The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-10
THE HARMHR OBSEQUIES
The Father of the House" Laid to
Rest at Laurel Hill.
simple Though Impressive Ceremo-
mics Marked the Services Mt the
tionaI and Municipal Affairs Pay
Their Last Tribute of Respect.

PHILADELPHIA. March with simple
though impressive ceremony all that was
mortal of Alfred c. Harmer late Repre-
sentative in Congress from the Fifth dis
trict. was consigned to its last resting
place in Laurel Hill Cemetery this after
noon. His body was followed to the grave
by a multitude OF sorrowing friends and
the funeral services at the house were at
tended by men representing all the walks
and stations of life.
Men prominent in the affairs of the ma
ton, leaders in municipal activities, con-
spicuous figures in the business, profess
siOnal and political life Of the city
mingled at the bier with Representatives OF
the humber walks of life who were anx-
ious TO pay a last tribute, to one who
had sndeared himself 70 them by many
acts OF kindness and helpfulness.
At o'clock the house was thrown open
to the public and from that time until
just before the funeral services began a
Ceaseless procession of people passed in
single file through the south parlor Of the
residence in which the body lay in state.
So great was the crush that many were
unable to gain admittapces
The body OF the late Congressman re-
posed in a mahogany casket with oxidized
silver handles. About the room were dis
played many beautiful floral tributes Con
spicuous among these was a magnificent
wreath from Mr. Hsrmers former col
leagues in the House.
other striking floral designs were a rock
Of ages five feet in height from the Har-
mer Club, a huge ship from the Eighth
Congressional district employees at the
League Island Navy Yard; a wreath OF
roses from the South Brlgantine Life Saw
ing Association. a chair from the Union
Republican Club Of the Eighteenth ward.
The family's tribute was a beautiful pillow
containing the word Father inscribed
in ylolets.
The Congressional delegation arrived at
the house shortly before noon, at which
hour the obsequies were held. The ser
vices opened with prayer by the Rev. 5. NJ.
Leeper Of Coatesyille. This was followed
by Scripture reading by the Rev. Charles
c. Albertson. pastor Of the late Congress
mans church, the First Methodist Epsco-
pal. Of Germantown and by the Rev
Frank Parkins a former pastor. Both
clergymen made brief addresses eulogistic
Of the dead Congressman.
The Rev Mr. Parkins spoke OF his per
sonaI recollections Of Mr.. Harmer He
referred particularly to his charity and
beuevOlence. Of his kindness TO the poor,
and the soldiers widow and orphan. An
impressive part Of the services was the
singing by Mrs. Kellogg. Of the Second
Presbyterian Church. of the selections
Abide With Me" and Lead Kindly
Light" and Nearer Ny God TO Thee"
The funeral corteee was headed by sixty
members Of the 4. c. Harmer Club. Then
came the committee appointed by Speaker
Henderson to represent the House at the
funeral. which was composed of Repre-
sentatives Bingham. Adams Young Nc
Aleer DdIzell. Brosius, Wanger. Butler,
McCleary. Babcock Richardson, Catchings
and Meyer.
The honorary pallbearers followed.
There, in addition to Congressional rep
resentatives. were. Leonard Myers. James
R. Gates. Charles ". OTIS. Candy S. Ty-
son. Isaac s. Smythe, Or. Robert n
Downs, ST., Joseph b. AItemus. and Alfred
$. Miller. The active pallbearers were
next in order They were selected from
the Harmer Club as follows. Isaac D. Het-
eel. John Kelly. William Graham, Re
corder of Deeds Viriiu, and c.. c. Rein
relative Of the Harmer family. The ser
vices at Laurel Hill were according to the
Masonic ritual
Among the many who attended the ser
vices at the house were Mayor AshbrIdga
Councilman Henderson. City Commissioner
Jacob Wildemore Charles Voorhees,. Post
master Thomas l. Hicks General LOUIS
Wagner Col J. Emory BTam Lieutenant
futile, John Sutcliffe Henry K. Boyer
II. $. Eisenhower Charles Ranslcy. c. G..
A. Baldi, Sheriff Wencel Hartman James
Clancy. W. 5. Stewart, David Martin,
Thomas J. Powers, Receiver Of Taxes vii
liam j. Roney Register OF Wills Horato
TIraI.aff ful