The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-03-12

The Resting-P1ace of the Great Forrest
From a recent article from the pen OI

FROM a recent article from tnt pen %
Theodore Hamilton, the well.known &C
tor, published in the Philadelphia Rem
we condense the following
Recently a desire 10 see the grave Of
Edwin Forrest, the tragedian of the past
generation, prompted me 10 make inQui-
ries OF several actors and theatrical mana.
gers, but, strange as IL may seem none
were possessed Of a knowledge as 10 its
locality. BY chance ! met old John Reed
who has been employed for sixty years
or more in OF about one Of the
many theatres in Philadelphia, and
the father of a long line of actors and ac-
t~resses. He seemed delighted to think that
there was some one who felt an interest
in the grand old man" as he STYLED
him, and Immediately proceeded 10 direct
me with minuteness to the spot.
On the east side OF South Third street,
midway between Walnut and Spruce
streets, stands the 81. Paul's Protestant
Episcopal church. 1t is an Old brick
structure, and was erected in 1860. 1t is
surrounded by open space paved with
brick, and IN the north and south sides
are long lines of family vaults, where re-
pose the families of many men who have
left their mark upon the progress of the
Quaker city. The front is enclosed into
a thick wall OF brick, with three large
wrought iron gates-through these, a
view can he Ind of the church from the
street. Four large maple trees stand
within the enclosure, in front Of
the old structure. and are the
only signs of verdure to be seen.
On The south side Of the church, the fifth
from the gate, Is the vault of Edwin
Forrest
The slabs all lie fiat over the apertures
to the vaults, and though odd in their
similarity. are all precisely alike in shape
and size. No destinations monument
rears its column to make a distinction in
death. The millionaire and the poor man
are here clothed alike. The grave Of the
tragedian is simple, and gives 30 indica-
tion OF his stormy and eycntful career, but
what it records tells an interesting his.
tory.
The red leaves Of autumn were blowing
about wildly by the first fitful wind OF
winter as ] entered the churchyard and
paused at the foot Of the slab OF marb e
covering the remains OF the great ACTOR
and all his kindred. The many col0red
leaves from the naples had gathered
thickiy on and about the vault. Wishing
TO copy the inscription ! tried 10 brush
them away, when an old man came from
the church, and with a broom began
clearing The leaves away.
THE CARETARER's LAMENT.
"YOu wish to see the grave >" said he.
"Ah he Was a good man TO Va all. Its
about fifteen years since we put him
and You are the only person | ever
saw here in all that time 10 see the grave
of Mr.. Forrest
This seemed incredible, but when |
reflected that the actor had placed within
the vault all his kith and kindred before
he himself passed away, It did not seem
strange. The old man, who proved to
be the caretaker of the church. and had
been such for many years, finished sweep
and stood looking upon the slab with
reycrential look, while the autumn wind
the leaves to wind abont his feet
rs though the spirit OF the dead man was
expressing his gratitude that his grave
at least have a passing remem
Jrance.
NO" said he, there's no one left to
gee 10 his grave. He often came here
stood in silence where you now
stand, sir. Why, | remember when /
came here, a mere boy, there was but one
his family buried there, and that was
his father. The first time | ever saw him
at his brothers burial. He was then,
think. the handsOmest man | ever look
ID upon. Just read the tomb sir, and
ell me what year it was when we buried
MS brother"
Looking ut the tomb, | said, in 1884" ,
"Well, how old was he then, sir"
why, he was born in 1906, 50 he was y,
hen % years Of age"
Recalling TO my memery the face Of
Forrest, painted in London in
S36, ia John ). Clarke's gallery of ia
nous portraits, [ could easily fancy him
he Apollo of his day. The old man said,
Yes, that was about his age. | was a
title older than he was. They tell me ! am
sS-but my mind is very clear as TO
verytbing that ever happended about the s.
hurch. Mr.. Forrest was always fond OF
ur church, sir; ! believe he was born
lose about here-and | remember he told
ne that
HIS FATHER AND MOTHER
married In this old house. There is
register Of the christening OF all
heir children. What year was il his u
died.
| looked at the tomb and told him 1S47.
"Ah, yes; he seemed AT that time a n
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