Year: 1869

FRANKLIN, Mass, Dec, T. 1859.


The nal obsequies over the remains OF the late A..
d. Richardson, whose unfortunate and tragic death
has been the subject OF so much recent comment,
took place In the Congregational church in this his
native town to-day. The remains arrived BY the
steamboat train at four O'Clock this morning, accom-
panied by his recent bride. now widow his brother
and the othey relatives present at the funeral
servces\ Nm New York the day previous After re-
naming IN the railroad station for few hours they
were conveyed to the vestry OF the church, ana sub
sequently to the sanctuary above, where the last
tributes Of respect were rendered BY his relatives
and friends. There were, perhaps some three Of
four hundred persons present. the majority Of the
number being ladies, and nearly oil acquaintance
OF the deceased in early lite. Among the mourners
were his widow, his brother and mother and few
more distant relatives


The services. which were very brief, were con-
Quoted by the Rev. Luther Keene, pastor OF the
church, and during their performance the remains
were exposed beneath the pulpit. After the sing
ing OF an appropriate hymn by the choir the
clergyman read some passages from Scripture,
making such selections he said, to best show the
common sorrow in this great afliiction. He then
went on to say that they should leave oil to God,
who rules, guides guards and governs us. II this is
done, he added all the sad thoughts and sorrows Of
this moment will be assuaged He said he did not
propose TO attempt to give any obituary Of the de-
ceased for, not sharing his personal acquaintance,
it would be impossible for him to give
satisfactory review OF his eventfui life. The
circumstances OF his death, however. were such
that there should be q brief statement Of the
Iacts as understood by his friends, who knew him
best In rehearsing these circumstances, already
familiar TO the public, he came 10 the conclusion
that there was no solitary life that all bound
up together, and what affects one affects us all;
what brings good and joy to brings good and Joy
to every heart, and what brings pain, sorrow loss
and injury to one brings grief and aiction to every
Bympathizng heart OF the great family. Tne life OF
the deceased, began here little over thirty years
ago, and now 80 sadly terminated, is uni
versally mourned. Those few years he lived
measure life full Of interest. noble purposes GOOD
achievements for friends and country, in all OF which
was much sefsacn1ce and always unfinchng
loyal ty to the great cause OF humanity and freedom
But his life was not for himself aone and when
that missile OF death did its fatal work 1t was not
only this cold form that was pierced but many,
many beating hearts OF warm friends were plunged
into sadness. Then. alludng to his relatives and
professional associates he spoke Of their warm at
tachmenr for him and his for them specifying
some OF the prominent public men who have ex-
pressed sympathy for him since the unfortunate CTR
Cumstance which resulted In his DEATH The reve.





the deceased. and also the remarks OF Rev. Henry
Beecher at the funeral services In New York yester
day. He then went on to allude to the current
rumors concerning the tragic fate OF Mr. Richard
son. keeping prominent all the while the statements
OF friends in his defence, and declaring that God,
who cares for ALL Will that his character is vim
dicated and justice done to his memory.


In concluding the services with prayer Rev. Mr..
Keene asked that the good name OF the departed
might receive justice; that all wrong might be
moved that the truth might appear and the injured
stand right before their fellow He also prayed
for divine mercy for him who raised his hand In
vengeance; that in his prison cell he might repent OF
his rash crime and prepare for the other life; and In
conclusion he invoked the sanctlfcatIon OF this
lamentaoe event 70 the good OF this community and
the good OF all communities where Mr. Richardson
hved aud was known.


AT the conclusion Of the ceremonies those present
took last look at the features OF the deceased and
the lid OF the casket closed forever ana the
mains were conveyed to tomb IN the Old buryinx
ground They will remain there until spring and
then be removed for interment in the City Mills
Cemetery, distant part OF the town, by the side
OF those OF his first wife, who died me four i've
years since. In Franklin, elsewhere where Rich
ardsen was known, the tragedy has been the recent
topic Of conversation. 1t would hardly be consistent
with the facts not to say tnat puDiic sympathy Is
with Mcfarland rather than his victim, although
there are some who share with Mr.. Beecher In hIs
defence Of tine murdered man.