The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1894-03-08
ONE aIRL's FUNERAL.
40 wes In the Early DAys OF Montana ana
Waa Different From Most Funerals,

| as Wa In Tho Early Days OF STonsans ana
Was Different From Most Funorals.
During tho construction days Of the
Northern Pacific railroad many small
towns were born that flourished until the
road was completed and then died. The
little story following actually occurred
and made an impression on mo that
shall never forget. To me there was a
tinge or sadness that went straight to the
heart. 1ocoupied the exalted position or
Justice OF tho peace. Now, justice OF
the peace in Montana in early days wasa
bigger man than the chief justice of tho
United States is today and bad per-
petual variety entertainment. He mar
ried people, buried the dead, put out fires,
took q drink with every body, refereed dog
fights, settled family rows, preached,
made speeches and had to he ready for
any kind Of work. For this aggregation
Of duties he was called judge, but if he
rendered wrong decision his name was
Dennis.
One cold morning l was waited upon
by delegation of gamblers and inform
cd that one Of the girls was dead. They
! said she had passed in her checks during
tho night, and as she was tho slickcst
girl in the camp she was to have "a
carat sendoff and no mistake. I went
around to see tho body to find out, if
possible, the cause of her death. I was
satisfied that the girl had taken morphine
and died from the effects, and 50 I rem
dered my decision, which satisfied all. l
set the hour for the funeral and returned
to tho cabin to prepare my remarks.
There was not Bible in the camp, and
so had to play it alone. 1t was cold.
stormy Montana winter day, and that
added much to the sadness of the occa-
| sion. Tho grave was dug out among the
pines, and more God forsakcn place it
would have been hard to find, but it was
the best wo had or could get.
| Tho hour arrived; the procession form
ed, myself in front of the pallbearers,
consisting Of gamblers, with the body in
q rough pine box. Next came the girls
| of the town and tho business men in the
rear. We wcnded our way slowly to the
last resting place, where, alone and I'M
| known, amid the rocks and pines, with
tho awful stiffness of tho mountains, all
that was earthly of that unfortunate girl
would stay until tho last day.
No one could pray; no one could sing
| IOulCu oh' Soul W NY N'ONt III
| poor, stumbling way-told him all about
it. We wcro unanimous in the belief
that she was more sinned against than
SHINING, and would he in his infinite good
ness and loving kindness forgive her,
wipo ont all the black spots on her soul,
forget her past and save her for her souls
sake2 Would ho suspend all rules, throw
open wide tho portals of heaven, have
sweetest music played OH II thousand
golden harps and bid that poor, tired,
sin stained soul enter tho realms of hap.
piness, purity and rest3
1t was our funeral because everybody
did all thcy could. There wcro but few
Of all kinds. to bo suro, but humans
with souls to save. There arc many OF
tho old boys scattered through tho north
west who will recollect that stormy
Montana day, and how we knocked a
eternity's door for ndmittance for thu
girls soul, and nil will agree that on
knocking wna not in vain-that tho gat,
wero thrown open and forgiveness an
rest came to her.--Orting Oracle.