Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-11-17
UNCLE ALF.~ EsTELL.
His Funeral MISUNDERSTANDING Eulogy
by Rev. 3. c. Bane.

MS uneTdi EulOGY
by Rev. =. c. Bane.
The Seventh-street Methodist Church
was filed yesterday by the mourning
friends of Alfred Henderson Estell, who
had gathered there to pay their last out
ward token of respect to his cherished
memory. The flower-covered casket rested
in front of the pulpit, the mourners' seats
being occupied by the pall-bearers and
more imm ediate friends of the deceased.
Appropriate selections were sung BY q
choir composed of Mrs. Addie Carter, Miss
Emma Felter, r. 7. Cohn and Benjamin
Edison. Mrs. Boucher presided al the
organ.
The pastor, Rev. A. G. Bane, delivered an
eloquent and touching address, in which
he reviewed the life and character of the
deceased. They were not there, he said, to
do honor to the memory of some noted
General, or Governor, or Senator, or other
titled citizen. The friend whose earthly
remains were soon to be consigned to the
cold embrace Of the earth was simply
Uncle ALT" He could see from the faces
of those present that they loved him while
living-that they revered his memory now
that he was dead. The workman" he said,
i
occasion is another call to the young men
to prepare for that which is to take place
to stand at the helm-to grasp the reins of
life, for the old men are dying. We are re-
minded ofthe greatness of God, and of this
world, and how puny is man; for mana
good msn-may die, and this earth does
not even receive jar. Before this great
God We must soon stand. We seem to
forget that we have to die; this scene is an
other call TO prepare to stand before God ia
judgment.
"Thisis an hour when love reigns-love
comes in at such an hour as this and
covers all the faults of the dead, and we
think and speak only of the good they did
/ wish we would not wait till men die to
manifest this love. How many lives would
be happier if we would cover and forget
their faults, and speak only of the good
that was in them The presence of so
many and such sad faces tells me-if did
not know it--tbst good man has died.
Uncle ALT Estiil II want YOU to let me
call him what the children called him,
Uncle AID, was born in Tennessee, and
came to California as a pioneer in 10. He
was one of that band OF hardy men whose
finger prints are seen upon everything in
California that is substantial. He held
DIany positions of honor and trust, and was
faithful in all. He died peacefully in Reno,
Nevads, lasJ Thursday evening
las man he was gentle, pure, kind,
benevolent and truthful You could point
to him and say, There is gentleman As
a citizen he was peaceful, loyal and enter
prising As public officer he was servant
faithful and honest The universal verdict
is, Uncle Aft was honest As a friend be
was warm hearted, true, tender and abid-
ing. As friend you knew him best, and
loved him most.
IF you ask me, where was his home?
say, at the Capital Hotel, among his friends,
But more-around hundred hearthstones
in California he bad as many homes-you
each called him member of your family.
Had he family No; he was unmar-
ried. Bat, yes-all the children were his I;
they loved him-they delighted to take his
hand and say. Good morning, Uncle ALI
We can have no higher honor than to have
all the children love us no higher en-
comium has been spoken of this man. He
must have been good and pure man, for lit
tie children love only that which is good and
pure.
What made Uncle Aft so good? Gods
grace. Men don't make themselves good
He had good Christian mother. Then
he fed on the Gospel he went to church
every Sunday, and imbibed the Christianity
of the Bible, till it made him what he was.
Iwish you, has friends, would follow his
example, and Christianity soften your
natures. He was a warm and faithful
friend of this church, where he had wor-
SHIPPED for years.
'tPionsers, Tour ranks are getting thin.
One by oae you are dropping out. You
NAV 90 next-get ready.
~ know not how Uncle Aft, died, but he
had such faith in God; he was fed on the
Gospel so long-he had heard Of the story
of a Savior's lcve so often that, let Us hope
and trust. he lifted his heart TO God in his
closing hours. and died in perfect peace.
The above synopsis of Mr.. Bane's re-
marks gives but faint idea of their touch
inc character. It is safe TO say that there
was not dry eye in the church while he
was speaking. Gray-hsired pioneers bent
their heads and wept freely as they listened
to the tender words spoken OF their de-
parted friend and brother, and all over the
church men, women and children sobbed
as II they all mourned the loss OF some
member of their own family. II was 8
scene seldom witnessed. and one that told,
more eloquently than words, of their love
for Uncle ALI"
after the pastors remarks the caskei
was opened, and all present filed past and
took final look at the face of their friend
The casket was then borne to the hearse
and the funeral procession moved ont to
the City Te-,e*e--. ~ So --arn tlo I'll ~,