Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-01-09
THE LAST SAD RITES.
The Remains of the Hon. John r. Bri
erly Laid to Rest.

The Remains of the Hon. John K. Bri-
erly Laid to Rest.
SAN JOSE, January Sth.-The funeral of Gen
eral John 4. Briefly of Los Angeles who died
in this city on Monday last, was held to-day un-
der the au-pices of the Grand Lodge, Knights
of Pythias, assisted by the subordinate Lodges
Grand chancellor I. G.. Crowley of san Fran
cisco, and other Grand Officers were present
Services were held in 5rand Army HALL An
address was delivered by Rev. P. C. Minton
The ceremonies of the order were held at the
grave in Oak Hill Cemetery. There was large
attendance.
HIS LAST ILLNESS,
For some time past Mr. Briefly ever active
on behalf OF Los Angeles, has been engaged in
arranging for the sale OF certain of her bonds
which, owing to legal complications, are some
what involved. In connection with this busi-
ness he has spent much of his time at Sacra-
mento and San Francisco While in the latter
He made light of the matter for time, but on
the 2S h of November came down to visit his
sister to have the benefit of the milder climate
mere, as well as the more potent good OF the
care and nursing of his friends From this
sickness he never wholly recovered, though he
did not take to his bed until last Friday.
The disease is supposed to be the outcome OF
an illness with which he was afflicted several
years ago and which developed dropsical ten.
denotes. 1t resulted finally in diabetes and
affected the brain. For some weeks past Mr..
Briefly has seemed at times to be in dazed
condition alternating with periods of his usual
mental clearness and activity. These periods,
however became gradually less frequent and of
shorter duration.
Sisce Christmas his brain has never been
clear and strong for any length OF time. a few
days ago he seemed to rally and appeared quite
bright and cheerful. He spoke merrily to some
of his friends of q by-gOne froic and laughed
with something of his old hearty geniality. In
one of these moments of mental clearness he
spoke of making his will, and asked for Calvert
4. Bird TO assist him in doing so. Before Mr.
Bird arrived, however, the momentary lueidity
was passed.
On Sunday he complained, for the first time
of sensations of pain IN the head and back, aud
when tome friends who had been with him
during the evening left the room, he seemed to
give up and sink into oupeonsciousness. He wss
attended by DR.. G. H Hervey and Dr Thorne,
who did all in the power of human skill 10 re-
vive him, but in vain.
The strong, clear brain, so full OF usefulness
to the state and his fellow men, was fast being
locked in the tightening bands of paralysis. He
was breathing softly and peacefully yesterday
morning about O'Clock, and shortly before 9
his brother-in-lew, Mr.. Tarlton, left the room
for moment. In a short time the nurse called
him. Mr.. Briefly had ceased to breathe and
the pulse was still.
peacefully that the moment of its touch was un
known to any save the sufferer. to whom it
brought rest from his labors and the cessation
OF pain.
Mr.. Briefly was member of the Knights of
Pythias and was one of the Grand officers of
the Order. He also belonged to the Ancient
Order of United WoIkmen, and was at one
time a member of the Red Men. He belonged
to the Baptist Church. and was baptized into it
| III San Jose while quite young man.
He died intestate, and leaves no relatives save
his sister, Mrs. Tarlton, a half brother, DR..
Conant Briefly. of Los Angeles, and nephew,
Ben Briefly, of Seattle.
Though he has been an active and successful
business man all his life, such was his open
handed generosity to his relatives, his friends,
his party, his town, his STATE and the poor that
he accumulated very little, and it is estimated
that his estate will not exceed $4,000.