Obits: The Ouachita Telegraph 1873 Obits, Ouachita Parish La These older obituaries are being typed in by Ms. Lora Peppers at the Ouachita Parish Library. We are once again fortunate to have someone interested in helping us find our ancestors. Thank you Lora! Date: May 2000 Submitted by: Lora Peppers ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** If your obituary is not found here and you would like a special look up, you may send $5.00 and an self-addressed stamped envelope to: Lora Peppers - Phone (318) 327-1490 Reference Department Fax (318) 327-1373 Ouachita Parish Public Library 1800 Stubbs Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, January 11, 1873 Page 1, Column 4 Mr. Edward A. Bradford, a leading member of the New Orleans bar, and formerly law partner of J.P. Benjamin, died in Paris on the twenty-second ultimo. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, January 11, 1873 Page 3, Column 3 Mr. David Hasley, one of the best and most substantial citizens of this parish, died of heart disease on the 9th. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, January 18, 1873 Page 3, Column 3 OBITUARY. IN MEMORY OF PHIL. R. SMITH, Born February 3, 1840; Died October 18, 1872; Aged 32 years, 8 months and 15 days. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from us our beloved Brother PHILANDER R. SMITH, in the bloom of early manhood; therefore, be it Resolved, That while we bow in humble submission to this Divine decree, we acknowledge the aching void it has left in our hearts; and while we feel that the hand of Providence has been heavily laid upon us, we trust that we shall clasp hands with him around the Great White Throne. Resolved, That in the death of Brother P.R. SMITH this Lodge has lost one of its most worthy and devoted members, and the community one of its most respected and useful citizens. Resolved, That we sincerely and affectionately extend to the afflicted family of our deceased Brother the heartfelt sympathies of this Lodge in this their painful bereavement, and remind them that while he is enjoying that peace which the world can not give, He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb looks down with infinite compassion on the widow and fatherless in the hour of their desolation, and will fold the arms of His love and protection around those who put their trust in Him. Resolved, That in token of respect to the memory of our deceased Brother P.R. SMITH, this Lodge Hall be draped in mourning and the members wear the usual badge of mourning, with these resolutions inscribed thereon. Resolved, That the Secretary furnish a copy of these resolutions to the family of our deceased Brother, and a copy to the OUACHITA TELEGRAPH for publication. A.H. HARRIS, W.B. GRAYSON, W.D. WOOTON Committee. F.M. THORNHILL, R.S. SLEMONS, Secretary. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, January 25, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Geo. L. Swezey, a telegraph operator who came here some two weeks ago from St. Paul, died on Thursday, of typhoid pneumonia, at the Ouachita House. He was sick when he arrived here. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, February 8, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Death of Jas. D. McEnery, Esq. The grievous intelligence of the death of this estimable friend and gentleman reached us in New Orleans, where we had separated from him but a few days previous in good health and interested actively in the affairs of life. Mr. McEnery reached Monroe, suffering from pneumonia, which was succeeded by a nervous prostration that brought on final dissolution at 4 o'clock last Sunday morning. Up to almost his last moments Mr. McEnery was rational, and conscious of his approaching end, of which he spoke with calmness and resignation. His death has caused universal sorrow in this community. NOTE: There is a Resolution of Respect from the Monroe Bar, in the Ouachita Telegraph, February 15, 1873 issue, page 3, column 1. There is also a tribute of respect from Judge Robert Ray in the March 15, 1873 issue of the Ouachita Telegraph, Page 3, Column 2. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, February 15, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 IN MEMORY of REUBEN JOHNSON, Born April 27, 1827, Died December 30, 1872; Aged 45 years, 8 months and 3 days. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to again afflict us by the death of our respected brother, REUBEN JOHNSON; therefore, 1. Resolved, That while we acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of Almighty God to us now and always, we delore (sic) the loss of our brother REUBEN JOHNSON as a great misfortune. 2. Resolved, That in the death of brother JOHNSON, this Lodge has suffered the loss of a member who during a long term of Masonic service has devoted himself with fidelity to the principles of the Fraternity, and endeared himself, not only to the brethren of the Order, but to the community in which he lived. 3. Resolved, That this Lodge does truly and sincerely sympathize with the family of our deceased brother, and would point them to his home beyond the starry-decked heavens. 4. Resolved, That in respect to his memory, this Lodge Hall be draped in mourning, and the members wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days. 5. Resolved, That a page of the Minutes of this Lodge be dedicated to him, with these resolutions inscribed thereon, and that the Secretary furnish a copy of the same to his family. W.J. BOWMAN, R.D. BRIDGER, Committee. R. SMITH SLEMONS, Secretary. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, March 1, 1873 Page 3, Column 3 The negroes have some queer ideas of family pride. Parson Luke Stewart was around town Monday taking up a collection with which to defray the expenses of his mother's funeral. Luke said he would accept a donation of even five cents. Artemus Ward never got off anything half so droll. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, March 15, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 Resolutions of Respect. Whereas, It has pleased our Almighty Father to remove from his circle of usefulness here our worthy Bro. JOHN W. HILL, who died at his residence in the parish of Caldwell, La., on the 26th day of January, 1873, in the 32nd year of his age; therefore, Be it Resolved, That in the death of Bro. HILL our Lodge has lost a worthy and zealous member, society a useful and honored citizen, and the community at large an estimable man. Resolved, That while we bow with submission to the dispensations and decree of an inscrutable Providence, we will cherish the many virtues of our deceased Brother in our memories, and commended his examplary (sic) and Masonic conduct as worthy of imitation and respect. Resolved, That we extend the hand of sympathy and our heart-felt condolence to the wife and family of our deceased Brother, and though unable to heal the wound the fiat of our Blessed Father has produced, we can point her hopefully to that undiscovered country, the fruition of which, we trust, our deceased Brother now enjoys. Resolved, That as an evidence of our respect for the memory of our deceased Brother, the members of this Lodge wear the usual badge of mourning, and that the Lodge Hall be draped in mourning for the space of thirty days. Resolved, That a page of the Minutes of this Lodge be dedicated to the inscription of these resolutions, and that a copy be sent to the widow and family of our deceased Brother, and that a copy be also sent to the OUACHITA TELEGRAPH for publication. THOS. E. MEREDITH, A.H. HARRIS Committee. W.B. GRAYSON, HENRY HAAS, Adopted. R.SMITH SLEMONS, Sec'y. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, March 22, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 OBITUARY. Died, at the residence of C.R. Slider, Esq., in Delhi La., on the 11th instant, cerebro spinal meningetis, EHUD ERASMUS GINN, in the 16th year of his age. Stricken with this terrible disease, he bore his protracted, painful sufferings with wonderful fortitude and resignation. He was a promising youth, of gentle manners and urbane, and during his long and severe illness, to those who administered at his bedside — through strangers — he would often murmur "thanks, thanks for your kindness." His disease baffled medical skill and death was indeed a relief. Surely we have reason to feel that his exit from time was but a happy transition to that better and brighter world where the wary sufferer is at rest. "He sleeps, The wearied head upon earth's pillow rests, And murmuring winds above fit anthems keep. He sleeps." — Richland Beacon The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, March 29, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 Death of William Frist. The long and patient suffering of Mr. Wm. Frist, which had excited the sympathies of all his friends, terminated in death on Tuesday last, at one o'clock, P.M. For months he had endured inconceivable pain and anguish from disease of the throat, in the almost certain prospect of resultant death. No kindred were about him to soothe his hours and days of gloom and sadness, but kind friends watched with anxious yearnings the changes of his condition and ministered to his dying wants. Mr. Frist had many friends. We doubt if he ever had an enemy in all his maturer years; certainly, he leaves none here. He was a native of Cecil Co., Maryland, and died aged 39 years. He was living in Monroe at the outbreak of the war, and joined the Pelican Grays, of which company he became First Sargent upon the promotion of Capt. Homkin. He served with a musket throughout most of the war, and went through, but no unharmed, many of the most desperate battles in Virginia. He returned to Monroe some three years ago, and betook himself to his calling as a carriage maker, and was fast gaining the fruits of industry and an honest ambition when the hand of Death was laid upon him. A calm resignation to the summons which he knew had come characterized his last hours, wherein he found strength and reason to make final disposition of his earthly effects, and then in a few minutes, like a dying zephyr, quietly and imperceptibly passed away from earth. And truly a good and noble-hearted man has gone. The funeral cortege consisted of the Silver Cornet Band, of the members of the Fire Department, of which deceased was an honored member, of the Masonic Fraternity, and of sympathizing friends in carriages and on foot. Rev. Mr. Evans, at the grave, spoke most feelingly of the occasion and of the duties and business of life, and Mr. Jos. McGuire read the masonic burial services in an impressive manner. NOTE: There is a Resolution of Respect from the Western Star Lodge #24, in the May 10, 1873 issue of the Ouachita Telegraph, Page 3, Column 3. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, April 5, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Death of Mr. Joel Tatum. One of the largest funeral processions we have witnessed in Monroe was that which followed the mortal remains of our esteemed friend, Mr. Joel Tatum, to the Monroe Cemetery, on Sunday last. Mr. Tatum had been, for some time before his death on Saturday, suffering from chills and fever, but was not confined either to his bed or his home. Being an active, pushing planter, he doubtless thought but little of his ailment, and went on in his usual line of duties, until suddenly brought to bed by an unmistakable attack of swamp fever, a disease likely to follow a neglected spell of chills and fever. — His decline, subsequently, was steady and rapid, although relieved by occasional symptoms of recovery. He foresaw, several hours before his final disolution (sic), the result of his illness, and called the Rev. Mr. Evans, and all the members of his family, to his bedside. He joined with spirit and zest in the singing of a hymn, was received into the Church, and exhorted each member of his family by name to take up the cross of our Savior and join him in heaven. He expressed his entire willingness to die and his readiness to meet his Maker. His death was that of a philosopher calmly and peacefully contemplating his end. Mr. Tatum leaves a wife and several sons, with whom, and with our State, of whom the deceased was a most useful citizen, our sympathies are deeply enlisted. Mr. Tatum was 47 years of age at his death, having been born in Autauga county, Ala., in 1826. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, April 12, 1873 Page 2, Column 3 Col. H.J.G. Battle, of Shreveport, is dead. He was known best in North Louisiana as the Agent of the Confederate Treasury during the war, having in charge the conversion of Confederate notes of the old issue into notes of the new. The Times speaks of the Colonel's life and funeral in the following terms: The old and young, men and women gathered together to do honor to the loved dead. Grey heads were bowed in grief, and all hearts were oppressed by a great sorrow. No man in this or any other community has been more generally or more deeply mourned. The benefactor the of weak and poor; the embodiment of every manly virtue, haughty only in his scorn of falsehood and duplicity, Col. Battle found a mourner in every citizen of Caddo parish. He was one of the oldest members of the press in Louisiana, and was at the time of his death senior proprietor and business manager of this paper, which his ability, energy and management chiefly created. Every member of the press of this city, even the newsboys, sincerely lamented his death, and followed him to the grave. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, April 12, 1873 Page 2, Column 4 The Union Record of the 4th comes to us draped in mourning for the death of its founder, Judge T.B. Tompkins, who died of consumption, at Marion, La., on the 30th ult., in the 34th year of his age. Of the rising young men of our State Judge Tompkins stood in the very front rank. The country, in his death has lost a noble and talented son, and we a friend we sincerely loved. May he find rest forever in the BETTER LAND! The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, May 3, 1873 Page 2, Column 1 Hon. W.J. Hadnot, of Grant. We adopt as our own, except as to the period of acquaintance, the following truthful eulogy upon the late Hon. W.J. Hadnot, representative from Grant, taken from the Franklin Sun. Mr. Hadnot was notably quiet, easy in manner, and very unobtrusive. Of all the men we have met, we should unhesitatingly say he would be one of the last to excite trouble or to fail in pacifying a dispute once it began. He was above middle age, with gray hairs, and was an unpretending farmer who courted the ways of peace. However his death may have occurred, from our knowledge of the man we are compelled to believe he died a martyr to the cause of peace and truth. The Sun says: We most truly lament the death of this honest and upright man. He died of the wound he received at the Grant courthouse. He was mild, amiable, generous, hospitable and universally esteemed. No doubt he was influenced in his mission to the camp of his slayers by motives of kindness and humanity towards them. Mr. Hadnot was one of the few men of whom after an acquaintance of a quarter of a century we could truly say, "none knew him but to love him, none named him but to praise." The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, May 17, 1873 Page 1, Column 4 Gen. Frank Gardner, who was the Confederate commander at port Hudson at the time of its surrender to Gen. Banks, died in Vermillionville on Wednesday of last week. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, May 17, 1873 Page 3, Column 3 DIED: ELLA, wife of Geo. W. Morton, formerly of St. Louis county, Missouri; maiden name Harris; aged 38 years, 7 months and 22 days. A stranger in a strange land, her way to JESUS was smoothed by true Christian hands. (St. Louis papers please copy.) The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, May 31, 1873 Page 2, Column 2 JACKSON [From the Standard] Mr. F.C. Posey, a resident of this parish, died at his father's residence on the night of the 17th ult. Of consumption. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, June 7, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Sudden Death. Mr Newton, of the law firm of Newton & Morgan, of Bastrop, left Monroe Wednesday morning for home. He reached Judge Baker's place, four miles from town, and becoming suddenly faint, could go no further. He was kindly received by Mrs. Baker, but notwithstanding all the efforts made for his relief, he soon after expired. Mr. Newton was an exemplary young man of fine prospects. He had been the victim for some time of lung disease, of which he finally died. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, June 14, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Harry Petersen, employed for several years in this city as clerk and bookkeeper, died of dysentery yesterday morning. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, June 21, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 "Old" Henry Burns, a colored man of more than local reputation, died of cholera, in this city, the past week. The event has been commented upon rather extensively, and the general average of opinion seems to be that Henry was a good old darkey whose death is lamented. Burns had his weaknesses, but was above the common run of negroes. He "bought his freedom," and also that of his wife, before the war. He had accumulated some property by stable-keeping, and a little death-bed incident will illustrate how level-headed Henry was on financial questions. Some years ago Burns and Peter James kept stable together. In the course of business, Burns fell into Peter's debt $500. Hearing of Henry's approaching death, Peter repaired to the humble pallet of the dying man, and asked to have his debt acknowledged. The old darkey was far gone — could hear, but could not articulate a word. He had just verbally willed his effects to his wife and daughter. He had never acknowledged Peter's debt. With eternity just before him, but still lingering on this side, old Henry, when asked to confess judgment in favor of Peter, gave a vigorous shake of his head, and in five minutes was no more. Peter says that Burns has gone there. Burns was a brother of Anthony Burns of Boston and fugitive-slave-law notoriety. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, June 28, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 A lad named Block, of Jewish parents, died in this city last Tuesday. He was employed in Hoffman's store, and a very willing, active employe (sic) he was. A few days ago he heard of his father's death in Germany, and it is supposed the sad event had much to do with the death of the son. He had regularly forwarded his earnings to his parents. Such sons are too rare. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, June 28, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 UNION. [From the Record] Mrs. Lidwell, an aged lady, mother-in-law of our townsman Dr. D.G. Temple, died at this place on the 15th instant. Mr. Wiley DeFee, of Spearsville, died on Friday last, at the residence of his brother, John M. DeFee, Esq., of this place. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, July 19, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 DEATH OF MAYOR J.L. HUNSICKER. — On Saturday last Mr. J.L. Hunsicker, Mayor of this place, was attacked with diarrhea. Symptoms of cholera were gradually developed, and on Monday evening, notwithstanding constant and skillful medical attention, Mr. Hunsicker breathed his last. The interment took place Tuesday, with appropriate ceremonies, in the presence of a large number of our citizens. Mr. Hunsicker was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Monroe about 1853, a journeyman carriage-maker. By industry and prudent investments, he had accumulated property worth probably $30,000. He was a man of public spirit and energy, of fine appearance, and being only forty-four (sic) years of age, had, apparently, fair promise of many years of usefulness and happiness before him. But so comes the reaper, Death; and so perish all human expectations. Deceased leaves a wife and daughter to mourn his death. NOTE: There is a resolution of respect from the Monroe City Council in the Ouachita Telegraph, Saturday, July 26, 1873, Page 3, Column 3. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, July 19, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 OBITUARY. Died, at the residence of her parents, "Lafitta," Ouachita parish, La., July 12th, 1873, after a short illness, ANNA, second daughter of W.L. DeGraffenreid, M.D., and E. DeGraffenreid, neeFerrand; aged 11 years and 11 months. The flower when offered in the bud Is no mean sacrifice. Beautiful, bright, winsome ANNA! Where art thou, fair child of promise? Can it be that death has claimed thee, sweet one? The echo of thy merry voice is floating ‘round us still — the touch of thy busy little hands are apparent, turn where we may — only thy sunny presence is wanting. We look up, thinking to behold thee, and not till then do we realize, with sudden, anguished pain, that "thou art dead." Never more may we watch the lights and shades of thought and dawning intelligence playing at "hide and seek" in the depths of they soft gray eyes; nevermore caress thy pure white brow, crowned with its wealth of gleaming, golden hair. Thy voice is hushed — thy laughter fled — In vain we list thy dancing tread. Yes, fond father, loving mother, your child has gone! But whence? Does the grave enclose both the casket and its priceless gem, the Soul? Oh, no! The "eye of Faith" is raised aloft, and there — transformed, glorified as an angel of transcendent light — you find her. Be comforted, bereaved ones! The way over the Valley of Death will never more be obscured to you; your angel-child is ever near to guide you, should your footsteps falter in its rugged, thorny path. A FRIEND. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, August 2, 1873 Page 2, Column 2 LINCOLN. [Vienna Sentinel.] Mr. Abraham Pipes, an old and estimable citizen of this parish, died near Douglason the 18th ult. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, August 2, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Mr. Wm. P. Trites, manager of the W.U. Telegraph Co., died of consumption, in this city, on the 29th ult. Mr. T. was a native of New Brunswick. He had been here some two years, and had made many friends. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, August 2, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 The death of Samuel S. Tatum was an event which in the press of work always attending a session of the Supreme Court, has until now failed to receive our attention. Death has been busy in our midst this year, but has dealt few heavier blows upon the community than this. Mr. Tatum had just entered upon his career of usefulness, and spread out before him, was a future fair with promises. He had acquired a good education at Edinburgh, and followed it up with a study of men and business in a public office, and had just returned to the family homestead to supply the place of a father who died but a few weeks ago. Disease came in a complicated form, and, after varying seasons of light and shade, hope and despair, poor Sam paid the debt of nature, exulting, with sublime confidence, in the hope of peace eternal. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, September 6, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 DIED, At Rayville, La., September 2, 1873, little ALICE, daughter of Wiley P. Mangham and Mrs. Fannie Mangham. The deceased was a dutiful child, a favorite with relatives and a pet with the whole community. Aged 4 years, 5 months and 18 days. W.P.M. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, September 13, 1873 Page 2, Column 3 A GOOD MAN GONE. We copy with unfeigned sorrow the following sad announcement from the Bossier Banner. In the death of Mr. Griffin, the State has lost one of her noblest, best and bravest defenders. We knew him well, and cordially join in the following encomium: Died, on the 16th ultimo, in San Antonio, Texas, in the 38th year of his age, JOHN R. GRIFFIN. Known to a large host of friends, the spirit that has flown was one beloved by all. Casting his lot with us, he here battled nobly and manfully for that meed of success which ever crowns with sweet happiness a consistent and persevering life. In manner gentle and unobtrusive, he was ever the enjoyable companion when and wherever he met his fellow man, and especially the many that named him friend. But — "He has gone, From eyes that drew half their light from him." As a husband faithful and loving, as a man upright, and as a friend forever true, he has gone, leaving, indeed, the wound of regret for his loss, but bequeathing, too, the pleasing memory of his good qualities and life as a legacy to be faithfully and fondly kept forevermore. The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, September 13, 1873 Page 4, Column 1 DEATH OF CHRISTIAN ROSELIUS. [From the New Orleans Republican. The city was startled last evening with the news that this good old man was dead. Only a few days before he had been upon the streets looking ruddy and hearty, and it seemed as though a score of years of hard work were in him yet. He died after a very brief illness at three o'clock yesterday, and will be buried from the Lutheran Church, on St. Charles street, at four o'clock this evening. Christian Roselius came to this city when a child, from Bremen, near where he was born in 1803. He was a well-grown boy when he landed here, and shortly afterward apprenticed himself to learn the printing business, he having no guardian save an elder brother, who had himself to look out for. After serving an apprenticeship of three years, he continued to work at the case as a journeyman compositor until 1825, when he established a weekly paper, the Halcyon, the first literary paper started in this city. This he conducted — set up and edited — for some eighteen months, when he gave it up, not meeting with the encouragement he had wished. Meantime he had turned his attention to the law, and in the offices of James Wakeman and Auguste Duvezac, he fitted himself by close application and patient stidy to occupy the proud position he has held for so many years, at the head of the New Orleans bar. In 1827 he was admitted to the bar — almost at the same time with the late Hon. Pierre Soule — having passed an examination before the Supreme Court which won for him the compliments of that distinguished bench of jurists. His success thenceforward was for a time like that of all young, poor and unbefriended lawyers — slow, almost to discouragement. He had meantime married a most estimable lady and with her he taught school to eke out a support until his practice became sufficient to afford him and her a living. But prosperity was not far off. He soon achieved a reputation for ability and skill in the criminal courts, and in a very few years his practice became lucrative. In 1840 he was elected to the Legislature, but did not serve out his term when he was appointed Attorney General by Governor Roman, as the successor of Mr. Mazureau. This office he held till 1843, when he elected to return to his private practice. Mr. Roselius has hardly sought public life since; but on several occasions the people have called upon him in such a way to serve them that he could not refuse. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1845 and 1852, and was elected to that of 1864, but shortly after resigned. He was a member of the Convention which voted Louisiana out of the Union, but was known therein as an open and pronounced Union man, opposing secession with Taliaferro, Rosier and others, so long as oposition promised any satisfactory results. He has been named since the war for many positions of trust and confidence, but has seemed to shrink from political contests. He has devoted his entire attention to his immense practice, in which he exhibited up to almost the last hour all the vigor and enthusiasm of a young man. By his practice he acquired an immense fortune, and with a generous heart and open hand he bestowed its blessings upon the needy and struggling. In the walks of public and private charity a generous almoner will be missed. A community proud of having had such an ornament, will carry their hearts bowed down in sorrow to the grave. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, September 26, 1873 Page 2, Column 3 FRANKLIN [From the Sun, 19th .] A coincidence of a sad character has just occurred — a father, son and daughter each lost a child within a short period of time — the two former, Mr. Ed. and Wm. O. Parker buried their babes on the 15th instant, at the same time, and the latter, Mrs. N.A. Wiggers on the 18th. The three families live in different parts of the parish. No other burials occurred between them. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 3, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Death of Rev. Father Gergaud. A few days ago, (on the 18th ult.,) Father Gergaud left Monroe, in vigorous health and at the meridian of life, to minister to and aid the suffering people of Shreveport. The mission was one of extreme hazard and certain danger, but was undertaken, and voluntarily, by Faterh Gergaud, in pursuance to solemn convictions and an earnest desire to be of service to the afflicted. Four days after Father Gergaud reached the scene of his self-imposed and arduous labors, he was seized with the fever which has so terribly scourged the people of Shreveport. Dr. Chopin, of New Orleans, gave the Reverend Father the benefit of his great skill and learning, and it was hoped he would recover. But the malady steadily increased, and at 4 o'clock Wednesday morning the faithful priest and servant of God passed to the Better Land, of whose beauties, joys and holy peace he had so often fervently declaimed. LOUIS GERGAUD was a native of Brittany, France; where he was born, in the village of Heric, on the 22nd of March, 1832. He was educated for the ministry at the celebrated seminary of Nantes, under the direction of the priest of the St. Sulpice, and was ordained priest 23rdSeptember, 1854, at the age of 22 years. He followed the Right Rev. Bishop Martin to this State in 1854, but was not sent to Monroe until 1856. He was a yet unable to speak English, found here a very small congregation, of which there was only one male communicant and was isolated from his fellow priests. He set vigorously to work, and as the result of his zeal and labor St. Matthew's has now 150 members, with a convent, and boy's school, and in connection with the church is a benevolent society of Young Friends with a library and building. — Father Gergaud extended his efforts to other parishes, and was largely instrumental in setting up churches of the Roman Catholic faith at Bastrop, Delhi and Lake Providence. The entire Community has heard the sad tidings of the holy man's death with genuine sorrow. The loss of such a man not only is keenly felt and appreciated, but that he should have received, in his noble mission, the fatal shaft so soon — as if he passed over to Shreveport only to close his earthly journey — adds poignancy to the general sorrow and has called forth words and tears and sighs where perchance they had not been. NOTE: In the Friday, October 10, 1873 edition there is a resolution of respect from the Catholics of Ouachita for Father Gergaud on Page 3, Column 2. In the Friday, October 24, 1873 edition, notice is given of a Memorial Association for Gergaud to bring his body back to Monroe for burial on Page 3, Column 1. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 3, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 Mass of Requiem. On Wednesday, the 15th, there will be a solemn Mass of Requiem, at St. Matthew's Church, for the repose of the soul of Rev. Father L. Gergaud, deceased. Services will begin at 10 o'clock, A.M. The Rev. Father Joseph Gentille will deliver the Funeral oration. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 10, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 DIED: In Rayville, La., on Wednesday morning, October 1, 1873, BIRTIE CLARENCE STILES, son of Mr. N.B. Stiles; aged one year and nine months. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 17, 1873 Page 2, Column 4 NOBLE VICTIM OF THE SHREVEPORT EPIDEMIC. [From the Mobile Register.] We all remember the noble, the brave, the generous Alfred Saville. His death has been as heroic as his life had been. During the dark days of the unjust war waged by the North against the South, Alfred Saville was attached to the command of General John H. Morgan, that hero butchered in cold blood after surrender, and as such the recital of his feats on the enemy's telegraphic lines have often enlivened the gloomy circles gathred around our camp fires, and many were the "tricks" he played on the perplexed Federals, sending them right and left in search of imaginary foes, while his daring chief was sweeping through their lines in quest of men and horses; and no one has forgotten how, having taken possession of the line between the Federals and Nashville, he gave peremptory orders there not to send any more troops, but plenty of ammunition, and how an old friend, then in charge at Nashville, detecting the peculiar touch or fingering of the bogus operator, flashed back to him this good humored answer: "Get out, Saville, or I'll send the cavalry after you." And now the brave spirit which animated and inspired that robust body and that lofty soul, has been surrender(ed) to his Maker, and like his afflicted friend, we say, from the bottom of our hearts: May he rest in peace and receive the reard of a faithful servent. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 17, 1873 Page 3, Column 1 Death of John McLain. One of the best citizens of this parish died when John McLain passed from earth to eternity on last Sunday. For months Mr. McLain had been slowly sinking into his grave. Sustained by his natural force of will and energy, he had manfully struggled against the Reaper, Death; but, as the end has proved, to no purpose. He has paid the debt of nature, and is known among men no more. Mr. McLain was many years a resident of this State, but only since the war a resident of this parish. He possessed all the elements of a good citizen — honorable in business, energetic, public - spirited, patriotic and true to his word. He had lost a handsome property by the war, but was rapidly regaining his losses, when disease stepped between him and all his earthly plans. We knew the man well and long. He did all the good he could, and studiously avoided the appearance of wrong. He was a kind neighbor, a thoughtful father a generous friend, and, all in all, a noble man. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 17, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 DEATH OF JUDGE RIVES. — We learn, just on going to press, that Judge Nat. Rives, of Jackson, died in Vernon on the 13th, of injuries received by a fall from a horse. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 24, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Ruller of the Universe to call from among us our worthy Brother, JNO. F. VARNER. Be it therefore Resolved, 1st, That in the death of Brother JNO. F. VARNER we recognize the loss of one of the most worthy and devoted members of our fraternity. 2. That in the death of our deceased Brother this Lodge has been bereft of one of its oldest and most honorable members, whose zeal and unswerving attachment to our order has always caused the members to have the warmest feelings of brotherly love for him. 3d. That this Lodge do truly and sincerely sympathise with the family of our deceased Brother, and hope when the toils of life are over they may meet him beyond the starry-decked heavens. 4th. That in respect to the memory of the deceased, a page of our minute book be dedicated to him, with a copy of these resolutions inscribed thereon, and that the Lodge be draped in mourning and that the members wear the usual badge of mourning for the space of thirty days. 5th. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our deceased Brother. THOS. J. HOUGH, THOS. J. HUMBLE, Commit'e Adopted: R. Smith Slemons, Sec'y. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 31, 1873 Page 3, Column 2 OBITUARY. Died, at the residence of her parents, Mr. J.H. and Mrs. Lucy Jackson, in Columbia, Caldwell parish, La., on the night of the 23d inst., after a brief illness, little LOUELLA JACKSON; aged 3 years, 7 months and 15 days. Brief as was the sojourn on earth of sweet little LULY, she had twined herself closely around the hearts not only of a doting father and mother, but of all who knew her. Richly endowed by nature with the many nameless attributes of person and fascinations of manner which irresistibly attract the regard of even indifferent observers, little LULY early won her way to a lasting hold on the affections of her many friends and acquaintance. By the death of this little one, who happily combined in her person all the loveliness of infantile innocence and beauty, with the warm and glowing affections of riper years, a void — a dreary and sad hiatus — has been made in the little home circle of which, but a few short days ago, she was a bright, beauteous and sparkling gem. It is hard to realize that little LULY is gone — forever gone! That the dread king of terrors has laid his rude hands upon her lovely form and forever blotted out her beauteous young life with his icy breath. Yet so it is. No more will her joyous prattle greet a loving father's ear when he returns, after the cares and tolls of the day are passed, to the little home circle around which cluster the most sacred and cherished hopes that bind us to earth. No more will the pattering of the tiny feet, or the sweet cadences of her baby prattle, be heard around the fond mother's chair. The place on the little couch, where nightly reposed the little cherub form, is vacant now. The little chair at the table has lost its tenant by mother's side. The toys which a few days ago delighted and amused little LULY are unused now, for they are carefully laid away by the trembling hand of a mother, with streaming eyes, as sad mementoes of the loved and lost one. All these things oppress the heart with a sadness and sorrow too unutterably poignant for mere word painting; for none can ever know the agony of grief of a bereaved parent save those who have experienced it. But after the tumult of grief is passed, calm reflection leads to and confirms the conviction that it is the part of true wisdom to bow to and acquiesce in the fiat of the Omnipotent in all things. Viewed from the standpoint we occupy in this transitory state of being, oh! How hard it often is to say from the heart, "Father, thy will be done." Sad, gloomy, heart-rending as are these bereavements — these rude sunderings of the dearest ties that bind us to earth — there is a bright and glowing beautiful side to the picture, so resplendent in its loveliness, so pure and chaste in its beauty, so consoling in its effects, that rightly appreciated, it more than compensates for all the agony of woe. It is the plain teaching of Holy Writ that the little one has gone to swell the choir of the Angelic host around the throne of the Most High. Then, stricken father, sorrowing mother, dry your streaming eyes, and join with the poet in saying, "Weep not for those Who sink, within the arms of death Ere yet the chilling wintry breath Of sorrow o'er them blows; But weep, for those who here remain The mournful heritors of pain, Condemned to see each bright joy fade And mark Grief's melancholy shade Flung o'er Hope's fairest rose." J.E.W. (Claiborne Advocate please copy.) The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 14, 1873 Page 2, Column 4 Resolutions of Columbia Lodge, No. 164, on the Death of Wm. Morrison. Whereas, It has pleased the Great Architect of the Universe to call our beloved Brother, WM. MORRISON, from the labor and duties of earth, to the refreshments of the Grand Lodge above; and whereas, we deplore his early doom — cut off as he has been by the ruthless hand of death in the dawn of his manhood's prime; as a last sad tribute of respect to his respect (sic) to his memory, and in commemoration of his many virtues as a man and a Mason, be it therfore Resolved, That in the death of Brother WM. MORRISON Masonry has lost a zealous and worthy member; society an exemplary and upright citizen; his family a kind and devoted son and brother, and the world a true specimen of the noblest work of God, an honest man. Resolved, That we tender to the bereaved family and friends of our departed Brother our heartfelt sympathy for their loss; and that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Lodge, and that a copy be sent to the OUACHITA TELEGRAPH for publication, and that a copy be sent to the family of our deceased Brother. J.E. WRIGHT, J.B. RUTLAND, Committee F.M. THORNHILL, Adopted: R.Smith Slemons, Sec'y. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, December 5, 1873 Page 1, Column 6 In Memoriam. OUACHITA CITY, LA., NAPOLEON LODGE No. 94, Nov. 8, 1873. "The will of God is accomplished: so mote it be." WHEREAS, In the dispensation of an allwise Providence it hath seemed fit that He should take unto Himself the soul of our deceased W.M., Bro. Hy. Bartlett; Be it Resolved, That in the death of W. Bro. Bartlett in whose hand the gavel will call up the Lodge no more forever; "Masonry has been called upon to give unto Him ‘Who made and who taketh away one of our brightest jewels.'" Resolved, That in this sad bereavement we tender our heartfelt sympathies to his family, who have sustained this severe affliction in the loss of a kind and dutiful father and affectionate husband. Resolved, That the station in the East be draped in mourning and the Brethren wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved, That a page of the minute book be dedicated to his memory. That the Secretary furnish a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased and to the OUACHITA TELEGRAPH, Union Record, and N.L. Republican for publication. [Signed] O.B. STEELE. H.Yongue Committee. C. C. NORMAN C.C. NORMAN, Sec'y. # # #