The Morning herald., 1877-04-21
Local Ana1ra.
Masonic HOnoSs Pwtd to II. ". Geo. Frank
....... G0ssIeu, IN st. Louis. y,y,s

Masontc HonoSs Pwtd to X. ". Geo. Frank
a...., ri lGoMIev, IN 81. Louts. e1ag
The following extract from letter re-
ceived In this city will show the estimation
in which George Frank Gouley was held In
St. Louis, and throughout the West: sl
"MY DEAR FRIEND:-As calamity makes
us brothers mingle my tears and sympathy
with you at . common altar, and can assure
you that the feeling which now fill your
own breast arc but the feelings which re-
spond in the breast Of every one who knew
Frank Gouley. He had the magnetism for
imparting this feeling beyond the circle of
those intimate with him, and yesterday
thousands testified to 1t by their presence at
the last sad tribute 10 his mortal remains,
making it the most imposing and solemn
spectacle st. Louis ever seen. He was
loved as friend and respected as citizen
and In his official position shed . lustre Oh
his office, that has made one of the most
honorable in the land. He filed the position
so ably as to make national and world
wide Masonic reputation for himself and he
did 1t without effort, without seeming TO
wish it or know 1t. Had he been governed,
the selfish ambition so common among pub.
lie men of our time, his capacity would have
sent him towering above many who stand in
tho front rank of our nation. He chose
rather the path of peace and love, and bis
funeral yesterday was a tribute to this. his
remains were taken charge of by the Knights
Templar and placed in state in the main
hall of the Masonic Temple. A beautiful
catafalque was raised above them draped
and festooned with natures choicest
bank of white roses on which
the word 'srest" was in plain view COM
posed of violets. On the coffin was q pro-
fus on of choice wreathes with various em
blems of affection, the offeringsof some Of
our most respected citizens. Suspended
amid-air Immediately over the coffin, float
ed a beautiful white dove with wings ex-
tended at the foot of the coffin stood
beautiful floral design, a broken
column resting on solid square base, the
en- ire piece made of white roses, cara-liies
and other rare and fragrant flowers, and on
the top another white dove about to fly
down. The whole was inclosed In draped
triangle, festooned with evergreens. Until
the body was removed, six Sir Knights
kept watch night and day. You see that he
has received all the attention, respect and
care that loving hearts and hands could be-
stow. His funeral was attended by all the
dignitaries of the city and State, while
many representatives came from other
States to offer respect to him, indeed one
of the pleasing tokens of respect aud sor-
row, was the many kilograms from all parts
of our country, asking to share our sorrow
and testify to his worth. But this cannot
bring back the dead or restore him to u.s.
He leaves vacancy hard to fill, and In
grief like this we must bow that august
Being who Wills It, feeling that whatever he
does is done for his own good purpose. l
have written much longer than 1 intended,
but must add one pleasing suggestive In
cident which occurred at the grave. While
the Grand Master was speaking, a beautiful
butterfly which seemed 10 have been imfrls-
oned among the flowers on the coffin, took
wing and flew into the open vault, an cmr
blem cf the Immortality upon which our
brother had already entered.
His funeral will take place to-day at two
o'clock, from the residence of bis sister-n
law, Mrs. White, corner Of Sixth and King
streets. A large delegation Of Maso,s from
Baltimore and Philadelphia, will accom-
pany the remains, and the ceremonies at The
grave will be Of most interesting charac-
/ tnr