The morning call., 1893-11-25
BORNE TO REST.
Funeral of Ex-Secretary
Jeremiah Rusk.
CLOSE OF A GREAT LIFE.
Thousands Gathered to Do Honor to
One of the Nations Honest
Men.

VIRoQUA, Wis.,, Nov. pa great gath
ering OF people this afternoon barred their
heads to brisk, cold wind from the west
while the last earthly tribute was paid to
jeremiah Rusk, Ex-Governor, ex-Con-
gresham and late Secretary of Agri-
culture. Ex-President Harrison, who was
very fond of the sturdy old statesman.
journeyed all the way from Indianapolis
to be present at the interment and follow
the remains to the last resting place, walk
ing with members of the family as one OF
the chief mourners.
The obseQuies were a fitting finale to
the simple life of Wisconsin's great COM
moner, the most picturesque character the
State ever produced. The bitterly cold
weather did not prevent the people from
the entire surrounding country from being
present and testilying their affection for
the deceased. and large number OF
strangers were present also. Delegations
came from the most distant parts of the
Northwest and three heavy special trains
arrived during the day. The first WAS
from La Crosse at noon; the second from
Madison. bringing Governor Peck and
most of the State officers, and the third
from Chicago and Milwaukee. bringing
ex-President Harrison, ex-Aftorney-Gen-
eral Hytler and Assistant Secretary Of
Agriculture Willets, and delegation Of
Loyal LIE egon and Masonic fraternities.
Under guard of honor from Lowrie
Post, 6. A. R.. all the associates of the
dead soldier. the remains lay all night in
state In the little Methodist Church, con-
tinuing until 2 O'clock, the hour of the
funeral, and continuous stream of peo-
pie passed the bier as it rested. surrounded
by floral tributes from all parts of the
country. There were many affecting
scenes as grizzled veterans lmped by to
get a last look at the familiar features
many Of them giving vent to sorrow iB
audible weeping. The face showed little
emaciation, despite the long illness, and
as II asleep, the features being framed in
enowy hair and beard. Everywhere about
the little town were evidences. in the
mourning emblems with which the houses
were draped. and in the closed and silent
factories. of the deep esteem in which the
departed was held by his neighbors.
Immediately on the arrival of Mr.. Har-
rison and party they were driven to the
Rusk mansion, where personal condolences
were offered to the stricken relatives.
Thence the party proceeded to the church
and we're shown to seats reserved for
them. A great crowd assembled a. bout the
edifce and stood In the snow with barred
heads while the services proceeded, de-
spite the intensely cold weather. The
simple services were conducted by Rev.
Mr.. Nuzum of the Methodist church, assist
ed by the venerable Professor Butler, who
delivered feeling and eloquent address
from the standpoint Of longtime personal
friendship. His participation was at Gen.
eral Rusk's request, shortly before death.
The choir sang number of Rusk's
favorite hymns. and the religious services
were followed by reading the beautiful
burial service of the Masonic Blue Lodge
by E. Y. BenZenberg. commander of the
Wisconsin consistory. The little church
was effectively draped. A large portrait of
the deceased hung back of the altar.
framed In Grape. and large silk flag
draped the altar itself.
At the conclus ion OF the services a pro-
cessi0n was formed of over a mile In
length and proceeded TO the cemetery,
where the Masonic services were held
committing the body to dust, and the ex-
ercises concluded with firing salute over
the grave