The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1894-11-22
ONE GIRLS FUNERAL.
Tt Was In the Early Days of Montana and
Was Different From Most Funerals.


Was Different From Most Funerals.
During the construction days of the
Northern Pacific railroad many small
towns were born that fiourished until the
road was completed and then died. The
little story following actually occurred
and made an impression on me that |
shall never forget. To me there was
tingeo sadness that went straight to the
heart. OCCUPIED the exalted position Of
Justice of the peace. Now, justice OF
the peace in Montana in early days wasa
bigger man than the chief justice OF the
United States is today and had per-
petual variety entertainment He mar
ried people, buried the dead, put out fires,
took drink with everybody, refereed dog
/ fights, settled family rows, preached,
made speeches and had to be ready for
any kind of work. For this aggregation
of duties he was called judge, but if he
rendered a wrong decision his name was
Dennis.
One cold morning was waited upon
by delegation of gamblers and inform
ed that one of the girls was dead. They
said she had passed in her checks during
the night, and as she was the slickest
girl in the camp she was to have "a
carat sendoff and no mistake. | went
around to see the body to find out, if
possible, the cause of her death. | was
satisfied that the girl had taken morphine
and died from the effects, and so | rem
dered my decision. which satisfied all. |
set the hour for the funeral and returned
to the 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. The grave was dug out among the
pines, and more God forsaken place it
would have been hard to find, but it was
the best we had or could get.
The hour arrived; the procession form
ed, myself in front of the pallbearers
consisting of gamblers, with the body in
rough pine box. Next came the girls
Of the town and the business men in the
rear. We wendell our way slowly to the
last resting place, where, alone and un
known, amid the rocks and pines, with
the awful stiffness of the mountains, al
that was earthly of that unfortunate CIR
would stay until the last day.
No one could pray; no one could sing
poured out my soul to my God in my
poor, stumbling way-told him all about
it. We were unanimous in the belize
that she was more sinned against thar
shining, and would he in his infinite good
ness and loving kindness forgive her
wipe out all the black spots on her soul
forget her past and save her for her SOUL
sake? Would he suspend all rules, throw
open wide the portals of heaven, hav'
sweetest music played on a Thousand
golden harps and bid that poor, tired
sin stained soul enter the realms of hap
piness, purity and rest?
1t was our funeral, because everybod,
did all they could. There were but few
of all kinds, to be sure, but human
with souls to save. There are many o
the old boys scattered through the north
west who will recollect that storm,
Montana day, and how we knocked a
eternity's door for admittance for tina
girls soul, and all will agree that GU
knocking was not in vain-that the gate
were thrown open and forgiveness ant
rest came to her.-Orting Oracle.