Going back to the Watters branch of the family through the Kearny line, these five souls were lost on the morning of October 3, 1866 when the Evening Star sank after sailing into a hurricane 180 miles east of Tybee Island, GA. Of the approximately 300 aboard, 283 perished. The ship contained lifeboats for only 60 people and not enough life vests for all on board. One group of survivors were picked up by a passing vessel and taken to the port of Savannah, GA while a second group drifted for days and came ashore on the north end of Amelia Island, FL.
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| William Henry Palfrey |
On a more humorous note, an article from a New Orleans source states, "The passenger list was right out of a novel. Besides Civil War veterans, businessmen and families, there was a wide assortment of 'entertainers' (circus performers, magicians, comedians, French opera singers, a ballet troupe and 'ladies of the evening'). The New York Times reported that as many as ninety-five prostitutes perished including a Mrs. King of 'New Orleans notoriety' who 'owned a mansion on Basin Street valued at $75,000'. Her mission was described as an 'unholy errand'. One of the Star madams had a beautiful pair of ponies on board and a fine new carriage."
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