Houston Texas Death Notices 1843 ************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *************************************************************************** Submitted by Marilyn Hoye Marilyn_Hoye@tamu-commerce.edu Houston Morning Star Death Notices, 1843- Death of Col. [Matthew] CALDWELL--It is with feelings of deep regret and sorrow, that we announce the death of Col CALDWELL, the hero of the Salado. This event will be deplored by every patriot throughout the Republic; and especially by the settlers on the exposed frontier which he has so long defended...1/19/1843:2 Died--At his residence in Gonzales, on the 28th day of December, 1842, Col. Matthew CALDWELL, in the forty-third year of his age. The death of this worthy and distinguished man, has cast a deep gloom over the people of Western Texas. Col. CALDWELL was a native of North Carolina, and emigrated to Gonzales county in the 1830s. He was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of the Republic, and one of the signers of our Declaration of Independence. He has been constantly engaged in the most active enterprizes, and rendered his country the most important services. He has taken a distinguished part in almost every engagement of the country, and bore his full share of suffering in the ill-fated Santa Fe Expedition. As a true patriot, he will be wept by his country; as a fond husband and parent,a good citizen, and an honest man, his memory will be cherished by his family and acquaintances. He was buried with military honors on the 30th day of December, and a large concourse of his fellow- citizens followed his body to the grave. Peace to his ashes. 1/19/1843:3 $100 Reward! Whereas Mrs. [Elizabeth Kennedy], an amiable and highly respectable lady of this city was basely murdered in her own house, on the evening of the 18th of February; the City Council of this city have empowered me to offer a reward of $100 to any person or persons who will deliver to the Sheriff of this county, the murderers or any person who aided or abetted the murder...Francis Moore, Jr., Mayor, Houston, Feb. 21, 1843. [advertisement] 2/23/1843:3 Fatal Accident--Maj. J. B. RANSOM was recently killed, by a shot by his own gun, (near the Waco Village.) Our informant states that he was out on a buffalo hunt, and while descending a steep hill placed his gun before him for support; but it unfortunately slipped and went off; the ball passing directly through his head, killed him instantly. This young man has been long in the public service in various capabilities, and was much esteemed. His loss will be deplored by a large circle of friends and relatives. 3/23/1843:2 Murder--The Planter's Gazette mentions that the skeleton of a man and a horse were found a few weeks since in the bottom of the San Bernard, near the steam saw mill. The man had evidently been hung, as a lariat was hanging just over the bones, and a bullet hole was discovered in the skull of the horse, which circumstances, together with the height of the rope, renders the belief that it was adjusted while the unfortunate man was mounted, and the horse shot out from under him. A shaving box was found near the spot with the initials J. S. and it is said that the box has been identified as the one formerly belonging to Mr. J. SLOAN, who was in that neighborhood about three years ago and suddenly disappeared. The citizens of that section are making diligent search to discover the perpetrator or perpetrators of the murder. 3/30/1843:2 Departed this life on the morning of the 28th inst., at half past five o'clock, James Izod NILES, infant son of J. W. and Alessannah NILES, aged 2 years, 2 months and 14 days. 3/30/1843:3 Fatal Quarrel--We have learned, with feelings of the most bitter regret, that Col. James R. COOK, of Washington, was killed on the 31st ult., by his friend, Mr. ADKINS. It appears that the deceased and Mr. ADKINS, a short time previous to the lamentable event, were drinking together and conversing in the most friendly manner. A dispute arose relative to a horse, and some sharp words passed, and Mr. ADKINS struck Col. COOK with a whip: both, unfortunately, were armed, and the latter, drawing his knife, stabbed Mr. ADKINS in several places, and would probably have killed him on the spot, but Mr. A. drew a pistol and shot his adversary, who fell and expired a few moments after receiving the wound. We have been informed that several persons were close to the combatants, and, by a timely interference, might have prevented this shocking catastrophe! To the culpable apathy of these bystanders, and the disgraceful practice of wearing weapons, we are to attribute the death of Col. COOK. Mr. ADKINS is also dangerously wounded, and fears are entertained that he will not recover. Should he survive, he will probably lament to the day of his death the needless quarrel that has thus proved fatal to one whom previously he had esteemed as a warm friend. 4/6/1843:2 ...The report of the City Sexton, stating that but one death had occurred within the city for the last three weeks, viz: Henry SIMMONS, who died of consumption. 5/11/1843:2 Died--On Wednesday, May 31st, of Chronic Bronchitis, William H. TROTT, aged 23 years. His friends and acquaintances are invited to attend his funeral this evening and 4 o'clock, from the residence of Philip Thompson. 6/1/1843:3 Died--of bronchitis, on the 6th inst., at Allenwood, Galveston Bay, Rowland ALLEN, aged 62 years. He met his fate with great resignation, rejoicing that the hour was at hand when his spirit would take its flight to a world of bliss. He died as he lived--like a christian. 6/13/1843:3 Death of Judge EVES--The late American Charge d'Affaires, the Hon. Joseph EVES, died at Galveston on the 16th instant of consumption. His loss will be regretted by all who knew him. He enjoyed, while living, in an eminent degree, the confidence and esteem of his friends and acquaintances. He was so remarkably amiable and kind in his private relations, that he was admired and beloved by all parties, and, we believe, he had not a single enemy in the Republic. His funeral was attended by the largest concourse of citizens ever seen at Galveston. And the citizens seemed to deplore his loss as if one of their most respected and eminent fellow-citizens had been called to "that bourne whence no traveller returns." 6/17/1843:2 Murder--Col. John O'BRIEN, was lately shot with a rifle ball while standing in the door of his house at Anahuac by some person concealed in the bushes near the place. He expired a few moments after receiving the wound. Mr. FERGUSON who was standing with him was also shot and dangerously wounded with a charge of buck shot, at the same time. It is feared that Mr. FERGUSON can survive his wounds only a few days. The people of that section have charged the murder to a person who has held high rank in the country; and who, we believe, has hitherto sustained an unblemished reputation.--We forbear at the present time mentioning the name of the suspected person, as we learn that due investigation will be made by the proper officers; and we have little doubt that punishment will ere long overtake the guilty. 6/17/1843:2 Drowned--A Frenchman named Jean Joseph JEANEAU was drowned on the 17th ult., while attempting to ford the Colorado opposite to Austin. 7/6/1843:2 The City Sexton's report was read, stating that but two deaths had occured within the last three weeks, to-wit: A child of F. HERRING's and a black boy from Colorado County who came to the city sick ...7/11/1843:2 Homicide or Murder--An elderly gentleman named Bartlet FRY, who resided on the Attoyae, was killed in San Augustine county on the 29th ult., by Mr. John GARNER. We have not learned the particulars of his melancholy occurence. 7/13/1843:2 Horrid Tragedy--It is with feelings of the most painful emotion that we are compelled to record one of the most bloody and shocking affrays that has ever disgraced any portion of Texas. Mr. SNEED who arrived on the 29th ult. from Bastrop, has informed us that Capt. Mark B. LEWIS, a Mr. NOLAN, and a Mr. PEYTON were killed at an affray at Austin a few days since! It appears that an election was held for militia officers and a dispute arose between Capt. LEWIS and Mr. NOLAN. Both unfortunately were armed; they drew pistols and fired at each other, and Mr. NOLAN was shot dead. Capt. LEWIS was in the custody of the Sheriff, and a friend of Mr. NOLAN attempted to shoot him, but Mr. PEYTON interfered and was himself shot. Capt. LEWIS then attempted to escape and was shot down by Col L. P. COOK and Mr. G. BARRETT, while entering a house for protection. We hope this terrible catastrophe will have some effect in checking the disgraceful custom of wearing weapons. This accursed practice has stained too many of our towns and villages with human blood. We hold in just abhorrence the ancient Mexicans, who were accustomed to immolate human victims on the altars of their Idols, but are civilized men less deserving of abhorrence and reproach, who so recklessly sacrifice human victims to the foul demon of passion? 8/3/1843:2 The City Sexton reported one death...to wit: Joseph D. ROGERS of Montgomery county, who came to this city sick, disease, billious remittant fever. 8/3/1843:3 A gentleman named William WEIGAND, was accidentally drowned while bathing in the Bayou in this city, on Thursday evening. 8/12/1843:2 Death of Miss LAMAR--It is with feelings of deep regret that we announce the death of Miss Rebecca Ann LAMAR, the amiable and accomplished daughter of our ex-President. She was in her sixteenth year and died on the 29th of July at Macon, Geo. ...8/24/1843:2 The City Sexton made his report, stating but three deaths had occurred within the last three weeks, to wit: An infant child of Joseph REYNOLDS; Mrs. McMAHON, disease monomania; one ROBINSON, a pauper, disease not known, ... 9/7/1843:2 Died--In this city on the 8th inst., of pulmonary consumption, Mrs. Leathe G. MOTT, formerly of Smithland, Kentucky. 9/9/1843:3 Died--In this city on the 15th inst., John B. COCHRAN, son of Mr. O. J. COCHRAN, aged 18 years. 9/19/1843:3 The City Sexton made his report, stating that but 3 deaths had occurred within the last two weeks, to wit: Mrs. L. G. MOTT, John B. COCHRAN, and F. P. HERRING ... 9/21/1843:2 Died--In this city on the 15th inst., of congestive fever, Francis P. HERRING, formerly of Georgia. 9/21/1843:3 The report of the City Sexton, stating that but two deaths had occurred within the last week, to wit: Mrs. BUSBY, and an infant child of Samuel PASCAL, was read and received. 9/28/1843:2 Execution--Charles HENINGER was hung at Galveston on the 8th inst. He confessed his guilt on the day previous to his death, but expressed no remorse for the horrid crime. It is painful to reflect that he has thus been launched into eternity, without manifesting any contrition, or giving the least evidence that he was prepared to appear at the terrible tribunal of his maker. 12/11/1843:2 Died--On the 21st instant , at his residence, of consumption, Joseph M. ROBINSON, Merchant of this city, native of Pennsylvania, aged 35 years. 12/26/1843:3 Died--In this city on the 27th inst., George G. GAZLAY, native of New York, aged 36 years. His friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend his funeral, from his late residence, this evening at 3 o'clock. 12/30/1843:3