Natchitoches Parish Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....Prudhome Sr., Mr. Theophile April 1885


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Karen Garrett colvin_garrett@bellsouth.net January 2, 2007

Southern Sentinel    April 10, 1885

   The death of Mr. Theophile Prudhomme, Sr., who was buried here last Monday 
as created much excitement in the community where he lived, owing to the fact 
that all the circumstances point to poison as the cause.  The facts as we have 
been able to learn them are about as follows:  Some three weeks ago, Mr. 
Prudhomme, who lives at O.K. Landing, about twelve miles below here, on Red 
river, lost two fine mules that died very suddenly.  They were perfectly well 
when put in the stable and fed at night, and were dead the next morning.
   Mr. Prudhomme, in order to determine if possible, the cause of their death, 
had one of them cut open, and made an examination of their intestines.  He was 
unable to discover the cause of their death, and mothing more was thought of 
the matter, until a few days later when Mr. Prudhomme and his daughter, who 
lived with him, were taken violently ill just after eating breakfast, as was 
also the cook and her husband.
   Some time later, on the same day, while the persons mentioned were sick, on 
of Mr. Prudhomme's sons, who lives on Old river came to see him, and after 
remaining a short times, stated that he had eaten no breakfast that morning, 
and asked if there was anything in the house to eat.  He was told that the 
only thing left from breakfast was part of a chicken, that he would find in 
the safe.  He ate what was left of it, and was almost immediately attacked as 
the others had been, with violent purging and vomiting.
   All of the partis except Mr. Prudhomme, Sr., and his daughter, recovered in 
a few days.  The former died last Saturday, and the latter is still very sick.
   We learn from physicians who have been consulted, that both the deceased 
and his daughter, show unmistakable symptoms of poisoning by arsenic.  It is 
generally believed that the mules were poisoned and the chicken we mentioned, 
ate some of the mule's stomach that was thrown on the ground when its 
intestines were taken out.  A large dog that ate some of the mules, died 
almost on the spot.  It is to be regretted that a postmortem examination of 
the body of Mr. Prudhomme was not held, with a view of discovering 
with 'certainty' whether he died from poison, and if so, what kind of poison.
   There is not telling but these facts might be very important aids in 
unravelling this mysterious case.  There is absolutely no suspicion attaching 
to any one.  It is generally conceded that the deceased was poisoned by eating 
the chicken mentioned, but further than this the whole matter is involed in 
mystery.
   The deceased was nearly seventy years old, and stood high in this community.
His family and relatives have our deepest sympathy. - Natchitoches Review.