The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-10-15
AN EX-|MAYOR Laid TO REST
Funeral Services Over the Body Of
Hon. Robert McKune.
EUL0GY OF REV. DIR. S. c, LOGAN
pronounced in the First Presbyterian
Church-Remains Lay in State in the
City Hall for Several Hours.
Buried With Masonic Rites.

The remains of the late Robert II, Nc
hune were buried yesterday and fun
eral services held in ceremony and man
ner betting the memory of him as ex-
mayor of Scranton.
During the morning and until 2
O'Clock the body lay in state in the
municipal building. Public services
were held in the First Presbyterian
church, where the remains were taken
at 2:l5 o'clock. and the burial was made
under Masonic auspices In Forest Hill
cemetery
The corridor of the municipal building
was divided by large flags into an
apartment, where the remains rested in
plain black, cloth-covered casket. All
morning and until the hour of the
church services many took last look
at their deceased friend. 1t was re-
membered by those who knew him best
that the facial expression was wonder
fully lifelike and peaceful. Behind the
casket on table reposed many floral
remembrances. The guard Of honor in
the hallway and about the casket was
composed of the following police officers
and members of the Crystal Engine
company: Patrolmen Gurrell, Meinzer
and Thomas, and G. A. Connor, II. p.
Wilcox, Charles Gessler and Henry
Hines.
Wilkes.Barre Men Present.
representatives Of the Wilkes-Barre
board of trade, of which the deceased
was secretary, viewed the remains and
attended the funeral. They were: Pres
ident Isaac Long, Charles ]. Long,
Cyrus Straw, ]. w. Driesbach, ]. X p.
Fenner M. H. Post, Marcus Smith and
Mr.. James. DR.. Warner, ]. M. Burdick,
DR.. Higgins and c. Foot were also
among the Wilkes-Barre men.
The pallbearers and honorary pail
bearers were past masters of the Union
lodge of Masons and members of Crys-
tai Engine company, respectively, as
follows: Pallbearers, William Beau
mont, David Mcdonald, John Harvey,
E. II. Hall, John 7. Fitzpatrick, Colonel
f. l.. Hitchcock; honorary bearers, ID.
j. Newman, A. X. Adams, d. j. Sloe,
F. f. Schoen, Charles Heinmein, Henry
j. Kiefer The flower bearers were
John M. Kefnmerer, c. @. Carman, John
Madison and William Maylin
At the church the central part Of the
auditorium was occupied by Masons,
and the fire and police departments,
each Of whom marched in body from
the municipal building. The edifice
was nearly filled.
Rev. James Mcleod the pastor, Of
fered prayer, an excerpt of the Scrip
ture was read by Rev. S. c. Logan,
and male quartette sang I'VE Are
Going Down the Valley" DR.. Logan's
funeral address was from Psalms
Xviii, II, Nevertheless man being in
honor abideth not" His remarks
were confined principally to the de-
ceaseds fortitude and courageous
character during the Scranton riots Of
1877, in his regime as mayor and the
lesson his actions offered the living.
DR.. Logan said in part:
Rev. DR.. Logan's Remarks.
1--WE are honoring today the remains
belonging to a generation which will
stand conspicuous in history. Robert
McKune participated In three different
kinds of revolution which are notable
epochs in the history of the limited
States. He was 'forty-niner,' a SOL
dier in the civil war, and the defender
of city's stability. OF his character
it is not necessary for me to speak.
am here only in the capacity of his
friend and one whom God permitted
to associate with him.
DR.. Logan then called attention to
the citizens testimonial circular ar
chivedin the Albright library. Itrelated.
he said, to q period which tested the
character of officials and citizens, and
when Robert McKune was the only
representative the people Of Scranton
could look to for support and protec-
tion Allusion was made to the riots
of n. The circular was signed by
II v.tr md 70
tary officers, directors of public insti-
tutions, officers of corporations, the
Scranton City guard, citizens of Wilkes
Barre, Pittston, Bethlehem, Elmira,
and others. Excerpts read by DR..
Logan from copy of the circular al
luded to the patriotic and able admin
istration of Robert McKune during the
riots and the confidence and thanks he
merited from the people.
''It is worth living" said DR.. Logan,
'if our fellow men find such testimony
and If 1t can be announced as we lay
away his body to rest until the day of
judgment shall indicate the righteous
ness Of God"
His Wonderful Courage.
Reference was made to the many
worthy characteristics Of the deceased,
his love for children, true manhood and
wonderful courage. His bravery was
not known to its full extent until with
broken jaw, the roof Of his mouth
fractured and face covered with blood
he dared to face on Lackawanna ave-
nue. mob bereft. of reason. Later he
walked to meet another crowd Of fren-
zied men on Washington avenue de-
spite the admonitions of many friends.
These acts showed the sub-strata of
character and courage which were not
previously known to be in him. For
peace, righteousness and justice he
nursed the city in Its childhood for the
people the speaker represented.
He fulfilled his trust with the strength
God had given him. His spirit and en-
deavor were worthy Of emulation. Fol-
lowing the church services burial was
made in Forest Hill cemetery under
the auspices of Union lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons. Senior Warden
Charles II. Church officiated.