 Fred L. Carlat died 26 September 1902 Aged 23 Ys. 8 Ms. & 3 Days  The Sunday Gazetteer Sunday, June 15, 1902 pg. 1 A NOTED MAN DEAD John Baptiste Carlat Passes Away at the Home of His Daughter, Mrs. W.A. Hallenbeck John Baptiste Carlat, at the age of nearly 74 years, died in our midst the past week. His death was the result of a murderous assault made by a Negro named Gus Carson, at his farm several miles northwest. In the death of Mr. Carlat one of the most remarkable men that made pioneer history west of the Mississippi passes away. In the course of human events, Mr. Carlat bid fair to have many years yet. He was a perfect type physically of his wonderful race. Not a blemish marred that youthful spirit which was enshrined in the flesh; as his neighbor, Mr. Reasor, remarked, "He was the most wonderful man physicall that I have ever met." At that period when most men are worn out and wish to retire to the quiet shades of private life, Mr. Carlat was as eager for the battle as ever. He was irrepressible, nothing could keep him down, nothing daunted his spirit. Had he lived to the dawn of a century that youthful ebullition would have broken out as perennial as ever. At the age of nearly 74 years, he was one of the most thrifty and intelligent farmers in all Texas. We were surprised when he showed us over his farm several months ago; it was cultivated with the care and....(paper torn)....We cannot follow Mr. Carlat through all of his adventures, The southern sun, the northern blast, fatigue and disease, delay, disappointment and deferred hope daunted him not. Never under impenetrable mail, of Palsdin or Crusader, beat a heart of more intrepid metal than within the breast of John Baptist Carlat. Coming down to the more modern period we next hear of Mr. Carlat at St. Louis. He was an intimate friend of Gen. Grant and they have swapped many an experience while Grant was hauling wood to St. Louis. Grant and Carlat were soldiers together under Taylor during the Mexican War. Several miles from St. Louis, Mr. Carlat met, loved, and married Miss Helen Heinemann, also a native of France, and who lived near Dijon where Mr. Carlat was born in 1828. To the union were born Mary (Mrs. Hallenbeck), George L., Ida (Mrs. G.N. Baker), Harry E., and Fred. Mrs. Carlat had as many distinguishing traits as her illustrious husband. She was a typical woman of the pioneering class, strong minded, resourceful, animated by a spirit of love of family, and a helpmate to her husband in every undertaking. This noble wife and mother died several years ago. After marriage Mr. Carlat traveled considerably looking for a location, was in Iowa, Kansas City, and other points. He cast his lot with Denison about twenty-five years....Lalonde and Mr. Carlat were old time friends in Kansas City and Carlat lived on the old Cox farm east, for one year, and then moved to his farm northwest where the....He did not protect himself with the proper papers, the Irishman died and his wife compelled Mr. Carlat to purchase the farm a second time at the first price. This was a hard blow to Mr. Carlat, but he went to work and paid for it. About three years ago Mr. Carlat married a second time, Mrs. Johns, one of the best that we have ever met, a splendid housekeeper, frugal and devoted to her husband, who shared with him his daily labors in the field. To her we extend our sincere sympathy. For the past twenty-three years Mr. Carlat has been a successful farmer. The weight of years did not seem to effect him in the least. He told the writer once that he attributed the preservation of his health and youthfulness to the wine cellar. It was his habit to drink a glass of wine several times a day. The Carlat vintage was famous. We never saw the old gentleman more enthused and interesting than when conducting parties to his wine vaults where the precious juice was on tap in large time-looking casks covered with cobwebs and other signs that denoted antiquity. Mr. Carlat loved company and was a splendid entertainer. For over twenty years he has been a familiar figure on our streets. No kind of weather seemed to daunt him. Mr. Carlate died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hallenbeck, on Gandy street. The end was peaceful. He probably suffered a great deal, but did not express it. His friends and family were hopeful almost to the end. It seemed that his remarkable vitality might triumph over the assassin's blow, but the hopes were in vain. The funeral was a sorrowful demostration of grief. There was a large outpouring of friends and neighbors. His children, who idolized their parent, was, to fortunate circumstances, all present. There was a wealth of floral tribute. Half of the terror of death was robbed of its hideousness by the sweet remembrance of friends. Rev. Father Crowley conducted the services at the Hallenbeck residence. The pall bearers were Messrs. Reasor, A. Cuff, Eaton, Poston, Bocklet, and Burhans. A large throng paid farewell tribute to the dead. On a mound at Calvary cemetery that overlooks a beautiful landscape that smiles in verdure, John B. Carlat was lowered to his last resting place. The fragrance of flowers.... The Denison Press Monday, June 7, 1937 pg. 4 DENISON 65-50-35 YEARS AGO By Dulce Murray June 7, 1902 .....His daughters, Mrs. W.A. Hallenbeck, went to him when he was assaulted and had him removed to her home on Gandy Street, where she ministered to him and he passed away. Mr. Carlat was a veteran of the Mexican War and marched with Taylor to Chapultapee when he landed on the Texas coast, a mere lad, the warlike Commanches descended upon his camp and he was carried away into captivity and lived among the Indians two years before he escaped. Mr. Carlat is survived by several children. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Father Crowley with interment in Calvary cemetery. The Sunday Gazetteer Sunday, June 15, 1902 pg. 4 CAPTURED The Gazetteer announces with pleasure the capture of the murderer of Mr. Carlat. The Negro, Gus Carson, was taken into custody at Colber the very day and hour that the victim was laid to rest at Calvary cemetery. Carson was recognized by Harry Roberts. The Negro drew a pistol, but Roberts overpowered and disarmed him. He turned him over to Deputy Marhsal Davis. When searched a piece of steel fastened to a piece of leather to go over the wrist and known as a slug, was found, and it is thought this may have been used when he assaulted Mr. Carlat. Carson is now an inmate of the Sherman jail and if the ends of justice are subserved he will stretch hemp. Hanging is too good for the black scoundrel. Calvary Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message |
