John Salter Blue, a timeline and a coffin

John Salter Blue, 1805-1896, was the patriarch of Russell's Blue family --- I'm grateful to that inveterate photographer of tombstones, Doris Christensen, for the photo taken in the Russell Cemetery, at left, from Find A Grave.

John died on Aug. 11, 1896, at the age of 91, at the home of his daughter, Clara McMaster, in Chariton, and in part because of his age his passing was widely noted. Each reporter, however, took a slightly different tack. All steered clear of his marital history, however, which was a little complicated, noting only that he was survived by two daughters and three sons.

The Chariton Democrat's version of the obituary, published on August 21, was the most lyrical. "Thus, one by one, the way-worn and weary pioneers of life's highway reach the great river, and casting off all their burdens, sail silently away, o'er the still waters, to join the circle of the loved and lost that have gone on before," it commenced.

Basic biographical information was included here: Born March 1, 1805, in Fleming County, Kentucky; to Indiana at age of 21, then to Illinois; and finally to Lucas County in 1859. He was, The Democrat reported, "of a retiring but kindly disposition and was highly esteemed for his many noble qualities." 

The Patriot obituary attempted to put Mr. Blue's life into context by connecting it to an historical timeline, as follows: "When Mr. Blue was born, Thomas Jefferson was president of the United States and the Louisiana purchase --- that vast empire of which Iowa forms a part --- had just been completed, and he was three years old when the first steamboat on the Hudson was started by Robert Fulton, and eleven years old when General Jackson fought the famous battle of New Orleans, and was a voter when Andrew Jackson was first elected president."

And The Chariton Herald, while allowing that John was "a kind and genial companion ... beloved by all who knew him," added this bit of information:

"Several years ago, perhaps a dozen, he bought a coffin of Joel Adams, of Russell, and requested that when his mortal remains were recommitted to mother earth they be encased in that coffin. So it would seem that the old gentleman was somewhat peculiar in his ideas, albeit the world has been made better and pleasanter for his having lived, and many acquaintances and friends will, with the bereaved relatives, mourn his death."

It's not clear where the coffin was stored while awaiting its cargo or if he actually ended up in it, but presumably he did. All three accounts combine to make an interesting story.

And by the way, John Salter Brown had an older brother who was Famous --- Famous Mortimer Blue (1801-1869). What were his parents thinking?