Obits: Monroe Register 1859 through 1860, Ouachita Parish, La ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If you are searching for a particular surname, locality or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of your screen 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu. 4. When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT ___________blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION __DOWN. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This should highlight the item that you indicated in "find what" every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. The Register Thursday, December 1, 1859 Page 2, Column 4 OBITUARY DIED, at their residence in Monroe, MARTHA QUINN, daughter of W.J.Q. and Columbia W. Baker, aged four years two months and twenty-four days. Under this severe affliction the parents and relations find consolation only in the declaration of our Savior, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." The Register Thursday, January 12, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 DEATH OF GEN. J.B. PLAUCHE. - We deeply regret to see announced the death of this true representative of the gallant soldier, courteous gentleman and uselfish patriot. He died at his residence on St. Peter street a few days since, in the 75th year of his age. The Register Thursday, January 19, 1860 Page 2, Column 4 FATAL AFFRAY. — An affray occurred at the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans, between Chas. N. Harris, of Carroll parish and Col. W.H. Peck, of Madison parish, La., which resulted in the death of the former. The particulars we did not learn. The Register Thursday, January 19, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 OBITUARY MASONIC HALL, Western Star Lodge No. 61. Monroe, La., January 7, 1860 WHEREAS, It has pleased God in his Providence to remove from our midst, by death, our much esteemed brother, JOHN WALLACE, who departed this life on the 15th of November last. Resolved, That we entertain due regard and cherish the kindest feelings for the memory of our deceased brother, and deeply sympathize with his relatives. Resolved, That in token of our esteem for our deceased brother, we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days, and the Lodge be clothed in mourning. Resolved, That this preamble and resolutions be spread upon our Record, and that the editor of the Register be requested to publish the same, and that a copy thereof be sent to the mother of our deceased brother. By order of the Lodge. J.A. McGUIRE C. DELERY, Committee. J. HOFFMAN. The Register Thursday, February 2, 1860 Page 2, Column 3 HUNG. — Artemis Bennett was hung at half-past ten o'clock yesterday morning, in the Court-House Square. A large crowd was in attendance and a sufficient number of armed men were summoned to act as a guard. When Bennett stood on the platform he used this language as nearly as we could catch the sound: "I am sorry for what I have done. I hope you will all sympathize with my family. I have dreampt a thousand times that I saw this crowd around me. You must all take warning from this. Give my children good advice. I hope I am prepared to meet my God. Lord have mercy upon me." He thanked the Rev. Mr. McAllister, and told Mr. Hoss to meet him in Heaven. The rope was then cut and he was ushered into eternity. — Caddo Gazette. The Register Thursday Morning, March 8, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED, On the 26th ult., CLARA, aged five years, eight months and twenty days, daughter of Mr. C. and C.A. BRES, Caldwell Parish, La. "The Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken away, and blessed be the name of the Lord." Let the parents of little Clara find consolation in the above words of Holy Writ; though she was loved by you as parents only can love — though you had watched over her until she had attained an interesting age — still — Weep not for her whom the veil of the tomb, In life's happy morning, hath hid from your eyes. Ere sin threw a blight o'er the spirit's young bloom, Or earth had profaned what was born for the skies. Death chill'd the fair fountain ere sorrow had stain'd it, ‘Twas frozen in all the pure light of its course, And but sleeps till the sunshine of heaven has unchain'd it, To water that Eden where first was its source! Weep not for her whom the veil of the tomb, In life's happy morning, hath hid from your eyes. Ere sin threw a blight o'er the spirit's young bloom, Or earth had profaned what was born for the skies. The Register Thursday Morning, March 29, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 SUDDEN DEATH — A man named J.A. Sachon, from Ala., a passenger on the steamer Twilight, on her last up-bound trip, died very suddenly of inflamation of the brain. His body was put out and interred at this place. The Register Thursday Morning, March 29, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED. In Columbia, Caldwell Parish, La., after a short illness of eight hours duration, Miss PAULINE VILLARD, late of this parish, aged 45 years. The Register Thursday Morning, April 5, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED. On Friday, the 30th ult., MRS. MITTIE S. ROGERS, wife of Mr. M.M. Rogers, aged 21 years. The Register Thursday Morning, April 12, 1860 Page 1, Column 6 A little boy named George, aged about four years, the son of Mr. George G. Wilson, of this parish, was drowned in the lake, in front of his father's house, on last Thursday forenoon. He had been playing with one of the little negro children, by whom the first intimation of his being drowned was given. The negro child was too young to be able to give any particulars of the melancholy ocurrence. The body of little George was found, not long after the occurrence floating on the surface of the water. Every effort was made by Dr. Houghton, who happened to be at Mr. Wilson's at the time, to resuscitate the body but in vain — the vital spark had left it forever — Lake Providence Herald. The Register Thursday Morning, April 26, 1860 Page 2, Column 5 Local Items SHOCKING OCCURRENCE. — The Jailer Murdered by a Negro prisoner — Escape of the Criminal. — Last Monday evening our community was thrown into the greatest excitement by the startling announcement that Abram Williams, the jailor, had just been brutally murdered by the negro Jack or Jake, who had been convicted on the 19th inst. Of stabbing a white man with intent to kill, and sentenced to be hung next Friday. The particulars of this horrid affair are these: On Monday morning Williams went to the job as usual, to feed the negro. He was alone and unarmed, although he had been repeatedly warned by the sheriff and others to keep on his guard against surprise, as the negro was known to be a desperate character. He, however, apprehended no danger, and thought his prisoner perfectly secure from the fact that he was chained to the floor of his cell. But it appears the culprit had managed to possess himself of a bar of iron about 10 or 14 inches long, 2 * inches wide and 1/4 inch thick, which had incautiously been left loosely rivetted to the place where one of the locks of the cage door had been taken off for repairs. With this piece of iron he had broken the shackle off his leg, and with it he dealt a murderous blow on the head of his victim when the door was opened to pass in his breakfast. After beating the head of the unfortunate man literally into a jelly, the fiend placed a blanket snugly over the body, took the murdered man's hat, the day's provisions that had been brought, shouldered an axe that happened to be in the entry of the jail, and escaped to the woods. The deed was discovered about 4 o'clock in the afternoon by a son of the deceased who had been sent in quest of his father. The little fellow went to the jail, but finding the doors open and hearing no stir within he became frightened and ran for the sheriff, who, upon being apprised of the condition of things, immediately repaired to the place and found the body of the murdered man weltering in blood. The alarm was at once spread through town, and several citizens went in pursuit of the fugitive with dogs. He was tracked across the field in rear of the jail; but night coming on and the dogs getting bothered with the tracks of plantation negroes, nothing further could be done that evening — Next day the pursuit was renewed and is still vigorously kept up, but so far without success. The sheriff offers a reward of $200 for his apprehension. The boy was heard to say that he belongs to a Mrs. Slemmons of Shreveport, but was hired to the steamer McRaie by an agent of his mistress living in New Orleans — The police of that city and the authorities of Shreveport would do well to keep a sharp lookout for him, as it is possible he may make his way to one of these places. The deceased was a poor but honest and upright man and we are pained to say, leaves a wife and several children almost if not quite helpless. We devoutly hope the perpetrator of this revolting crime — the darkest one it has ever fallen to our lot to record, and certainly the most atrocious in nature ever witnessed here — may be speedily caught and made to suffer such punishment as the enormity and magnitude of his terrible crime would justify. To facilitate his apprehension, we append the following description of the murderer: He is a dark griffe, about 5 feet 5 inches high — has a bad countenance, and has a scar (as if made with a knife) on his right cheek — some 25 years old. P.S. — Since the foregoing was put in type, the murderer was caught, brought to town, and turned over to the proper authorities for further proceedings. He had another trial yesterday and was hung at 5 * P.M., in presence of the largest crowd we ever saw brought together at Monroe. Thus perished the notorious desperado "Tennessee Jack," by which name he went and whose villainous reputation was well known up and down the Mississippi for years past, as we have subsequently been informed. At one time we thought the crowd who had him in charge would lynch him, so great was their exasperation. But we are happy to say that the respect our citizens entertain for law and order prevailed over their passions, and with a praiseworthy, yet deliberate and cool determination, they quietly yielded to the voice of reason and the demands of justice. NOTE: In the Thursday morning, May 3, 1860 issue of the Register, on page 2, column 1, an article relates that Jack was tried and hung for the murder. The Register Thursday Morning, April 26, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED. At Trenton, Ouachita Parish, La., on the 3d inst., Mrs. M.A. MADDEN, aged 27 years, consort of A. MADDEN Esq. West Tennessee Whig please copy. The Register Thursday Morning, May 3, 1860 Page 2, Column 5 DIED. On the 29th ult., at the residence of Edward S. Austin, CHARLIE, only child of Elisha S. and Eliza Austin, aged 1 year, 6 months and 5 days. The Register Thursday Morning, May 24, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED, At the residence of Mr. Duty, in this place, on the 18th inst., HENRY MILLER, late of Covington, Ky., but more recently from Shreveport, La., — aged about 35 years. The Register Thursday Morning, May 31, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 Terrible Tragedy on the Steamer B.L. Hodge. On her last trip from Shreveport to New Orleans, a bloody tragedy was enacted on this boat just below Grand Ecore. The following statement is made by the passengers: A man calling himself B.L. Sleath came on board at Shreveport, and registered himself as a deck passenger for New Orleans. On the next evening after leaving Shreveport, he came to Capt. R.H. Martin (who was in command of the boat) and expressed a desire to be allowed to change his passage from deck to the cabin, which was acceded to, and a stateroom was assigned him by the clerk. Having a small amount of money in his possession, he deposited it with the clerk. Between 2 and 3 o'clock on the following morning, while almost all the passengers were asleep, (several gentlemen were still sitting up conversing.) Sleath suddenly stepped up behind one of the gentlemen (named F.G. Jernigen) and caught him around the head, drew a bowie-knife from behind him, and attempted to cut his throat. He was prevented from making a fatal wound by Jernigen catching the blade of the knife in one hand and Sleath's arm with the other. He, however, received a very severe wound across the throat. The passengers who were asleep, were roused by the noise and excitement in the cabin and the boat running into the bank. Just at the time a gentleman named Charles M. Fort, coming out of his stateroom into the cabin, was fatally stabbed by Sleath, and expired in a few moments. He resided in Springfield, Robertson county, Tennessee. Another passenger named R.J. Lyle, of Nashville, Tenn., being roused by the noise, opened his stateroom door to look out, and was immediately stabbed by Sleath. Lyle only said, "I am stabbed," and expired without a groan, the bowie-knife having penetrated through the heart. At this juncture the Captain, who had been asleep in his room, was called, and coming at once into the cabin, he succeeded in getting the knife from Sleath, and then secured him. The murderer had upon his person at the time of his arrest several other knives and a revolver. The murderer is a deformed creature, small in stature, broken backed, and about 28 years of age. He said he was a native of Weston, Lewis county, Va., and that he had been teaching school at a place called Knoxville, in Cherokee county, Texas. The reasons given by him for committing the deed were that they were the parties who were seeking his life — although they had never met before. He acknowledges the deed, but does not seem to care particularly about it. We feel obliged to publicly express our admiration of the noble manner in which Captain Martin acted in preventing violence being done to the murderer, after he was secured by the crowd, who were too much excited for reflection, and properly handing him over to public justice and the hands of the law. We also express our thanks to Captain Martin and the other officers of the boat for their prompt and determined action in securing Sleath, and preventing more violence being done to us. [Signed] S. W. Beasley, Texas; J.W.R. Williams, La; G.M.L. Smith, Texas; Peyton E. Graves, Ala; Wm Hatcher, La; R.W. White, Mo; E.G. Oliver, Ga; Thomas T. Glenn, Texas; Wm. Jernigen, Texas; B.F. Jackson, La; M.O. Lauve, La; J.H. Vannatta, Texas; C.B. Wall, Va.; J.H. Jackson, John Finch, La. "On Board Steamer B.L. Hodge, May 19, ‘60." The Register Thursday Morning, June 7, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 UNFORTUNATE AFFAIR. — We learn by a gentleman through from Vicksburg last Sunday on the state, that on the Friday preceding a Mr. Lee, of that city, shot and killed his wife, it is supposed in a fit of jealousy. Lee was, in turn, shot and killed on the spot by a Mr. Flowers. From the statement of our informant, it appears that Lee, his wife, and Flowers were seated at a table socially engaged in a game of whist, when the difficulty sprang up that led to the fatal issue. Mr. Flowers immediatley surrendered himself, had an examination before the Mayor, and was honorably acquitted — it appearing that he had killed his adversary in self-defense. The parties were of the highest respectability. The Register Thursday Morning, June 7, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 SAD. — The last Feliciana (Clinton) Democrat relates the following painful incident: A few weeks ago we noticed the melancholy accident which occurred in our town, the death of Mrs. Mathilde Taquino, by taking muriate of barita in mistake for epsom salts. We observe in the New Orleans papers the death of her husband, Joseph Taquino, by suicide. Upon the death of Mrs. Taquino, letters were forwarded to her husband, informing him of the sad event. Immediately after their receipt, he came here, and was placed in possession of all the incidents connected therewith. Her sudden and accidental taking off evidently made a deep and powerful impression upon his mind, and many little circumstances, his strange manner, depression of spirits and wayward action during his stay, taken in connection with his fatal act, not noticed as of much significance at the time, are now conclusive that even then he had determined upon its commission. Among other evidence, was an earnest desire to possess the poisonous substance of which his wife partook, and which, though often solicited, was fortuitously refused him. Had it been granted, it is more than probable that Clinton would have been the scene of his suicidal act. We annex the local notice of the Picayune: "Suicide. — M. Joseph Taquino, residing on Marais street, between Bayou Road and barracks street, committed suicide last night by taking prussic acid. He seems to have made up his mind to die, for after taking the poison he informed his family of the act and bid them good bye. Three physicians were called, who tried every possible means to save him, but with no success; he had well calculated the dose, and the poison had had time to work in the system before he made the fact known. He died in great agony. Mr. Taquino was a native of Baton Rouge, and only twenty-seven years old, we believe. — He lately lost his wife and young child in an interval of a few weeks and ever since appeared dejected and wearied of life." The Register Thursday Morning, June 7, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 CATAHOULA PARISH — The Harrisonburg Independent, of the 26th ult., has the following item: Frightful Casualty. — We learn that a negro cabin on the plantation of J.P. Sheffield, Esq., in this parish, was last week burned, and three negro children, the eldest twelve years of age, perished in the flames. The accident occurred early at night, and the fire is supposed to have originated from lightning. The Register Thursday Morning, June 14, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 DROWNED — Last Saturday night a young German shoemaker named George Hirch, recently up from New Orleans, was drowned in the Ouachita river opposite this place, while bathing. His body was picked up about a mile below town on Sunday morning, and brought back and buried. He was about 25 years of age. The Register Thursday Morning, July 12, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 Tribute of Respect WHEREAS, It having been the will and pleasure of the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe to sever a link in the Masonic chain, by removing from amongst us our worthy and much esteemed Brother Benjamin C. Stegall, a brother endeared to us by his many virtues as a Mason and as a man — and whilst we deplore the loss we have sustained in his death, we humbly submit to all the decrees of a Divine Providence, and we sincerely hope that at the sound of the Gavel from above, we may be prepared to appear in that Lodge which will never close; that our work may be approved by the Supreme Grand Master, and our names enrolled among all worthy brethren, and where a link in the chains of love will never again be severed. Therefore, be it Resolved, That this Lodge (of which our departed brother was an exemplary member) tender to the widow and family of the deceased its sympathy in their bereavement. Be it Resolved, That the members of this Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty (30) days. Be it Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be sent to the widow of our deceased brother and spread upon the minutes of this Lodge. Be it further Resolved, That the Committee appointed to draft these resolutions, present the same to the Register for publication. By order of Urim Lodge No. 111, Forksville, La. E. FRIEND, F.N. MARKS, Committee. A.W. SHEPPARD. JAS. L. McCARTER, Sec. June 30th, 1860, A.L. 5860 The Register Thursday Morning, July 19, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 Obituary. "Greet in silence, as the dead are wont, And sleep in peace, O, sacred receptacle of joy." DIED — On the 8th inst., after a severe and lingering illness, DAVID WISEMAN, son of David and Mrs. M.O. Faulk, aged two years ten months and thirteen days. It is hard to say, Lord, Thy will be done, when we see the relentless hand of death laid on some cherished idol, and watch the last faint flutterings of the departed spirit. Little David was lovely in life and beautiful in death. Never more will his little tongue lisp his favorite song — "Happy Day." From the loving embrace of parents, brothers and sister, he has like a bright exhalation, "passed to that Necropolis of silent sleepers," which is the inevitable destiny of all humanity; and although the shadows of the tomb hang about us like a pall, we will cease to murmur, because Christ has said, "Suffer little children to come unto me." To the sorrow-stricken mother I would say, live for God, for eternity, for the loved and lost that has gone before; our earth is not clothed in eternal sunshine, but alternate shades of light and darkness make up the web of our existence, and every season of sorrow has its morning star of reconciliation. There is a day of sunny rest, For every dark and troubled night; And grief may hide on evening guest, But joy shall come with morning light. Marsfield Plantation. C.E.P. Missouri Statesman please copy, and if required, send bill to this office for payment. The Register Thursday Morning, August 9, 1860 Page 2, Column 7 DIED — Near Monroe, on Saturday the 4th day of August, SENECA LEROY SANFORD, of Ouachita Parish. The deceased was one so kind of heart, so affectionate towards his friends, so amiable towards those to whom he was bound by ties of kindred. That his sudden and unexpected death has fallen as a heavy blow upon the large circle of his friends and relations. Again are we reminded that "in the midst of life we are in death;" but even under this affliction, may we trust that "the God who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," will console the friends and relatives of him whose loss we now deplore. The Register Thursday Morning, August 16, 1860 Page 2, Column 2 FIRE — A dwelling on the opposite side of the river, was destroyed early Tuesday night. A child eight years old was consumed. It is supposed to have been an accident and not the work of an incendiary. The Register Thursday Morning, September 6, 1860 Page 2, Column 6 DIED — At St. Louis, Mo., on Monday August 27th, 1860, KATE MORGAN, youngest daughter of Charles and Anna W. Delery, aged 2 years six months. The Register Thursday Morning, October 4, 1860 Page 2, Column 6 DIED — At Monroe, La., Sept. 20th, 1860, ANN MARIA, oldest daughter of Charles and Nancy Dobbs. The Register Thursday Morning, November 8, 1860 Page 2, Column 1 COL. T.W. PHILLIPS — This distinguished gentleman departed this life on Friday last, and his remains were escorted to their last resting place on Saturday evening by the Masonic fraternity. Peace to his ashes. Note: The Thursday morning, November 15, 1860 edition of the Register has a Tribute of Respect from the Western Star Lodge No. 61, on page 2, column 5. The Register Thursday Morning, November 8, 1860 Page 2, Column 2 Dreadful Catastrophe. Explosion of the H.R.W. Hill! 85 to 40 Lives Lost!! FIFTEEN TO 20 WOUNDED!! The Wounded in the Hospitals!! A SAD SCENE! The steamer Wm. M. Levy, Captain Puckett, hence for Alexandria, when opposite College Point, was hailed by the steamer H.R.W. Hill, on Wednesday night at about 12 o'clock. The Levy ran alongside and ascertained that the Hill was in distress, having exploded the third boiler from the larboard side. The Levy returned last evening, having in tow the Hill, which she landed at the foot of Girod street. At the time of the explosion there was a head of steam on varying from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and twenty-five pounds to the square inch — the usual power — but owing to the fact that below Australia Landing the boat had run over a stump, knocking a hole in her hull, and no doubt thereby affecting the boilers, this explosion may be conjectured. — The engineer, however, told us that the boiler-head is made of cast-iron, and bears the mark of an old crack on the rim where it was severed from the main boiler. * * * When the explosion took place this boiler-head was only partly bent over, consequently the steam and water escaped upwards in great force, and broke the floor of the saloon and damaged some of the state-rooms. As the steam and water gained egress, the pressure against the boiler head caused it to fall over, and then the steam and water took a horizontal course, dashing in the greatest fury aft over the cotton bales, where some fourty-five persons, deck-passengers and all hands, all Irishmen, were sleeping. * * * The second engineer and striker, both of whom were on the watch, were killed; also killing some thirty or forty deck-hands and passengers; also, badly wounding fifty or sixty more. None of the cabin passengers were injured except Mr. Lohman, he having his right hand slightly wounded. The officers all escaped without injury. [Here follows a list of the killed, so far as known.] Not a female was hurt on board. The dead bodies make an exhibition beyond description. Each body was stripped, placed on a pallet, and laid out on the saloon deck and covered with sheets. Some of the bodies are entirely skinned, and present a horrible sight, like highly colored Indians. Others are stripped of skin in various parts presenting a fearful appearance. * * * * * * * * * * * * * The damage to the Hill is trifling compared with the loss of life, and beyond the boiler and the small destruction to the saloon floor, she is scarcely injured. The Register Thursday Morning, November 15, 1860 Page 2, Column 5 DIED. — At the residence of A.A. Swan, GEORGE ELLA KNOX, on the 30th ult., daughter of George H. and Ellena A. Knox, after an illness of seven weeks, with affection of the spine, aged six years, seven months and nine days. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com