Old Time Hotel Man in Paducah, But Has Been Retired For Long Time.
For many years a resident and respected citizen of Paducah, William Bougeno,
a native of France, died at 4:45 o'clock this morning at the residence
of his daughter, Mrs. Ed D. Thurman, 306 South Third Street. He was 77
years old. Death was due to softening of the brain and a general physical breakdown.
Six weeks ago his health became bad and a week later he was compelled to go to his bed.
He had been unconscious for several days. During his entire illness he bore his suffering
patiently and the end came peacefuly.
Mr. Bougeno was born in Baucher Oise, France, January 2, 1833. At the age of 14 years he
immigrated to the United States and settled in Paducah. He engaged in the hotel business at
First street and Broadway on the present site of the Armour Packing company in 1854
and two years later he met his wife, who was also a native of France, but who had not known
Mr. Bougeno until they met in this city. Her name was Ortance Deseur and she came from
Compyne, France, her birthplace.
In 1882 Mr. Bougeno set up in the grocery business. In 1885 he sold it and opened the St.
Nicholas hotel. Five years later he retired from active business life, owing to advancing
age. Mr. Bougeno was the last member of his family. His wife died February 17, 1903, and
since that time he has made his residence with his daughter, Mrs. Thurman. He was a devoted
member of the First Baptist church and was a member of the Masonic and Golden Cross lodges.
He is survived by five children, 31 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. His children are
as follows: Mrs. M.T. Linn, of DuQuoin, Ill.; Mrs. E.D. Thurman, Mrs. Edward Kruger and Messrs
Henry and John Bougeno, all of this city.
The funeral services will be conducted at the First Baptist church at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow
afternoon, the pastor, Rev. M.E. Dodd, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery. The
Paducah Lodge of Masons will have charge of the services at the graveyard.
The pall-bearers will be: Honorary--Messrs. J.H. Burnett, Jake Potter, R.L. Ely, William Lockwood,
Chris Musselman and A.J. Smith; active--H.B. Saltsgiver, Charles E. Horton, Roy C. Judd,
Charles H. Munster, Daniel Orr and O.T. Anderson
Source: William Coltharp. Unknown date and unknown newspaper.