Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1906-05-03
were present in a body.


His remains were enclosed in a solid
and massive mahogany casket and were
borne by F. A. Washburn, j. H. Arm
strong. F. W. Howard, w. P. Hethering-
ton, H. J. Leonard and E. c. Lloyd to the
family lot in Riverside cemetery. The
honorary bearers were F. E. Ranney. M.
J. Demorest, E. E. Fales, M. E Peck, R.
M. Wilson and Adam Wagner.
In prefacing his sermon, Rev. n. N.
Spear said: These beautiful flowers
and this great assembly speak more elo-
quently as to the standing Of our brother
Ireland in this community, than is possible
for me to do. Before me see repre-
sented either in person or in flowers, the
various organizations of which he was
devoted member
AS business man he stood for pro-
gress, honesty and uprightness, as is evi-
denced by his honored position in the Bel
ing Business Mems association and the
State and National Hardware associa-
tons.
AS citizen, he was always looking for
the best interests Of the community and
was public spirited in every good enter
prise.
AS friend and neighbor he had the
confidence and love Of the entire COM
munity. We found in him man of good
judgment a safe counsellor, and true
friend.
When he came to be stricken down by
the dread disease that finally proved
fatal, he showed still the same strong
traits of character He was always
calm. cheerful and hopeful. He made a
brave fight and may appear to some to
have lost. but to those who we're privi-
legged to be with him during the last
weeks, it is not so. The greatest success
and victory Of his life, were manifest in
his triumph over suffering and death.
When asked as to meeting death. he
promptly and confidently answered, | am
not afraid in the least. And as he grew
weaker, he longed for the time to come
when ne WOuiu Oe dL rest.
We are always interested in knowing
how our friends meet death, and especi-
ally so in this case, as we have learned to
| place so much confidence in his judgment
on all other matters. When giving his
friends assurance of being entirely at
peace and ready to meet death without
any fear whatever, his mind was as clear
as when in the yigor Of health. He would
talk Of business matters with the same
clear, quick judgment of former years
and at the same time speak of his souls
future with the same confidence and COM
posure. Since each of us will be called
upon to pass through the same trying ex-
perience, we are specially interested in
having the testimony in one in whom we
have such confidence.
Many before me today have had the
privilege Of hearing from his own lips a
message that will always be treasured in
the heart, not only as the dying words Of
one we loved, but for the larger vision
they gave US of life. shall always be
thankful for having been permitted to
hear our brother Ireland speak so calmly
and confidently Of coming face to face
with death.
am sure that all who heard him dur
ing these last weeks bear me witness
that the two great thoughts that filled his
mind and heart we're these-that his prep
aration to meet death was all due to the
saving power Of Jesus Christ in whom he
confIded with childlike trust. and that
his chief concern while God permitted
him to live, was that he might lead others
to accept this Savior and find the hope