HOME PAGE

           Dr. Charles P. Poston, one of the best known men in this part of the state, died at his home in Bonne Terre, Tuesday evening, March 28, at 10:30 o'clock, after an illness of one week's duration. He was 67 years and 6 months of age.

        Charles P. Poston was born at Irondale in Washington County, September 28, 1854, the son of a physician of the old school, Dr. Henry W. Poston, who practiced medicine in that part of the country for many years. Young Charles attended the public school at Irondale, later spending some time in Westminster College in Fulton. He received his medical education at Washington University in St. Louis.

        Soon after his graduation from the medical college he settled in Bonne Terre, where he spent all the remainder of his long life in the practice of his profession as a physician and surgeon. He served, not only the people of Bonne Terre, but of the country all round about his home town.

        He has a son, Dr. Harry P. Poston, who has followed in his father's footsteps professionally, and who is now in the practice of his profession in Detroit. Thus, a member of this family for three generations has served the public in the capacity of a physician.

        Dr. Charles P. Poston was united in marriage, September 26, 1883, to Miss Mahala Cunningham of Farmington. To this union nine children were born, four of them having preceded their father in death. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Orrick Whitehead of DeSoto, and four sons, Dr. H. P. of Detroit, Virgil of New York, Frank of Columbia, Mo., and Stanley of Washington, D. C. All reached home before the end came.

        The funeral services were held at the home Thursday afternoon and were conducted by Rev. S. Stevens of the First Congregational Church of Bonne Terre, of which church Dr. Poston had been a communicant. The body is being taken to St. Louis this morning (Friday) to be cremated after which his ashes will be placed in the Bonne Terre Cemetery beside the graves of his children who had preceded him in death.

        Dr. Poston had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years.

NOTE:  According to Bonne Terre Cemetery list, Dr. Poston's middle name was "Pope". Also his mother's maiden name was Cassandra Ashburn. The St. Francois County Cemetery book gives his date of birth as 1856 instead of 1854, however, tombstone dates are 1854-1922. The dates indicated on the stone for his wife, Mahala E. are 1856-1944, more specifically indicated in the cemetery book as Jan. 27, 1856 - Oct. 18, 1944. . Mahala was daughter of Reece & Nancy Cunningham. The cemetery book indicates that they were married Sept. 28, 1883, but obit indicates September 26, 1883. If you know which date is correct, please let us know. Thanks!

HOME PAGE