Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-02-19
A HEROES WIDOW.
How She Came to be an Actress
and why She is Here.

and why She IL Here.
The lady-and she is truly lady Of
high degree, ii there ever vas one
known to the, public as Dora Stuart,
now engaged with Mr.. Gus Williams
to play Mrs. Virgins Mishler, in zone
Of the Finest" has had a romantic
and an eventful life.
The lsdyi a native of New Orleans,
the daughter of one Of the Oldest and
proudest Of Creole families. She was
reared and educated at Clinton, La, and
became one of the most accomplished
Creole beauties of her time. While
still very young she met and married
Charles D. Dreux, brilliant young
lawyer. and one Of the most eloquent
as well as popular young men ever
known in New Orleans. The wedding
occurred at the home Of the lady's
sister, on the river, below Baton
Rouge, La, and the reception given
to the young couple when they arrived
at New Orleans was one Of the notable
events Of the period.
At the landing several dozen car
riages, filed with friends and relatives,
surrounded the gangWay Of the steam
or bearing the bride and her lord.
After cordial greetings they we're
driven home on Barronne near
} ulia street. A crowd gathered
about the house soon after, aud at
night the streets around we're illumi-
mated with bon6res. Dreux being
called upon made a brief speech.
The timid young bride went out on
the veranda for q moment to satisfy
the clamorous demand Of the hus~
bands friends, then they dispersed
and left the pair in peace. This
demonstration is alluded to merely
because it was the first nota BILE event
in the fair lady's history. She had
plenty of them afterward, some
tragic, some otherwise, and
many, if related, would make an
interesting story, but space forbids
further mention at this time.
Charlie Dreux, as be was tamiliarly
known, had no equal among the young
men of his time as an orator. He was
as perfect as AppolO, 10 form and fea-
ture, possessed great personal magnet
ism, and he looked as well as acted
handsomely on all occasions. A grad
uate of the Kentucky Military Insti-
tute, his fine figure and soldierly
bearing made him conspicuous wher.
ever seen. and whether in the social
circle or at public gathering, he was
an idol with people Of all classes and
stations. Shortly after he graduated
in Kentucky, aud while on q visit to
Niagara Falls, Dreux was chosen |
orator of the day at the anniver-
sary of the battle Of Lundy's
Lane. General Winfield Scott was
present en- the occasion and rode in |
the same carriage with the youthful
speaker. After the grafton the gruffl
old warrior extended his hand and |
complimented Dreux upon his bril-
liant effort, thing the old General
5eldOm did 70 apy one, and he predicted
a bright future for him, saying be would
keep bis eye upon the young man and
watch his career with interest. Young
Dreux was orator of the day at the
unwilling of the Clay statue in 1855,
on Canal street, monument ia
miliar to all who nave ever visited
the Crescent City. Serving
a. term as q member of
the Legislature, and taking prOpi
.inent stand in various public matters,
he was called upon on many occasions
to make speeches, aud all Of his
efforts we're listened to with marked
attention. No matter where Charlie
Dreux went or what circle he moved
in, he was the observed Of all OBJ.
servers" He organized and became
Captain of a mill tary company Known
as the Orleans Cadets" composed Of
the FIRST young men Of New Orleans
For several years before the war this
company was the favorite on all pa
Fades or public oclasiana. It Opcu-
pied place similar to the "Chicks"
here, and wherever Its Captain
moved he was surrounded by a.
charmed circle as IT were. Later
on the Orleans Cadet company formed
the nucleus ola battalion Of six com
panies, and they chose prOuK as their
commanding Lieutenant Coloael. Ehe
command participated in the capture
Of the arsenal and stores at Baton
Rouge, bloodless event, then served
a short time at Pensacola, was after
wards sent to Virginia, and on the
afternoon Of the 9th day Of July, 1861,
at . skirMigh IN fgont Of Newport
News, Unexpectedly engaged in by
both sides, Dreu1 fell from shot 10
the stomach, and died within an hOur.
It Is elalmsd he was the arst officer
killed on the side Of the South in the
war. Whether or not this was so, he
was certainly the arst prominent Of
oar and the great affection entertainad