Obits: The Ouachita Telegraph 1878 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: Aug. 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 18, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 Henry N. Hines, a compositor who was employed several years in the Intelligencer office, died suddenly in this city on the 16th, aged about 30 years. Henry had been troubled for some time with hemorrhage of the lungs. He was the son of the late Wm. Hines, who had published papers in Mississippi, Arkansas and this State. Peace to his ashes. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, January 18, 1878 Page 3, Column 2 Mr. J.M. Crownrich, a resident of this city, died of pneumonia at his residence on the 10th, in the 64th year of his age. Mr. Crownrich was a Pole by birth, but came to the United States early in life. To the old citizens of this section he was well known as a carriage-maker, but for several years past he has not been prominently in business. May his soul rest in peace. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, February 15, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 Hon. Charles M. Conrad, a distinguished member of the New Orleans bar and Secretary of War under Taylor and Fillmore, died at his residence in New Orleans, on the 11th, aged 74 years. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, March 8, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 Mr. A.F. Flournoy, of Trenton, after months of suffering, died on Wednesday, at 10 o’clock P.M. His kind face and jovial disposition are among the earliest and happiest recollections of the successful merchants of our sister town. As a merchant he was cautious and discreet, as a man liberal and energetic, and as a husband and father kind and loving. His character for uprightness in all transactions was proverbial. Being of a retiring and unobtrusive disposition, his services were seldom called for in a public capacity, but when they were duty guided and controlled his every thought. The merchants of Trenton have lost an exemplary brother, his family a most devoted head, and the parish a citizen above price. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, March 22, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 Judge J.E. Leonard, congressman form (sic) this district, died in Havana on the 14th inst., of yellow fever. Judge Leonard had gone to Havana, it seems, to visit a young lady whom he had previously met in New Orleans and with whom he was in love. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to this State after the war, locating in Carroll parish. He was at one time District Attorney, was subsequently appointed to the Supreme bench by Kellogg, and was elected to Congress in 1876 over W.W. Farmer, according to the Democratic count, by a majority of 1407 votes. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, April 12, 1878 Page 2, Column 2 DEATH OF JAMES GRAHAM. James Graham, whose demise we are sorrowful to record this day, was a native of Ireland. He emigrated to this country when a mere boy, and immediately began working as a printer. He served his time in this business well and faithfully, and was a coworker and great personal friend of Horace Greeley, with whom he set type in the same printing office in New York. He came to New Orleans some time about the year 1840, was foreman of the True Republican, a newspaper known as the “faithful and the bold.” He then became the editor of the Republican, the organ of the administration when Tyler was President, and since was connected with other newspapers, in the conduct and editing of which he acquired deserved reputation. He afterwards, as a notary public, obtained lucrative practice. When the Confederate war broke out Mr. Graham, acting upon conviction, sided with the Union party, and was appointed United States Marshal by Mr. Lincoln. He was a member of the City Council, and afterward Auditor under the Warmoth administration. In 1872 he was renominated for Auditor on the Fusion ticket and elected, but, with the balance of the McEnery government, never filled the position. After the re-establishment of legal government in Louisiana he was appointed State Register of the Land Office by Gov. Nicholls. IN the occupancy of this place he died, leaving a widow and several children. His widow is the granddaughter of Gen. Morgan of revolutionary fame, the hero of the battle of Cowpens. As a litterateur Mr. Graham distinguished himself by writing the life of Gen. Morgan in chaste and graceful style, as well as by other contributions to literature independent of his useful labors as a journalist. He was an honest, correct and conscientious man, and as such is his name enrolled in memory. – New Orleans Democrat. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, April 12, 1878 Page 2, Column 3 THE DEATH OF CONGRESSMAN J.E. LEONARD. [Correspondence Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times] HAVANA, March 15, 1878. Dear Spirit – One morning, a fortnight ago, I happened in at the American consulate, and was introduced to a gentleman, apparently of about thirty-six year of age. He was above the middle height, and remarkably handsome, dark, and Spanish looking. I saw him only for a few minutes, but he made a decided impression on me. I little thought that I should never see Congressman J.E. Leonard again. He died last night, at the Hotel Telegrafo, of a broken heart, the victim of the old, old story – unrequited love. His romance was this: Some years ago he formed the acquaintance of a young Cuban lady, of wealthy family, and courted her, on the promise that he would yet present her with a career worthy of her hand. His promotion was rapid. In a short time he rose, from post to post, to be judge and congressman. Seeing his future so assured, he came to Havana to lay his honor at the lady’s feet, and to offer her his heart and hand. While still on board the steamship Columbus, in this port, he received letter from her, which had been waiting his arrival or delivery, and in which she advised him not to land, as she was not disposed to listen to his overtures. Of course it was impossible for Mr. Leonard to remain on shipboard in the hot harbor. He landed, but only to find he was cruelly jilted, and that he had been in the pursuit so long of a heart of stone. His excitement drove him to his bed. He fell into a morbid condition, which he vainly endeavored to conquer. He struggled bravely, but such was his bitter grief, such the blow his love and manly dignity had received, that he speedily sank into a state which left him the easy prey of the first of those many fell diseases of these latitudes, which are ever hovering round, vulture-like, to seize on declining human powers. His fate came in the form of the demon yellow fever. His condition spread about amongst the lady’s friends, and they were convinced that his life rested in her hands. They condemned her conduct, and it is said remonstrated with her for it. On the night before he died, the at length conscience-stricken woman sent a messenger to his bedside to state they could meet this spring in New Orleans, and matters might be satisfactorily arranged. A sad smile passed over his face, and in the midst of it might be seen a gleam of new life, of triumph, perhaps something of resentment, “I do not want that woman,” he said, bitterly. It was his last effort. He was within reach of his cherished prize, with power – perhaps the latent hope to seize it. Alas! Poor human nature; the crisis and the complications were too great. He sank after the momentary rally; the delirium resumed its sway, and he died at one o’clock on the morning of March 15. His body has been embalmed, and is now deposited here pending instructions from America. Mr. Leonard had, in addition to the above terrible heart trouble, been much annoyed by a sensational statement in one of the New York papers, invented by an over-officious reporter, to the effect that he had come here to investigate an alleged case of kidnapping, whereby an American negro had been sold as a slave in Havana. This story was utterly untrue. Mr. Leonard was in Cuba for this private affair alone. It is certain that this idle gossip, under ordinary circumstances, would have been treated by him with the contempt it deserved, but added to the other and graver matter, it of course aggravated his nervous and morbid condition, and was not without its influence in the result. During his illness the late congressman was attended by Dr. D.M. burgess, the conspicuous American practitioner here, but all his kindness, untiring patience, and professional ability failed. It is my duty to mention that during his stay here, the unfortunate Mr. Leonard had the constant care and sound advice of the efficient and estimable consul of this port. From the time he fell ill, Mr. H.C. Hall, either personally, or represented by his estimable lady, though herself unwell, was in almost constant attendance at his bedside. The documents dispatched by this mail by Mr. Hall will doubtless give an official account of this sad eventful history. R. DAVEY. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 24, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, On Monday night, May 13th, at the residence of J.B. Rutland, Esq., TINA, daughter of J.E. and Mrs. H. McGuire of Trenton, La., aged 2 years, 7 months and 13 days. Since the fall of last year, when her mother died, little Tina has been living with her Aunt and Uncle Rutland here, who loved her as fondly as though she had been their own child, and whose home she made glad by the sunlight of her presence. The little one’s sickness was but of short duration, for though she had been slightly unwell sine the Monday provious (sic), she did not become seriously so until Saturday last, and on the following Monday night her death occurred. Her burial took place on Tuesday evening when nearly the whole town accompanied her remains to the grave. Divine service was held at Mr. Rutland’s house, and it was an affecting sight to see strong men weeping over the beautiful babe as she lay, draped in white, upon her snowy couch, surrounded by blossoms of fragrant jesamine (sic). Little Tina was one of the brightest and most precocious children we have ever known – she sang songs and recite poetry with a bewitching grace remarkable in such a mere baby. Her death throws a dark shadow over the household of which she was an inmate and leaves an aching void in the hearts of Mrs. And Mr. Rutland which will be long in healing, while her bereaved father, Mr. McGuire, is well nigh heart broken at the loss of his little jewel. May the sod lie lightly on her baby breast and the grass grow green upon the little hillock beneath which her mortal remains repose. – Columbia Herald. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 31, 1878 Page 1, Column 6 A HISTORIC FAMILY. [Baton Rouge Advocate] There lately died at his quiet home in this city one who was the last living bearer of a name intimately linked with the early history of this city and the Florida parishes. Louis Grandpre was the lineal descendant of Gov. Carlos Grandpre, who represented the King of Spain in the government of the section of country bounded by the Manchac, Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, on the south by a line running east from the mouth of Thompson’s creek to the north boundary of Florida on the north, and the Mississippi river on the west. While the territory of Louisiana was held by the United States this little province was still under the Spanish flag, and Gov. Grandpre with a few recruits of all nationalities (the European garrison having been recalled to join in te wars of the mother country) kept the post at Baton Rouge for his sovereign. A revolt occurred, and under Gen. Philemon Thomas a force of volunteers surprised the fort, and in the melee Gov. Grandpre, refusing to surrender, was killed. The district of West Florida then quietly allied itself to the United States. From the female branches have descended many of the first families throughout the State, and of the male representatives bearing the name of the gallant old Governor, one, Charles Grandpre, fell at Port Hudson, and the list now closes with the death of Louis Grandpre, who, like the others who bore the name, upheld it through life without reproach. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, May 31, 1878 Page 3, Column 2 Mrs. Angeline McCormick, wife of F.L. McCormick, and for twenty-five years a resident of this city, died on the 28th instant, in the sixtieth year of her age. Surrounded by an affectionate husband, a manly son and amiable daughters, she made her home attractive, lovely and happy. It wedded her to the world. By no means aged in looks or infirm in step, her expectation of life was long. The Diposer of events has seen fit to disappoint all our hopes and to call his disciple home, and stricken husband and children must bear up under their affliction with fortitude and Christian resignation. All that was mortal of the good woman was consigned to the earth on the 29th. Friend vied with friend in the last honors. The sod now claims its own, but in the resurrection morning no purer spirit will rise from its cement of clay to ask its reward for the good deeds done in the body. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, July 19, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 Death. We are called upon to record the death of two estimable ladies of this city and parish. Mrs. Deborah c. Filhiol, wife of Mr. H. Filhiol, of this city, expired on the 8th, after a long and most painful illness caused by cancer of the stomach. Mrs. Filhiol had endeared herself, by her excellent qualities of head and heart, to a large circle of friends of both sexes, by whom, as will as by the entire community, her death is greatly deplored. On the 14th, Mrs. Phinetta B. Hasley died at her residence near Trenton, in the 78th year of her age, following her late husband, David Hasley, after the lapse of only three or four years. Mrs. Hasley was conspicuous for domestic virtues and for her liberality to the Baptist church, of which she was a member. The Baptist church and parsonage at Trenton and the beautiful house of worship in this city owned by the same denomination are monuments of her munificence and will long perpetuate her memory. The blank in the memorial tablet in the latter building to Mrs. Hasley may now be filled. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, July 19, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 The will of Mrs. Hasley has been probated. Two thousand dollars is bequeathed o a son of Dr. White; $2000 to a son of Major McGuire; and the remainder of the property is to be sold, and the interest on the proceeds is to go one-half, each, to the Baptist church at Trenton and the Baptist church at Clinton, Miss. The will was made before Recorder Grady in 1874. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, July 19, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 IN MEMORIAM. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted at a meeting of the Douglass Literary Society (colored) of Monroe, on Sunday, July 14, 1878, in memory of one of its deceased members, the late SOLOMON PHILLIPS. WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God, who rules heaven and earth, to take from our midst our beloved friend and brother, Solomon Phillips, who departed this life at his residence in the Island, on the night of July 11, 1878; therefore, Resolved, That in the death of our brother, Solomon Phillips, we have lost a gentleman and a friend, and the community one of its most respected citizens. Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his aged mother in her sad bereavement of her loving and affectionate son who was her support in her old age. It was but a few months ago she lost a dear and loving husband; to-day she is bereaved of her son. But may she put her trust in that same God who rules heaven and earth and takes care of the widows and orphans, who does all things for the best and is the dispenser of all good. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the mother of the deceased, and also to the OUACHITA TELEGRAPH and the Weekly Louisianian for publication. Wm. T. JONES, President. M.W. OVERTON, Secretery. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 2, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, At Waverly, Caldwell parish, July 25, 1878, at 8 o’clock p.m., in the fifth year of her age, JOHNNIE McLAIN BENNETT, daughter of Mrs. M.L. Bennett, and of James M. Bennett, lately deceased. This lovely child was ill only a few days; her life was taken away by a very malignant type of fever; her suffering was soon ended, and she entered the joys of paradise. But while she is no doubt happy, her family are miserable, and weep sadly over her young and fresh grave. JOHNNIE was the light and beauty of her mother’s home, which was lately clauded (sic) in gloom and sadness by the death of her dear husband. Strange that this lovely child was not left to dispell the darkness and sorrow from a mother’s heart, by the radiant beauty and smiles of her pure and innocent life! But she too was taken, as if to increase the gloom, by the absence of her sweet simplicity and tender affection. The ways of Providence are dark and mysterious. Although young, she has left a fragrance, like that of a sweet flower, which will long shed a sad delight over the heart and memory of the lonely mother. A child of remarkable affection and thoughtfulness, she seemed to known that the death of her father had blighted the happiness of her mother; and with an inexpressable sweetness, she would cheer up her afflicted parent, by expressions of affection and love rarely equaled in the maturity of age. While it is sad to part with little ones of such bright and happy minds, yet when we realize that they are only lifted up to a higher life of unending progress, we can submit to the loss, knowing that if we become little children in innocence and simplicity of life, in a few years we shall join them, and forever go higher in knowledge and love of God, in Jesus Christ our Redeemer. L. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 2, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, At St. Louis, MO., on the morning of 30th July, 1878 RICHARD B. BATTE, aged 28 years, eldest brother of Mrs. Lewis D. Allen, Jr., of this city. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 16, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, At Prairie Mer Rouge, La., July 21, 1878, DAVID FAULK, only son of Robert A. and Flora E. Faulk, aged 5 years and 6 months. Little David was a child of rare promise. Even a stranger would be at once struck by his precocious mind and manner, and pronounce him something remarkable. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and our sympathies reach out to enfold the stricken parents. But ah! If we can turn to some sacredly treasured lock of hair or pictured face of our own, we know that our sorrow is light and our sympathy weak. The parents alone know the full force of the desolation. To them the world is changed. The sun-light is unreal; the trees have lost their greenness; the sky its blue, and the fragrance of flowers and song of birds fall upon senses dulled and unappreciative. Home is home no longer. On every hand some little memento of the lost darling meets the eye, and the heart bleeds afresh at the sight. All the little things of his must be carefully folded, and kissed, and wept over, and put away out of sight. Scarcely until now did ever they know that every little step o this dear little life had made a foot-print on their hearts. Happy is he who at such a time can exclaim with the stricken mother of this little one: “Ah! Darling, though thou canst not come to me, still I can go to thee.” The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, August 23, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 DIED, In Monroe, August 20, 1878, WILHELMINE, daughter of Fr. And Catherine Endom; aged one year, five months and seven days. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, September 20, 1878 Page 3, Column 3 OBITUARY. HENRY NEWTON MURRY, the subject o this notice, was born in the State of Georgia in the year 1846. His parents moved to Union parish, La., in 1849, where he was raised. During his youth he was noted for a strict sense of honor, truth and morality, to which principles he strictly adhered to the time of his death. During the past six years he has been residing on the Ouachita river in this parish, where he had a host of friends and no enemies. During the past summer his health has been delicate, and thinking he would be benefitted (sic) by going on a camp hunt into the hill country in company with some of his most intimate friends, he left home in the latter part of August, and after having been out one week he was violently attacked by swamp fever. His friends at once secured a comfortable place for him, and during his short illness he received every attention both from his friends and parties living in the immediate neighborhood. Dr. McCormack was at once called to see him and manifested the greatest interest in behalf of his patient, but in spite of the attention received he died at Vernon, Jackson parish, on the 5th instant, in the 33d year of his age. We offer sympathy to his aged parents (who yet reside in Union parish) in the loss of a noble son. God has seen fit to take our much esteemed friend from us. That handsome face we will never more behold. That hand which we have so cordially grasped now lies in the cold grave. The noble spirit which dwelt within him has been called to its Maker. We hope to meet our dear friend in a better world, where our spirits may commune forever. A FRIEND. Ouachita Parish, La., Sept. 16, 1878. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 11, 1878 Page 2, Column 3 DEATH OF A. McCRANIE. [Claiborne Guardian.] McCranie is dead. The close of his busy life came upon him in what would have been his prime had not disease aged him so early. For more than twenty years A. McCranie lived in Homer, and through all of that time was fully identified with the interests of the parish. He was a man of rare mental endowments. Without any of the culture of the schools, he was possessed of remarkable natural ability. Beginning life at the lowest round of the ladder, by energy, industry and the exercise of the rarest of faculties, strong common sense, he accumulated a fortune unusually large for this portion of the South. He leaves a large family. A wife who has shared all his prosperity, and who is sorely stricken by his death. His children now know for the first time the value of the parent who has gone. Thanks to his prudent forethought, their future is now largely in their own hands. With the advantages they have, a brilliant or a useful career is before them. What their lives shall be, it is for them to say. We publish in connection with this article the Resolutions of the Masonic Lodge in this place. These resolutions were prepared by those who, from their intimate association, were supposed to know Mr. McCranie well. They will give indication of the way his associates thought of him. MEMORIAL OF RESPECT OF HOMER LODGE FOR A. M’CRANIE. First. Be it resolved by the members of Homer Lodge No. 152, F.A.M., That in the removal from this life of our loved brother, A.McCranie, the community has lost one of its most energetic and valuable citizens, and in contemplating his death we humbly bow in submission to the operation of the wise and unchanging laws of the Lord our God, who is Jehovah. Second. That in burying out of sight the form of our brother, we do not forget that his good works will remain as testimonials to keep alive his history and memory long after his body has been resolved into mother earth; and knowing that his soul shall live immortal in a new life, we commit it with an abiding faith to the God who gave it, conscious that “He doeth all things well.” Third. That if, in common with all humanity, he may have had faults, yet they were few compared with his virtues and excellencies of character; and with a heart ever open and hand ever ready to heed the cry of the needy and relieve the cries of suffering humanity, he exemplified the beauties and teachings of Free Masonry. Fourth. That we tender to his bereaved wife and children our heartfelt sympathies in their irreparable loss, well knowing, however, that no words of condolence can relieve their anguish. We simply point them to the shining virtues of their loved husband and father, and ask them to mourn not as those without hope, but in the full assurance that God’s promises are both sure and steadfast, and that if they but trust in Him He will be to them both a husband and a father. Fifth. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our deceased brother; that they be spread upon the minute book of our Lodge, and published in the Claiborne Guardian. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, October 11, 1878 Page 3, Column 2 We copy with sorrow inexpressible, from the Claiborne Guardian, the announcement of the death of Mr. A. McCranie, of Homer. He and the writer were boys together, and all the tender recollections of boyhood are recalled by the announcement of his death. Of other men, dead, we might say something; of this man nothing, at present, but we give the poor tribute of silence and tears, and we believe that no tribute we could offer to his memory would gratify him more, were he now living. His wife and children, much as they have reason to mourn, are not, we hope, more sorrow-stricken than are we. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 8, 1878 Page 2, Column 2 DIED, In St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 5th, 1878, JOSIE, infant daughter of Lewis D. and Jennie B. Allen of this city. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 15, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 W. Stran Custis, Esq., Recorder of Jackson parish, died at his residence near Vernon a few days ago. Mr. Custis was one of the veterans in journalism in Louisiana. More than twenty years ago he was the editor of the Advocate, a flourishing paper published at Homer, Claiborne Parish. Since the war he published and edited the Jackson Flag, at Vernon. At the general election, two years ago, he was elected Recorder of is parish, the duties of which office he discharged with fidelity and to the satisfaction of his people. Custis was a good man – a man that every one could trust, and he was, in the true meaning of the word, trustworthy. There ought to be more such men living. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 15, 1878 Page 3, Column 2 IN MEMORIAM. There is another new-made grave in the little cemetery at Vernon. One of Jackson’s best and bravest boys is no more. The circumstances of J. Frank Allen’s untimely death are sad and affecting. In the morning he was in the bloom of life, cheerful, strong and healthy; in the evening he was mortally stricken and soon ceased to live. J. Frank Allen was born in Ouachita Parish, La., Oct. 0, 1853, and moved to Jackson Parish in March, 1866. Here he resided with his mother during his boyhood, and until within a short time of his death in Morehouse Parish, Nov. 1, 1878. He may have said to have been reared in Jackson Parish. No young man was ever raised in our midst who was more courteous, affable and obliging. He was always ready to help a friend and would go any length to further the cause of what he thought to be the welfare of his friends and country. It was this disposition that suddenly brought an end to his existence. A turbulent negro in his neighborhood had been making violent threats against the white people, and Frank and two other companions were selected to go to him, and warn him to change his course. In the gallery of this negro’s house, while asking to see him, he was murderously shot down. He died for the peace of his community. He died for Louisiana. During the short time that he lingered he died not complain of his hard lot to die o young, but only regretted he could not see his loved ones at home once more on earth. He felt that his death would not be in vain and he made no lamentations. His body was brought from Morehouse for interment at Vernon. The day of his burial was sad and beautiful – a soft Indian summer – many of our best citizens came out to testify their respect for his memory. The ladies especially were mourners, and they strewed flowers over his coffin and wept over all that was left of our once noble and gallant boy. Appropriate remarks were made by Capt. E.E. Kidd, who, at their conclusion, by request, placed within the coffin, a lady’s delicate glove – a tribute of one of Morehouse’s fairest daughters. It was her request that it should be buried with him. Mr. C. Ives of the M.E. Church performed in an impressive manner the burial service, and after the grave was filled and, the little mound of earth smoothed over, with sad hearts we all departed to engage again in the uncertain struggle of life. “How sleep the brave who sink to rest By all their country’s wishes blest! When spring with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck the hallowed mould, She there shall dress a sweeter sod, Than fancy’s feet have ever trod, By fairy hands their knell is rung, By forms unseen their dirge is sung, There honor comes a pilgrim gray, To bless the turf that wraps their clay, And freedom shall awhile repair, To dwell a weeping hermit there.” K. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 22, 1878 Page 2, Column 2 Henry Gerson, Jr., a leading merchant of this city, and, if we mistake not, the longest in business here, died suddenly on the morning of the 19th. Mr Gerson had been ill for some time, not confined to bed, but to his residence, suffering from heart disease and a light form of dropsy. He was able to walk about his premises during the afternoon, and for some hours afterwards was not in any apparent danger. He was seriously affected, however, about midnight. A physician was called in at once, but to no avail. In a few hours the sufferer was dead. He was buried with Masonic honors and with the rites of the Jewish faith, and his remains were followed to the cemetery by a procession of sorrowing friends. Mr. Gerson was a native of Germany, born in Rhine Bavaria in 1822, and was consequently in the 56th year of his age. He came to Monroe in 1844, or ’45, and embarked in merchandising, and has been continuously so engaged, except a year or two during the war, ever since. He was liberal both in his sentiments and his business dealings, and as a citizen was forward in promoting the advancement of his adopted country. He will be greatly missed, not alone in this city but in all the country surrounding. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 22, 1878 Page 2, Column 3 IN MEMORIAM. DIED, At his residence in the city of Monroe, on the 19th inst., in the 57th year of his age, HENRY GERSON, Jr. The subject of the above notice came, in the year 1844, from his home in one of the Bavarian provinces, to this place, and began with his cousin Henry Gerson, Sr., the business of general merchandising which he has continuously followed since. After some years’ connection as above, he formed a co-partnership with his early friend, and our now aged and respected fellow-townsman, Gottlieb King, Esq., which lasted until 1854. He then, having dissolved with Mr. King, formed another with that well know gentleman J. Hoffman, Esq., of this city. After which, for the last eight or ten years, he has conducted business in his own name, and has gained an enviable reputation for honesty, integrity and fair dealing throughout the country. From his advent here to the present time, H. Gerson, Jr., has gone steadily forward; success has attended his years of untiring energy and industry. This success is the more honorable, because in its march through years it bears no stain against his probity and honesty as a merchant, as a citizen and as a man. The writer of this has known Mr. Gerson for 27 years. For some years after he came to this country he resided with the grandparents of the writer. As a child, he remembers the genial, frank manners of Mr. Gerson then, and he knows that these traits, that made him so many friends, followed him to his death. He remembers that the respect in which he was taught, by his father, to hold Mr. Gerson has never been forfeited; and the respect of an entire community followed him through life and e’en beyond the grave. But he is gone! The beautiful, impressive Jewish and Masonic services, so feelingly read by Mr. Asher, of New Orleans, and Mayor Endom and Rev. Mr. Lawson, told us that “the spirit has gone to the God that gave it.” The large concourse of citizens that followed the remains to their last earthly resting place, attest the deep sympathy and keen appreciation of the loss that this community feel they have sustained in the departure to God of their late fellow-townsman. The attendance in large numbers of the Masonic fraternity, under whose care the funeral was conducted, from Trenton and this place, exhibit their respect and hearty sorrow for their departed brother and his grief-stricken family, but they feel that beyond the grave there is a brighter home and to it he has gone. The death was sudden, as it was calamitous to the interest of this city. He had been ill for some weeks, but had so far recovered as to announce his determination to resume business yesterday (the 19th); but after he had retired he was taken severely ill, grow rapidly worse, and ere assistance could be brought, the cold, pitiless hand of Death had touched him, and that life which was so dear, so necessary, to a loving wife and devoted children, shrunk from the touch and fled to its Giver. A good citizen, a genial gentleman, a kind and loving husband and father, has left us, and his place among us cannot easily be filled. To the family, this so suddenly stricken, we extend the sympathy of a heart that too, has felt the loss of a father. But the heart-broken wife, the weeping, fatherless children can turn with comfort and cling with faith to the manly son who now succeeds his father. Too long has Leon been under the guidance of his good father not to have profited by his worthy example. To God we commit them. “He has given and He has taken away.” D. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 22, 1878 Page 2, Column 4 DIED, At Forksville, La., October 31st, 1878, RICHARD, son of J.A. and L. Covington. Our little DICK has gone to his dreamless rest, With his pale little hands on his pulseless breast, And the soul that looked from his beautiful eye Gone to the home of the blest on high. We sadly mourn for the gentlest heart That ever with things of earth took part – For the household idol, the hope, the pride, The flower that grew in our hearts and died. Alas! This world is a world of pain. Where the brightest links are loosed again, Where the brightest hours have a shadowy woe, Where ever the fairest, the first, must go. Dear DICK, a bud in its tender bloom, Called to the silence of the tomb; He has gone past the region of moon and stars To dwell where the sinless angels are. For which cause we faint not; for our affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Oh! God, who bestowest this upon us by the grace, that we should be made righteous instead of ungodly, blessed instead of miserable, be present to thine own gifts, be present to thine own works, that they in whom dwells a justifying faith may not lack a strong perseverance through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 22, 1878 Page 2, Column 4 DIED, In Monroe, La., November 19, 1878, in the 56th year of his age, our beloved husband and father, HENRY GERSON, JR., born in Weingarster, Bavaria, Germany, for upwards of 35 years a citizen and merchant in the city of Monroe, La. Our heartfelt thanks are tendered to the many friends who showed their sympathy with our loss, and especially to the members of Western Star Lodge No. 24, of which he was a member, for the honors conferred upon the deceased in the house which he had to leave forever, as well as at the entrance of his last home, the grave. The loving husband, the indulgent father, has left us, following the call of the Almighty; but, deep and painful as our sorrow is, we still console ourselves with the hope that we may meet him again in that land where there is no sorrow nor parting. May the earth rest light upon him and may he be blessed with eternal peace. DINAH GERSON, LEON GERSON, HARRIETT GERSON, MOSE GERSON, ROSA GERSON, ALICE GERSON, DORA GERSON. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, November 22, 1878 Page 2, Column 4 DIED, At Wesson, Miss., Sept. 1st, 1878, GEORGE ROBERT, infant son of Dr. R.W. Rea and Rilla E. Oliver, aged one year, one month and three days. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, December 6, 1878 Page 2, Column 2 DEATH OF JUDGE EGAN. [Shreveport Standard.] We are pained to announce the death of the Hon. William B. Egan, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Louisiana, which occurred at his residence in this city last evening. He had been in delicate health for some time, but a trip last summer, had, in his opinion, so improved it that he spoke very hopefully of soon being able to resume his seat on the bench. He sank, however, very rapidly under a relapse which took place several days ago. Judge Egan was born in Amelia county, Virginia, December 3, 1824, and had consequently nearly completed his fifty-fourth year. His father, Dr. Bartholomew Egan, who survives him, and whose scholastic attainments had won the esteem and friendship of Jefferson, Madison and Giles, was then residing near Governor Giles’s residence, in whose house his son was born and for whom he was named. After a thorough preparatory training under his father’s guidance he entered Emory & Henry College and was graduated in 1845. Having been soon afterwards admitted to the bar he came to North Louisiana with his father’s family and soon acquired a large practice in the Claiborne district. In the year 1857 he was elected District Judge over a popular candidate and was twice re-elected. He was known as a model District Judge and his decisions were always held in high esteem by the bar and the Supreme Court. In the interval between the surrender and reconstruction he represented his district in the State Senate with signal ability. At the close of his term he removed to this city and was engaged in a large practice up to the time of his retirement in 1877. On the accession of the Nicholls government he was offered the appointment of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, which he accepted. It was a time when men were sought for the position who not only possessed the legal learning, but who had the firmness and patriotism to serve the State faithfully at a most gloomy period of her history. For nearly two years he has discharged the onerous duties of his high office with great ability and fidelity. His acknowledged legal learning has been supplemented by an untiring industry in the performance of labors which he would not allow even his delicate health to neglect. His opinions are quoted by the profession with great respect. Judge Egan was a gentleman of fine talents thorough culture and spotless integrity of character. His gentle disposition and pleasing manners made him a favorite in the social circle; hence the affection in which he was held by his family and the uniform regard and respect he won from his numerous friends. To both his loss is irreparable; to the State his death is a public calamity. NOTE: There is a resolution of respect from the Monroe Bar in the same issue, Page 3, Column 3. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, December 13, 1878 Page 3, Column 1 Death of D.T. Head. All that was mortal of Capt. D.T. Head, of Trenton, was laid away in the Cemetery of this city on Wednesday. There was a very large attendance of sympathysing (sic) friends at the burial, which was conducted under the solemn and impressive ceremonies of the Masonic fraternity. Capt. Head was born in South Carolina, Camden District, n 1834. He came to Trenton in 1850, and began business as a clerk for his brother-in-law, now dead, Capt. J.P. Crosley. Seven year later, in 1857, he commenced business for himself, in co-partnership with Mr. Dunn. In October, 1867, Capt. Head was married to Miss Fannie Hardy of this city. Four children are living as the fruits of the marriage, and one lies in the cemetery beside its father. Capt. Head had been confined to his room but a few days, though in declining health for some time. Following his decline, came the pernicious fever, and following this came a collapsed, condition of the whole nervous system. Death followed shortly. Capt. Head died in the full possession of his reasoning faculties, and met Death without fear. Capt. Head leaves many friends behind. There are a great many people who have been benefitted (sic) by his liberality, and there are a great many people who will miss him. It is not to be expected that a man dead is the equal of a man living; but Capt. Head will be reckoned, in the memory of a long line of our people, as one deserving of grateful recollections. NOTE: On this same page, Column 3, there is a resolution of respect from the Trenton Rifle Co. The Ouachita Telegraph Friday, December 27, 1878 Page 2, Column 1 Col. John McMerty, well known in this city, and in many portions of the South as a dealer in stock, died at Warsaw, Mo., on the 17th. Col. McMerty was master of transportation in Rains, division of the C.S.A., and after the surrender, went to Mexico and joined Maximilian. He was a genial companion and a man of fine business sense. # # #