The New York herald., 1873-12-02
An Investigation Ordered.
HAvRR. Dec. l, 1873.
The French authorities have ordered an investi-
CATION into the loss OF the steamer Vile du Havre
SKETCHES OF THE PROMINENT
VICTIMS.

are few people in this city who will mot feel very
sad interest in some one or more Of the many who
are lost In the fearful abyss Of the ocean. There
has never been an occurrence OF this terrible ma
ture which has affected all classes 30 seriously.
The nigh position OF the passengers of the Vile du
Havre renders their untimey fate thing OF mo-
ment, not only to the circles OF society In which
they moved, but to those beneath them from the
fact that they were people OF birth and wealth,
who held in some measure the position OF patrons
towards their humble friends. whose number Ia
not Insignificant. Every separate loss calls forth
nood Of tears from many hearts.
JUDGE RUFUS W. PECKHAM.
Judge Rufus w. Peckham, who Is numbered
among the lost, had long held high place in the
ranks OF the judiciary or New York State. The de-
ceased gentleman was born at Rensselaerville Al
bany county, N. r., on December TO- 1900. lie
graduated at Union College and practised law
with much success in Albany, his great forensic
ability and legal acumen being recognized
by his being appointed District Attorney In
1887 In 1852 he was elected to Congress as
Representative from Albany, and served one term;
in 1858 his merits procured him election as Justice
OF the Supreme Court from the Third Judicial dis
trict and in 1867 he was reelected no opposing
candidate being nominated. In 1870 Judge Peck
ham was elected one OF the Justices OF the Court OF
Appeals. and this position he retained until
his DEATH In politics he was q stanch demo.
crat, and that party has lost powerful sup
porter by his demise and the State one
OF the most upright and brilliant luminaries that
ever adorned its High Court bench. The deceased
gentleman was twice married His first wife was
daughter OF the late Rev. DR.. Lacy noted
Episcopal divine, by whom he had several children.
at least one of which is well known as a leader of
the New York Bar. In 1851 Judge Peckham es-
poused Miss Foote, and this lady, who was accom-
panying him to Europe, shared similar fate to
that OF her devoted husband.
MR.. AND MRS. THEo. JoUANIQUE.
Mr.. ana Mrs. Jouanlque resided at Paris Mr..
Jouanlque had very large millinery establish
ment In Paris an branch business in this city, at
No. 500 Broadway. He was about As years old and
Mrs. Jouanlque about %. Mr.. Jouanique was re-
puted to be millionaire. and his income was est-
mated at 100000 year. A year ago they were mar
ried in this CITY, went upon their bridal tour to Eu
rope and returned only few months ago. Mr. Jou.
antique had been crossing the ocean frequently
during the last six seven years to attend to the
business incident to his two establishments IN
Paris and New York. This last trip to Paris
was undertaken by him for the purpose OF pur-
chasing goods. While in this city they stopped
with Mrs. Hugins No. 90 West Eleventh street,
sister OF Mrs. Jouanique. both being daughters OF
Mr.. A. Roux, OF No. s27 Broadway. the furniture
dealers Mr. and Mrs. Jouanique had great many
warm friends among the French residents OF this
city Mr.. JouaniQues relations all live In France.
Mr.. D. r. BREEDEN.
Mr.. B. r. Breeden was brother OF Mr. william
H. Breeder, Of Breeden, Southwark agents for the
Goodyear Rubber Boot and Shoe Association, 80
Barclay street. He belonged at one time to this
firm, but had retired from business, and lately
spent most OF his time in Europe. He went In COM
pany with Mr.. James Bishop, Of 20 Broadway, and
as he had made up his mind to 60 only on the very
last day and did not purchase ticket his name
did not appear in the LIST of passengers. Yesterday
the following despatch was received from Mr..
Bishop at his ofice in 20 Broadway
Steamer wrecked. Breeden lost. Daughter
well. JAMES BISHOP.
Mr.. Breeden was very wealthy man and about
so years old. He was exceedingly well known In
the business community, and his loss will be
mourned by great many in this city. Miss Breeden
who was saved was well known in society in this
city, and her friends will rejoice over her escape.
MR., @. II. TAYLOR.
Mr.. G. II, Taylor was at one time q member Of
the firm Of G. II. Taylor & Co., No. 3l2 Broadway
succeeded now BY Hazen, whitney & co., He
was retired merchant, and went with his family
to Europe year ago. On the 1st Of October he
came back to this country in consequence Of the
panic being desrous OF looking after his business
interests. His family remained in Paris and they
were undoubtedly fondy expecting news of his re.
turn when the sad intelligence Of his death reache
them. Mr.. Taylor, in conversation with friends
in this city, said, in q confident manner,
that he would bring back his family to
this country next spring. The family resided in
Lafayette avenue, Brooklyn, before leaving for
Europe. Mr.. Taylor leaves wife and I'VE sons, the
old oot NJ WI q uOfo xuh Ia tha
est child was only born in March, In Munich, Bava-
ria MIR. Taylor was a man OF great wealth. He
had brother doing business in Canal street and
living in Orange, and another brother residing In
Troy.
MRS. A. BININGER,
Mrs. Binnger was the wife OF A. Bininger, of 3s
Broad street, importer OF wines, and resided on
Long Island. She was about 45 years old. Her
daughter was with ner and saved. Mr.. Bininger
mentioned 1t as q singular circumstance that on
the evening of the 2d, when the disaster occurred
he saw flower which his wife had lett at home
move, and he Immediately had evil iorebodings,
which he expressed to several friends. And his
worst fears have been confirmed. Mr.. Bninger's
grief was beyond measure.
MISS HELEN wAGsTAFF.
There was rumor yesterday evening that Miss
Helen Wagsta was saved, after all, but at the Of
fee OF her brother, Colonel Alfred Wagstaff, men,
Der OF the Assembly, at No. 192 Broadway, the news
OF her death was confirmed. Miss Wagstafr was
daughter OF Dr. Alfred wagstafr, wealthy, re-
tired physician Of Babylon. Long Island She was
10 years old, pretty, highly accomplished and the
pet OF thefamlly.
MISS LALLA BUCKLEY.
Miss Lalla Buckley and her mother (who was
saved, resided In Rye, Westchestcr county, during
the summer, and spent their winters travelling
abroad or In PariA She was 10 years old, and well
known in New YORK and in Partisan society, and
for some time she has had the reputation OF being
one OF the American bellies in Paris. Miss W ag-
stan went in company with Miss Buckley. They
had been schoolmates and were like two sisters.
Colonel wagstaf received the following despatc h
yesterday from Mrs. Buokley: -
Nc Qnnt all doyxn Iher-IaIla ucinn an.i I