Early in my research I acquired a digital copy of a
scrapbook page with three columns of articles about the disappearance of
Captain George B. Poor. I pride myself on providing good sources, but I can’t
provide the origin of the page.
His sudden disappearance shocked his family and community,
leaving many to question what happened to him. The newspaper articles tell the
story of his disappearance. The articles and transcription will be posted in a separate blog post.
Gone Without a Trace
Captain Poor was a well-known man in Cairo, Alexander,
Illinois in the most southern part of Illinois on the Mississippi River. Life had been rough for him at
the end of his life. He had lost his property in a fire and didn’t have
insurance to cover it. Then, he lost his job as a wharf master, which left him
in debt and worried about the future. Even though his family and friends
supported him, it was clear he was struggling.
George had been staying with his father-in-law, Judge Otis A.
Osborn. One morning, George left his room like usual, but he never came back.
His belongings, like his watch and money, were still there, but his everyday
clothes and a pistol were missing. At first, no one was too worried because
they thought he had gone to visit family in Dongola, Illinois. But when he
didn’t show up, his second wife, Addie Osborn Poor was contacted, and she
rushed to join the search.
Searching for Answers
People said they last saw Captain Poor at two saloons, where
he bought some whiskey. He told someone he was "just taking a little
walk," then headed toward the Mississippi River. That was the last time
anyone saw him.
A search party scoured the riverbanks and nearby woods, but
they found no clues. Some believed he had drowned in the river, while others
thought he had gotten lost in the wilderness. As time passed, people feared the
worst.
The Truth Comes Out
Weeks later, a letter from Hickman, Kentucky, brought the
first real clue. A coroner’s jury had examined the body of a drowned man who
matched Captain Poor’s description.
The authorities confirmed it was him based on his height,
gray hair, and the clothes he was wearing. He also had some personal items with
him, including a British bulldog pistol and a silver purse. Since no one had
identified him at first, he had been buried in a pauper’s grave.
Bringing Him Home
Once Captain Poor’s family and Masonic lodge members were sure it
was him, they arranged to bring his body back home for a proper burial. His
brother-in-law, C.H. Fisher, and lodge members traveled on the Belle of
Memphis with a casket to retrieve his remains, making sure he was laid to
rest with the respect he deserved.
Remembering Captain Poor
Captain George B. Poor’s disappearance and discovery is a
sad piece of my family history. It shows the struggles people went through and
how their loved ones never gave up searching for them. His hardships were like
what many faced during that time, and his family’s dedication to bringing him
home for a proper burial is an example of love and commitment.
For those interested in family history, stories like this
help us understand what our ancestors went through, their ups, their downs, and
the support they received from their communities. By remembering these stories,
we ensure that their lives and experiences are never forgotten.
