Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1874-09-04

The funeral sermon OF the Siamese
Twins was preached by Elder William
Turner, at White Plains meeting
house, four miles south of Mt. Airy.
on Sunday, the 9th inst. A very large
number of people, and many from a
considerable distance, attended the
funeral services.
Born in Siam, in the year 1911, Of
poor parentage, they were induced at
the age of eighteen, to come to this
country by Captain Coffin, in the
year 1929. During the long voyage
the captain taught them to speak the
English language tolerably well.
Their early years were spent III ex-
hibitipg themselves in this country
and Europe, under the care of differ
ent persons, from which they accumu-
lated a considerable income, which
they invested in lands and bonds.
Naturally these twins were intel!i-
gent, spritely, and very hosp;table at
their homes. They married in Wilkes
county. and afterwards settled near
Mt. Airy. They were highly esteemed
as good citizens, and their word was as
good as their bond.
Much has been said to their detri-
ment without any foundation what
ever, and the general turnout of the
neighborhood to pay them their last
tribute OF respect goes to show that
where they were best known they were
most esteemed.
They were considered good business
men and conducted their affairs with
more than usual success.
The families of the twins number as
follows:
Eng had twelve children, five daugh-
tiers and seven sons. Five dead and
seven living. Chang had ten children,
seven daughters and three sons. Two
of the children are dead and eight liv-
ing. Two of these, a girl and boy.
are deaf and dumb and were educated
at the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb
and Blind, at Raleigh. The girl. no "
a young lady, is married to a tutor IL
the above institution, and now resides
in Raleigh. The boy, fine, hand
some little fellow, is still going to
school. Another daughter is married
to a Mr.. Bolejack. All the other chill
dren are unmarried.
The impression that the twins adj
hered to their heather faith is certain
~ mistake. They never connected
Themselves with any church, bnt ac
knowiedged the supremacy OF God an6
cur reconciliation with him through
the death of Jesus Christ.
Ever since Chang was paralyzed in
mid-ocean, on their return from theil
last tour of exhibition, he was peevish
like most other men would be under
like circumstances.
On the day before their death Chang
was at his home. it being the last day
of their three day S term at his house
although Chang was troubled with a
distressing cough. they could not be
persuaded to remain, bu5 went to Eng
and experiencing a very unpleasant!
night, sat up nearly all the time watch
ed by servant. Al the earnest solici.
tation Of Eng, Chang finally laid down
aud almost Immediately fell asleep
\ short time thereafter he was noticed
as struggling, and the family were cal.
led and found him dead, and Eng
awake and perfectfuiy Conscious
Mrs. Chang was sent for and arrived
a short time before Eng died, which
was about two hours after his brother.
Eng evinced 10 fear, but complained
of being cold, and was aware OF his
approaching end, They reacached the
age Of 63 years.
This last tribute of respect to the
memories Of two Of the mos remark
abe twins of our time is due, as much
IS has been said to their detriment and
the circumstances attending their re.
moval to Philadelphia are open wounds
in the hearts OF the families of the de-
ceased. The appearance of the bodies
when they arrived from Philadelphia
were natural and but very little chang
ed from the time they left home. The
hgament was never severed.
Science has been satisfied, though
at tn expense OF torturing the feel
ing's Of the family.