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Obituaries from the Texas Telegraph, 1849-50


Houston, Harris County, Texas

Died--Near this city, suddenly, on the morning of the 10th inst., of apoplexy, James Evett CHAMPMAN, formerly of the British Navy, and recently Clerk in the Quarter Master's Department at Vera Cruz. 1/19/1849

We are pained to announce the death of Col. J. H. WALTON, who died at his residence in this city, on Sunday last. On Friday last he was apparently quite well, and attended the funeral of the consort of the lamented Gen. BAKER. Col. WLTON was buried with masonic honors by the fraternity, of which he was a distinguished member. 1/25/1849

Died--In this city, on the 31st of January, 1849, Robert CALDWELL, aged 43 years. Baltimore and New York papers please copy. 2/15/1849

Departed this life on the 7th inst., Julia, daughter of Joshua and Hetty O. HENDY, aged one year and 22 days. 5/10/1849

We regret to learn ...of the death of the veteran Gen. GAINES. He died in New Orleans, at the advanced age of 76 years. 6/14/1849

Horrid Affair--We are pained to announce that Mr. Rufus CHANDLER was killed on Sunday morning, the 10th ult., in the street of Rusk, by Gen. Joseph L. HOGG. The Rusk Pioneer furnishes the following account of this lamentable tragedy: "Some five or six months ago, a difficulty occured here between these two men which came near resulting fatally. From that time until the time of the killing, Gen. HOGG was not known to make his appearance in town. On Sunday morning, just after sunrise, Mr. CHANDLER was passing from his office to the tavern in doing which he had to pass at a right angle with a long row of buildings on the street; just as he passed the back end of these buildings, from a distance of about 30 steps, Gen. HOGG fired upon him with a double barrelled shot gun, which felled him to the ground; three other shots were then fired at him as he lay--literally tearing him to pieces. Gen. HOGG, with two or three other men, armed with double barrelled shot guns, and who were with him at the time of the firing, immediately left town. He has since sent word into town that he was willing to give himself up and submit to the law, provided his person could be secure from a mob. He need rest under no such apprehensions, for we do not believe that any portion of this community desires any more from Gen. HOGG than a submission to the laws of the country; indeed, we feel assured in saying that those whom he may esteem as his bitterest enemies would be among the foremost in opposing any thing like mobocracy. "In the death of Mr. CHANDLER, the community has lost a highly esteemed and useful man; and his friends have sustained a loss which cannot be repaired. In point of talent he stood high; in honesty, integrity and morality, he was scarcely excelled. Some two years ago he came to this place, from the army, in Mexico, clotheless and penniless, a long way from his native State, (Maine) and in a land of strangers. By a course of untiring perseverance, industry and devotion to his profession as a lawyer, he was fast gaining distinction and reputation at the bar; but he has suddenly been cut off in the morning of life, and now lies beneath the cold sod, with none but stranger friends to mourn over his grave." 7/12/1849

Mournful Accident--An interesting little child aged about seven years, the eldest son of Mr. C. ENNIS, of this city, was accidentally scalded so severely on Wednesday, the 5th inst., that he died the following day. The little boy was playing with his kite, and while running backwards with it, fell into a large kettle of boiling water, which had been set out in the yard for washing clothes. The distress of his afflicted parent is overwhelming and can better be imagined than described. 9/13/1849

Died--On the morning of the 4th inst., in New Orleans, of Bronchitis, Andrew BRISCOE, Esq., formerly Chief Justice of this county. He was one among the early settlers of Texas, and is believed to have shot the first Mexican in the cause of Texas at Anahuac, and subsequently commanded a company at the ever "memorable Battle of San Jacinto." He had but recently established himself in business in New Orleans, when it pleased the Almighty to take him hence, thereby depriving his wife of a kind husband, his children of an affectionate parent, and the community of a worthy, honest man. 10/18/1849

Death of Nelson T. DAVIS--At a regular meeting of Ruthven Encampment No. 2, U. D. of Knight Templars, held in the city of Houston, on Friday, the 11th day of January, 1850, Sir Knights J. C. HARRISON, A. S. RUTHVEN, and E. W. TAYLOR, were appointed a committee to draught resolutions expressive of the feelings of this Encampment upon the demise of our late M. E. Grand Commander, Sir Nelson T. DAVIS. Whereupon the Committee reported ... Whereas, by the dispensation of an all wise Providence, we are deprived of our late M. E. Grand Commander, Sir Nelson T. DAVIS, who on yesterday passed from Earth to, we trust, a more excellent Encampment above, where the Supreme Grand Commander of the Universe presides. And Whereas, the dec'd. was one of the brightest ornaments of our Order, possessing in an eminant degree, those qualities which adorn and dignify the character of a Magnanimous Knight, Therefore, Be it Resolved, That we sincerely mourn the loss we have sustained in the demise of our beloved M. E. Grand Commander, Sir Nelson T. DAVIS. Resolved 2d, that our warmest sympathies are enlisted in behalf of the bereaved family, and that we most sincerely condole with them in their loss of a Husband and a Father, who was their only earthly solace and support. Resolved 3d, that the members of the Encampment wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved 4th, that a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the Houston Gazette, for publication, and that the other papers published in this city, together with the "Zodiac" at New Orleans and the Augusta (Ga.) papers be requested to copy. 1/31/1850

Died--At Torrey's Trading House, Texas, on the 4th day of January last, Emanuel R. SIEBERT, aged 34 years, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia and Harrisburg papers will please copy. 2/14/1850

Obituary--Died in this city, Feb. 8th, 1850, of Consumption, Mr. James B. WILLIAMS, of the House of Groesbeeck, Williams, and Cooke. When esteemed and valued individuals are the victims of death, society feels the loss--and that the loss sustained in this case, was of no ordinary character was evinced by the unusally large and respectable number who assembled at his funeral to express their regard for his worth, and to mingle their sympathies with the sorrows of the bereaved. The substance of this notice was taken from the closing remarks of a sermon preached in the Presbyterian Church, on the Sabbath following, by Rev. L. S. Gibson. James B. WILLIAMS was born in South Deerfield, Mass. July 8th, 1824. At the age of ten years, as nearly as can be ascertained, he became a resident of Albany, N. Y. There his residence continued until, in consequence of impaired health he was advised by his physician and others to try the effects of a milder climate. Accordingly on the 20th of June, 1847, then bid adieu to kindred and friends, and arrived in this city on the 7th of the following March. Here he commenced business, first as a clerk, and then as a partner in the same House, in connection with which, his brief life has terminated. In his business and social relations, Mr. WILLIAMS held the rare place of being a universal favorite. Like "the disciple whom Jesus loved," this place was not exacted, but from the amiableness of his disposition, it was conceded, without jealousy or reserve by common consent, and hence the remark by one who knew him most intimatley, that "probably no man could die in this community having more friends and fewer foes." Not less interesting was his christian character. He first made a public profession of his faith in Christ in the central Reformed Dutch Church, Albany. On his becoming a permanent resident of this place, he transferred his ecclesiastical relation to the Presbyterian Church here--of which he has been a worthy and honored member; having been re-elected Trustee but a short time previous to his decease. From the first he became a teacher and to the last took a lively interest in the prosperity of the Sabbath School. His piety was living and undoubted. In his private Journal he says: "My hope is that God has chosen me and placed my feet upon the Rock, Jesus Christ--and what a happy, delightful feeling does this hope inspire." He further adds: "My fervent prayer is that God would show me my exact condition, and that the world, the flesh and Satan, may have no power to deceive, or draw me away from duty." Albany papers please copy. 2/21/1850

Melancholy Casualty--The body of a person was found on the Washington road a few days since a few miles above Mr. HAMBLIN's. The stage driver, who found it, brought it on to the nearest house. Some letters that were found in the pockets of the unfortunate man indicate that his name was MACDONALD, and was on his way to New Orleans to return to his family. He emigrated to Texas a few months since from Missouri, and brought in a large flock of Merino sheep. He had in his purse several hundred dollars, which with the papers and letters have been placed in charge of his friends.--When the body was found it was lying upon a slight elevation in the prairie, and it appeared that he had attempted with his horse to swim the creek above Mr. HAMBLIN's and failing, he endeavored to return to the nearest house, but becoming exhausted and benumbed with the cold, he lay down upon a mound, never to rise again. 2/21/1850

Died--Of Small Pox on the 28th February last in New Orleans, Wm. A. CHANEE, of Burleson county, Texas. 3/7/1850

Maj. T. P. I. O'BRIEN late U. S. Quarter Master at Indianola, died at that place on the 31st ult., of cholera. He was attacked on the evening of the 30th, and lived but nine hours after the attack. 4/11/1850

Died--in Stockton, California, on the 5th of February, 1850, William G. EVANS, Esq., late a citizen of this place. 4/18/1850

From the T. W. Banner--A Man Burned to Death--We have received the melancholy intelligence of the sudden death of Mr. Gerard HAYDEN, of Rutersville, Fayette couty. He was engaged in opening a farm on the Navidad river, to which he intended removing his family in a few months. Of the lumber intended for his house, he had constructed a camp for present use. On Thursday, the 4th instant, while engaged in planting a piece of rented land, a short distance from his own, feeling ill, he left his hands and returned to his camp; and on the return of the servants to the camp, on Friday night, they found it burned up, and the body of Mr. HAYDEN, nearly consumed. His remains were conveyed to Rutersville, and buried on Sunday, the 7th inst. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. John HAYNIE. We learn that the general impression is, that he was murdered, and suspicion rests upon the servants. Since the above was in type the following communication has been received: Rutersville, April 10th 1850. Bro. RICHARDSON: The mysterious and solemn tragedy of the murder of Gerard HAYDEN, has this day been solved, and the whole matter brought to light.--That you and your readers may have a correct idea of the whole affair, I will begin with the circumstances supposed to lead to his death.--About a year or more ago, G. HAYDEN brought from Maryland four negro men belonging to a Mr. GOODWIN, to this country; and the negroes have repeatedly stated that they were only to stay here so long as HAYDEN lived. Mr. HAYDEN was opening a new farm on the Navided, and had rented some land about three miles from his new place; and on Thursday, the fourth inst., being somewhat indisposed, left two of the negroes and a German and went to his camp.--That night two of them, Moses and Bob, went to his camp; Moses standing at the gate, 30 or 40 yards from the camp--Bob went to the camp on the pretence to get medicine for the German. HAYDEN got up and gave him the medicine, and when he got back in his bunk, Bob knocked him in the head with a maul, and then dragged him out to the fire and tried to burn him up, and succeeded in burning his legs off above the knees. Finding this process slow, Bob took him and put him back in the camp, (which was made of plank,) and set fire to it, entirely consuming his body. His bones were brought to this place on Sunday last, and interred. Moses and Bob are in irons here. At this time the excitement is very strong. The third boy disclosed the affair on the examination to-day. Bob confessed the crime to him: he is also in irons. The confession is exactly as I have stated, as near as I can recollect. The two boys that told this tale did not know what the other had told: but both told precisely the same story; and the bones in the fire ouside the camp, (prove the whole to be true,) where they first undertook to burn him. Moses said that when Bob dragged him to the fire and commenced piling wood, upon him, he said to him: I cannot stand that, and went off, late at night. The negroes stated that HAYDEN was kind, and never has whipped them. Yours, truly. Jas. A. HAYNIE. 4/18/1850

The steam tow boat Hercules, while towing in a ship at the South West Pass on the 10th inst., blew up and six persons were immediately killed. Five persons were wounded. The following is a list of the names of the killed and wounded: B. F. MILLER, Pilot, dead; James RIDDLE, 3d Engineer, son of Capt. RIDDLE; Wm. HAMMOND, John MORAN, W. HAREN, Thos. MURPHY and Rufus TARBOX, deck hands or firemen, dead; John FULLERTON, 2d Engineer, scalded; Oliver ARNOLD, Edward SHIERSON and James MILLER, deck hands or firemen, scalded. 4/25/1850

It is with much regret that we announce the death of late post master of his city--Isaac E. WADE, aged 42 years. He died at his residence on Sunday morning after a very long and painful illness. He had been suffering for several years from a pulmonary complaint, but his arduous duties in the post office probably hastened his death. He was mild and unobtrusive in his manners, and tender and affectionate in all his intercourse.--He has left an amiable and highly interesting family and numerous friends to deplore his loss. 4/25/1850

Died, in this city on the 10th inst., of Hydrocephulus, Edward Wingate COLLINS, aged 13 months, the Son of Doctor John COLLINS and Margaret Jane COLLINS, of Crockett, Houston county, Texas. 4/25/1850

...Ophelia S. HUNT, Died, April 6, 1850, at her Father's residence, in Grimes county. Mrs. Ophelia S. HUNT, wife of Dr. J. G. HUNT, and eldest daughter of W. B. LOFTIN, Esq., aged 23 years...The deceased was married to a gentleman of her choice, on the 3rd of June, 1849, to whom she was a most devoted wife, to her parents a most dutiful child, to her numerous relations and friends a model of love and purity... 5/9/1850

A negro man belonging to Col. Ryan, was drowned a few days since at Jones Ferry. The negro attempted to swim a horse across the Brazos, but having reined him up too close, the horse was strangled and both sunk together. 6/20/1850

Died--In Washington county, on the 17th inst., Elizabeth MILLER, wife of the Rev. J. W. MILLER. New Orleans Presbyterian and Presbyterian of Philadelphia will please copy. 6/27/1850

The celebrated S. S. PRENTISS died at Longwood, near Natchez on the evening of the 1st inst., aged 42 years. The deceased was known from Maine to Mexico, as one of the most eminent lawyers and eloquent orators in the Union. 7/18/1850

A thieving rowdy named HARDY, who made himself disgracefully notorious in the streets of Houston, a few weeks since in a drunken brawl, was lately hung at Point Isabel. He had killed a pilot named BRENNEN, because the latter refused to lend him money. The friends of BRENNEN were so exasperated that their friend had been murdered by this assasin, that they hung him up like a dog. It is said that he had previously murdered a man at Bexar. 8/1/1850

A man named HACKETT was found dead in an outhouse at Bexar on the 21st ult. The deceased was a noted inebriate. 8/7/1850

Fatal Affray--Mr. D. WILLIAMS was killed a few days since at his late residence on Oyster creek, in Fort Bend county, by a young man who had for some months been living with him. The young man as we have been informed had used very harsh language to Mrs. WILLIAMS, and her husband being irritated, lifted a chair to drive him out of the room: this incensed the young man, and he stabbed Mr. WILLIAMS in the stomach. He lingered until the next evening, when he died. On the evening after the burial, some person called the young man out of the house where he was taking supper, and shot him in the arm near the shoulder, with a pistol. The wound is considered quite dangerous, as the bone has been shattered to fragments. Mr. WILLIAMS was highly respected for his industry, probity and kindness, and his loss is deplored by a large circle of friends and relations. The young man made no effort to escape, and we understand that he considered himself justifiable for the homicide, declaring that he was acting in self defence. Such are the shameful lessons that too many of our jurors and magistrates teach. They allow murderers to plead that their victims had raised a stick, or a chair or some other article, caught in a moment of sudden anger to strike them and then if they are stabbed or shot down, it is called justifiable homicide, although the most positive proof is adduced that the murderer might have retired without receiving the least injury. When magistrates and jurors require every person who has killed another in self defence, to prove that he used every endeavor to avoid his antagonist, and that he could not have saved his own life, unless he had killed his adversary, then and not till then can we expect the youth of our country to place a proper etimate upon the value of human life. Our magistrates and jurors have too often by releasing upon a fivolous plea men charge with murder, encouraged the youth in their neighborhood to commit the most heinous of crimes. 8/7/1850

Death by Strychnine--We understand that a gentleman by the name of AVERY, lost his life at Rusk a few days since, by mistaking strychnine for morphine. He was in the habit of using the latter as a stimulant.--Texas Whig 8/28/1850

Died at Capt. Croft's mill, near this city, on the 4th inst., Mr. W. P. KINKENNON, in the 44th year of his age. The deceased was one of the few remaining heroes of San Jacinto; was with Texas in all her struggles for liberty; was a member of Houston Division, Sons of Temperance, and generally esteemed as an honest, industrious citizen by all who knew him. 9/14/1850

Departed this life on the 3d of August, in the 52nd year of her age, Flora RICKHOW, wife of S. J. RICKHOW of this county. She died of Typhus Fever, after a painful illness of three weeks, which she bore with Christian firmness. Port Gibson, Mississippi papers please copy. 9/11/1850

Horrid Manslaughter--Mr. William NIBBS, son of the late Col. NIBBS of Fort Bend County, was killed on the 13th ist., by a young man named BECKUM. We have forborne to notice this shocking transaction at an earlier period, as we could not obtain authentic particulars. We have been informed by a gentleman who was present at the inquest, that a difficulty had occureed a few months since, between Mr. NIBBS and Mr. BECKUM, who was a relative of the wife of the former, and Mr. NIBBS had required BECKUM to quit his house. Mr. BECKUM did not leave the house as soon as Mr. NIBBS had expected, and he sent word to his wife, that if BECKUM did not quit the house he would kill him. The messenger instead of telling this to Mrs. NIBBS told it to BECKUM, and he went off apparently very angry. Some days after this NIBBS gave BECKUM a draft for some money, and desired im to quit the county. BECKUM took the draft, came to Houston, purchased a revolver and went back to Fort Bend, where he stated to several persons that he was going to kill young NIBBS. He rode about in different directions for several days to meet with NIBBS to execute his threat. During all this time, not one of these persons who had heard BECKUM threated to kill NIBBS, attempted as was their duty, to induce the officers of Justice to arrest him, or to place NIBBS on his guard aginst him. On Sunday evening, as NIBBS, his wife and mother, were riding home, BECKUM met them and riding directly up to NIBBS, shot him down. He fell from his horse, crawled a few paces and fell dead. He was armed at the time with a double barrel shot gun, but Mrs. NIBBS states that he made no attempt to defend himself, and had supposed that the difficulty between him and BECKUM was all settled. BECKUM after committing the dreadful deed went to a magistrate and surrendered himself up to await his trial. He was required to give bail for $3000 to appear at the next term of the court, and has since gone to Victoria. We understand that he relies upon the threat that Mr. NIBBS had made to kill him if he did not leave his house to excuse him before a Jury. This would be a satisfactory excuse if he were in a community of pirates and murderers, where there were none to enforce the laws: but if on the other hand, there are magistrates in Fort Bend County and a community disposed to uphold magistrates who perform their duty, no such excuse can be admitted. It was his duty, instead of waylaying his opponent to have made an affidavit before a magistrate that he had been threatened, and then Mr. NIBBS woud have been put under bo[n]d to keep the peace. Each of the persons who heard BECKUM make the threat to kill NIBBS, should have gone to a magistrate and acquainte him that these young men had threatened each other: both then would have been put under bonds to keep the peace, and thus this horrid deed would have been avoided. We regret not only for the sake of humanity thus shamefully ouraged, but for the people of Fort Bend County, that this event has occurred. The knowledge that such a deed has been perpetuated, will tend to check emigration to that place, and for years the remembrance of the horrid event will cause the virtuous and the good to speak of the neighborhood with shuddering and horror. 10/23/1850

We regret to announce the death of Horace BALDWIN, Esq., formerly Mayor of Houston. He died at Galveston on the 8th inst., after a short illness of only 22 hours. Mr. BALDWIN was distinguished for great energy of character and enterprise. His remains were brought to this city on Monday, and buried with imposing funeral ceremonies in the family enclosure in the city grave yard. His relatives in this city have been called to mourn within a few days, the loss of his brother, Maj. BALDWIN, who was murdered in California. It is seldom that such overwhelming calamities in quick succession follow. 11/13/1850

We learn from the Brazos Ranger that W. TURNER, charged with the murder of John TANENT at Bexar, passed through Washington on the 24th ult., on his way to the Penitentiary at Huntsville. He has been sentenced to the Penitentiary for fifteen years. The murder was committed but two weeks before the sentence was pronounced... 11/13/1850 Wm. TURNER has escaped from the Penitentiary at Huntsville, owing to the insecurity of the building. We hope the Legislature will make an appropration this session sufficient to render the building so secure that the convicts may be compelled to undergo the punishment designated in their sentences. 11/22/1850

We announce with much regret the death of Judge Joseph P. PORTIS, who died at the Old Capitol in this city on the 29th ult. He had arrived in the city but two days previous, and had been seriously ill before he reached the city with diarrhea. Judge PORTIS was agent for the German Colony at the time of his death. He was a gentleman of remarkabley mild and conciliatory address, and was highly esteemed by all who were acquainted with him. 12/6/1850

Fatal Accident--Mr. James QUINN was killed in this city on Wednesday morning by the caving of a bank of sand in which he was digging. He was alone at the time, and was buried several hours before he was missed. 12/20/1850


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