Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-06-16
FUNERAL OF CHARLES BAIRD.

The Remains Viewed by Hundreds at thc
Late Residence of Deceased--Services at
West Presbyterian Church.
The funeral of Charles Baird took
place on Friday, services being held
in West Presbyterian Church, of which
he was one of the founders. From 10. 30
until ~. 30 O'CLOCK the body lay 10 state
at his late residence, No. 300 Tatnali
street, and hundreds viewed the re-
mains.
Reposing in black cloth covered
casket, tho body OF Mr.. Baird seemed
that Of a sleeping, rather than of dead
man. Around HIM were the beautiful
flural tributes of personal friendH and
the offerings OF teachers and children in
the public schools and of classes in West
Church Sunday school. The silver
pate on the coffin lid bore amply his
name in Old English lettera.
Shortly before 2 O'CLOCK prayer WAS
offered at the house by Bishop Cole.
man. after which the body was removed
to West Church for the funeral services.
The pail bearers were Dr. L. q. Short
lidge, Lewis b. Morrow, Samuel j.
Baynard, William X. Crosby, Charles
W. puusy, II. G. Cantwsll, James g.
McCOmb, Henry @. Robinson, Alfred
GRwthrop, William V. Bond, ID. d.
Crossan and j. p. Bellville.
At the church magnificent flora de
signs adorned the platform. These in
| cluded gavel and a chair from the
| Board of Public Education, cross.
crown and banner from West Sunday
school. crown from West Church ses-
sion, basket of roses from the Grim
| shaw Grammar School, a chair from
Mr.. and Mrs. W. X. Crosby and a pill
| low OF roses and smilax.
! A large congregation was present.
The Board of Education and City
Council attended. The Rev. A. N.
Keiewin, ID. D., ofliciated and ad
dresses were made by him and 10y thu
Rev. W. l.. S. Murray, d D.. and tht
Rev. j. r. Miller, d. D., of the Sun
day school Publication Board of philn
delphia. Hymns were sung by
quartet comprising Mrs. Victor pyls
Miss Mary X. Thielman, j. L. Clyme
and Harry G. Taylor.
In his address, DR.. Keiguin reierret
to time in the early life of Mr.. Barre
when he decided to be ChriBtian
which decision decided also the destin!
OF many aonls. Upon it hung his wurl
Tor the church, for the Sunday schoo
and for education. MIR. Baird devote,
his splendid energies and talents to III
highest and noblest purposes for tn
glory of God and sought no coInmenda
ton but that Of his own conscience.
DIR. Keigwin spoke OF his great abilit,
as a business man, but said he nohl
put aside oil temptation to SECURE grea
wealth, for he believed that wealth ha,
an evil effect upon its possessors. II
90 years he had given enough to chart
ties which II he had retained and in
vested tho world would have called hin
a wealthy man.
As to his interest in educational mat
ters, DR.. Kaigwin said that to him wa
largely duo the efficiency OF the schools
! He had helped mary young men an
! women to a start in life. No more grace
full and deserved tribute can BIO paid I
, him by his associates than aa has bee
! suggested by many that then new hig
, school should bear his name and eve
3 stand fitting monument to hia uncea'
D ing devotion to the cause of public edit
: cution.
. His religious life, both in its relatin
0 to West Church ANA other institution
was eloquently portrayed. To him moi
q than to any living or dead being b'
] longs the honor of contributing tt
largest share to the efficiency aud SUI
cess of West Church.
{ The interment was made in the Wi
. mington and l}randywine cemetery.