obK-1800 Rapides Parish, Louisiana ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** KELLEY, FRANK Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 28 Feb 1885 Died - At his home in pineville on Monday, Feb. 23rd, 1885, Frank Kelley. --------------------------------------------------------------------- obL-1800 LAMOTHE, JOHN P. Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 28 Mar 1885 Died. - On Sugar Bend plantation, Rapides Parish, La., March 17th, 1885. John P. Lamothe, in the 45th year of his age. He was buried at the Martin family grave-yard. Hempstead and Brenham Texas papers please copy. --------------------------------------------------------------------- LEARSEY, HESTER CARR Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 2 Aug 1884. Sudden Death - Saturday morning between 5 and 6 o'clock a colored woman known as Hester Carr, but who some months since married a man named Joe Learsey, died very suddenly of what is supposed to have been heart disease. She got up apparently well, and her husband had gone out to get wood to make a fire. He heard her making a noise, as if vomiting, and ran in the house and found her lying across the bed. He shook and called her for some moments before he found that she was cold in death. It was not more than five minutes from the time she got up apparently well until she died. The funeral will take place this afternoon. --------------------------------------------------------------------- LECKIE, KATE Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 28 Mar 1885 Died. - On Big Creek, on Thursday, 26t inst., Kate Leckie, wife of Thos. L. Leckie. -------------------------------------------------------------------- LEDREUX, FATHER J.M. Alexandria Town Talk Weekly; 22 Nov 1884. Died on Sunday night, November, 16th, 1884, at Alexandria, La., Father J.M. Ledreux, in the 29th year of his age. The deceased was born in Cesson, France, in the year 1855, and commenced his studies preparatory to priesthood in St. Martin's College, Europe, in 1868. He entered the Theological Seminary, at Rennes, France, Oct. 18, 1874. He came to the United States with Bishop Martin, of Natchitoches, in 1875. In december, 1875, the deceased entered St. Mary's Theological Seminary, at Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained four years. On the 29th of September, 1879, Father Ledreux was ordained priest by the Rt. Rev. F. Leray, at Natchitoches, and two weeks later was appointed priest at Many, La. At the death of Father Bres, at Alexandria, he was appointed his successor. The day after his arrival here he took sick, and in eight week's time his disease carried him away. The deceased was laid out yesterday morning in the hall, at the priests house, next to St Frances Xavier's Church. The coffin was of the finest rosewood, with silver ornament and a shilver shield, on the lid was inscribed "Rest in Peace." A Silver crucifix and three burning candles stood at the head of the coffin, which was spread in profusion with beautiful flowers, the offerings of loving friends. The stole, which the deceased usually wore also had a place on the coffin. Father Ledreux was an intimate friend and schoolmate of Father Menard, in France, and his death was a severe blow to the faithful priest of this parish. The funeral solemnities took place Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The following named gentlemen acted as pall-bearers: Paul E. French, Jno. C. Ryan. J.J. Peterman, Dr. Degeneris, Jos. Kramer and Jno. W. Prescott. The body of Father Ledreux was laid away under the St. Francis Xzvier's Church, in front of St. Mary's altar, by the side of the grave of Father Avenard. The funeral address was delivered by Father Dicharry, V.B. We can only say with the appropriate inscription spoken of before, "Rest in Peace" good and faithful servant. --------------------------------------------------------------------- LEWIS, JOHN MURPHY Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 6 Sep 1884. Died at Fairmount plantation in Grant Parish, on September 2nd, John Murphy Lewis, son of Geo. W. and Rosa Hickman, aged, five months and twenty-two days. --------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDSEY, M.H., MRS. Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 13 Dec 1884. Died at Willow Glen Plantation, bayou Robert, on Tuesday, December 9th, 1884, at 10 o'clock, A.M. Mrs. M.H. Lindsey. Her funeral took place on 10th inst. at 12 o'clock, the funeral procession moving at 10 o'colck from the above named place, and the remains were buried in Pineville. --------------------------------------------------------------------- LUCKETT, CORA Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 31 May 1884. Died at New Hope Plantation on Monday, May 28th, 1884, Cora Luckett, wife of Jas. P. Hickman in the 34th year of her age. The funeral took place Tuesday at 12 M o'clock at New Hope Plantaion. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LUCKETT, HENRY PEYTON Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 4 Oct 1884. Died: Luckett. - At the residence of Dr. R.L. Luckett, Cotile, on Sunday, Sept. 38th 1884, Henry Peyton, infant son of H.P. and Cornelia Luckett, aged 6 months and 12 days. "We laid him down, In those white, shrouded arms, with bitter tears, But some voice told us that in ater years, He should know naught of passion, grief, of fears, As we had known." --------------------------------------------------------------------- obm-1800 MARSHALL, MRS. H. Town Talk Weekly, 7 Jun 1884. Died - At New Orleans, La., on May 30th, 1884, Mrs. H. Marshall. The funeral took palce Tuesday afternoon from the St. James Church Alexandria to the Rapides Cemetery Pineville. The deceased resided in this parish some years since, and before her death she requested that her remains be brought here for burial. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MAXWELL, LAVINIA Town Talk Weekly, 22 Mar 1884 Died - At New Orleans, La., on Friday evening, March 14th 1884, Mrs. Lavinia Maxwell, mother of Mrs. J.L. Jarreau, of this place. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MCCALL, CHARLOTTE The Colfax Chronicle 1898 (Date is not completely given) Died - McCall - Former Slave At her home in Rapides Parish, La. on Red River, opposite of Colfax, La. in Grant Parish at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, 1898, Charlotte McCall, born in Essex County, Virginia in May of 1815, departed this life aged 84 years and 8 months. The deceased was a fine type of the old ante bellum slave, honourable, upright and intelligent, who carefully preserved and cherished the memories and traditions of the past. She was sold by her master, Capt. Robt. G. (or O.) Hall in 1828 in a drove of sixty to a slave trader, who carried her to Richmond, Va. where she was sold in a drove of twenty, and carried to Huntsville, Alabama and delivered to Judge Smith, by whom she was brought to Louisiana in 1838 (or 1858) in a drove of nineteen families, and placed on the Smithfield plantation, where the town of Colfax is now located. She joined the Smithfield Baptist church in 1876 and lived a true and exemplary Christian up to to the hour of her death. In addition to her own family, she also raised several orphan children, who greatly reverence her memory. These facts are furnished by one of her descendants, who is proud of the integrity and worth of her ancestor, and desires them published in loving memory of the departed. Submitted by Houston Tracy, Jr. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MCMANUS, LEAR Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 11 Oct 1884. Mr. Wm. McManus, of Pineville, lost his little daughter named Lear Monday monring at 3 o'clock. The funeral took place that afternoon at 4 o'clock. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MEAD, MARY J. Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 2 Feb 1884 Died. - At "Avoca," the family residence, at 7:40 P.M., on the 29th inst., Mrs. Mary J. Mead, relict of the late Joshua R. Mead, in the 76th year of her age. Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 16 Feb 1884 In Memoriam Called to rest at "Avoca," the family residence, in the parish, during the night of January 29th, 1884, Mrs. Mary Jane Mead, widow of the late Capt. Joshua R. Mead, having attained the 76th year of life. "Lord now lettest thy servant depart in peace, For mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Full of years and faith, after a well-spent life devoted to the services of his creator, with a bright sustaining hope of a blissful ressurrection - such was the exclamation of the ancient patriarch - the man of God, as the things of time were fading from his earthly vision, and a celestial vista opening to his future gaze. Most forcibly is the prayer recalled, in view of the calm, peaceful, christian death of the venerable and dearly loved being, to whose memory we would place a wreath, woven from the hearts purest affections. From early conviction Mrs. Mead adopted the walk and conversation of the chirstian, and to the closing scene of her career she beautifully adorned the doctrine she professed - hence death to her possessed no terrors; for by a long life of virtue and piety, the constant practice of deeds of charity, she had overcome all, and in beautiful, perfect resignation, yielded up her pure spirit to God who gave it. Of her it may truly be said: She bore the cross, and now wears the crown. How inestimally dear the comfort and consolation to the grief-stricken ones left to mourn - the realization that the victory was hers - and not only this, but through her last sickness - of months duration -even to the end her physical suffering's seemed to be light, and such as it was, was borne cheerfully and without a murmer, Thus can all who so fondly loved her, exclaim: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." The writer of this feeble tribute, having been honored with her acquaintance and friendship for a period extending beyond a third of a century, bows in humble submission to the Divine decree, and begs to mingle his tears with those of her immediate family. Mrs. Mary Jane Mead, nee Lewis, a native of Kittery, Maine, was born Jan. 18th A.D., 1808, and had completed the 76th year of her age. Came to this parish in 1832, where she continously resided for more than half a century. In 1839 she was united in marriage to Capt. Joshua R. Mead, a very early settler here, - a gentleman of indomitable energy and perserverance; such as characterized many of the early pioneers who shaped its destiny, and have left their impress on the community of which they were honored representatives. Capt. Mead died in 1858, leaving as widow the subject of this sketch, and an only child, the present Mrs. James Jeffries. Mrs. M. Possessed in an eminent degree domestic habits, preferring the quiet and more stirling joys of the home circle, where she ever presided with such dignified amiability. Imbued with all the grace and charm that can adore woman-hood, of a fine presence, gentle, and affectionate by nature and practice, the bright-jewel charity adorned her crown, and during her long life she was honered by all who knew her: beloved by all within the sphere of her acquantance; and while she will be so generally mourned, chiefly will her loss be felt in her immediate family circle, to whom she was especially endeared. The death of this venerable lady - amongst the oldest residents of this parish - has left a void nothin can fill. It is the breaking of another link that connects the past with the present. Alas! how few of her old acquaintances still linger on the threshold that divides time from eternity. Very soon must others be called. Oh! may all be so happily prepared. The remembrance, of her rare and exalted christian virtues; her deeds of gentleness will dwell amongst us as a sweet incense. May the brightness of her pure and noble example teach us to strive to emulate it. Farewell, dear and cherished friend, thy sainted spirit has wingged its flight to brighter realms, and earth contains purer than we have lost. The obsequies were solemnly and reverendly held from the Methodist Church, Pineville, attended by a concourse of mourning friends and relatives. A most impressive and eloquent eulogy, pronounced by its pastor, Rev. J.M. Beard, then in the family cemetery we laid the remains beside the husband and other loved ones who had preceded her. "Though lost to sight to memory dear." The kindly dews of heaven will moisten, and keep green the hallowed sod above her - her ransomed spirit has sped to join the happy chorus ofthe blest, to dwell forever with the Saviour in realms of bliss, where grief and sorrow can have no abiding place. Heavenly comfort to all who mourn. C.A.T. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MERRYFIELD, SABARA, MRS. Alexandria Town Talk Weekly, 25 Oct 1884. Died, on the 17th inst., at the residence of Mr. Granthams, near Babbs Bridge. Mrs. Sabara Merryfield. The deceased resided for a number of years in New Orleans, but for the past two years has been teaching in the neighborhood of Babbs Bridge. She was a highly accomplished woman and left a large number of friends to mourn her loss. She has a sister living in Rhode Island, to whom she left considerable property. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MORRIS, WILLIAM Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 19 Jan 1884 Died. - On Clear Creek, this parish, on Wednesday, Jan. 16th, 1884, Wm. Morris, aged about 75 years. Mr. Morris was an old resident of this parish, having lived in Rapides for the last forty years. He was buried Friday. From Alexandria Weekly Town Talk, 2 Feb 1884 the following appeared: Died. - On Jan. 15th, 1884 at 8:30 P.M., Wm. Morris Sr., aged 76 years, 8 months, and 6 days. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss. He was a faithful an affectionate father, and was beloved by all his acquaintances and friends. -----------------------------------------------------------------------