The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-08-12
For the HERALD
Grants Obsequies ~ Observ.
ed in somerset.

Grants Obsequies ~ Observ.
ed In Somerset.
Throughout the length and breadth OF the
land the funeral services for the greatest
man in aIl the world. have been celebrated
Not only in America. :. The land of the free
and the home of the brave. have the en-
blems of sorrow been displayed and the
voice of mourning been heard. Grant is the
only name in the history Of earth that has,
when ii became but memory, thrown the
whole world into mourning. Jew, Mahon-
meian, Pagan and Christian mourn aiike
and an universal prayer ascensis to the
Grand Architect ofthe Universe, whether
called Jehovah, Jove or Lord, for the
well being of the great soul, now gone for
ever. But 1 set out, not TO euiogize the
name before whose magic sound world
bows, and has bowed in homage-thaf ha:
been done by ADLER pens than mine, by the
silver voices of those who can speak Wen
throughout an entire planet-his name ano
fame have been sounded.
Down in New York City, the future me-
tropolis of earth, his tomb has been builded
There, undisturbed by the voice OF trade
the tramp of busy millions
The lightnirgs may flash and the wild
thunders rattle,
He heeds not he hears not he is free from
all pain
He sleeps his last sleep; he has fought his
last battle;
No sound shall ere rouse him to glory
again"
Somerset was early reused by the unwont-
ed sound of booming cannon. All day the
sound continued 10 break on the ears OF the
citizens. At o'clock P. N. the bell on the
Court House began to toll for the departed
hero. The Grand Army OF the Republic
marched to the sound of music through the
principal streets OF the town, and finally to
the Court House, which was packed with the
greatest crowd the writer has ever seen ia it,
and he has seen it so full that it seemed ab-
solutely impossible for another person to
find standing-rooin. Fully five hundred
persons were in town to do honor to the
/" Old Commander who were unable to OBJ
tain places in the Courtroom. J. M. Cook,
Commander of the K P. Cummins' Post OF
the G. A. L. read a series of resolutions, al
ter which the vast audience rose as one man
and stood with bowed heads while Rev. c.
IC. Il. Duncan. pastor OF the Presby terian
Church, offered an eloquent prayer. The
vocal music was in charge of W. II. Rup-
pei, Esq, and was furnished by choir oil
ladies and gentlemen. The music was
credit to the performers. The first address
was By Rev. King. pastor OF the Reformed
Church, ana member of the G A. K He
stated that the name of Grant should be piac-
ed high on the obelisk of fame at least along
side that of Miltisdes. and Washington, high
er than Alexander, Cesar, or Bonaparte.
regret that am unable TO give in full the
burning words of this address, words that
shall live in the memories Of those who heard
them until they have ceased to take cogni-
zance OF sounds. and have been consigned
to the grave.
This address was followed by music. Rest
Spirit Rest. which was magniticently rem
dered. when another address was deliver
ed by Rev Pershing, pastor of the NJ. Z
Church. 4 manly, outspoken statement Of
the character of the great man we met to
mourn. He stated that America has pro-
duced three great men, men whose names
will go ringing down the ages so long as the
world stands. Names that need not the
voice of the orator, or the pen of the Histor-
ian to ernbalm them forever in the memory
Of the nations. and those three names are
Washington. Lincoln and Grant. Music
When the final address was delivered by
Rev. C. c. D. Dupean-a most eloquent ad-
dress. Everything was done with eeoeney
and in order Notwithstanding the great
number of people in this place there was nc
drunkenness, and every one seemed i'm
pressed by the occasion.
Toward evening walked up to theceme.
tery where under the orders Of Herman
Cunningham. ESQ. was the cannon whose
notes had all day pealed over the town, and
echoed across the surrounding hills anc
wales. A cannon had been east which ex-
plodei at the fifth discharge, and il wa:
supposed that the firing Of cannon would
have to be dispensed with but the inventiv,
genius of Mr.. Stonebraker surmounted th'
difficulty, and the result was the most queel
looking piece of artillery on winch the ey,
of man ever rested. A four inch gaspips
was taken, and another pipe put into it. ii
this was placed another. and so on unit
there was a two inc.I bore; these were firm
ly fastened together; but that there might b
no danger whatever, Mr. Stonebraker went
to the propriefors of the rock-crushing ma
chine below town, and obtained four hug,
worn out centers for the MASSIVE rolls used
| in this work. These eenters were very mas
siye. and each was perforated with hole in
! TO which a shaft had once been interted
This hole was the exact size of the outer d.
ameter of the gaspipe cannon, which wa:
placed in it, the whole bolted immovably
together by inch and three-qGarter bolts o.
/ tough wrought iron, secured By massive
nuts, on heavy thread. Such gun pre-
sumo has never before been seen, and likely
| will never be seen again. The writer sug
gested that this gun be suitably labeled and
expressed to the Smithsonian Institute a
Washington. d. C. He also ct the reques
of several citizens sent note requesting Mr.
Brooks, scenic photographer to come and
take view of the gun and surroundings
which was done.
At length drilling rain came on-th'
sun sunk in clouds behind the western bill.
citizens retired to their houses and the day
set apart for the obsequies of the foremos
man in all this world" was ended.
August $, 1855. BEBT.
The following petition was very numer
ously signed by citizens of this town and
township and those living along the line Of