A Biographical Sketch of the Life and Character of Joseph Charless: In a Series of Letters to his Grandchildren

"A Biographical Sketch of the Life and Character of Joseph Charless" by Charless is a biographical account written in the late 19th century. The book comprises a series of letters intended for his grandchildren, detailing the life, values, and characteristics of Joseph Charless, whom the author describes as a morally upright and good man, emphasizing the importance of ethical legacy over material inheritance. The opening portion of the text begins with the author reflecting on the transience of life and the sweetness of a good legacy. In the first letters, the author paints a portrait of Joseph Charless, describing his noble lineage, early life in Lexington, Kentucky, and ultimately his significant contributions to St. Louis as the founder of "the Missouri Gazette." The text is rich in personal anecdotes and family stories, emphasizing the character traits of Joseph Charless and the loving virtues of his parents and grandparents, presenting a deep familial legacy woven with moral integrity and Christian values. Through these reminiscences, the author establishes a foundational understanding of who Joseph Charless was, encouraging his grandchildren to emulate his virtues as they navigate their own lives.