Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-09-19
FUNERAL OF mrs. HOWE
IS HELD IN COLUMBIA, 5. c.
Many Relatives and Friends
Pay Last Tribute to PreSi-
dent Wilson's Sister
by Associated Press. !

COLUMBIA. S. c.. Sept 1S-Presi-
dent Wilson came here today to bury
his only sister. Mrs. Annie E. Howe. of
Philadelphia, who died Saturday at New
London, Conn. Quietly and sadly he at
tended the simple funeral services at
the church and then walked with rela-
tives 20 the adjoining grave yard and
stood with bowed head and tear-stained
face during the last simple rites.
The people of Columbia gathered along
the streets and outside the church to see
the president, but they respected his
grief and made no demonstration. Dur
ing the ride south this morning the plat
form of every station was crowded, but
there was no cheering. At several stops
flowers were put aboard the train by
school children.
The special train bearing the body and
members fthe funeral party arrived
here shortly before noon. Automobiles
took the president and members of his
family directly TO the First Presby
terrain church The station was sur
rounded by several thousand people. At
the presidents personal request the city
and state officials gave no official recog-
milton to his visit.
In the immediate party were Joseph
r. Wilson, a brother of Mrs. Howe; John
A. Wilson. a cousin; Mrs. Anne Cothran,
a daughter; George Howe and Wilson
Howe, sons; Miss Margaret Wilson, the
presidents daughter, and DR.. c. T. Gray
son. the White House physician.
The president and the other members
of the immediate family were shown to
seats in the front Of the church and
farther back sat many friends who
knew Mrs. Howe when her husband
was Columba's leading physician. The
Presbyterian funeral services were re-
cited by the Rev. A. W. Blackwood, pas
tor of the church, assisted by Rev.
Thornton Whaling, president of the Co
lumbia seminary.
The last services took place inside an
enclosure in the shaded graveyard where
are buried Mrs. Howe's husband, the
father and mother of the president, and
several other relatives. A modest shaft
marks the plot
All flags in Columbia were at half
mast during the ceremony and the
church bell was tolled slowly.
The president planned to remain here
until 6:15 o'clock this evening, and then
return to Long Branch, n. j.. where he
expected 70 arrive at 1 o'clock tomorrow
afternoon.
Governor Manning. of South Carolina,
sent the following message to Col. Q. K.
Laroque, his private secretary.
please convey in person to the presi-
dent on his arrival in Columbia tomor-
row my sympathy and that of the people
of South Carolina for him in the death
of his sister, and express my sincere re-
gret that I was not there to pay in per-
son our tribute of respect and loyalty
to him"
The message was delivered to the
president at the train today.
All during the services the grave
yard. inclosed in a brick fence was sur
rounded by crowds.
After the graveside services Mr.. Will
son remained for few moments to
look at the graves of his father and
mother.
After the services the president and
Mrs. Wilson returned by automobile to
their private car for lunch.
Later they took an automobile ride.