The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-24
A w1RRp GRAVE SCENE.
Daughters Struggle to See a Fathers
Face.
From the Philadelphia Record.


From the Philadelphia Record
The peaceful serenity Of West Laurel
hin cemetery was rudely disturbed on
Saturday afternoon by an uncanny scene
at the grave Of James V. Manure, formerly
Of this city, who died at DiIlingersviIIe, Le-
high county, on Wednesday last. The con-
tention arose over the desire on the part of
the dead mans daughters to have the casket
opened at the grave. which was vigorously
opposed by Philip Sneck, brother-in-law
or the deceased. The tragic contest brought
a semblance OF animation TO the stolid feat
ures Of the calloused grave diggers.
Mr. Mazurte. who has passed his S0th
year, succumbed to the grip. Services
were held at DillinRersville and the body
was brought to Philadelphia for interment.
At Pencoyd station the remains were trans
ferred to a hearse which was In waiting, and
the cortege proceeded to the cemetery.
Among those present at the grave
were Philip Steck, who had accom-
panied the remains from DilIingersville !;
Mrs Marie A. Reynolds, wife of DIR. ]. P.
Reynolds, the well-known physician of No.
223 South Ninth street, and Mrs Jennie
Mcguire, daughters Of the dead man;
Joseph N. Pile, attorney for the deceased !;
Joseph II. Pile, Jr., and few old friends
and relatives. The widow, who Is confined
TO her home owing to illness, was repre-
sented by her brother, Philip Sneck. 1t
was by his orders that the casket remained
closed
The daughters, who were unable to at
tend the ceremonies at DIllingersville, had
been assured, they claim, that they would
be permitted TO look upon their dead
fathers face at the cemetery, before 1t
should be shut out from view forever.
Mr.. Sneck, however, declined to allow the
casket 10 be opened, claiming that he was
acting under the widows instructions. He
commanded the undertaken to keep the
casket closed. In the meantime, Rev. Dr.
Fury, prayer book in hand, was standing
at the open grave waiting TO read the burial
service.
In the midst OF the daughters' entreaties
MIR. Sneck gave the order to lower the
casket. Then followed a scene of indescrib-
able pathos. The two daughters threw
themselves bodily upon the. coffin, moved
wildly about and cried out to see their
fathers face. Tender hands forced them
back, and the casket was lowered from
sight.
The services began, the solemn tones Of
the clergyman being punctuated by the
sobs of the two women. Gradually their
grief gave way to frenzy and they cried
out against the man that stood In their
path.
In the midst of those impressive words.
heard the denunciahon of the women. As
the clods Of earth fell upon the coffin lid
there was every indication of pitched bat
tie. But semblance of peace was restored
and the carriages drove off.
James V. Manure was almost q recluse
IN his habits, although he will be remem-
bered by many Philadelphiaps as q gentle
man of the old school. His father was q
Frenchman, prosperous merchant, and
an intimate friend Of Stephen Gfrard. He
amassed great fortune in large CONNER
ciat operations. Mr.. Manure was married
twice aud leaves several children. About
fifteen years ago, he moved to Dillingers-
vile, where he passed bis days almost in
solitude. Although an old man, he was
very vigorous and was fond of walking, He
would spend days tramping over the noun
tatns OF Lehlgh county. with gun over his
shoulder. He was never engaged in bus
lness. and leaves large esta1e.