Notes |
- He was killed in a fire on a Point Coupee plantation near New Roads, La., in 1919. See "Manager of Point Coupee Plantation Dies in Fire," New Orleans States 6 June 1919, p1:
New Roads, La., June 6 – J.D. Stephens, overseer for J.P. Hudson & Sons of New Orleans, on their plantation four miles above here on the Mississippi river, was burned to death at an early hour Friday morning, when the plantation dwelling was entirely consumed with all its contents.
Mrs. Stephens and her four children, all girls, escaped.
Luke Haines, the second overseer of the plantation, who lives about half a block distant from the Stephens place, ran to the assistance of the Stephens upon hearing the alarm. He broke in the door of the room, where Stephens was sleeping and saw him sitting up in bed. Just as the door flew open, flames enveloped the whole room and burst out of the door, which made it impossible for Haines to enter.
After the fire had subsided only the skull of the burned man was found. Dr. R.M. Carruth, coroner of Point Coupee, empaneled a jury of nine persons and began the inquest at 10 o'clock Friday morning.
Well Known Manager
The fate of Overseer Stephens case a gloom over the entire community. He was regarded as a splendid citizen, industrious and of good character.
[ . . . ]
The articles notes taht “Mr. Stephens left a half brother, E.A. Pope, of Aberdeen, Miss.”
In the article his wife is not named, but according to the article, but the obituary for Alice Bemiss notes that she has four daughters.
Later, the article says that "James M. Leavel, a cousin of Mr. Hudson, and secretary for the company, departed for New Roads on the first train. 'Mr. Stephens was one of the best men we had ever had [sic] on our place,' said Mr. Hudson. 'He was sober and industrious and was doing well. Mr. Leavel has instructions to leave nothing undone to care for Mrs. Stephens and the children.'"
Apparently, then, this is how she met her second husband.
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