Obits: The Ouachita Telegraph 1874 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 These newspapers are on microfilm at NLU. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, January 9, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Mr. Jas. W. Logan died, day before yesterday, at his home on Bayou De Siard, in the 63rd year of his age. Mr. Logan came to this parish, from Arkansas, since the war, bringing with him the accumulations of years of patient toil. Four sons, all grown, and filling the stations of good citizens, accompanied him. At a ripe old age he has gone to sleep with his fathers, honored by all who knew him. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, February 6, 1874 Page 2, Column 1 In the death of Judge J.R. Head, of Sparta, on the 27th ultimo, our State looses a distinguished citizen, the Bar an able lawyer, the Press a learned and valued brother, the family altar an exemplary and devoted father, and society an ornament and a leader in every circle. We are deeply sensible of our great loss, and tender the afflicted family our warmest sympathy in their bereavement. NOTE: There is a resolution of respect for Judge Head from the Sparta Bar in the Friday, February 20, 1873 edition of the Ouachita Telegraph, Page 1, Column 6. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, February 6, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Rev. Louis Gergaud. On the 1st day of October, 1873, the soul of this Reverend Priest took its flight for that unknown sphere for which he had so rigidly prepared it. Duty called him to Shreveport when the epidemic was at its worst; death met him at the gates, and the Christian soldier, in the vigor of his manhood and in the height of his usefulness, laid down his armor forever. To the five brother martyrs in that fearful plague — for courage, faith and devotion — the great heart of the American people must ever rise in admiration. The congregation Father Gergaud had clustered around him in his ministry of this division of the Diocese, inspired by love of the shepherd and the heroism of the man and brother, claimed his remains for interment in the cemetery of his creation and his gift. On Tuesday, the 27th of January, they were disinterred from the Shreveport cemetery, and "Requiem Mass" was celebrated by Father Martin, Chancellor of this Diocese, delegate of his Grace the Right Reverend Bishop Martin, assisted by Father Enaut. Wednesday they were followed by a large concourse to the steamer Texas, and on Monday, the 2d inst., they arrived here by the cars from Delta. The body remained in the church Tuesday. Wednesday, after solemn and impressive ceremonies at the church, in the presence of the largest gathering we have ever witnessed on such an occasion, they were carried to their last resting place in the following order: Grand Marshal, on horseback, opening the procession, Monroe Silver Cornet Band. Monroe Fire Department. Members of the Bar. School girls with their banners and young ladies dressed in white. Sisters of the Convent. Ladies of the Altar Society with their badge. School boys with their banner; young men and citizens, and members of the Memorial Association. Young Catholic Friends' Society with their badge. In the middle of the ranks of the Y.C.F., the clergy, preceded at the altar. The Hearse — horses led by two mem- bers of the Y.C.F.S. Carriages. At the grave, Judge Ray eulogized the deceased. "Earth to earth," and the good Priest was at rest in the place of his choice. — Father Gergaud's thorough education, coupled with executive ability, engaging manners and dignified presence, would have made him a man of mark in any vocation. His devotion and the unobtrusiveness of his faith upon others brought, as in evangelical alliance round his tomb, mourners of every sect and worshippers of every creed, in heartfelt supplication that for the good deeds done in the body he may enjoy in perpetual youth the beauties of his hope and the felicities of his teachings. Priest, brother, friend, farewell — rest in peace! The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, February 13, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Col. Jep. W. Stell, a prominent citizen and lawyer of West Texas, died a few days ago at his home near Gonzales. Col. Stell practiced law many years, before going to Texas, in Jackson and adjacent parishes. He was about 48 years of age at his death. He was a gentleman of fine appearance, of splendid social qualities, a fast friend and a devoted father and husband. He was the son of Dr. R.M. Stell, an influential Baptist minister, who yet survives. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, April 3, 1874 Page 3, Column 2 DIED, Near Oak Ridge, La., 14th of March, 1874, WILLIE MILES, daughter of J.W. and A.C. Miles; aged 4 years. "There is no flock, however watched and tended, But one dead lamb is there; There is no fireside, howsoever defended, But has one vacant chair." Truly Death is no respecter of persons. Even those who are in the freshness and loveliness of childhood wither at his tough. Mysterious and hard appeared his ruling when a lovely child, a darling little girl, that had just dawned upon our homes and hearts was snatched away the other eve, before indeed her mission in the world was known to any save to Him who hath ordained all things and knoweth the end from the beginning. "So fades the lovely blooming flower, Sweet, smiling solace of an hour." Little Willie Miles is dead — died at the home of Mr. Willis Madden, near Oak Ridge, Morehouse Parish, La., on Saturday 14th inst. A bright and beautiful little girl of only three summers, the elder of two as interesting children as it was ever our lot to meet, the idol of her parents, the pet of the household, indeed of all who knew her. It seemed hard to give her up. Born at Trenton, La., the former home of her devoted parents, Mr. J.W. and Mrs. A.C. Miles, she had lived on Oak Ridge but a few months, but long enough to be known and loved by many. She was sick but a few hours before her death, (probably from congestion,) and then sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. She was the sunbeam of her circle. Born under the hallowed influences of a Christian home, she had early learned from her mother to list "Our Father who art in Heaven," and to sing "Oh! How I love Jesus!" Truly, O God, "out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has perfected praise." Some who were unreached by others were touched and melted by the purity and melody of the life and lips of this precious little child. But she is gone! Yet she has only returned to her Father and our Father. The sunbeam has sought its source — returned to "the Father of light." The family circle is broken here, but it is forming there. Amid the stillness drops the words from the lips of Heaven, "Himself hath done it all." Precious rosebud! Not blighted and blasted by death, only transplanted into the realms of fadeless beauty. Not "perished," only removed beyond accident and injury, toil and tears, our loss her gain! We "mourn not as those who have no hope!" Mother! Thou has enriched Heaven with one of thy jewels." God hath placed your treasure where He would have your heart. The "many mansions" have welcomed the shining spirit. The bright-winged birdling nestles now in the bosom of Jesus. Let us also be ready. We all have treasures there — loved ones gone before. Over the river they beckon to me. Loved ones who've crossed to the other side; The gleam of their snowy robes I see. But their voices are lost in the rushing tide. G.B.E. Atlanta Index, please copy. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, April 17, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Mr. Joe Boyd, an old citizen of this parish, died Tuesday on Col. Morrison's place, where he was employed as a manager, having been ill but two or three days. Mr. Boyd ws an excellent citizen and a man of sterling worth. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 1, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Col. Nicholas D. Coleman died in Vicksburg, of heart disease, on the 20th, aged 74 years. Col. Coleman was the first president of the Vicksburg and Shreveport railroad, of which enterprise he was the father. He was once a member of Congress from Kentucky, subsequently postmaster at Vicksburg, and later, a few years ago, a member of our legislature when that body was a legislature. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 15, 1874 Page 2, Column 2 DEATH OF COL. ISAIAH GARRETT. By a casualty little anticipated by himself or friends, Col. Isaiah Garrett, one of the oldest, most estimable citizens of our place, and distinguished, by his learning and practice, as the head of the legal fraternity of North Louisiana, lost his life on the 7th. He was seated in a two-horse buggy with Mr. Henry Dobson, and, together, they were driving through the streets. Coming down DeSiard street, the horses took the bit, and made for the river at head-long speed. Mr. Dobson managed to rein the horses off the street, on to the vacant lot opposite Mr. J.G. Sanders's, but, in making the turn, the buggy upset, throwing both the occupants upon the ground, where anxious friends, rushing to their relief, found them both motionless and insensible. Mr. Dobson is recovering from the fall, but Col. Garrett, being more advanced in years and more plethoric, and besides sustaining the weight of the fall on his head, lingered in unconsciousness from Tuesday, when the injury befell him, until Thursday at half-past twelve o'clock, when, surrounded by wife, children, friends and neighbors, he breathed his last. A good man, one of our country's pillars, is no more. He, whose presence has been felt daily and hourly for years and years, even when he was secluded by the walls of his study; to whose unembittered views of men and men's affairs all have been accustomed so long to appeal as to the judgment of a court of final jurisdiction — he, the friend of rich and poor, the advocate of the young as well as the old, and in himself the exemplar of modesty, assiduity, honesty, firmness and patriotism, lies in his lowly bed, done with the cares and grievances of life. Col. Garret was born in Franklin, Tenn., September 18th, 1812. He was graduated at West Point in 1833; but, preferring the quiet walks of life, resigned an appointment in the army, and removed to Louisiana, where he began the study of law, in Monroe, in 1834. Two years later, having been admitted to the bar, he was married to Miss Narcissa Grayson, who still survives, and to this union was given three sons and two daughters, now all grown, the objects of the dead father's most endearing and thoughtful affection. Col. Garrett filled but few public positions, but these he filled well. His last appearance in an official character was in the Secession Convention of this State in 1861. The writer stood near Col. Garrett's desk when he, with only seven other delegates, cast his vote against the Ordinance of Secession. It was a trying moment. Impulse, enthusiasm to madness, and all the influences which ordinarily sway men's minds, were brought to bear upon each individual member. The old man, calm and collected, stood inflexible and firm to his trust; recording his vote, in a few pathetic words, against the Ordinance. During the war which followed, though not changing his views as to secession, Col. Garrett was no indifferent spectator of the struggles, trials and wrongs of his section. It was war he beheld, when legal questions and pride of opinion are swallowed up in a common vortex; and the friend of the Union came to the assistance of his State and people, going down with them at last, and remaining a sufferer with them to the hour of his death. With one word, Col. Garrett could have attained any position in this State; under the rule of misrule; but that word he valued more than his life. Strange it was, that, with such firmness, Col. Garrett was timid, even to the extent of a failing. With uncommon readiness of information upon nearly every subject; with a mind well- balanced and stored with knowledge gathered from authors of every age and many languages — in short, the superior in this respect of any man in his extended circle of acquaintance — Col. Garrett even shunned the prominence to which he was eminently entitled. Why he did it, must remain a secret; but we have often thought it was owing as much to a conviction of the emptiness of honors, weighed by the worth of the recipients upon whom honors were bestowed, as to any want of force in his character. He was a man formed to live in the Augustan age. He was artless, but self-reliant; amiable, but immovable in his opinions; a willing auditor, at the very moment he could instruct his tutor; patient, but strong; grand in his thoughts and undertakings, but, unfortunately in this iron age, lacking in boldness, an essential qualification of a leader, a position for which he was fitted in every other respect. The tribute paid by the citizens of Monroe to the memory of Col. Garrett, at the burial services, surpassed any offering to the dead we have ever witnessed. Sympathy, respect, tenderness, admiration and friendship united in testifying appreciation of his worth, and regret for his death, an event that made mourners of us all. NOTE: There is a tribute of Respect from the Monroe Bar in this same issue of the Ouachita Telegraph, Pg. 3, Col. 3 and from the Masons, June 19, 1874, Pg. 3, Col. 3. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 22, 1874 Page 2, Column 5 The remains of that noted revival preacher Lorenzo Dow, who died in 1834, and was buried by his brother Free Masons; were unearthed last week as their resting place is to be sold in building lots. The skeleton was perfect, and on the breast bone lay the long white beard. A portion of the camlet wrapper in which he ws buried was undecayed. The reams were reinterred in Oak Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, where Dow used to preach during his lifetime. It is rumored, however, that his relatives will endeavor to have his remains returned to Connecticut, his native State. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 22, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Mr. J.C. Godfrey, a planter of this parish, very well known, died at his residence, in Liles's Bend, on last Sunday. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 29, 1874 Page 2, Column 2 Dr. J.A. Cheatham, for many years a resident of this parish, died Sunday. He had been in failing health for some time. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, June 19, 1874 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, At his late residence, May 24th, 1874, Dr. JAMES A. CHEATHAM; aged 48 years, 3 months and 24 days. Deceased was a native of Maury county, Tenn., but for the last 20 years a resident of this State, and the last 18 years a practicing physician of this Parish. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 2, 1874 Page 2, Column 3 We are very sorry to hear of the death of Mr. I.J. Sims, of Jackson parish, who died at his residence, a few days ago, of rheumatism of the heart. Mr. Sims had attained a good old age, and died lamented, as he had lived respected, by all who knew him. He was a native of Georgia, a strict member of the Baptist Church, and a citizen of public spirit and most excellent character in every relation of life. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 28, 1874 Page 3, Column 2 [From the N.O. Christian Advocate.] OBITUARY. MRS. ALICE R. ASHLEY. Alice R., daughter of B.D. and C. Shepard, was born near Trenton, Louisiana, July 1, 1856. As a child she evinced the happy faculty of gaining and keeping friends. As a pupil she invariably received the commendation of her instructors. During the session of 1872-3 she was a pupil of the justly popular institution, Whitworth Female College; from which she brought testimonials that gladdened the hearts of her parents. Brought up under Methodist influences, she joined the Trenton church while I was the pastor. Her mother being in feeble health, and Alice desiring the presence of her loved mother at her baptism, it was postponed, and was only administered a short time previous to her death. On the twenty-third of December, 1873, she married W.F. Ashley, of Trenton, Louisiana, a young man of fine moral worth, good business qualifications, and a member of the Methodist Church. Her married life was short, but it was devoid of storms and full of joy. Although a true, good wife, she never forgot a daughter's duty, but was a comfort to her parents until her death. She was taken with inflammation of the bowels; and although she received every attention from the medical art, and from her sorely tired relatives, she grew worse, and died July 10, 1874. She suffered much, but so uncomplainingly that it seemed as if she had a portion of the Master's spirit. Her death was glorious. When informed that death was near, she asked: "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" She then asked for her pastor, bro. H.O. White, who came, prayed and sang with her. Prayers and songs were then frequently heard in her room, she herself singing several hymns. She talked calmly about dying, left many messages, asked all around her to meet her in the better land, and was especially anxious that her father should become a Christian. Her mother having expressed her fears that she was laboring under excitement, Alice quietly asked Bro. White to pray that her mother might be satisfied. When his prayer was finished, with a happy face she turned to her mother and said: "Mamma, I got a blessing then." She loved her husband devotedly, and it was a struggle to leave him. Life had been pleasant to her. She commenced the Lord's Prayer, but the words, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," were her last. "Death was swallowed up in victory." Gone, but gone home to God, to heaven, to eternal life. Sweet sister, good bye, but not forever. We will meet again. J. LANE BORDEN. [Vienna Sentinel please copy.] The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, September 4, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 The Bastrop Republican comes to us draped in mourning for the death of Eugene McFee, Esq. formerly editor of the Dispatch, and a rising young lawyer of Bastrop. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, September 11, 1874 Page 3, Column 2 DIED, In Columbia, Tenn., on the morning of the 29th of August, FRANK PHILLIPS, infant daughter of Horace and Jeannie Frierson, aged 1 year and 8 months. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, September 11, 1874 Page 3, Column 2 IN MEMORIAM. MATTHEW, youngest son of Richard and Mary Fullam, born June 20th, 1873; died Sept. 8th, 1874; aged one year, 2 months and 18 days. Another darling angel gone To dwell with spirits bless'd; The dear to Jesus — fondly loved — By Mary e'er caress'd. Ye'll miss his gentle smile at morn, At noon and evening too, Where'er ye turn, yes, all the while, Ye'll miss that dove like coo. Brother, sisters, in childish love, Ye'd call your "Mattie" home, Perhaps, we think, that he, with you On earth would like to roam. But oh! Could ye behold above That pure, angelic face, Methinks he'd laugh and say to you, "Ye know not what is grace!" Father, Mother, lament no more, Dry up the burning tear; Look up to God, your home is there, E'er with your "Mattie" dear. Ye would not call him back again, Nor vainly would repine, With Christian faith ye'll bow to God, And say, "Thy will be mine. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 2, 1874 Page 2, Column 1 Stephen Herman Dinkgrave, a worthy and highly esteemed citizen of this parish, died at the residence of his father-in-law, Maj. Bry, on the 24th ult., of typhoid fever. Mr. Dinkgrave was about thirty years of age. He had lived a life of devotion to his sense of right and duty, and leaves a name unsullied, and many sorrowing friends who deeply sympathize with his bereaved wife and babe. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 9, 1874 Page 2, Column 3 DIED, In Columbia, La., on the night of the 28th ult., HARRIS P. DOWDEN, son of J.A. and Mary J. Dowden. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 27, 1874 Page 2, Column 2 Mrs. Pamela Farmer, relict of the late L't. Gov. W.W. Farmer, died in this place the past week. Mrs. Farmer had reached her 59th year. Her remains were interred at Farmerville where her husband is buried. Mrs. F. had led a quiet, domestic life, and died lamented by all who knew her. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 27, 1874 Page 2, Column 2 Mr. Wm. Calderwood, a resident of this parish for 24 years, died of typhoid fever at the plantation of his son, Dr. Jno. Calderwood, last Tuesday. Mr. Calderwood ws a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1804, and was a brother of the late Dr. John Calderwood whose fame as a surgeon and physician extended throughout the Union. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, December 18, 1874 Page 3, Column 1 Mrs. Mary Wade died on the 9th inst., at the residence of her brother Col. C.H. Morrison. Mrs. Wade had endeared herself to a large circle of friends, by whom her many virtues will be held in lasting remembrance. # # #