The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-08-03
Cremation in South Carolina.

MARION, S. c., July 11.-On Sunday,
the 9th inst, Mr.. Henry Berry, a ven
cradle, respected, and refined citizen of
Marion County, departed this life. The
deceased was a successful farmer, hav-
ing been one of the most extensive
! planters in the State, at one time dur
ing his career having been possessor of
$4,000 acres of land, and in addition an
independent fortune. At the time of
his death his cotton plantation alone
contained several thousand acres of the
most fertile land in the State.
Prior to his death he had requested
that his body might be burned. The
reasons assigned for this strange desire
are as follows: About twenty-four
years ago two relatives of his died.
After ,aving been buried several years
tue Surviving relatives desired to have
the remains disinterred to be removed
to spot located in an adjacent section.
In accordance with this desire the
bodies were disinterred, and during the
removal the coffin lids became detach-
ed and the bodies were exposed to the
public gaze. Having been buried long
time they were, of course, in a fearful
state of decomposition. Mr.. Berry was
present on this occasion, and, witness
ing the scene, made a solemn declara-.
lion that his remains should not be sub
iect to similar fate. He afterward
frequently alluded to the condition of
the bodies and repeated his declaration
made at the time of the eremoval. Very
little confidence was placed in his state
ment at the time, but that-it was fixed
determination the following will show.
The deceased has several surviving sons,
all men of advanced age. Several months
ago he held conversation with them,
stating that after his death he desired not
to be buried, but that his body should
be consumed by fire, and enjoined upon.
them that they should participate in the
proceedings. Naturally the sons were
shocked at this declaration, and used
every available means to dissuade him
from his intention. Argument was use
less, and, entertaining doubts in refer
ence to the faithful execution of his de-
sire, he entered into q contract with
two of his employees, allowing them
two mules and $500 if they would SUI
perintend the cremation proceedings.
The parties accepted the proposition.
About two months ago he made a will,
in which he very explicitly states that,
if his sons do not allow his body to be
burned, and do not participate in the
matter, it would be under penalty of
disinheritance. During his life he Sc
lected two pine trees adjoining his farm
which should be used on the occasion,
and also designated the spot where it
should take place. see s. -. 2
According to arrangements the ere
nation took place at O'Clock this
morning. Carriages, buggies, and We
hicles of every description were in ac-
tive demand to convey spectators to the
scene, and at the appointed time an
immense crowd was in attendance
The trees designated by the deceased
were cut down, and all the necessary
arrangements having been perfected,
the body was laid On a platform sur
rounded by an inclosure about 20 feet
in height. After appropriate services,
held by Baptist divine, the cOmbusti-
bles were ignited, and in about two
hours all that remained of the deceased
was ashes.
During the process variety Of Opin-
ions were expressed by those in attend
ance-the prevailing impression being
that it was an outrage on the sensibili-
ties of the people, and that it should
have been prevented by the authorities.
Cor. Ne1O York Herald.