PILCHER, MAJOR JOSHUA

Missouri Reporter | June 8, 1843

In the death of this high esteemed and worthy citizen, society has lost one of its best ornaments.  But few men in the West were more intimately acquainted with our Indian relations, and had been more extensively employed in conducting negotiations with the different tribes.  He was reformed out of office by the present national administration solely on political grounds, being an ardent and consistent Democrat; by one against whose public image and private life not a word of reproach could be uttered.  His memory will be fondly cherished by the thousands in the West who have reaped the fruits of his labors, and whose prosperity is greatly owing to the efficient manner in which he discharged the arduous and delicate duties of his office for a long series of years.  Even the red men of the forest and prairie will remember one, who whilst serving the American Government, was desirous of promoting their happiness and assuaging the miseries of their present unfortunate condition.

Note: Joshua's funeral procession was large and lavish. He was interred at Christ Church Cemetery on the 7th and had according the his will, a lot enclosed by a fifteen foot square stone wall. When Christ Church Cemetery was closed, however, his remains were removed to the Brooks plot in Bellefontaine Cemerty and had been authorized by Virginia C. Brooks, widow of Edward and daughter of Thomas F. Riddick. (pdp 2007)