Son of Andrew SKILLMAN and of Ann STIRLING Skillman Haynie (both of whose burials are as yet unknown) and first husband of Martha Lucie WELLS Skillman Cockerille (burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Pineville, Rapides, LA), with whom he had two daughters.
_________
Excerpt taken verbatim from "The Wells Family of Louisiana and Allied Families," by Dr. G[eorge] M[ason] G[raham] STAFFORD (Baton Rouge: Claitor's Publishing Division, 1976), pp. 361-364:
Edward Lewis Skillman, only son of Andrew Skillman and Ann (Stirling) Haynie, was born in West Feliciana parish, Louisiana, in 1824. He graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors at the age of twenty-one. On his return to Louisiana he married on November 26, 1845, Martha Lucie Wells, eldest daughter of General Montford Wells and his wife, Jeannette Amelia Dent. After his marriage Dr. Skillman located in Opelousas, St. Landry parish, Louisiana, and there devoted himself to his profession. One of his brothers-in-law once told the writer that he was one of the handsomest men of his day, a decided blond, very erect, six feet and two inches tall, weight in proportion, muscles well developed, and possessed of a very pleasing personality and courteous in manner. Unfortunately he died less than twenty-five years of age in a violent manner, being killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by John G. Bird on Monday, December 4, 1848 [...].
His tragic death was brought about in the following manner, and the information which is here presented was furnished by an article which appeared in the New Orleans Delta, one of the leading periodicals of that city in days gone by:
The gist of the story is that there came to Baton Rouge in the early forties of the nineteenth century three brothers from Augusta, Georgia. They were Oman, John G., and Theodore Bird [...].
Dr. John G. Bird, the second of the three brothers, was a very prominent and accomplished young physician and was quite popular in Baton Rouge social circles. He became very attentive to one of the daughters of Andrew Skillman, a rich planter of West Feliciana parish, who had recently moved to Baton Rouge to give them the social and educational advantages of that city. It was soon the talk of the vicinity that this young lady and Dr. Bird were engaged to be married, and such was a fact, according to data handed down by the family. However, time passed and there was no wedding, and this delay in the consummation of matrimony was a fertile subject of gossip for the community. Soon disparaging remarks began to be made about the young lady which were a source of distress and embarrassment to such a proud and high-minded family as the Skillmans. This caused the father, who was then advanced in years, to send for his only son who was practicing his profession in Opelousas. He promptly responded to the call and went to Baton Rouge. After a consultation with his family young Skillman proceeded to Dr. Bird's office, which was on Lafayette street, almost opposite the present site of the Heidelberg hotel. The interview was brief and to the point, and what transpired is said to have been about as follows: Dr. Skillman spoke thus, "I require you, Dr. Bird, to fulfill your obligation and pledge of honor to marry my sister. I come to attend you to a magistrate for that purpose." Bird at first professed his devotion to the lady and his willingness to fulfill his promise of marriage, but asked that it be postponed for a few days so as to allow him to attend to some important business. "Not a day nor an hour," was the brother's reply, "You must go now or I will kill you." Dr. Bird is said to have made a rapid attempt to escape through a door which led into a back room. As he did so Dr. Skillman drew two derringer pistols from his pockets and fired both at him (a derringer was a very small pocket pistol which only held one load). Neither shot took effect and Bird got through the door and locked it. Dr. Skillman threw himself against it and his huge frame broke it open. As the lock gave way his strenuous efforts caused him to stumble and fall to his knees when the door flew open. Before he could arise Bird rushed upon him from behind the door and plunged a long surgical knife into his body several times, but in spite of that Dr. Skillman managed to club him over the head with the butt end of one of his pistols. However, the wounds he received had been mortal and he soon sank to the floor. Dr. Bird is then said to have escaped through a back window. Whether he was ever arrested we are unable to say. We feel sure that he left Baton Rouge within a very short time afterwards. He appeared in Albany, Georgia, some time later and there in October, 1851, he killed a man with his sword cane, for which he was tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary. While in jail he took prussic acid and died immediately. Thus ended the last of the three Bird brothers. [The other two had also died violent deaths previously.]
Dr. Skillman was found on the floor of Dr. Bird's office shortly after he was wounded and before expiring was able to related what had occured. In those days of duels and "violent measures" it was a wise man who controlled his tongue, and even the newspapers were inclined to "put the soft pedal" on all news relating to personal matters. This is indicated in the following article from the Baton Rouge Gazette of December 9, 1848:
"It becomes our painful duty this week to record one of those events which throw a gloom over the whole of the community, and bring sorrow in the bosom of revered and affectionate parents and friends.
An affray took place on Monday last, in this town between Dr. John G. Bird and Dr. Edward L. Skillman of St. Landry, Opelousas, in which the latter received a wound which caused his death. Dr. Skillman fired twice at Dr. Bird during the affray, without effect. Dr. Bird received two or three wounds on the head with the butt of the pistol, not however very severe.
A jury was empanelled and an inquest held by Richard Kinner, coroner, who returned the following verdict:
'That the said Edward L. Skillman came to his death by wounds in different parts of the body, one on the right side, cutting into the cartilage at the sixth rib and into the lower lobe of the right lung, thereby causing death; that the said wounds were inflicted with a knife.'
As to the causes which led to this affray we will not even presume to state, nor would we renew the anguish of the friends of the partiesby vain and useless surmises. The affair was deplorable in the extreme. The deceased, we learn, was a gentleman of high promise, beloved by all who knew him. We draw a veil over the domestic affliction this sad event has brought to his aged parents and family here, as well as to his bereaved widow and young family in Opelousas."
Such an affair today, involving a family of such prominence, would be heralded a big head-lines by the press and the minutest detail would be recorded. On Saturday, December 16, 1848, the Baton Rouge Gazette contained the following article, evidently written by a friend of the Skillman family:
"DIED: In this city, while on a visit to his family on Monday, 4th of December, Dr. Edward Skillman, aged 25 years, a resident of Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry.
The deceased was born in the parish of West Feliciana and ever a resident of this State, the only son of Andrew Skillman, Esq. -- reared under the happy influence of a large and most respectable family; was possessed of those virtues which endeared him to the hearts of all. Graduating with distinction, an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania when but twenty-one years of age -- full of life -- of hope -- he entered upon the arduous duties of his profession, with an accomplished education, a determination to succeed -- and by his knowledge, his skill, his kindness to the afflicted, raised for himself, at once, a reputation which few have equaled, none surpassed. Few young men promised so brilliant a career of usefulness -- a large circle of friends, a fond father and mother -- devoted sisters -- a young wife and child, looked respectively upon the representative of their name, the protector, the husband, the father -- and contemplated with pride and joy and love the rising greatness of their hope -- of him who so suddenly, so unexpectedly was consigned to the cold silence of the tomb. Rest in peace, sad victim of thine honor! and ye survivors, mourn, but be ye not distressed, for there is an Eye which sees, an Ear which hears, a Heart which feels for your afflictions; a Hand which when the time cometh will lead you to your seats which are by his in Heaven.
H. M."
_________
Excerpt taken verbatim from "The Wells Family of Louisiana and Allied Families," by Dr. G[eorge] M[ason] G[raham] STAFFORD (Baton Rouge: Claitor's Publishing Division, 1976), pp. 361-364:
Edward Lewis Skillman, only son of Andrew Skillman and Ann (Stirling) Haynie, was born in West Feliciana parish, Louisiana, in 1824. He graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors at the age of twenty-one. On his return to Louisiana he married on November 26, 1845, Martha Lucie Wells, eldest daughter of General Montford Wells and his wife, Jeannette Amelia Dent. After his marriage Dr. Skillman located in Opelousas, St. Landry parish, Louisiana, and there devoted himself to his profession. One of his brothers-in-law once told the writer that he was one of the handsomest men of his day, a decided blond, very erect, six feet and two inches tall, weight in proportion, muscles well developed, and possessed of a very pleasing personality and courteous in manner. Unfortunately he died less than twenty-five years of age in a violent manner, being killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by John G. Bird on Monday, December 4, 1848 [...].
His tragic death was brought about in the following manner, and the information which is here presented was furnished by an article which appeared in the New Orleans Delta, one of the leading periodicals of that city in days gone by:
The gist of the story is that there came to Baton Rouge in the early forties of the nineteenth century three brothers from Augusta, Georgia. They were Oman, John G., and Theodore Bird [...].
Dr. John G. Bird, the second of the three brothers, was a very prominent and accomplished young physician and was quite popular in Baton Rouge social circles. He became very attentive to one of the daughters of Andrew Skillman, a rich planter of West Feliciana parish, who had recently moved to Baton Rouge to give them the social and educational advantages of that city. It was soon the talk of the vicinity that this young lady and Dr. Bird were engaged to be married, and such was a fact, according to data handed down by the family. However, time passed and there was no wedding, and this delay in the consummation of matrimony was a fertile subject of gossip for the community. Soon disparaging remarks began to be made about the young lady which were a source of distress and embarrassment to such a proud and high-minded family as the Skillmans. This caused the father, who was then advanced in years, to send for his only son who was practicing his profession in Opelousas. He promptly responded to the call and went to Baton Rouge. After a consultation with his family young Skillman proceeded to Dr. Bird's office, which was on Lafayette street, almost opposite the present site of the Heidelberg hotel. The interview was brief and to the point, and what transpired is said to have been about as follows: Dr. Skillman spoke thus, "I require you, Dr. Bird, to fulfill your obligation and pledge of honor to marry my sister. I come to attend you to a magistrate for that purpose." Bird at first professed his devotion to the lady and his willingness to fulfill his promise of marriage, but asked that it be postponed for a few days so as to allow him to attend to some important business. "Not a day nor an hour," was the brother's reply, "You must go now or I will kill you." Dr. Bird is said to have made a rapid attempt to escape through a door which led into a back room. As he did so Dr. Skillman drew two derringer pistols from his pockets and fired both at him (a derringer was a very small pocket pistol which only held one load). Neither shot took effect and Bird got through the door and locked it. Dr. Skillman threw himself against it and his huge frame broke it open. As the lock gave way his strenuous efforts caused him to stumble and fall to his knees when the door flew open. Before he could arise Bird rushed upon him from behind the door and plunged a long surgical knife into his body several times, but in spite of that Dr. Skillman managed to club him over the head with the butt end of one of his pistols. However, the wounds he received had been mortal and he soon sank to the floor. Dr. Bird is then said to have escaped through a back window. Whether he was ever arrested we are unable to say. We feel sure that he left Baton Rouge within a very short time afterwards. He appeared in Albany, Georgia, some time later and there in October, 1851, he killed a man with his sword cane, for which he was tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary. While in jail he took prussic acid and died immediately. Thus ended the last of the three Bird brothers. [The other two had also died violent deaths previously.]
Dr. Skillman was found on the floor of Dr. Bird's office shortly after he was wounded and before expiring was able to related what had occured. In those days of duels and "violent measures" it was a wise man who controlled his tongue, and even the newspapers were inclined to "put the soft pedal" on all news relating to personal matters. This is indicated in the following article from the Baton Rouge Gazette of December 9, 1848:
"It becomes our painful duty this week to record one of those events which throw a gloom over the whole of the community, and bring sorrow in the bosom of revered and affectionate parents and friends.
An affray took place on Monday last, in this town between Dr. John G. Bird and Dr. Edward L. Skillman of St. Landry, Opelousas, in which the latter received a wound which caused his death. Dr. Skillman fired twice at Dr. Bird during the affray, without effect. Dr. Bird received two or three wounds on the head with the butt of the pistol, not however very severe.
A jury was empanelled and an inquest held by Richard Kinner, coroner, who returned the following verdict:
'That the said Edward L. Skillman came to his death by wounds in different parts of the body, one on the right side, cutting into the cartilage at the sixth rib and into the lower lobe of the right lung, thereby causing death; that the said wounds were inflicted with a knife.'
As to the causes which led to this affray we will not even presume to state, nor would we renew the anguish of the friends of the partiesby vain and useless surmises. The affair was deplorable in the extreme. The deceased, we learn, was a gentleman of high promise, beloved by all who knew him. We draw a veil over the domestic affliction this sad event has brought to his aged parents and family here, as well as to his bereaved widow and young family in Opelousas."
Such an affair today, involving a family of such prominence, would be heralded a big head-lines by the press and the minutest detail would be recorded. On Saturday, December 16, 1848, the Baton Rouge Gazette contained the following article, evidently written by a friend of the Skillman family:
"DIED: In this city, while on a visit to his family on Monday, 4th of December, Dr. Edward Skillman, aged 25 years, a resident of Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry.
The deceased was born in the parish of West Feliciana and ever a resident of this State, the only son of Andrew Skillman, Esq. -- reared under the happy influence of a large and most respectable family; was possessed of those virtues which endeared him to the hearts of all. Graduating with distinction, an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania when but twenty-one years of age -- full of life -- of hope -- he entered upon the arduous duties of his profession, with an accomplished education, a determination to succeed -- and by his knowledge, his skill, his kindness to the afflicted, raised for himself, at once, a reputation which few have equaled, none surpassed. Few young men promised so brilliant a career of usefulness -- a large circle of friends, a fond father and mother -- devoted sisters -- a young wife and child, looked respectively upon the representative of their name, the protector, the husband, the father -- and contemplated with pride and joy and love the rising greatness of their hope -- of him who so suddenly, so unexpectedly was consigned to the cold silence of the tomb. Rest in peace, sad victim of thine honor! and ye survivors, mourn, but be ye not distressed, for there is an Eye which sees, an Ear which hears, a Heart which feels for your afflictions; a Hand which when the time cometh will lead you to your seats which are by his in Heaven.
H. M."
Son of Andrew SKILLMAN and of Ann STIRLING Skillman Haynie (both of whose burials are as yet unknown) and first husband of Martha Lucie WELLS Skillman Cockerille (burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Pineville, Rapides, LA), with whom he had two daughters.
_________
Excerpt taken verbatim from "The Wells Family of Louisiana and Allied Families," by Dr. G[eorge] M[ason] G[raham] STAFFORD (Baton Rouge: Claitor's Publishing Division, 1976), pp. 361-364:
Edward Lewis Skillman, only son of Andrew Skillman and Ann (Stirling) Haynie, was born in West Feliciana parish, Louisiana, in 1824. He graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors at the age of twenty-one. On his return to Louisiana he married on November 26, 1845, Martha Lucie Wells, eldest daughter of General Montford Wells and his wife, Jeannette Amelia Dent. After his marriage Dr. Skillman located in Opelousas, St. Landry parish, Louisiana, and there devoted himself to his profession. One of his brothers-in-law once told the writer that he was one of the handsomest men of his day, a decided blond, very erect, six feet and two inches tall, weight in proportion, muscles well developed, and possessed of a very pleasing personality and courteous in manner. Unfortunately he died less than twenty-five years of age in a violent manner, being killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by John G. Bird on Monday, December 4, 1848 [...].
His tragic death was brought about in the following manner, and the information which is here presented was furnished by an article which appeared in the New Orleans Delta, one of the leading periodicals of that city in days gone by:
The gist of the story is that there came to Baton Rouge in the early forties of the nineteenth century three brothers from Augusta, Georgia. They were Oman, John G., and Theodore Bird [...].
Dr. John G. Bird, the second of the three brothers, was a very prominent and accomplished young physician and was quite popular in Baton Rouge social circles. He became very attentive to one of the daughters of Andrew Skillman, a rich planter of West Feliciana parish, who had recently moved to Baton Rouge to give them the social and educational advantages of that city. It was soon the talk of the vicinity that this young lady and Dr. Bird were engaged to be married, and such was a fact, according to data handed down by the family. However, time passed and there was no wedding, and this delay in the consummation of matrimony was a fertile subject of gossip for the community. Soon disparaging remarks began to be made about the young lady which were a source of distress and embarrassment to such a proud and high-minded family as the Skillmans. This caused the father, who was then advanced in years, to send for his only son who was practicing his profession in Opelousas. He promptly responded to the call and went to Baton Rouge. After a consultation with his family young Skillman proceeded to Dr. Bird's office, which was on Lafayette street, almost opposite the present site of the Heidelberg hotel. The interview was brief and to the point, and what transpired is said to have been about as follows: Dr. Skillman spoke thus, "I require you, Dr. Bird, to fulfill your obligation and pledge of honor to marry my sister. I come to attend you to a magistrate for that purpose." Bird at first professed his devotion to the lady and his willingness to fulfill his promise of marriage, but asked that it be postponed for a few days so as to allow him to attend to some important business. "Not a day nor an hour," was the brother's reply, "You must go now or I will kill you." Dr. Bird is said to have made a rapid attempt to escape through a door which led into a back room. As he did so Dr. Skillman drew two derringer pistols from his pockets and fired both at him (a derringer was a very small pocket pistol which only held one load). Neither shot took effect and Bird got through the door and locked it. Dr. Skillman threw himself against it and his huge frame broke it open. As the lock gave way his strenuous efforts caused him to stumble and fall to his knees when the door flew open. Before he could arise Bird rushed upon him from behind the door and plunged a long surgical knife into his body several times, but in spite of that Dr. Skillman managed to club him over the head with the butt end of one of his pistols. However, the wounds he received had been mortal and he soon sank to the floor. Dr. Bird is then said to have escaped through a back window. Whether he was ever arrested we are unable to say. We feel sure that he left Baton Rouge within a very short time afterwards. He appeared in Albany, Georgia, some time later and there in October, 1851, he killed a man with his sword cane, for which he was tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary. While in jail he took prussic acid and died immediately. Thus ended the last of the three Bird brothers. [The other two had also died violent deaths previously.]
Dr. Skillman was found on the floor of Dr. Bird's office shortly after he was wounded and before expiring was able to related what had occured. In those days of duels and "violent measures" it was a wise man who controlled his tongue, and even the newspapers were inclined to "put the soft pedal" on all news relating to personal matters. This is indicated in the following article from the Baton Rouge Gazette of December 9, 1848:
"It becomes our painful duty this week to record one of those events which throw a gloom over the whole of the community, and bring sorrow in the bosom of revered and affectionate parents and friends.
An affray took place on Monday last, in this town between Dr. John G. Bird and Dr. Edward L. Skillman of St. Landry, Opelousas, in which the latter received a wound which caused his death. Dr. Skillman fired twice at Dr. Bird during the affray, without effect. Dr. Bird received two or three wounds on the head with the butt of the pistol, not however very severe.
A jury was empanelled and an inquest held by Richard Kinner, coroner, who returned the following verdict:
'That the said Edward L. Skillman came to his death by wounds in different parts of the body, one on the right side, cutting into the cartilage at the sixth rib and into the lower lobe of the right lung, thereby causing death; that the said wounds were inflicted with a knife.'
As to the causes which led to this affray we will not even presume to state, nor would we renew the anguish of the friends of the partiesby vain and useless surmises. The affair was deplorable in the extreme. The deceased, we learn, was a gentleman of high promise, beloved by all who knew him. We draw a veil over the domestic affliction this sad event has brought to his aged parents and family here, as well as to his bereaved widow and young family in Opelousas."
Such an affair today, involving a family of such prominence, would be heralded a big head-lines by the press and the minutest detail would be recorded. On Saturday, December 16, 1848, the Baton Rouge Gazette contained the following article, evidently written by a friend of the Skillman family:
"DIED: In this city, while on a visit to his family on Monday, 4th of December, Dr. Edward Skillman, aged 25 years, a resident of Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry.
The deceased was born in the parish of West Feliciana and ever a resident of this State, the only son of Andrew Skillman, Esq. -- reared under the happy influence of a large and most respectable family; was possessed of those virtues which endeared him to the hearts of all. Graduating with distinction, an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania when but twenty-one years of age -- full of life -- of hope -- he entered upon the arduous duties of his profession, with an accomplished education, a determination to succeed -- and by his knowledge, his skill, his kindness to the afflicted, raised for himself, at once, a reputation which few have equaled, none surpassed. Few young men promised so brilliant a career of usefulness -- a large circle of friends, a fond father and mother -- devoted sisters -- a young wife and child, looked respectively upon the representative of their name, the protector, the husband, the father -- and contemplated with pride and joy and love the rising greatness of their hope -- of him who so suddenly, so unexpectedly was consigned to the cold silence of the tomb. Rest in peace, sad victim of thine honor! and ye survivors, mourn, but be ye not distressed, for there is an Eye which sees, an Ear which hears, a Heart which feels for your afflictions; a Hand which when the time cometh will lead you to your seats which are by his in Heaven.
H. M."
_________
Excerpt taken verbatim from "The Wells Family of Louisiana and Allied Families," by Dr. G[eorge] M[ason] G[raham] STAFFORD (Baton Rouge: Claitor's Publishing Division, 1976), pp. 361-364:
Edward Lewis Skillman, only son of Andrew Skillman and Ann (Stirling) Haynie, was born in West Feliciana parish, Louisiana, in 1824. He graduated in medicine from the University of Pennsylvania with high honors at the age of twenty-one. On his return to Louisiana he married on November 26, 1845, Martha Lucie Wells, eldest daughter of General Montford Wells and his wife, Jeannette Amelia Dent. After his marriage Dr. Skillman located in Opelousas, St. Landry parish, Louisiana, and there devoted himself to his profession. One of his brothers-in-law once told the writer that he was one of the handsomest men of his day, a decided blond, very erect, six feet and two inches tall, weight in proportion, muscles well developed, and possessed of a very pleasing personality and courteous in manner. Unfortunately he died less than twenty-five years of age in a violent manner, being killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by John G. Bird on Monday, December 4, 1848 [...].
His tragic death was brought about in the following manner, and the information which is here presented was furnished by an article which appeared in the New Orleans Delta, one of the leading periodicals of that city in days gone by:
The gist of the story is that there came to Baton Rouge in the early forties of the nineteenth century three brothers from Augusta, Georgia. They were Oman, John G., and Theodore Bird [...].
Dr. John G. Bird, the second of the three brothers, was a very prominent and accomplished young physician and was quite popular in Baton Rouge social circles. He became very attentive to one of the daughters of Andrew Skillman, a rich planter of West Feliciana parish, who had recently moved to Baton Rouge to give them the social and educational advantages of that city. It was soon the talk of the vicinity that this young lady and Dr. Bird were engaged to be married, and such was a fact, according to data handed down by the family. However, time passed and there was no wedding, and this delay in the consummation of matrimony was a fertile subject of gossip for the community. Soon disparaging remarks began to be made about the young lady which were a source of distress and embarrassment to such a proud and high-minded family as the Skillmans. This caused the father, who was then advanced in years, to send for his only son who was practicing his profession in Opelousas. He promptly responded to the call and went to Baton Rouge. After a consultation with his family young Skillman proceeded to Dr. Bird's office, which was on Lafayette street, almost opposite the present site of the Heidelberg hotel. The interview was brief and to the point, and what transpired is said to have been about as follows: Dr. Skillman spoke thus, "I require you, Dr. Bird, to fulfill your obligation and pledge of honor to marry my sister. I come to attend you to a magistrate for that purpose." Bird at first professed his devotion to the lady and his willingness to fulfill his promise of marriage, but asked that it be postponed for a few days so as to allow him to attend to some important business. "Not a day nor an hour," was the brother's reply, "You must go now or I will kill you." Dr. Bird is said to have made a rapid attempt to escape through a door which led into a back room. As he did so Dr. Skillman drew two derringer pistols from his pockets and fired both at him (a derringer was a very small pocket pistol which only held one load). Neither shot took effect and Bird got through the door and locked it. Dr. Skillman threw himself against it and his huge frame broke it open. As the lock gave way his strenuous efforts caused him to stumble and fall to his knees when the door flew open. Before he could arise Bird rushed upon him from behind the door and plunged a long surgical knife into his body several times, but in spite of that Dr. Skillman managed to club him over the head with the butt end of one of his pistols. However, the wounds he received had been mortal and he soon sank to the floor. Dr. Bird is then said to have escaped through a back window. Whether he was ever arrested we are unable to say. We feel sure that he left Baton Rouge within a very short time afterwards. He appeared in Albany, Georgia, some time later and there in October, 1851, he killed a man with his sword cane, for which he was tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary. While in jail he took prussic acid and died immediately. Thus ended the last of the three Bird brothers. [The other two had also died violent deaths previously.]
Dr. Skillman was found on the floor of Dr. Bird's office shortly after he was wounded and before expiring was able to related what had occured. In those days of duels and "violent measures" it was a wise man who controlled his tongue, and even the newspapers were inclined to "put the soft pedal" on all news relating to personal matters. This is indicated in the following article from the Baton Rouge Gazette of December 9, 1848:
"It becomes our painful duty this week to record one of those events which throw a gloom over the whole of the community, and bring sorrow in the bosom of revered and affectionate parents and friends.
An affray took place on Monday last, in this town between Dr. John G. Bird and Dr. Edward L. Skillman of St. Landry, Opelousas, in which the latter received a wound which caused his death. Dr. Skillman fired twice at Dr. Bird during the affray, without effect. Dr. Bird received two or three wounds on the head with the butt of the pistol, not however very severe.
A jury was empanelled and an inquest held by Richard Kinner, coroner, who returned the following verdict:
'That the said Edward L. Skillman came to his death by wounds in different parts of the body, one on the right side, cutting into the cartilage at the sixth rib and into the lower lobe of the right lung, thereby causing death; that the said wounds were inflicted with a knife.'
As to the causes which led to this affray we will not even presume to state, nor would we renew the anguish of the friends of the partiesby vain and useless surmises. The affair was deplorable in the extreme. The deceased, we learn, was a gentleman of high promise, beloved by all who knew him. We draw a veil over the domestic affliction this sad event has brought to his aged parents and family here, as well as to his bereaved widow and young family in Opelousas."
Such an affair today, involving a family of such prominence, would be heralded a big head-lines by the press and the minutest detail would be recorded. On Saturday, December 16, 1848, the Baton Rouge Gazette contained the following article, evidently written by a friend of the Skillman family:
"DIED: In this city, while on a visit to his family on Monday, 4th of December, Dr. Edward Skillman, aged 25 years, a resident of Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry.
The deceased was born in the parish of West Feliciana and ever a resident of this State, the only son of Andrew Skillman, Esq. -- reared under the happy influence of a large and most respectable family; was possessed of those virtues which endeared him to the hearts of all. Graduating with distinction, an M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania when but twenty-one years of age -- full of life -- of hope -- he entered upon the arduous duties of his profession, with an accomplished education, a determination to succeed -- and by his knowledge, his skill, his kindness to the afflicted, raised for himself, at once, a reputation which few have equaled, none surpassed. Few young men promised so brilliant a career of usefulness -- a large circle of friends, a fond father and mother -- devoted sisters -- a young wife and child, looked respectively upon the representative of their name, the protector, the husband, the father -- and contemplated with pride and joy and love the rising greatness of their hope -- of him who so suddenly, so unexpectedly was consigned to the cold silence of the tomb. Rest in peace, sad victim of thine honor! and ye survivors, mourn, but be ye not distressed, for there is an Eye which sees, an Ear which hears, a Heart which feels for your afflictions; a Hand which when the time cometh will lead you to your seats which are by his in Heaven.
H. M."
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