St Landry County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....Estorge, Dr. Joseph Leonard August 20, 1880
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The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, August 28, 1880, Image 1

Dr. J. L. Estorge.

The last earthy remains of this eminent physician, prominent citizen, and 
generous man, were laid in the tomb at 11 o'clock, on Saturday, the 21st inst. 
About four or five months ago, he was taken ill with a malady which baffled his 
own splendid knowledge of therapeuties, as well as the combined skill of our 
whole medical fraternity. Early in May he went to New Orleans, where his case 
was brought under a rigid diagnosis of the best physicians; but again was 
medical science set a naught, the affliction declared an anomaly in diseases, 
and all remedies proved futile in giving relief. From thence he went to 
Milwaukee and Chicago with the hope that a change of climate might benefit him, 
and that some of the learned doctors of medicine might discover the mystery of 
his strange and painful sickness. But alas! human skill was helpless; medical 
knowledge was unavailing to determine what remedies were necessary; and a 
multitude of the best and most experienced physicians of the North and South, 
had to confess their ignorance of his inexplicable suffering. As the weeks and 
months passed slowly and painfully on, he grew worse and worse, until the last 
ray of hope, for recovery, faded from his mind. Emaciated and helpless as an 
infant, from months of exquisite pain, his only thought, now, was to die at 
home. Attended by his devoted wife and loving sister, the dying physician began 
his homeward journey. He reached Opelousas at 7:30 a. m., on the 20th inst., 
and breathed his last at 6:15 p. m. on the same day. It seemed almost a 
miracle, that in his dying condition, he would live to make so long a journey. 
But we believe, that his Creator, in whom he placed such implicit faith, 
granted his request, that "he might die at home." He was conscious to the last 
supreme moment, and bade a touching adieu to each and every one of his family, 
who stood weeping and disconsolate around his bed-side.

Dr. Joseph Leonard Estorge was born in Opelousas, on the -- Sept. 1830, and at 
the time of his death was in his fiftieth year. At the early age of 8 years, he 
was sent to the Royal College of Cahors, in France, where he was for some time 
a classmate of the new distinguished french statesman and jurist - Leon 
Gambette. He remained there for 8 years, and finished the curriculum of that 
institution with great credit to himself, as a studies and apt pupil. Returning 
to the United States, he attended college two years, in St. Louis, to perfect 
himself in a knowledge of the English language. He then entered the Medical 
College in New Orleans, and after two years of diligent study received his 
diploma in medicine. Desiring to secure a thorough mastery of the healing art, 
he returned to France, attended lectures in Paris, and gained much practical 
knowledge there in visiting the hospitals. Graduating as doctor of the medical 
faculty of Paris in 1863, he returned to this country and offered his services 
to the Confederate authorities. He was appointed surgeon, with the rank of 
major, in the army of the Trans-Miss. Department, commanded by Gen. E. Kirby 
Smith; was captured at Fort DeRussy on Red River, but was soon exchanged, and 
continued in the Confederate service until the end of the war. He then returned 
to "his native health" - St. Landry parish, and began the practice of medicine. 
A descendant of one of the oldest creole families of Louisiana; highly educated 
and polished in manners; suave and refined in his tastes; with these traits all 
adorned by an honorable prestige gained in the services of his country, he 
advanced with rapid progress to distinction in his profession, secured an 
extensive and lucrative practice among his parishioners, and was esteemed as 
one of the most useful and distinguished of our physicians. In politics, he was 
Democrat of firm and pronounced convictions, and was for a long time the 
President of the Parish Democratic Executive Committee. As a religious man, he 
fulfilled punctually all of his pious duties, and was one of the wardens of the 
Catholic Church of his parish for twelve years. In his domestic relations, he 
was a good son, affectionate husband, tender father, and trained his children 
in the strictest principles of morality and piety. In disposition, he was mild 
and gentle, and never swayed by passion or prejudice; and was affable to all of 
his fellowmen. As a physician, he was always prompt to answer the calls of 
duty; exercised great patience and kindness to the sick; eminently successful 
in his practice, and exhibited great skill and noble conduct in the yellow 
fever epidemic of 1867 and 1870.

He was a man of generous impulses and large charity of heart, particularly in 
his profession. his death has cast a gloom over our entire community; and 
whether as friend, citizen, or physician, he is lamented by all of our people. 
We extend our sincere condolence to his stricken and bereaved family.

Requiescat in pace.



Additional Comments:
NOTE: Dr. Joseph Leonard Estorge is buried in section 10 of the Saint Landry 
Catholic Church Cemetery located in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.

www.findagrave.com memorial # 113044685

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