Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-05

massive wreaths. fragrant With beautiful
magnolias; the Commercial club OF Omaha
sent a pretty design OF flowers typical OF
Nebraska; individual friends sent so many
wreaths and other emblems that the re-
cipients could not keep list of them.
Probably one OF the most highly priced
tokens was the offering of the Loyal Legion
the official emblematic button OF the or
der, woven out OF red, white and blue
flowers. 1t was plain, but beautiful and the
sentiment 1t conveyed counted much.
Sabbath-like stiffness prevailed on Sher-
man avenue in the vicinity Of the Saunders
home while the funeral was in progress.
Even those who had never enjoyed the per-
sonal acquaintance OF the dead governor
showed their respect silently, but none the
less impressively.
The Governors Old Pastor.
1t seemed peculiarly fitting for Rev In
gram to conduct the funeral service, for in
the late '70s and early sos he was in charge
Of the First Christian church in this city,
and 1t was then that friendship was ce-
mented between the pastor and the governor.
Shortly after o'clock the service was be-
gun at the residence. The Harmony quartet
composed OF Miss Northrup, soprano; Mrs
c. w. Morton, alto; Dan II. Wheeler, jr,
btuuI, anu II. T.. Stryker, pass, sang ledu
Kindly Light" "Abide with Me- and
Peace. Perfect Peace" The quartet ac-
companied the cortege to the cemetery
where Asleep in Jesus" was sung as the
body was lowered into the grave. At the
home service Rev. Ingram talked briefly:
II am not here to preach funeral SER
mon," the speaker said, but rather to pay
sincere tribute in plain words to our de-
parted friend and brother 1t has been said
that faith, hope and love are the trinity
OF virtues. I believe we all concur that Gov
ernor Saunders possessed this trinity in
great measure"
| The minister then briefly reviewed the
| splendid and eventful career OF the deceased
governor as a citizen, statesman friend and
| brother.
While the solemn service progressed the
house was crowded and many men, old and
| young. and few women. stood on the lawn.
Among the Omaha pioneers in attendance
were: John Evans. A. d. Jones' p. l..
Perine, Joseph Redmond, Edward Rose
water John G. Willis. Henry A. Rosters. A.
! Polack, J. J. Brown, Andrew Rosewater
/ Jacob Counsman NJ. Stoman. J. j. Mclean
! d. H. Wheeler, sr, DR.. S. ID. Mercer, j. B.
! Kuony, George P. Bemis. T. S. Carkson, G.
| II. Frederick and A. Burley. besides many
others equally prominent.
| Sat on the steps and Cried.
While the quartet sang its solemn hymns
! and the minister spoke his words of tribute,
there occurred a scene that would melt a
| heart of adamant.
An old man, with silvered hair, dimmed
| eyes and bended FORM crouched down upon
the front steps of the Saunders home, his
back turned to the crowd within. His face
was half buried in his wrlnked hands. He
leaned upon an old-fashoned walking stick.
He spoke not a word, but the tears that
triclled down his cheeks told plainly the
story of his sorrow, AT the close of the
service he hobbled away. This old man was
A. d. Jones, the pioneer postmaster of
Omaha. Mr.. Jones is Sc years old and had
known Governor Saunders throughout the
tenure Of his history making in Nebraska.
Another veteran who was deeply touched
I by the death of the governor was d. FL.
Wheeler, sr 81 was with Governor Saun-
ders on that memorable visit to President
Lincoln when he secured the last official sig
nature Of the great emancipator," said the
venerable Mr.. Wheeler.
The Real Estate exchange honored the
memory of the dead by sending a large
delegation. 1t was a token In remembrance
of the good work accomplished by Governor
Saunders in helping to build Omaha.
Charles l.. Saunders. son Of the governor,
is connected with the city treasurers office.
Treasurer Edwards and his entire force at
tended the funeral in carriages and went
as a part of the escort to the grave. Many
other departments of the city and county
government were also represented.
In speaking of Governor Saunders one Of
the young pioneers said: 1T is fitting trib-
ute for the young generation Of Omaha tc
pay its last respects to the dead governor
for he was ever the friend OF the young man
starting out in life He gave good advice
but he didn't always stop at that, for il
necessary he stood ready to render more
| substa tantial aid"