The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1901-12-10
"STORE-BOX"CO
AND NO HEARSE
Extravagance at Funerals,
Which He Believed Sinful,
Was Prohibited--lnstruc-
tions as to Grave.

One of the most eccentric wills ever
admitted was that upon which Judge
Amber had to pass while holding
court at Carrollton last week. The
judge sustained the will 1t was the
last testament Of Alexander Mclean,
an old gentleman who did business in
small way in the town of Augusta,
and who was over four score years Of
age when he died. The old man was
a practical philosopher.
While many people upon first read
ing would consider the maker Of the
instrument to say the least peculiar,
thoughtful persons must say that
Father Mclean was scarcely extreme
upon some reforms that are worse need
ed than others long advocated by cul-
tured people or organized societies.
| 1t is admitted that "custom" compels
people in moderate circumstances to
expend on funeral expenses large sums
that they can i'll afford, and in the
end the dead is none the better off
and the living embarrassed for years
to come.
The controversy among the heirs
over the provisions Of the will was
a trivial one which was decided by
the court. The clause tnat was sup
posed to invalidate the will was not
passed upon, as It was not urged.
AS the funeral was held in the ordin-
ary way before the will was read, the
old gentleman's request was not COM
piled with. Following is a copy Of this
truly remarkable document:
WAS REvERENTLY WRITTEN.
81, Alexander Mclean, of the town
OF Augusta and county Of Carroll, state
of Ohio, being afflicted with bodily
pain, but, as l believe of sound mind
and memory, do make and publish this
my last will and testament, know
ing myself to be a dependent creature
upon Gods grace and manifold mercy
and very thankful indeed for his good
ness in bringing me through the many
trials, dangers and sufferings that dur
ing my life / have had to bear. Also
/ am truly thankful for the blessing
of the gospel in which is clearly set
forth what our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ has done, and is willing to do
for repentant sinners who will put
their trust in Him as their Mediator,
Savior and Redeemer. AS / desire to
continue to do in the matter as /
have desired to do and / trust have
done during my life, has been, to do
justly, to love mercy and walk humbly
before God, my Creator, trusting to his
grace for strength to enable me to
do what Is right, and also to the Holy
Spirit to be my guide in every thought,
word and deed.
Having made this matter a subject
Of earnest prayer, / do hope l will be
enabled to make a Just and an honest
will and testament. l have long been
of the same mind and studied all with
care; l have had the same mind for
years, and all the main points.
EXECUTOR MUST PAY INTEREST.
Item first: My will and desire is
that as soon as can be done, / desire
that my executor will collect in all
book accounts owing to me and with
the same. and also with as much
money as can be then spared from the
business, pay off as much Of the debts
as can be done. And also to avoid
selling off the property or the goods
at auction to the highest bidder.
leave and give to him all the power /
have myself, SO as far as he can, he
may give notes with security that will
be just and satisfactory to those / owe.
/ pay interest for all owe and ,ex-
| pect my executor to do the same. NY
reason for doing this way is that
do wish and desire that some of my
children or sons-in-law may by having
| plenty of time, yet be able to buy the
property-these lots, Nos. 10 and IL,
where l now live in Augusta, Carroll
county, state of Ohio. To enable my
executor or any one or more of the
family combined to buy and pay for
the property, / give from the date OF
my death, the long promise of twelve
years and six months, equal to one
eighth Of century. Give all I owe
good security by mortgage or other
wise."
Item second refers to the christian
names of wife and family. After small
bequests to the immediate family, the
will continues as follows:
COFFIN OF sToRE-BOxEs."
Il wish to be buried in the Friends
graveyard and in plain coffin made
from old storc-boxes or any rough
boards. 10 be made double, 2 feet wide
and 2 feet wide inside measure and
feet long inside. Bottom and top OF
short boards nailed across and double
thickness. The side double also, and
short boards can be spliced and made
to do. I want no paint about It and
wish Just plain and strong. wish to
be buried In my Oldest and most worn
out clothes--I can see no use of using
good clothes to rot in the ground. The
coffin to be well packed with straw OF
! shavings, and some pieces of old car
pet or comforts with q piece of old
carpet on the top Will DO very we'll
! want tho cofEn n bs two inebes q
Z. (. 4. !. a 4 "a X Y /. 4. IA I, ,I|