Fair Play--January 10, 1885

In Memorian.

Cash Book.

It was the writer’s privilege to know John B. Wheeler, whose mortal part was laid to rest in the Jackson cemetery a few days ago; to know him intimately during fifteen years in a close business relation, beginning in his boyhood, and after that relation had ceased, during the remaining years of his life. To know him thus was to learn to love him and hold him in high esteem. And I therefore crave the further sad privilege of joining with the near and dear ones who love him so well, in honoring his memory.

Mr. Wheeler was born in the city of Cape Girardeau in the year 1826, and died in Bowie Texas, December 4, 1884 five days over forty-eight years of age. On December 7, 1851, he married Miss M. L. Jones of Ste. Genevieve, and had three children born to him, two of whom and his wife remain, mourning their great loss; the other child died about ten years ago.

Mr. Wheeler was remarkable in his boyhood for his manliness and self-dependence; so it would be true to say that while still a boy he was a man. As a merchant’s clerk he was at first quick to learn, and honest, truthful and faithful always. And those noble qualities were manifested in his later business life as a merchant so clearly that he secured the confidence of all persons with whom he had dealings.  As a business man, he was eminently useful. But better than all besides, his first days, for he was a Christian. Others whose opportunities for knowing were of the best, says, “it is our precious privilege to tell you that about a year ago he made a public profession of his faith in the Blessed Saviour.  He then read, meditated and prayed for light and wisdom from on high, and was baptised into the Christian church. He was as earnest and faithful a Christian as in everything else, speaking a word for the Master, attending with loving diligence in services of the Lord’s house, joining hand and heart in all religious work and saying often that his only regret was not having found the precious truth of the gospel sooner.”  When asked two days before he died if all was ready, he answered “O yes, I haven’t a fear. I want to live to raise my little ones. A man who is ready to die is ready to live, but if it is God’s will to take me I am ready, “

Of an affectionate nature his attachments of love and friendship were ardent and lively embracing his family and his brothers and sisters with an undying love, and his various friends and these were manifested more than ever in his distant home in a strange land especially in his last days, in prayer, for God’s blessing upon them and in heaven, and in his desire that his body should be “carried home and be buried by the Masons.”

Joe Okenfuss was married to a Miss Mougin, at Prairie du Rocher this week.

Andrew Siebert and his wife are both very sick at their home in New (illegible). We extend our sympathies to Mr. Siebert and hope for his speedy recovery.  Andrew is one of God’s noblemen, a kind, true hearted generous gentleman.

The farm of Joseph Grass was sold under a deed of trust, at the court house door last Saturday.  It contains one hundred and twenty-nine acres and sold for four hundred and (illegible) five dollars. Mrs. Caroline Grass was the purchaser.

Correspondence From Mine la Motte, Mo.

Press. Womack, son of W. R. Womac died of consumption some two weeks ago. His remains were interred in the family burrying ground at Pleasant Hill Church. Also Mrs. Lane widow of Judge Lane some three miles south of libertyville.  Her remains were laid beside that of Judge Lane who died a few years ago.

John Moran a good citizen, who for a number of years has lived on Mine La Motte claim has bought him a farm near Libertyville and moved on it: success to him.

Fair Play News.

Quite a happy gathering was had at the residence of Mr. Aug. Rehm, last Thursday, upon the occasion of “Flora”, the latest of the “sprigs” in the Rehm family Flora was born on Dec. 4th, last year, but it so happened that her birth was not  noticed in these columns at the time. F. A. Klein was godfather, which astonished us, because we did not think he remembered to say “Grace. “

Married Last Year.

John M. Linderer to Louisa E. Winston, Jan 23, by Rev. Fr. Weiss

Joseph Bahr to Josephine Geiler, Jan 9, by Rev. Father Weiss

William Joggerst to Mary Kreitler, Jan 14, by Rev. Father Schmdt.

George A Thuman to Nancy A Richard, Jan 22, by A. J. Thurman, J. P.

John Harter to Emily Rigdon, Jan 29, by Rev. Father Schmidt

Bard Adams to Emily J. Vaughn, Feb 21, by R. M. Womack, J. P.

Victor Rayoum to Mary Lamure, Feb 25, by Rev. James Cleveland.

Charles Robinson to Rhoda A. Johnson, Feb 26, by J. D. Boyce, J. P.

John Hurst to Josephine Meyer, Apr 15, by Rev. Father Weiss

Charles A. Roth to Emma H. Sewald, Apr 22, by Rev Father Trumm.

John B. Boyer to Mary A. J. Tullock, Apr 13, by Rev H. Schleuter

Joseph Reich to Mary A. Klein, Apr 22, by Rev Father Weiss

Edmund Klein to Wilhelmina Uding, May 12, by W. H. Dutton, J. P.

Charles B Fisher to Helen Bernays, May 14, by Rev. Father Weiss

Herman Weber to Elizabeth Burgert, May 29, by Rev Father Weiss

Frank Baumstark to Rosa Rottler, June 9, by Rev Father Weiss

Francis J Smith to Mary Sinz, May 21, by Rev Father Schmidt

Henry L. Rozier to Sallie M. Carlisle, June 4, by Rev Father Weiss

F. Emanuel Terry to Augustine LaPlant, July 2 by F. A. Roy, J. P.

Henry Meyers to Matilda J. Pratte, July 11, by Rev Father Kane

Alexander J. Gordon to Martha J. Smith, July 22, by Rev. J. F. Rudy

William Hurst to Caroline Fallert, July 29 by Rev Father Weiss

John Karl to Elizabeth Weiler, Aug 5, by Rev Father Pigge

Eli P. Mougin to Emily M. Martin, Aug 6, by F. A. Roy, J. P.

Joseph Hauck to Mary Calliott, Aug 26, by Rev Father Weiss

Francis Roth to Brigitta Roth, Sept 9, by Rev Father Huttler

Charles James to Odelia Davis, Aug 22, by F. A. Roy

James W. Cunningham to Dora Shearlock, Aug 27, by Rev J. W. Robinson

George Siebert to Margaret Jacob, Aug 26, by Rev Father Pigge

George W. Hall to Harriett Derousse, Aug 27, by F. A. Roy

Francis Spraul to Louisa Becquette, Sept 9, by Rev Father Huttler

Joseph Grieshaber to Louisa R. Hogenmiller, Sept 23, by Rev Father Pigge

Henry A. Govero to Mary Vestal, Sept 16. by Rev J. Cleveland

Henry L. Siebert to Louisa A Lampher, Sept 24, by Rev Father Huttler

Joseph Meyers to Tillie A Everett, Oct 8 by Rev Father Kane

Joseph Roulette to Emily Bell, Oct 6, by Rev Father Huttler

Chas. H. O’Leavy to Julia E. Detchmendy, Oct 7, by Rev Father Schmidt

Augustus Ebert to Mary E. St. Gem, Oct 7, by Rev Father Weiss

Gustavus T. A. Nations to Lula Bloom, Oct 16, by R. M. Womack

*John C. Evans to Emily Kern, Oct 15 no return

Theodore Thomure to Cora Dorlac, Nov 5, by Rev Father Pigge

Henry Greminger to Barbara Palmer, Nov 11, by Rev Father Pigge

*Anthony Wipfler to Mary F. Huck, no return

Francis Carpenter to Ellen Govero, Nov 3, by Rev Father Trumm

Benjamin Johnson to Susan E. Govero, Nov 9, by Rev Father Kane

Henry Palmer to Caroline R. Otte, Nov 13, by Rev Father Trumm

*Francis X. Herzog to Helena Govero, no return

*Amos Bone to Honora J. Brown, no return

William Baumstark to Mary Meyer, no return

*John B. Godair to Josephine Labruyere, Dec 16, by F. A. Roy

*Henry M. Miller to Lydia A. Jennings, no return

*John Benham to Prudence A. Arbuckle, no return

*Time for return not expired

Born.

Stoekley--To the wife of Joseph Stoekley, on Saturday, January 3rd, twins--two boys.

Died.

Fallert--Near Zell, Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. on January 3rd, of disease of the kidneys, Anton Fallert, stepson of Bernhard Schmelzle, aged 15 years and 7 months.

Hogenmiller--Near Zell, Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., on Friday, January 2nd, of pneumonia, Charles, infant son of Felix and Elizabeth Hogenmiller, aged 9 months.

Krump--On Thursday, Jan 8th at Ste. Genevieve, Mo. an infant son of Leon and Josephine Krump, aged one year.

Lee--John P. Lee, aged 34 years at the residence of his mother, No 2336 Easton avenue, on Dec. 31, 1884, at 6 o’clock p.m. of typhoid-pneumonia.

The remains will be sent to Ste. Genevieve County,Mo., for interment. Globe Democrat.

Waggener. At his residence near Rush Tower, Jefferson county, on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 1884, Reuben Waggener, aged 88 years.

Mr. Waggener was born in Calpepper county, Va, in the year 1790. In 1812, at the age of 15 years he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the war with Great Britian, for which the nation has since rewarded him.

At the close of the war he returned to Virginia for a short time after which he removed to Kentucky and engaged as pilot on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, between Louisville, Ky, and St. Louis, Mo., to New Orleans, La.

In 183? he married Miss Mary Moore of Louisville and located there where his family remained during the subsequent six years that he continued on the river.

In 1841 he removed to his present residence where he has resided ever since. His union was blessed with twelve children, nine of whom survive him. He lived to see several of them the recipients of high and distinguished honors by the people of Jefferson county.

In politics Mr. Waggener was an old time democrat and always voted for the nominees of that party. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him and lived life full of honor and well doing.

Fair Play--January 17, 1885

Mrs. Louis Doerge presented her husband with two beautiful babies last Sunday, a boy and a girl. The young gentleman weighed seven pounds and the little Miss six pounds.

Married.

Armbruster--Siebert--At Ste. Genevieve, Mo. on Tuesday Jan 13th, by the Rev Father Huttler, Mr. Charles W. Armbruster to Miss Josephine M. Siebert both of this county.

Bauer--Langelier--On Tuesday, Jan 13th, at River aux Vases, by the Rev. Father Schmidt, Mr. Andrew Bauer to Miss Louise Langelier.

Born.

Doerge--On Sunday, January 11th, at the city of Ste. Genevieve, to the wife of Louis Doerge, twins, a boy and a girl.

Courtois--On Saturday, January 3d, in Ste. Genevieve, to the wife of Henry Courtois, a boy.

Papin--On Saturday, Jan 10th, to the wife of Jules Papin, a boy.

Died.

LeCompte--At Ste. Genevieve, Mo. on Monday Jan 12th, Polly LeCompte (colored) aged about 70 years.

Williams--Near Ste. Genevieve, Mo., on Wednesday, Jan. 14th, of typhoid pneumonia, Martha, wife of Joseph J. Williams.

Fair Play--January 24, 1885

The case to which we referred week resulted in the acquittal of the defendants/ There were the two sons of Mr. Wakeman Keller, a very worthy and respected citizen of our county and are not the sort of boys to perpetrate a criminal assault upon a woman. Inasmuch as the case may be brought before the grand jury we will reserve any expression of opinion for the present.

A Sad Suicide.

The news of a sad suicide at Limitville, in Jefferson County, reached us last Wednesday. A Mr. Mat. Pedges, who has for some time past been employed by Mr. J. B. Hefliner as a clerk in his store shot and killed himself in his room at the Adams Hotel at Limitville. For some time his singular actions have aroused a suspicion that every thing was not as it should be with him, but his extreme good nature, pleasant manners and constant jollity wholly disarmed any suspicion of intentional self destruction. Last Sunday he ate his dinner at the usual hour and seemed in ordinary spirits although a strange indecision of manner was noticeable about him. He left the room, went into adjoining, out of the house and around it and returned immediately, opened the sitting room door, bowed to its occupants and retired. In a few minutes a shot was heard and Pedges found sitting on his bed with a bullet from a thirty eight caliber revolver in his brain. He had no relations in this county, all of his family being in Paris where he was raised. Mr. Hedges was universally esteemed and though a little “queer” was a pleasant and social gentleman. No cause is known for his rash and sudden act. (transcriber’s note--article names man as both Pedges and Hedges).

Mr. William S. Boyce, a brother of Judge John D. Boyce of this city died at Springfield, Mo, on the 14th instant, aged sixty-seven years. Squire Boyce lived the greater part of his life in St. Francois and Jefferson counties where he held many positions of public trust. He was universally esteemed as a highminded and exemplary citizen. The death of Mr. Boyce leaves surviving only Samuel S. Boyce of Farmington, John D. Boyce of Ste. Genevieve and Mrs. Jane Moore of Farmington of a family which was one of the earliest pioneers of St. Francois county.

Fair Play--January 31, 1885

Mr. Joseph Vorst, proprietor of the Southern Hotel, is quite ill with the Asthma, a complaint, with which he has been afflicted for some time and which occasionally gives him much pain and discomfort.

Died:

Story--At Ste. Genevieve, Mo. on Tuesday January 27th Clarisse, wife of Joseph Story (colored aged ___ years.

Bauer--In Ste. Genevieve County, near Staabtown on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Genevieve, wife of Henry Bauer, of consumption, aged 25 years.

Wehner--Rottler.

The wedding of Mr. Peter Wehner to Miss Catherine Rottler, took place at the Catholic church, in this city, on last Wednesday evening, the Reverend Father Weiss officiating. The bride was attended by her sister Miss Sopha Rottler, as bridesmaid, while Mr. Felix LeCompte officiated as best man for the groom. After the ceremony the bride and groom repaired to the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Rottler, the bride’s parents, where a sumptuous repast was spread. A number of elegant and costly presents adorned the parlor and excited the admiration of the guests.

Quite a number of the friends of the two families were invited and present at the reception. Mr. Wehner is the second son of Mr. Nicholas Wehner and the bride is the second daughter of Mr. Valentine Rottler, both of which families are old and highly respected denizens of this community. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Wehner a long and happy life of connubial enjoyment.

Fair Play--February 21, 1885

Miss Margaret Morice, a little daughter of Mr. Bernard Morice, about ten years of age, has been at death’s door with typhoid fever, but is now happily convalescent.

Mrs. St. James has gone to St. Louis to have her infant grandson, Sargeant Jones, treated for an accidental injury to her ear. The little fellow was playing with a box of buttons when he accidentally got one in his ear. AFter several futile efforts to extract the button by our local physicians it was determined to take the boy to St. Louis to be treated by a specialist.

Mr. Xavier Schweiss, aged 59 years died last Tuesday morning, Feb. 17th, at his residence near Zell, of pneumonia. Mr. Schweiss had been ill for some time with pneumonia but had so far recovered as to be about when he took a relapse which terminated in his death. He was buried at St. Joseph’s church last Wednesday. Mr. Schweiss was highly esteemed by all his neighbors as an upright, industrious man.

Obituary.

Died on Saturday, January 25th 1885, at the residence of her father, James Pirkey, in Jackson Township, St. Genevieve County, Missouri, Mrs. Jennie McCarty beloved wife of Scott McCarty, aged twenty-eight years. Mrs. McCarty, was the daughter of James Pirkey, was born and reared in Ste. Genevieve county and was a lady of rare and estimable qualities. She was universally esteemed and respected for her patient, christian traits and heroic fortitude under the trying encroachments of a painful and lingering disease. At the early age of nineteen she embraced a hope in the saving faith of religion, connecting herself with the Babptist Church, in whose communion she lived and died, a constant, devout member, discharging every duty faithfully and zealously.

On the 21st of January 1877 she was united in marriage to Mr. Scott McCarty who survives her and to she was ever a faithful helpmeet, a loving wife and devoted companion. Her temperament was of that smooth and cheerful kind that shed a lustre of happiness upon all with whom she came in contact; even while a prey to the the disorder which terminated her life she preserved a cheerful exterior, a kindly smile and gentle word for friends and companions.

(Editorial on Mrs. McCarty’s death was not transcribed)

Mrs. McCarty had been afflicted with bronchitis for a year or more and so firmly had the dread disease encroached upon her vital system that she was unable to withstand its severity.

She leaves a large circle of friends and relatives who sincerely mourn her early and untimely loss. Her remains were interred in the Charter Cemetery in Jefferson County and were followed by an immense concourse of sympathizing friends.

Fair Play--February 28, 1885

Died--On the 21st inst, near here, Mary Agnes, the infant daughter of Mr. Cyrus Drury, aged 1 month and 26 days.

Died in Solutude!

Frank Sexauer and Frank Stoekle Discover Alexis Thomure Dead in his Cabin.

His Dog Starving but Faithful. The Treacherous Cat Ungrateful for Past Kindness, Feasting on the Dead Body of his Master.

A Horrible Spectacle.

Last Sunday morning Frank Sexauer and Frank Stoeckle left home for the purpose of taking a round of observation over the premises of the former and in their rambles wandered towards the residence of Alexis Thomure, and old man and widower who had lived alone, in a small cabin about three miles from here on the plank road for a number of years. On arriving near Thomure’s house they observed that every thing was closed and apparently deserted, no smoke issuing from the chimney, no signs of life about the premises, which the morning being very cold, appeared to them as singular. Mr. Sexuaer, more in a spirit of levity than from any suspicion of any thing being wrong, proposed to his companion to go and wake ‘Lexis up. Acting upon the suggestion they proceeded to the cabin, raised a window and looked in, little suspicions of the ghastly vision that was to greet them. When they opened the window a sight met their view that caused them to suddenly drop the window and recoil in unspeakable horror; on the bed lay the aged and solitary occupant alone and dead, at his feet lay his faithful dog, pinched and starved but faithful to the end; upon his breast was perched a cat, which with the instinct of self preservation uppermost and regardless of feelings of gratitude for past protection, was prolonging its existence by devouring the face and exposed parts of its late master. The parties who made the discovery immediately came to town and reported the fact to the coroner, who on that evening proceeded to hold an inquest. The jury from the testimony elicited found that the deceased had come to his death by freezing.

The investigation disclosed the fact that Mr. Thomure had been dead several days and that the dog, though, starving and furious with hunger, had faithfully guarded the corpse of his master, even going so far as to require a severe blow from a club in the hands of one of the coroner’s jury to dislodge him from his post at the feet of his master.  The cat had however eaten all the fleshy parts of his ace and neck as far as he could reach for the shirt collar and clothes.

Mr. Thomure was quite an old man and connected by blood and marriage with quite a number of people of this community and had always persisted in living alone in his little cabin on the plank road. He had been unwell for some tine and could have found care and nursing from some of his numerous relatives at any time, but if he was at any time seriously indisposed he never mentioned the fact consequently no one supposed that he needed any more attention than he had asked for years, and no one sought to intrude upon his privacy. He was buried last Monday in the Catholic cemetery.

Fair Play--March 7, 1885

Births.

The following returns of births have been filed in the office of the Clerk of the County Court of this county since our last report:

Parents Sex. Date.

Christopher Dallas Mary    “ male Oct. 19, 84

Henry Roth

Mary “ female “  9   “

Xavier Bauman

Mary    “ male Nov. 19  “

Joseph H. Siebert

Maria   “ female “  29  “

Clemence Heizer

Mary     “ “ Dec. 7 “

Joseph Stoeckle two

Regina    “ males Jan  3,   85

Louis Doerge male &

Nora  “ female “  11  “

Henry L. Siebert

Louisa “ male “ 11  “

Henry Armbruster

Theresa    “ male “ 12  “

Evariste F. Valle

Mary S.    “ male “  15  “

G. J. Katzenburger

Louisa M.   “ “ “ 14  “

Wilhelm Joggerst

Mary  “ “ “ 16 “

Frank Jenny

Emily  “ “ “  21”

John Viox

Cath’rine  “ “ “ 23”

George Hurst

Mary J.  “ “ Feb. 2 “

John M. Arnold

Theresa  “ “ “ 4 “

Peter Sucher

Cath’rine   “ female “ 8 “

Frank C. Primo

Catherine  “ female “  10 “

John Hurst

Josephine “ male “ 11 “

Charles Jacobs

Mary “ male “ 14 “

Herman Weber

Elizabeth  “ female “ 14 “

Stephen Lascource

Emily    “ “ “ 17 “

Philip Karst

Mary E.   “ “ “ 23 “

Marriage Licenses.

The following licenses to marry have been placed on file in the office of the Clerk of the County Court, for the months of January and February part:

Names where from Date

Andrew Baner Ste. Gen. Co.

Louise Langelier “    “     “ Jan. 3, 85

Cary A. Arney St. Mary Mo.

Hattie Chandler “    “      “ “   7    “

Chas W. Armbruster Ste. Gen Co

Josephine M. Siebert “ “  “ “  10  “

Henry Kuhlman “      “    “

Adaline Lark “     “    “ “  16  “

Peter Wehner Ste. Genev’ve

Catherine Rottler “     “ “  27  “

Andrew Whipfler Ste. Gen. co.

Elizabeth Hoog “      “ “  31  “

Deaths.

The following report of death have been placed on file in the office of the Clerk of the County Court, for the months of January and February past:

Alfred Crump, aged 1 year; cause, teething. died Jan. 8

Polly LeCompte, 80 years; cause general debility, died Jan 12.

Sarah J. Griffin, aged 43 year; cause pneumonia, died Jan 13.

Martha Williams, aged 56 years; cause pneumonia, died Jan 13.

August Lutz, aged 57 years; cause hem’h’ge of brain, died Jan 22.

Clara Story, aged 31 years; cause consumption, died Jan 27.

Walter L. Hurst, aged 5 days, cause pneumonia, died Feb. 7.

Elizabeth LaPort, aged 38 y’rs; cause peritonitis, died Feb. 6.

Franz Joggerst, aged 40 years; cause inflamation of bowels, died Feb. 7.

Fair Play--March 14, 1885

Small pox have broke out in New Madrid.

From Mine La Motte.

We omitted to notice in our last communication that Mr. Anton Mullersman had been married to Miss Kattie Hounhold. It was an oversight for we try to give all the news in this locality.

Mr. Clemons, of Knob Lick, is lying at the point of death, and Mr. Esrv, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Meyers and Tolbert (colored) have all been laid to rest in their long dreamless sleep, since our last chat with the readers of the Fair Play.

A ten pound democrat has established himself at the residence of Aaron Bibles.

Fair Play--March 21, 1885

Mr. George Thomure went to Prairie du Rocher, last monday, and having business to attend to hitched his mule to a hitching post. While he was gone Moses Lalumandiere concluded he would play a joke on him and at the same time take a ride so he unhitched the mule and rode away. In the meantime Mr. Thomure, having attended to his business, proceeded to where he had left his mule intending to start for home, not finding the mule he enquired of some fellows who were lounging around and was told who had took it. Mr. Thomure then went to the ‘Squire’s office and got a warrant for the arrest of Moses for larceny and started the constable in pursuit of the thief Mr. Thomure got his mule, and Mr. Lalumendiere was released after paying the cost of issuing and executing the warrant. Mr. L. plays no more jokes.

Across The River.

The Grim Reaper Calls for Joseph Vorst and Judge John D. Boyce.

Death invaded our little city last week and carried to that unknown ‘bourne whence no traveler returns’ two of our old and respected citizens. On last Saturday morning Joseph Vorst, proprietor of the Southern Hotel, breathed his last at the age of 54 years, in the midst of his family and friends.  He had been suffering from asthma for a number of years, but with the vigor and energy that has always been the guiding star of his life he fought the advances of disease until within four weeks ago, at which time his sufferings compelled him to keep his room. His end was peaceable and sustained by the soothing hope of religion.

Joseph Vorst was a native of Essen Germany, emigrated to this country in the year 1855 at the age of 24 years. After various locations he came to Ste. Genevieve in 1864 and began business in a little frame house located on the site now occupied by Mr. Charles Naumann as a residence and butcher shop, keeping a grocery and liquor store, in a sufall way. Afterwards in 1869, he erected the brick building now occupied by Mr. Naumann and added a boarding house to his other business, all of which he conducted successfully until 1874, when seeking to enlarge his business he purchased the old Matthew Kern property from the late Mr. Felix Valle, which he refitted for a hotel, calling it the Southern Hotel. He has managed the business ever since, assisted by his industrious wife, with profit to himself and satisfaction to the traveling public. His family will continue the business. During the war Mr. Vorst served in the Union Army in the 12 Mo. Volunteers and at its close was honorbly discharged holding the rank of Lieutenant. He was an honest, upright man and universally respected. Mr. Vorst was buried in the Catholic cemetery and was followed to his final home by the largest concourse of friends ever witnessed in this city.

Judge John D. Boyce.

On Friday evening (13th) Judge John D. Boyce, and old resident of this city, departed this life in the 65th year of his age. For some time the ravages of age and disease had been preying upon him, but he ignored the repeated warnings of the grim destroyer and kept his place in the moving throng.  His friends have seen for some time that he sands of life were fast running out of the glass of time. He seemed not to think of dissolution but, though feeble and aging fast, was cheerful and hopeful. On last Friday he sent for Dr. Cox and told him that his race had run. The doctor told him that his predictions were correct and advised him to prepare for the inevitable. Shortly after the physician left and while his family were around him his spirit fled across the dark river. He was taken to Farmington where the remains of his father, mother and other relatives repose. Judge Boyce was an honorable high minded gentleman, and while he was not actively engaged in business he has been identified with this community for many years.

Mr. Boyce was born in Lexington Ky, and came to Ste. Genevieve in 1856. He was married in ‘51 to Mrs. Emily Oliver, formerly Detchmendy, from which union has sprung quite a large family. Louis, Smith, John and Miss Emily are residents of this city and Mrs. E. F. Valle, whose husband, Mr. E. F. Valle, is engaged in mining in Colorado. Judge Boyce has frequently been honored by his fellow citizens with positions of trust and importance. He was at one time judge of the county court, the duties of which he discharged worth singular ability.

The family of Judge Boyce was among the pioneers of the Western country and have been quite prominent in the affairs of this part of the state.

From Saline Township, Mo.

Tarlton Robinson, an old resident of this county is living at the point of death.

E. S. Wilcox, one of the Oklahoma leaders recently arrested is well known throughout this country, having been interested in the Avon Mines and living their for several years.

Mr. Nicholas Heberlie was 60 years old on the 12th inst, and that day was also the second anniversary of the birth of his daughter, Florence. He celebrated the event by giving his friends a splendid dinner.

Fair Play--March 28, 1885

Obituary.

Departed this life on March 22nd, 1885, at his residence in New Tennessee Settlement, Ste. Genevieve Co. Mo., George M. Counts, after a painful illness of two weeks, first the measles then the typhoid fever.

Mr. Counts was a native of this county, where he was widely and favorably known. He was born January 2nd, 1835. As a citizen he was honorable and enterprising; as a neighbor he was generous and hospitalbe, and his christian life as a communicant of the Babptist faith was always exemplary.

He was married to Miss M. O. Clay, July 18th, 1855. The writer of this was with him almost every day during his illness, and I never knew any one to have been better taken care of by his family, relatives and friends than he was, and everything that could be done was done by his physicians, Drs. Horn and Madison. His funeral was attended by a large concourse of people. Rev. James Cleveland preached his funeral at the grave. He leaves a wife and two son to mourn his loss, besides a number of relatives and friends. We sincerely sympathize with the bereaved. (Farmington papers please copy)

Correspondence. New Tennessee, Items.

Louis Obuchon is rejoicing over the birth of a daughter.

George Counts an old and highly respected citizen of this county, died on Sunday last, and was buried Tuesday. A large number of relatives and friends turned out to pay their last repects to his memory. Rev. James Cleveland conducted the the services.

Mine La Motte.

Richard Neidner and George Leach of Mine La Motte and Mr. E. N. McFarland, of Libertyville, have been laid in the tomb recently. The latter was buried with the usual Masonic honors on the 19th inst.

We were informed by John Casteel that a Mr. Henson, of Ironton, killed a man, near Fredericktown not long since. Henson lost a span of mules, summoned two friends and started in pursuit and when within three or four miles of Fredericktown, they discovered the mules some distance from the road, whereupon they dismounted and proceeded cautioustly to discover if possible the parties who had stolen the mules. They did not search long for the misereants, however, for within a few hundred yards of the mules they espied a man and a woman cooking. At this juncture Henderson ordered the man to throw up his hands, but instead he drew a revolver and opened fire on the three men who soon returned the fire, killing the man after several shots had been exchanged. The woman it is said was seated on the log behind which the man had taken refuge during the affray. It is said that the man’s name was Henry Arks, while others say it was Hale. Observer.

The Historical Society.

An Interesting Paper by Gen. F. A. Rozier.

Reminiscenses of Upper Louisiana A Century Ago.

The regular monthly meeting of the Missouri Historical society was held last night at Washington university by Messrs. M. T. Gray, O. W. Collet, E. P. Walsh, Bishop C. F. Robertson and Gen. Firman A. Rozier of Ste. Genevieve. Though the gathering was small, the meeting proved a very interesting one on account of the subject discussed in the papaer of the eving, which was read by Gen. Rozier, and was a fragmet from a collection entitled “Reminiscnences of Upper Lousiana.” It was as follows:

Reminiscences of Upper Louisiana.

After the deliver of the territory of Illinois east of the Mississippi by France to England, in 1765, the French inhabitants of Kaskaskia, Fort Chartres, Prairie du Rocher and Kahokia began to remove to St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve, owing to their great aversion to living under the English flag. They were, at the time, under the impression that the territory west of the Mississippi vet belonged to France. Hence St. Ange de Belle Rive, a French officer, after the delivery of Fort Charters to the English, assumed command of the post of St. Louis in the latter part of 1765, and exercised civil and military authority until Spain took actual possession of Louisiana in 1769. Whilst St. Ange was acting as commandant of St. Louis, the post of Ste. Genevieve was placed under the command of Chevalier Rocheblave, both of these officers acting under the French flag. During this short period of five year the French inhabitants clamed Upper Louisiana and owed allegiance to France, notwithstanding the cession of France to Spain.

The first legal proceedings of record at Ste. Genevieve under Comandant Rocheblave, was on the 16th of May 1766 whose records and proceedings were kept by M. Robinet, notary and greffier. Both of these officers exercised their official duties from May 16, 1766, to November 22, 1769, when possession was gibven to his Catholi majesty of Spain of Upper Louisiana.

Ste. Genevieve, though settled as early as 1735, had no regular courts or officers until the 16th of May, 1766, when Rocheblave took command of the post.

The First Marriage Contract.

The first legal proceeding under Rocheblave being on the 16th of May, 1766, in relation to a marriage contract between Pierre Roy and Jeanette Lalonde,then follows the second of sales of land between individuals. The first sale of land was made by Pierre Aritfone to Henri Carpentier, one by Joseph Le Don to Le Febre ‘du Couquettte, and one by Gillaume Derouselle to Francois Valle; also the sale of salt works on the Saline river, with ten negroes and a lot of cattle. by John Lagrange to one Blowin. In the year 1767 Andre Vignon takes an appeal from the decision of Commandant Rocheblave to the supreme council of New Orleans. Then follow other proceedings to Novermber 22, 1769.

The Spaniards on the last day and year took possession, at Ste. Genevieve of Upper Louisiana, when Joseph Labruxiere assumed, in the name of Spain, the functions of judge of the post of “Illinois,” and appointed, at the same time and plave, Cabazie, as notary and greffier. These two officers acted in these capacities until Don Francois Valle, pere, was mde commandant of the post of Ste. Genevieve by the Spanish government. Valle assumed his office early in the year 1770, and acted in that capacity until September 1783. Commandant Don Francois Valle, pere, died at the old town of Ste. Genevieve, in the “big field of Ste. Genevieve.” September 23, 1783, being then 63 eyars of age. He was succeeded in office by Don Francoisco Cartabona de Oro, Don Henri Peroux and by Don Francois Valle, fils, the two Valles, father and son, acting most of the time from 1770 to 1804. Don Francois Valle, fils, died in the city of Ste. Genevieve on the 6th day of March, 1804, only four days before Capt. Stoddard took possession of Upper Louisiana at St. Louis. Commandant Valle, fils, was buried under his pew in the old Catholic church at Ste. Genevieve.

The Spanish commanders exercised these offices with leniency, moderation and justice. Commandant Don Valle, fils, the last Spanish commander at Ste. Genevieve, resided on what is known as South Gabori creek.  His house was a large, one-story frame building, with wide galleries and porches. The commandant was judge of all civil and criminal matters, and was military commandant of the post. His decision was law, and had to be obeyed.  As a precaution and punishment, when criminals were charged with any crime they were exhibited before the inhabitants every Sunday in front of the Catholic church after divine service that they might be well known and recognized by the whole community.

Parisian Laws in Force.

The laws and customs of Paris were in force in the dominion of France, in North America, before the ceding of her possessions to England by treaty of Paris February 10, 1763; also by cession of the Louisiana territory to Spain by secret treaty of November 3, 1762, not made known until April 10, 1767. Don Ullon, appointed governor general of Louisiana by Spain in 1767, arrived in New Orleans with a company of infantry to take possession in the name of his sovereign. He refused to show his authority to the “superior council of New Orleans,” and other causes induced the citizens to take up arms against Spain. Gov. Ullon was ordered to leave the city; he soon embarked with his troops on a Spanish vessel and left the country. In the meantime, Rios, a Spanish officer, was sent ot St. Louis to take possession of Upper Louisiana. He arrived there with a small body of troops on the 11th of August, 1768. During his stay at St. Louis he seemed to have exercised no civil authority and only attempted to take possession of the country. Span did not actually take possession of the Louisiana territory until Count O’Reilly arrived in New Orleans with, a large military force in August, 1769, when he issued his proclamation abolishing the French laws, and substituted the Spanish code. The c onveyance by France to Spain, of the Louisiana territory, created great disatisfaction among the French inhabitants, who still claimed allegiance to France. Count O’Reilly, in a tyrannical manner arrested a number of influential citizens, executed a few, imprsioned two in Havana, maltreated others. The substitution of the Spanish laws as confirmed by the Spanish government on March 21, 1770.  The territory of Louisiana was retroceded by Span to France in the year 1800, and France by treaty of April, 1803, ceded it to the United States. The possession of Upper Louisiana was given March 10, 1804 to the United States. The acts of congress of March 26, 1804 and 1805 and of June 1812, continued the Spanish laws. The act of January, 1816, by the territorial legislature of Missouri, made an attempt to introduce the common law, which did not abolish the existing laws of Spain. The early decisions of the supreme court of Missouri did not abrogate the Spanish laws, but only maintained the common law system, so far as was necessary to supply the dificiency of the Spanish laws.

It was the act of February 23, 1825, of the legislature of Missouri which established the common law, which abolished the Spanish code. The Spanish laws were in full force in Upper Louisiana (now Missouri) from 1769 until 1825, except as modified by the territorial legislature. REferring to the Missouri Reports [LIndell vs McNair, vol. 4, p. 380; Picotte vs. Cooley, vol. 10, p. 312; Wright vs. Thomas, vol. 4. p. 577]; also Peters U.S. R. vol. 6, p. 12 and Castelberry; the original grants of land in Upper Louisiana depended upon the grants made by Spanish officers and Spanish laws, hence the importnace of the original land titles. The public record shows that no lands in Upper Louisiana were attempted to be grantd until April 27, 1766 to 1778 by St. Ange de Belle Rive. The grants of lands made by St. Ange without authority were afterwards examined, surveyed and grated by Spanish officers on the 23rd of May, 1772, during the administration of Lieut. Gov Don Peitro Plernas, the Spanish governor of Upper Louisiana.

Fair Play--May 2, 1885 (No April, 1885 Fair Plays on this microfilm)

Staabtown Items.

George Schweigert died at his residence, near here, of the measles on the 24th inst. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his loss.

All of last week the editor was at Mine La Motte, Mo., in attendance at the bedside of his sister, Mrs. Minnie Bruce, who was sick unto death of consumption, and who passed to a higher and better life on Thursday, the 16th inst. Deeply does he feel her loss, for she was his only sister and his nearest living relative, except a brother. There comes to him, however, a sad sweet consolation in the trust and belief that the ending of her life was but the enterace into a blessed and happier one in the eternal hereafter.

Mrs. Bruce was aged 24 years, and of her immediate family leaves surviving a husband and three infant children, the youngest of the latter being a babe of only seven week. Greenville Ills, Sun.

Fair Play--May 9, 1885

Our quiet town was pleasantly surprised last Saturday night by the arrival of the Crystal City brass band headed by Mr. Frank Klein. They arrived here at about ten o’clock, and immediately proceeded to saranade the town, and, we must say, they made real good music, considering the short time they have been organized. The next day being Mr. Valentine Rottler’s birthday, they accepted an invitation to spend the afternoon, on Maxwell’s hill, where a large party of Mr. Rottler’s friends had gathered, to have a good time generally. The members of the band were found to be genial whole souled fellows, and it is wished of our people that may come and see us again.

Fair Play--May 16, 1885

Born--On Monday May 11th, to the wife of Joseph Hoffman, a boy.

Boyce Bros. have completed the fence around the cemetery, and it adds much to the appearance of the Village.

Born, on the 17th of April, a fine bouncing boy to the wife of Dr. W. Scott.

Burlar at French Village.

Last Sunday night the store of Mr. Ferd AuBuchon at French Village was entered by a burglar of burglars and robbed of $800 in cash. We have been unable to learn the full particulars, but it is reported that the burglar entered through the warehouse door, and thence through another door into the store. The safe was carelessly left open, so that the robber had an easy task after gaining entrance to the store. Five hundred dollars of the money, we understand, belonged to Mr. Frank AuBuchon, father of Mr. Ferd. AuBuchon, and the balance to the latter. A son of Mr. AuBuchon was sleeping in a room over the store, but was not awakened.--Times.

Fair Play--May 23, 1885

Mr. Charlie Naumann and wife were the recipients of a pleasnat surprise last Monday evening. It was the fourth anniversary of their marriage and the pleasant reminder of young people composing the party were greatly appreciated by Mr. Nanman and lady.

A child of Mr. Louis Doerge, one of the twin babies, was buried from the Ste. Genevieve R. C. Chuyrch last Thursday.

Died

Tripplet--On Sunday May 17th, 1885, at the County Farm, Mary Tripplet, age 32 years.

Doerge--On Wednesday May 20th 1885 Charles Michael, infant son of Louis and Honora Doerge age 4 months and 8 days.

Fair Play--May 30, 1885

Coffman.

Mrs. Belle Selastian is very sick with consumption.

The sad death of Mr. Will Smith of Libertyville St. Francois Co. occured at his home last Sunday the (17th), while building a fire in his newly dug cistern a poisonous air struck him and he was almost breathing his last when Dr. Madison reached him. Mr. Smith was one of the most highly respected citizens of St. Francois Co. and leaves a wife and two children to  mourn his loss.

Mr. Valentine Herman and Miss Mary Vogt were married at the River Aux Vases church Tuesday by Rev. Father Schmidt. We wish the handsome young couple a long and happy life.

Married.

Arnold--Friendman, --At the church of Ste. Genevieve, Mo on Monday May 25th by the Rev. Father Huttler Mr. Henry Arnold to Miss Christine Friedman, both of this county.

Fair Play--June 20, 1885

We are sorry to learn that Mr. James Fields, one of our old and well known citizens of Saline Township has been quite sick for some time. He is still confined to his bed with some sort of a lingering, low fever which so har has defied treatment.

Coffman Items.

Louis Miller and Louiza Hartman were married at the River Aux Vases church, last Tuesday, the 9th.

Fair Play--June 27, 1885

A little child of Mr. John Dallas was buried from the Catholic church of this city, last Monday.

Born.

Rozier:--To to the wife of Henry L. Rozier, on Monday, June 22nd, 1885 at Ste. Genevieve, a girl.

Died.

Counts--Effie Dora Counts infant daughter of J. L. and Mary Counts.

Little Effie was born in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., February the 29th, 1884, and died June the 11th, 1885, aged 1 yeaer, 2 months and 13 days.

We laid her away in the grave yard near Pleasant Hill church there to rest until the resurrection morn. God has taken the little bud form eath that it may bloom with sweeter fragrance in the garden of the Lord. May the loved ones who are left behind strive to meet her in heaven.

Suicide at German Settlement.

On Friday evening of last week, too late for insertion in that issue of the Fair Play, news reached us of the self-destruction of Fanz Bluemle. Some of the school children were the first discover evidence of the dreadful deed. As they were going t hrough the woods to school early in the morning, they were horrified to find the dead body of a man lying near their path. On hearing their report of the matter, August Baechle proceeded to teh spot and soon identified the remains. Squire Roy having been summoned, an inquest was held, and the jury decided that the deceased had committed suicide by shooting himself through the heart. A hole, as of a bullet wound, was found in the dead man’s breast and an empty pistorl lay beside his body. The corpse when found was attired iin a neat suit of new clothes. No personal property was found, other than the clothes and pistol. The deceased must have committed the desperate act during the afternoon of the previous Tuesday, as he was last seen alive on the forenoon of that day, and the corpse was in such an advanced stage of decomposition that it had to be buried on the spot where it was found.

Bluemle was under 30 years of age, and a professional musician, being an excellent performer on the cornet.

His sad fate is calculated to create sympathy, and has a strong tinge of mournful romance about it. He came to this country, from Germany about two years ago. He subsequentyly married a young German girl to whom he was devotedly attached. His nuptial bliss was completed by the birth of a child. This happy domestic state was soon destroyed however by the tragic death of his wife who dropped dead in her own home from paralysis of the heart, and by death of their only child. The cup of joy which he had barely tasted having been thus rudely dashed from the young man’s lips, he lost all courage to combat with the disappointments of life, and fell into a condition of gloomy despondency from which he never recovered. The nucleus of his little family being swallowed in the vortex of unrelenting death, he emigrated in despair to Central America. He returned but a short time ago, probably to revisit the little cemetery which held the mortal remains of his beloved wife and child, and to perform that last act which should remove him from the scene of all his earthly woes. His body now lies buried like that of a soulless brute out in the woods, apart from those of his dearest relations, but let us hope that God in his infinite mercy has been kinder to the soul of Franz Bluemle than man has been to his body, and that his little family circle has been reunited in happines for all eternity.

Fair Play--October 17, 1885 (microfilm missing from June to October)

Wooden Wedding.

Mr. and Mrs. Jos. E. Miller celebrated the fifth anniversay of their wedding at the residence of Mrs. Miller’s father, General Firmin A. Rozier, on Sunday, Oc. 11th.  None but the immediate relatives were present but their number made quite a house full. The halls and parlors of General Rozier’s elegant and hospitable mansion was tastefully and beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens, arranged by the deft fingers of Misses Eva and Dora Rozier, sisters of Mrs. Miller.

In the early evening a superb collation was served and the festal board was presided o’er by that prince of gentlemen, Gen. Rozier, with old time grace and dignity, so comon to those of the “old school.”

French Bail.

Alex Lunsford, our only occupant of the “hold-over,” made his escape last Wednesday night, and is now enjoying his freedom somewhere in the woods. For some days, at his earnest request for exercise, Sheriff Jokerst put him to sawing wood for the county offices. He did his work well, and seem to appreciate his partial liberty and the grateful sunshine, showing no disposition to escape. Mr. Jokerst had, in consideration of his good behaviour, allowed him the freedom of the corridor of the jail, it being less confining than the cells. He talked and acted so contentedly as to completely silence the sheriff’s fears of a possible escape, so that he did not think of the open trap door in the ceiling. A few days of liberty in the sun and view of the boundless expanse of the sky and space awakened the old and natural longing for liberty, and on Wednesday night he climbed through the trap into the loft thence out of the “bull’s eye” in the north gable onto the wide projecting cornice. Once there, a confederate handed him a pole, which he neatly and securely fastened to the cornice and down which he slid to the ground and freedom.

Before going, he thoughtfully wrote to his friends, the sheriff and prosecuting attorney, apologizing for the inate desire for liberty which he felt powerless to successfully combat.

It is reported that the St. Joachim bridge, in Jefferson County, gave way while Marion Burks was crossing a herd of cattle he was driving to St. Louis, killing one and injuring five or six others. We ar enot sufficiently informed to be able to state the full extent of the injury to the herd.

(This ends the microfilm for the year 1885--a number of missing issues).