The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-07-12
FOLLOWED FRIEND TO GRAVE.
Captain Conrad Died Within /;
Week of John Il. Priest.

Captain Peter Conrad, one Of the oldest
o. the Mississippi River captains, died al
s. Mays infirrary yesterday after .
continuous residence in this CRY OF more
than seventy years. Captain Conrad WIS
50 years old. his Death was due 20 asthma.
He leaves Two children
Captain Conrad was born in Hagerstown.
Md in 1S-1 and came q this city with his
parents II. ISD. From the very first he en-
gagged in the river business. and with the
oeveloprent Of the business around the
:ort!es and up 10 the Civil War he became
3 very wealthy man
he had been known for years a. the
owner Of the creates, number Of steam
boats ever possessed by one man He
owned more than forty boats during his
business career. among then, some OF the
most famous Of their day. which means
good deal when the importance OF the river
business at that time Is considered. Among
;he boats were the Balloon, Polar STAR
Niara-a, David Watts, 2. ". Streator.
Belfast. Argonaut Bon Accord Pearl and
SaIuda-
The Ias.-uau,ed boa. was one OF the best
known OF the river in her day. and the
disaster IN which she was destroyed Is
remembered by all those who were living
here 81 the time The boilers OF the boat
burst while she was AZ the wharf at Lex
ington, Ky, and so persons were killed BY
IN, explosion. Captain Conrad was on the
was blown across the wharf onto the land.
escaping death only by a miracle. His
loss on that occasion was $se,ooe. the boat
being only partially insured.
Steamers belonging 20 Captain Conrad
were seen on all ire principal rivers OF the
country at one tine. his lines being thu
fororanners of many % the important lines
Of to-day. F:e was the founder Of the first
St Louis and Tennessee River Packet
Company ana Of the original Illinois River
Packet Company, being president OF both
companies. He was also director and
Sjce president Of the Keokuk Northern I&ne.
OF the Southern Iron Works and president
Of the Missouri sand Company
While still quite young man he was
married to Marie Louise Chartrand or the
weIl-known French family Of that name
His wife died - years ago and he has how
surviving only a son, Francis, who s-ili lives
at the family residence No. 1923 ChouteaU
avenue. and a married daughter, Mrs Frank
". Worrzl.
As has been mentioned. Captain Conrad
was very wealthy at the close OF the Civil
War. but he lived l;xGriousiy and his for
Of TIE most extensive property owners in
South s.. Louis al one time He and John
G Pries- invested about the same TINA in
this locality. BY singular coincidence both
have died within a week. the death OF Nh
Priest doubtless hurrying Captain Coura9's
demise. as the two men were greatly at
tzched 20 each Other.
Captain Conrad retired from business
about fifreen years ago. He was afflicted
with asthma about two years age. and IL
trouble ttat he was taken at his own
cues, TO ST Mary's Infirrnary- about two
weeks ago. He died at an early hour 1es-
rerday morning
The funera! will be held at the Holv
Angels Church. to-rncrrov, at O'clock.
Rather Kelly officiating. The body vii!
be buried in Calvary Cemetery. Captain
Cor,rat: always had great aversion TO pail
bearers and on this account the coffin will
be born by negro servants.
The estate he leaves Is estimated to be
worth ylao0le.