A Story of a Husband’s Devotion to His Wife

Rest in peace Mr. and Mrs. Sanders.

The Chicago Tribune, 2 January 1899, Page 4

HORSE STRAYS WITH AGED NEGRO’S WEALTH HIDDEN IN ITS COLLAR.

Charles Sanders Loses $95, the Savings of Nine Years – He Hoarded It to Buy a Tombstone for His Slave Wife’s Grave.

Somewhere on the West Side is a stray horse with $95 hidden in its collar. The money and horse belong to Charles Sanders, colored, 84 years old, and represent the old man’s savings for nine years. He had been hoarding the amount to use in placing a tombstone over the grave of his wife, who died in slavery in Monroe, La.

During the World’s Fair Sanders came to Chicago and engaged in the calcimining business at 369 May street. With a small amount of money which he had he purchased a horse and wagon, and used the outfit in traveling about the city and soliciting work.

A few days ago Sanders accumulated $95, and he sewed it in the lining of his horse’s collar for safety. Yesterday the horse strayed away with the collar and the money.

Sanders reported his loss to Sergeant Hogan at the Maxwell Street Police Station last evening.

The Inter Ocean (Chicago, IL) 3 January 1899, Page 9

HORSE IS HIS BANK.

Sanders’ Nag Elopes with Owner’s Tombstone Money.

Charles Sanders, a colored man 84 years old, is sure that this will not be an unlucky year for him. Sunday his horse, wearing a collar in which the owner had sewed $95, his savings for nine years. Wandered away and the old man thought that his savings and horse were gone forever. The matter was reported to the Maxwell street police and officers from that station picked the stray horse up early yesterday morning. The collar still contained the $95, and, together with the horse, it was turned over to the owner. Sanders says that he was saving the money to build a tombstone over the grave of his wife, who died in slavery at Monroe, La.

As a side note, come out Thursday to the old Miller Roy Building at 4:30 pm. A marker will be unveiled to mark the importance of the Savoy Ballroom as a music venue. This is part of the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail.