This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Author: pamelaharrellwhiteside
Surnames: Cain, Rabe/Rabbe/Rabby, Laru, Penny
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.cain/3048/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
MOBILE REGISTER - 19 APRIL 1904
DEATH OF JOSEPH S CAIN
Joseph S Cain, a native of Mobile and long-time resident of this city, but latterly of
Bayou la Batre, died Sunday night, April 17, in his seventy-second year. His wife was,
before marraige, Elizabeth Rabe. She survives him, with five children, Mrs Eldora Laru, of
Dallas TX, Joseph M Cain, of Biloxi; Mrs Alice -----, of San Francisco; Mrs Nellie Penny,
of Mobile, and Oliver S Cain, of Bayou la Batre. There are seventeen grandchildren. He was
a life-long member of the Methodist Church.
The funeral takes place this morning at Bayou la Batre cemetery. Mr Cain was active in
local politics many years ago, was a member of Volunteer Fire Company No 8, and was one of
the originators of the TDS, of the history of which he was very proud. The society some
years ago presented to him a gold-headed cane in memory of its origin and progress. In his
later years, he followed the vocation of a gardener.
Mr Cain was the last of those who were the organizers of TDS in 1846 and was long
regarded as the 'father' of mystics here, as, in 1866 he assisted in starting the
Mardi Gras celebration here. At the last annual banquet of the TDS, Mr Cain was the
special guest and was cordially toasted and made a speech, recalling the enjoyments of old
days.
* Although Mardi Gras had been celebrated in Mobile for many years, it was suspended
during the Civil War. In 1866 Mr Cain dressed up as a Chickasaw Indian, who had never been
defeated in battle, and led a parade in Mobile. The occupying Union troops didn't get
the irony.
The Cains were reinterred in Church Street Cemetery in Mobile. The Sunday before Mardi
Gras in Mobile is called 'Joe Cain' Day.
Mrs Cain's maiden name is also spelled Rabbe or Rabby in Mobile.
Not my family, just sharing from the newspaper archives of the Mobile Public Library.
Important Note:
The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply
to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.