Daily Kennebec journal., 1875-10-09
JOSIE L1NGKAID',S FUNERAL.

The frightful murder on the 4th inst, at Penn
broke n. H., Of Josie Langmaid, continues to be
the subject of great excitement throughout that
entire section Of the country.
10 conclusive evidence, has been obtained
against the man Drew, who was taken into cnsto-
dy on suspicion.
The funeral OF Miss Langmaid took place ed
nesday forenoon 9th. The weatherwa chilly anu
the sky, overcast with leaden clouds, seemed in
keeping With the sorrow which prevailed in des-
olate home and in grief stricken community.
The attendance, as would be expected was very
great, being probably the largest gathering, which
ever took place in the town. The people OF Penn
broke not only were present in large numbers.
but many came from all the adjacent villages. For
long distance on either side the road was lined
with carriages as closely as they could be placed
The large house itself was densely packed through
out, while hundreds stood gathered in the yard
and the street in front. The students OF the Penn
broke Academy, Of which she was member and
delegation from the Congregational Sabbath
School, where she attended, were present in
/ body, the young meH wearing white gloves ana
badges of mourning and the young ladies' sImIar
emblems of grief
| The remains of the murdered girl reposed in
handsome casket in the west front room OF the
house, splendid floral cross, composed OF beanti
full white flowers, standing upon the open lid. Inc
body had been carefully prepared, and, consider.
ing the disfgnrements, had quite natural and
pleasant appearance. The handsome blonde hair
was neatly parted and smoothly combed back and
except for the bruise upon the right cheek, which
showed the cruel heel mark of her murderer, the
face was of sleeping girl of eighteen.
| The services of this solemn occasion commenced
with the singing of the hymn beginning
"Pass me not, gentle Savior"
| a favorite piece often sung by the deceased. Next
was the reading of Scripture selection by Rev.
Henry Dorr, pastor of the Methodist church in
Suncook. After the reading the Rev. Mr.. Dorr
followed with brief but appropriate address
! He remarked that in view of the great calamity
which overshadowed them all, his own heart was
so full of sorrow that he could hardly find words
to express his sad thoughts. Life at best has its
caamitics, but this great sorrow had come 80 sud
denly and Unexpectedly upon this community that
all hearts seemed bowed down with its weight. In
the poignant grief of the parents and others OF the
family and in the general grief Of the community
he could only direct them for consolation to God,
the source OF all faith and hope. He then spoke
personally of the deceased, portraying her loveii-
ness of character and her many accomplishments,
which had endeared her so tenderly to her family
and which had gained her the esteem and conf
dence of all with whom she had associated.
| Rev. Mr.. Goodwin then spoke very touchingly
| of the great sorrow which filed all hearts. The
oref-strcken family and other relatives must seek
consolation not only from above. but in the fact
that the deceased led life whose purity and
beauty would make her long RENE embered and her
memory tenderly cherished by all who knew her
She endeared all hearts to her, and when she
passed from earth by the cruel hand of the muir
derer the sunshine seemed to depart from this
beautiful home.
Professor Walker, principal Of the Academy,
spoke very beautifully Of his personal knowledge
Of the deceased as pupil and friend. Her amia-
bility of disposition endeared her to all her school
associates, while her intellectual abilities gave her
high standing among his scholars. The students
of the institution and himself mingled their tears
with those of the monrners and extended their
deepest sympathies to all.
Rev Mr.. Dorr then opened a morning newspa-
per and read from it tribute paid to the worth
and loveliness of the deceased. The choir then
sang the hymn, "Thy will be DONE" after which
Rev. Mr.. DOT closed with brief prayer and the
benediction.
During the solemn services the sobbings Of the
family were often heard and tears were seen on
many faces. Only small portion Of those pres
ent could hear the exercises but all others testi-
fled their respect by remaining quietly outside
during their progress. The audience was greatly
affected and spirit Of vengeance seemed to pos
sess them. Recognizing this. the minister prayed
for light to seek out the real author of this crime
This feeling bodies no good, and if the evidence
should become strong against any one person
nothing but the barns and the granite walls OF the
State Prison would secure him from the fury OF
the popnlace.
AT the conclusion OF the service it was an
nounced that an opportunity would be given to
view the remains The large assembly then filed
through the ,oom the ladies all going first and
the men following.
The funeral procession was then formed, and,
accompanied by the cergymen, proceeded to
Chichester, few miles distant where, in the
presence Of tie people Of that town and with
prayers and benedicion the remains were con-
signed to their last resting place, amid the scenes
Of her early life.