rougeou, in the 27th year of his age, leaving a wife, two children, six brothers, four sisters, and numerous other relatives to mourn his loss. In his death his family has lost a good husband and a devoted father and the community a good and peaceful citizen. The friends of the deceased deeply sympathize with the family in the loss they have sustained. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Death has been here and called away, Our Joseph from our side; Just in the manhood of his day, He bid farewell to earth and died. Not long ago he filled his place, And sat with us to eat; But he has run his mortal race, And left us here to weep. A Friend ******************************************************* In Memoriam. Mrs. Mary S. Wall We meet together today, to pay a tribute of regard and affection to one who was most dear to many of you, and loved by all. When the benign influence of such an earthly life as her's with its far reaching effects and results upon the circle in which she moved has suddenly been checked, we indeed feel poor and desolate. And this poverty of spirit and desolation of heart could but culminate in despair, were it not for the comforting assurances of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. I feel inadequate to the task of even faintly portraying the potent affluence and immeasurable result of such a life as her's for good, and for those things that make for righteousness and peace in the world of mankind. Sometime in the future of God, when we may stand where the veil of earthly doubt and sorrow shall be lifted, and the sunlit revelation of His purpose in us through his Son, will be known the results will be unfolded, but not now, --no, not now. We can only speak of the virtues and graces of her life, more eloquent and expressive in itself, than speech can tell. Mary S. Wall, daughter of Dr. Williams Winans, was born August 1st, 1816. In early childhood she gave her heart to Christ, and her hands to service in the church of God. She was educated at Elizabeth Academy, in the village of Washington, Mississippi. She was united in marriage to Rev. Isaac D. Wall in the year of 1833. From this union there were nine children, six sons and three daughters. Four of these children have preceded their mother to the eternal shore, while four sons and one daughter remain on the hither side to mourn their loss. May the God of consolation comfort them in their sad bereavement. Her's was a busy life. What her hands found to do she did it with her might. She put them to the wheel of life with a strong purpose and resolute will and wrought industriously for her God, her church, and her family. She was foremost in works of charity and beneficence. For forty years she was employed in the school room, and no doubt many are here today who received training at her hands, not only in earthly knowledge but in that wisdom that is above rubies. She loved all mankind. In this she imitated the Master whom she served so faithfully. A heart filled with the Christ-love finds expression in a Christ-like life. As his sympathies were world wide as his redeeming grace, so his followers are like him in loving all and [part of article illegible] This love also found expression in unswerving devotion to the church of God. Her tears and prayers were for the welfare of Zion--she devoted the later years of her life to the building up of this edifice--and her joy was full when she was told by the ladies of the church were determined to complete the work so auspiciously began. She was generous and liberal. Never so happy as when she had something to share with others. A wide circle of friends and kindred together with us, today mourn the loss of this Mother in Israel, and saint of the household of God. We feel assured it is well with her soul, at rest in that city, of which the Lord is the light. S. J. Davies Mrs. M. S. Wall's Work Among the Negroes. Mrs. Wall's charity was not limited by racial pride or undue prejudice as the following evinces. Rev. Wm. Nailor gives to the WATCHMAN the accompanying sketch: She had a thoroughly organized Sunday school among the negroes before the war of about one hundred boys and girls which she taught for many years. This school would meet every Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock to sing and recite portions of the Scripture and Catechism. On Christmas day we were accustomed to meet at the church to hear and recite speeches, songs, etc., afterward march to the school house for dinner. Some of these boys are now traveling preachers in the Methodist church and are grateful to this elect lady for her work. She will ever live in our hearts. We expect to strike hands on the other shore. ******************************************************* WOOD--Died at the family residence on Scott Street, Alexandria, La., on Thursday, Oct. 5, 1899, Mrs. Louisa E. A. Wood; born in Rapides Parish, Nov. 4, 1815. Her grandfather, Mr. Charles Stewart, moved from Kentucky to Rapides Parish in the year 1802. The deceased married Giles C. Wood, of Maryland, in this parish in 1833. She was the mother of eleven children; three living (daughters), all of Alexandria. The deceased has been a widow for many years. The death of Mrs. Wood takes from Alexandria her oldest native citizen. Her mother was the only sister of Ann H. Carlin, of Alexandria. The deceased's father was D. Kimbal, a planter of Rapides Parish; reared in the Methodist Church, Methodist at heart. I often heard her sing the old Wesleyan hymns. She joined the Episcopal Church with her children; a devoted, true wife and mother. She left us to join the angels in heaven. Rector Dr. H. C. Duncan, St. James Church, officiated at the funeral. From one who knew and loved her from childhood. L. L. Chevalier ******************************************************* To be continued.....