Excerpts from THE GREAT WEST – published in 1855

When Richard Edwards wrote his Great West, about 1855, he consulted with Madame Elizabeth Ortes. He said she was at that time "the only woman living who recollects the founder of St. Louis." Mr. Edwards gave from the recollection of Madame Ortes, this description of Laclede:

"He was little above the medium size, of very dark complexion, with a large nose, expansive brow, and piercing and expressive eyes."

Madame Ortes was born at Vincennes the year that St. Louis was founded, 1764, and came in her childhood to St. Louis. She was fourteen years of age when Laclede died. Her opportunity to know the founder was excellent. Jean B. Ortes, the husband of Elizabeth Ortes, was one of the companions of Laclede who came with him from the old home on the southern border of France. Jean B. Ortes built the first church in St. Louis. He was a carpenter, a cabinet-maker and was living in the town when the first newspaper was started.

Madame Ortes survived him many years and according to Edwards, was in good health with an astonishing memory at the age of ninety-six. The Philibert family descended from her, a daughter having married Joseph Philibert, who was one of the early fur traders.