The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-19
BURIED In FLOWERS.
Touching Tributes to the Men,
Dry of Charles w. Lawt0n.
VAST GATHERING or FRIENDS.
The Old Florist Laid to Rest Amid
Genuine Indications OF Sorrow
The Scene at the Grave.

Inc funeral services over the remains Of
Cnarles w. Lawton were held yesterdey aft
ernoon at O'Clock from the family residence,
corner fesler avenue and Fifteenth street, un.
ger the auspices Of the Masonic order Long
before 1t was time for Rev John +. Damon to
open the ceremonies the friends of the family
nao hlied the house, and many were compelled
70 stand In the open air in front of the resi-
oence. me casket containing the remains
was placed in the center of the
parior and completely smothered in
the most beautiful flowers. The floral
decorations covered the entire room. Not a
nook or corner could be found but gave forth
the rich perfumes of nature so dearly loved by
the good man whose life had passed avay.
AT the head of the casket was a grand cross
standing on base embellished with beautiful
floral anchor. The body of the design was made
OF white flowers, including roses, forget-me-nots
and many other varieties embedded in smilax.
At each end of the arm of the cross was placed
large Gala lily. At the foot were large pots
containing tropical plants, mainly OF the palm
apecies.
The casket was of solid oak, with oxidized
silver handles. On the top was q silver plate.
engraved with the name "Charles w. Lawton."
so abundant were the bouquets, skllllully in
terwoven with smilax, that the eye could scarce
see the beautiful casket
When the widow and the near friends we're
seated the Rev. John F. Damon opened the
services with suitable scriptural selections after
which he spoke as follows:
80 many of us, dear friends, have gathered
more than once under circumstances somewhat
similar; the same familiar faces have greeted
Us; the occasion of our assembling has been TO
sympathlze with affection and prom ote a
res toration to that state of feeling to which.
aiter kindred experiences, time has kindly
brought our own once afflicted hearts. The five
letters, death, express the message which
serves to enshroud our lives until the lowering
suggest joy; and we only learn, as we detect the
unvarying purpose of Gods progressive economy,
that these earthern vessels, having subserved
their end, return to mingle with the kindred
gust. and the immortal part that actuated for
Drief space their movement has taken on gar
ment as ethereal as the aroma which, ascending
10 the upper air from their birth place in these
many tinted tributes of respect and affection,
come back to our level, bringing purer and a
better atmosphere for the use and delectation
OF better and an improved generation of our
race. IL Is the OLD story that, ever new, i'm
prints Its lesson upon the folios of hearts to
whom such appeals are not wont to
f 6s made &c t.c who , never unit, brought
messenger had dreamed that the staff upon
which they had so long and SO confidently
leaned could by any posi- bility be SO suddenly
that ending leaves behind memories pleasant to
possess and worthy OF being cherished. 1t Is in
sueh midst we gather; and these vast banks of
flowers, with their appropriate combination and
fashioned symbolism, bespeaking faith in a
Risen Redeemer, attesting fraternal sympathy
ana courtly respect, are redolent of that per-
fume to the enjoyment of which safety is
stranger. These various gifts speak vol
umes for the givsrs and plead for the
common interests OF a common humanity
under its best conditions The newspapers
which gave our fellow citizens the first definite
idea OF this demise-so generally regarded as q
public calamty-have given US Of his life
story; it was my privilege to enjoy many mo-
ments with him in commune upon his favor
lite theme. Botony, pomology and kindred sub
Jects usurped the place the heart of parents is
wont to accord to children His golden products
were his children. When was in Washington
met some OF his whilom associates in the gar
dens of the Smithsonian institute. They were
men noted for special attainment in their given
lines of thought and effort Although SO many
and such stirring years had elapsed since their
personal association had terminated, his men,
ory was fresh and his well-being was q matter OF
moment to them. Let us so live as
to leave behind US memories that
rising above all sordid objects, shall visit and
fertilize the moral atmosphere in which our
childrens children may abide.
An address to the throne of grace concluded
the service at the house, after which the Masons
and friends filed past the casket and from the
house. The procession was escorted by the
Knights Templar and numbered fully $50 Ma
the cemetery 1t was most imposing.
At the grave the casket was covered with a
blanket of flowers interviewer with a ground
work of smilax.
The Rev. Damon then offered prayer and the
casket was lowered to its final resting place, and
the procession slowly returned to the city.