Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2016 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Burning of the Newhall House Published by Bleyer Bros. Cramer, Aikens & Cramer, Printers - 1883 [42] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE THE OBSEQUIES On Wednesday, January 23d, just two weeks from the day of the fire - the remains of the unidentified victims were buried with solemn ceremonies in Forest Home and Calvary Cemeteries. It was at first proposed to inter them all at the former place, but in compliance with the wishes of the friends of a number of the unfortunates who belonged to the Roman Catholic Church, all the bodies found under the place where the servant girls roomed, together with those found with Catholic emblems and other evidences of their faith, were given to the clergy of that church for burial. Twenty of the bodies were in this manner designated as Catholics, and twenty-three as Protestants. Business was generally suspended during the day of the funeral, and many stores and residences were profusely draped with the sombre trappings of woe. The sky was clear and bright, but the temperature of the atmos- phere was almost too low for the personal comfort of those whom duty called to escort the dead to their last resting place. Notwith- standing this fact, however, the ranks of the various societies were well filled. The citizens gathered in force at the Exposition Building and St. John's Cathedral, where the religious ceremonies were performed, while the sidewalks along the avenues designated as the line of march were thronged with spectators long before the solemn cortege appeared. At St. John's Cathedral, the congregation of which includes a large number of the more immediate friends of the victims of the disaster, the ceremonies were the most solemn and pathetic. Above the main entrance, as well as over the smaller doors to the left and the right of the sacred edifice, there was a simple arrangement of black and white drapery. This was the only sign upon the exterior of the building of the sad rites that were being performed within. Inside, the funeral trappings were elaborate and profuse. The vesti- bule was heavily hung with black and white strejuners. The stately white fluted columns in the rear of the spacious interior were wound --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [43] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE about with black, and along the walls black and white festoons reached from window to window. The large chandeliers and the pulpit were heavily draped, and the chaste solemnity of the sanc- tuary was heightened by heavy and elaborate trappings of black. Extending from the steps of the sanctuary back to the vestibule - a distance of sixty feet - was the bier, covered with black cloth, on which rested the coffins, twenty in number, placed two by two, with feet toward the altar. The relatives of the dead were nearly all gathered in the front part of the church. Back of them, on both sides of the center aisle, sat members of civic and military societies, their draped banners forming a prominent feature of the scene. Every inch of space in the vast building, except what was kept clear by the exertions of the police, was occupied by mourners or sympathetic spectators. Solemn high mass of requiem was cele- brated by Monsignor Batz, V. G., assisted by Rev. Father Weinman and Father Lucas, the Palestrina Society, comprising a chorus of about fifty voices, rendering the music. As the ineffably sad strains of the requiem floated through the sacred building, a tremor of emotion shook every member of the vast congregation. Women in every part of the church burst into audible sobs, and among the men there were few dry eyes. At the conclusion of the mass, Archbishop Heiss performed the ceremony of absolution over the remains, after which Father Matthew, of Racine, preached the funeral sermon. He said: My text for this mournful occasion will be Ecclesiastes, twelfth chapter, seventh and eighth verses: " Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." "Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." Death is one of the circumstances attached to life. When we come into this world we are born under the sentence of death. When it comes or how it comes we know not. God only knows. The true philosophy of life teaches us to prepare for that event. Religion tells us that the salvation of our souls depends upon dying in unity with God. I need not re-enact the terrible scene of that dreadful morning. The curtain of night held its pall over the habitation of man. Tired nature had sought refreshment and repose that comes with slumber. We know not the bright visions that passed through the minds of the unconscious slumberers. Some, no doubt, were living over again in pleasing fancy the joyous days of childhood. Again they sat by --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [44] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE their own father's fireside, and talked of home and their childish pleasures. Others, with pleasing anticipations, dreamt of pleasures yet to come. We all have our expectations that the future will realize to us pleasures and happiness. So may we suppose was the minds of those slumbering occupants, on that dread morn, when the peal of alarm burst forth to call some to judgment and others to the trying ordeal that awaited them. Imagination cannot depict a scene more terrible, and it is hard for the mind of man to describe it in its reality. In that leap for life death was imminent; behind them the most unmerciful element of destruction. The scene was alarming, though these terrified guests gave way not to despair. The preservation of life is an instinct of our nature. By jumping, death was probable; by remaining, certain. How beautiful the teachings of our Christ. In that last trying ordeal, faith sustained them, and hope animated them to offer their lives to their God. All human aid appeared to be unavailing. Kind hearts outside sym- pathized with them, but God alone could assist them. On their knees, they supplicated Heaven's mercy, and in union they drew together before the cross of Christ; in that alone did they look for aid and mercy. "I am the resurrection and the life," says St. John in the Apocalypse; "he that believeth in me shall have everlasting life." Animated with this idea they threw themselves on the mercy of God, and in the words of Scripture, said: "Into Thy hands, oh Lord, I commend my spirit." It appears that the ear of God was not closed to the petition for aid. It came from a most unexpected source. A brave fireman, strengthened by the spirit of God, risked his own life, and in a manner familiar to you all, rescued a number of precious souls. These, whose bodies lie in the chancel, their lives, their faith and their trust in God might well justify us in saying: "Oh! Grave, where is thy victory? Oh! Death, where is thy sting?" They died as they had lived, true children of their church and faithful followers of the Lamb. In life they hoped, in death they were not disappointed. We can well say that this appeal from fervent hearts was addressed to the throne of God: "Have mercy on me, oh Lord, according to thy great mercy." The decrees of God were verified. St. Paul says to the Hebrews: "It is decreed for all men once to die." They have paid that penalty and in resignation submitted to that decree. They have left their bodies to us, which we this day are about to consign to the tomb. Their souls have returned to the God from whence they came. Their examples and their lives are still in the memory of those who knew them and cherished most by those who knew them best. Though gone, yet to us they shall not be forgotten. The teaching of our church bids us to hold their memory in grateful remembrance, so that every kind thought may be a new prayer, asking for Heaven's mercy. This beautiful feature of our religion bids us pray for the eternal repose of their souls. The dis- figured remains, though not recognizable to the eyes of mortals, yet are known to the ever-searching eye of God. That terrible day will long be fresh in the minds of the people of this community, and their memory shall not be forgotten by the church. So let us take warning by the --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [45] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE fate of those who have gone before us; be you also ready, for you know not when God may call on you. Let us return to our homes from this saddening scene with humbled hearts and humihated Spirits. As we thus honor their memories, let us pray that God will have mercy on their souls. The pall-bearers then removed the remains to the funeral cars. As the bearers filed slowly out of the church with their burdens the band outside played a dirge, and the deep-toned bell in the steeple tolled a mournful accompaniment. An immense crowd of people attended the general funeral at the Exposition building. The ground floor was literally packed, and a multitude of feces looked from the galleries on the twenty-three coffins exhibited on the draped platform which had been erected over the fountain basin. The speaker's platform in the south end of the building w-as covered with white cloth, over which streamers of black cambric were tastefully arranged. The organ was also heavily draped, and from rosettes long cordons of twisted black and white bunting hung from the balcony. The platforms were arranged in two terraces, the upper one for the choir, which con- sisted of the Musical and Arion Societies, and the lower one for the clergy, the Boards of Supervisors and Aldermen, and a guard of police, all of whom wore rosettes of crape on their breasts. Elabor- ate floral tributes from a number of citizens occupied appropriate positions on the circular bier. The principal piece was a large floral cross composed of roses, immortelles and other fine flowers, intermingled with smilax and pampas grass. It was donated by the East Side Market Association. Surmounting the cross was a five-pointed star of clustered white immortelles, bordered with smilax. The employes of the Telephone Exchange sent a handsome harp of choice flowers. The pedestal was composed of fine flowers nestling in a cushion of smilax, and a great number of roses and rosebuds formed the harp. The strings of the instrument were immortelles, and large calla-lilies were placed at the extremities and along the edge of smilax. Two wreaths, from Fred Vogel, Sr., rested on the lids of the coffins. Pink and white roses, violets, forget-me-nots, honeysuckle and green leaves woven together, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [46] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE formed the wreaths. A lyre from Mesdames Frank Whitnall and Frank R. Ellis was among the decorations. This was a very large and most beautiful piece of work. The groundwork was of different kinds of mosses, on which were tea-roses, handsome calla-lilies and choice variegated flowers. Arising from the bed of flowers at the pedestal was a branch of palm, through the fine leaves of which the strings of the lyre were visible. Around the gallery at the south end of the building were drapings of mourning, and the speakers' platform was covered with loops and festoons of black cambric resting in relief against a wide strip of white cloth. Two other crosses, fully three feet in height, which were sent by the Board of Aldermen, were handsomely designed. Exquisite flowers, green vines and pampas grass were wrought into the design, and in letters inscribed in delicate white flowers were the words, "At Rest." On coffin No. 1, which is supposed to contain the remains of Miss Chellis, was a large floral cross. It was donated by Mrs. T. A. Chapman, and was composed of camelias and lilies, into which was interwoven the sentence, "In God We Rest." The ceremonies were opened by Rev. A. F. Mason, who repeated the Lord's Prayer, thousands of voices in the vast assemblage joining in the invocation. Rev. J. E. Gilbert read one of the Psalms of David, and the joint choir of the Arion and Musical Societies sang "Over All the Tree-tops," with great effect. The singing was followed by a prayer, delivered by Rev. A. A. Kiehle, after which the organ pealed out the strains of the choral from Bach's cantata, "A Stronghold Sure," and the vast congregation afterwards joined in singing "Old Hundred." Rev. J. N. Freeman then delivered the following funeral address: The time allotted to this service requires that my words should be few. And this is well; for who, in such a sermon as this, can give adequate utterance to his own surging thoughts, much less voice the feelings of this multitude? We are witnessing and sharing in the last public act of the awful tragedy which, a fortnight ago, burst with sudden and pitiless fury upon our beloved city - a tragedy which caused bitter tears which no human sympathy can wipe away, and wrought a desolation which no human means or skill can rebuild; a tragedy whose shadows seem to deepen as the days pass. This group of nameless caskets gives silent but pathetic witness to our utter impotence to grapple with the mystery, --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [47] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE and to make up the loss which is most real. The familiar block, now a ghastly ruin, may be restored to more than its original beauty and service; but who can build again the shattered hopes and plans, or restore to bereaved kindred and friends out of these poor fragments the forms which were once goodly to look upon and dearly loved? This is no place to pronounce eulogies upon the dead, however deserving; nor to merely offer condolence to the sorrowing, however sorely needed. Rather is it ours in humility and reverence to give worthy Christian burial to these pitiful remains, in the name of thousands whose grief is the heavier because they are denied even the poor consolation of recognizing and giving private sepulture to their beloved. Well may this stricken city claim as hers, and pay due honors to those who once added their share to her wealth and worth ! Well may the place where their bodies shall find their last resting place be ever sacred to us and our children! But, when these memorial services and this solemn pageant are over, when our life in home and city struggles back to its wonted channels, has our whole duty been done? Is there no more which humanity, gratitude and religion call upon us to accomplish in memory of the dead and in behalf of the living? Surely, friends, there are deeper lessons, if we will receive them; nobler tasks, if we will con- sent to perform them. It is said: "When the German ocean has been moved by a great storm, it begins to toss out amber upon the beach, and the jewel-makers rush down to the new sand. So, whenever the human ocean has been well moved it begins to throw forth things of value to those walking on the mortal shore." What thoughtful mind can doubt that these sudden and mighty agitations should arouse us to higher ideals and nobler methods of life? Who can doubt that the angel of terror and of death, the shadow of whose wings have been dark as night, may yet prove a "minis- tering spirit," leading us on to brighter because better days? If we will, out of these troubled waters shall come truer, richer health to human society; from this fiery trial character shall come forth purged of its dross. Among the throng of thoughts which are excited by this great calamity, there are three which I would especially emphasize. One is, the inestimable value of a single human life. Mortal though we are, we are not like the beasts that perish. Made in the image of God we are charged with an immortal destiny. Whoever cuts short this life whether his own or another's, whether by malicious intent or by thoughtless neglect, will not be held guiltless by God, and should not be by men. We must check the fearful prodigality with which so many waste their own life and imperil the lives of others. Again, let us more fully recognize the relations that bind us together in human brotherhood. We are not, cannot be independent of each other. However separated by the barriers of nationality, station, possessions, employments, creeds, we are one in the sorrows that afflict us and the death that awaits us. The things of which we so often boast are but the accidents, not the essentials of life. Why then should we suffer ourselves to be ever proud, contemptuous, exclusive? That humanity is the richest, the most like --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [48] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE God's ideal, which takes as its motto and rule of life, "Each for all and all for each." Lifted by this sudden calamity and sorrow to recog- nize this fact in splendid deeds of heroism and generous sympathy and help, why should we ever lose sight of the high ideal? Once more, let us not forget that there is a kindness which comes too late. Flowers upon the casket of the dead may bear pathetic witness to love, but how much better if we should strew more flowers along the dreary pathway of the living! Solemn hymns and chants are appropriate to a burial service; but can we not, if we will, put more music into the hearts and homes that are all too dolorous? Eulogies over the departed maybe sometimes helpful; but a few hearty words of cheer and praise to our fellow- pilgrims, ere they leave us, are worth infinitely more. Let us then resolve, even beside these caskets of the dead, that we will think more, plan more, do more for those who are still with us. Then shall this sorrow, grievous as it is, bring a blessing that shall be eternal. At the conclusion of the address Beethoven's funeral march, "Eroica Symphony," was rendered by Prof. Garratt on the organ. Rabbi I. S. Moses then advanced to the front of the platform and addressed the assemblage in the German language. It was arranged that Rev. A. A. Hoskin should speak immediately after Rabbi Moses, but at the conclusion of the latter's remarks a panic was caused by the escape of steam from a broken pipe in the west wing of the building, and the audience left in rather an informal manner, thus bringing the exercises to an abrupt close. About 12 o'clock the two divisions of the funeral cortege united on the upper end of Broadway, and started on the solemn march through the city toward the cemeteries in the following order: FIRST DIVISION. Marshal Bean and Staff. Light Horse Squadron. Bach's Band. Lincoln Guards. South Side Turner Rifles. Grand Army of the Republic. Milwaukee Turnverein. Scandinavian Benevolent Society. Druids. Delegates from Eintracht Society. Carriages Containing Clergy. Three Carriages Containing Policemen. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [49] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE Hearses Citizens' Committee. The Mayor. Municipal Organizations. Citizens in Carriages. SECOND DIVISION Under Command of Assistant Marshal Thomas Shea. Clauder's Band. Sheridan Guards. Kosciusko Guards. Knights of St. George. Knights of St. Patrick. Order of St. Bonaventura. St. John's Married Men's Sodality. St. Bonifacius Society. Ancient Order of Hibernians. Hibernian Benevolent Society. St. Gall's Young Men's Sodality. St. Pius' Society. St. Peter's Society. Band. St. Joseph's Society. St. Bernard's Society. St. George's Society. St. Stanislaus' Society. Kunkel's Band. St. Anthony's Society. St. John's Young Men's Sodality. Heart of Jesus Society. Carriages Containing Catholic Clergy. Hearses. Delegation of St. George's Society as Pall-bearers. Carriages Containing Citizens and Delegations from Societies. As the cortege moved with measured steps through the lanes formed by the living mass on both sides, the silence was unbroken save by the melancholy strains of the dirge and the regular tolling of the various church bells. The catafalques on which the forty- three coffins rested in full view of the spectators were the center of interest all along the route. They were seven in number and consisted of platforms built on sleighs, the whole being covered with black cloth, and appropriately trimmed with rosettes and festoons --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [50] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE of black. On National avenue, near Sixth avenue, the military and civic societies formed two lines and came to a halt, facing inward. The catafalques were slowly drawn between the lines, and as they passed, the escort reverently bowed their heads. The procession dispersed at this point and the societies returned to their respective armories and halls. The pall-bearers, the clergy and the friends and relatives of the dead accompanied the remains to Forest Home and Calvary Cemeteries, where the last funeral rites were performed. At Forest Home Cemetery a simple burial service was held, after which the coffins were lowered into the ground. The number of each coffin was called off as it was lowered, as follows: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 40 and 44. At Calvary Cemetery Archbishop Heiss conducted the ceremonies in accordance with the Catholic faith. The coffins were numbered 27, 32, 36, 37, 45, 22, 48, 33, 31, 39, 25, 47, 42, 46, 38, 21, 19, 34, 35 and 41. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [51] BURNING OF THE NEWHALL HOUSE In Memory of the Dead Mrs. L. W. Brown Martha Schlossner Mrs. John E. Gilbert Mrs. Allen Johnson Mary Conroy Allen Johnson Mary McMahon Walter H. Scott Mary McDade Thos. E. Van Loon Mary Anderson David G. Power Ottilie Waltersdorf Judson J. Hough Bessie Brown Theo. B. Elliott Maggie Sullivan Wm. H. Hall Augusta Giese David H. Martelle Bridget O'Connell Robert Howie Julia Fogerty William C. Wiley Anna Hager J. Bradford Kellogg Kate Linehan Richard Goggin Julia F. Groesbeck Q. C. Brown Lizzie Anglin Geo. G. Smith Mary Miller Judge Geo. Reed Libbie A. Chellis Capt. Jas. P. Vose Nora Flanagan L. K. Smith Rosa Burns J. H. Foley Annie McMahon Prof. B. Mason Margaret Owens Geo. Lowry Mary Owens Just Haak Lizzie Kelly W. E. Fulmer Jane Dunn Emil Giesler Ann Casey Fred Barker Augusta Trapp Walter Gillon Kate Monahan William Gillon Amelia Krause Daniel Moynahan Maggie Finnegan Gust Fredericks Kate Connors Ernst Schoenbucher Mary Burke C. Kelsey And others unknown They Rest in God. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================