The following is a transcription of the Indianapolis Daily Journal’s May 1, 1865 coverage of the funeral train and the Indianapolis funeral. This is the most lengthy and detailed description of these events that was located by IHB staff. The article reports in-depth on the train stops, the city’s decorations, the hearse, coffin, State House display and decorations, the names of the Guard of Honor, distinguished visitors, music played, and more. (For a brief overview of this topic see Lincoln Funeral Train Part One: Washington D. C. to Indianapolis.)
"Funeral Cortege,” Indianapolis Daily Journal, May 1, 1865, 2, 4, and “Decorations of the City,” Indianapolis Daily Journal, May 1, 1865, 4, accessed NewspaperArchive.com via the Indiana State Library.
Funeral Cortege
Cleveland, April 29, 12:03 A. M.
The continued rain of the past day and the sadness of the occasion gave everything the aspect of great gloom. Notwithstanding the disagreeableness of the weather a large concourse of citizens in addition to the military escort and city authorities accompanied the sacred remains to the depot.
Major General Hooker and staff are among the mourners now on the train.
Columbia, O., April 1:02 A. M. – A large gathering about bonfires. Men stood bareheaded as the train passed.
At Berea and Olmstead were like groups.
Wellington, O., 2 A. M. – The people from the surrounding country and village assembled at the depot with anxious looks and wonder, as if the death of the great and good man, Abraham Lincoln were a dream.
Greenwich, Ohio, April 29 – The rain is pouring down in torrents, yet there is a large bonfire blazing around which are grouped some two hundred people, who stand uncovered.
Shelby, Ohio, April 29, 3:39 A. M. – A large crowd assembled, with lighted lamps. They walked around the President’s car, and vainly wished for one sight of the remains. At Grafton and Lagrange were groups of mourning in waiting.
New London, Ohio, April 29, 2:56 A. M. – Those evidences of sorrow, elsewhere so prevalent, here have a counterpart. The assemblage have lighted lamps, and look sad and thoughtful.
Crestline, Ohio, April 29, 4:07[?] A. M. – Demonstrations of sadness here as elsewhere, greeted us. A large concourse of citizens, with lighted lamps, stood on the platform, eagerly waiting and watching the movements of the cortege.
Gallion, Ohio, April 28, 4:23 A. M. – The villagers and country people assembled in large numbers at the depot, and with quiet and reverend air, looked at the mourning train.
Cardington, O – 5:20 A. M. – Here are about three thousand mourners assembled – all the men standing uncovered.
On learning in which car lay the remains, the people flocked about it with reverential tread. The depot was decorated with two large flags, one on each end, and in the center, on white muslin, was this inscription: “He sleeps in the blessing of the poor, whose fetters God commissioned him to break.”
Ashley, O – 5:43 A. M. – Groups of people are clustered about the depot and the green lots surrounding. The men are all uncovered, and the women look, in deep sympathy as we speed onward.
Lewis Centre, O – 6:31 A. M. – A large concourse of people, who gave every evidence of respect for the dead. The depot is tastefully decorated.
Eden, Berlin and Orange, paid their respects to the great dead.
Worthington, O – 6:56 A. M. – Lines of thoughtful people crowd up to the depot platform – the men with uncovered heads – as the funeral train approaches. Of the mourners, many are farmers, who have come with their families to reverence the dead.
Columbus, April, 29 – 7:30 A. M. – The funeral cortege has just arrived under the special guidance of E. S. Flint, Superintendent of the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad. In justice to C. C. Gale, our courteous conductor, to George Westfall, engineer, and Peter Hughes, fireman, I must say the steam engine Nashville, which bore us safely over the road, was the most tastefully decked engine I have ever seen. Festoons of evergreens and roses, braids of black muslin, and roses of velvet were neatly arranged to suit the eye of harmony. In the center, under the large revolving lamp, was a beautiful steel plate portrait of President Lincoln. The Nashville was brightened and polished, and everything about her had an air of solemn splendor.
Receiving the Remains.
The remains of the martyred deceased were received at the Depot by a vast and orderly assemblage. The special escort on the part of the city formed in their proper place, and after the remains were taken from the car and placed in the catafalque, the procession formed in line and conveyed the body to the State House, where it lies in state while in this city.
All military and civic organizations took part in the funeral rites.
The Military Escort.
The 88th Ohio, 18th United States infantry, and detachments of the army and volunteer associations, and all others who, having seen service in the armies of the Republic, and deemed it an honor to participate in the solemn ceremonies of this day, constituted the military escort, in addition to the special military escort from Washington.
The Civic Procession.
The grandest and most important civic procession we have yet seen is now formed. The clergy of the city and State, city and State officials, Judges of the various courts of the State, Odd Fellows, Masons and Druids, Fenian Brothers, mechanics, benevolent and other associations. The colored Masons and Odd Fellows are out in large numbers, and appear conspicuous from the solemn and reverential decorum they present.
Fire Department.
This organization looks splendid, and have their engines beautifully draped in mourning, and shrouded in evergreens.
One or two carriages are filled with ladies, dressed in black, who are chanting hymns in praise of the dead martyr. Their sweet, sad voices, full of electric sympathy, have caused tears to fill many an eye unused to weeping.
I have to-day seen the strongest and most sturdy men weep like little children. May I be permitted to say that the touching sights are enough to make the heart of stone weep. Oh! its grand sublimity! grand and godlike to see a great people thus bowing down and worshipping the great dead – one of the great dead from their own hearthstones. As we progress with the setting sun, it seems that the heart of the people grows sadder, and that they become more deeply impressed with the horrible calamity that has befallen them in the loss of our beloved ruler. Perhaps it is owing to the fact that every moment brings us nearer and nearer to that home where we shall deposit the holy ashes from mortal sight forever more.
Lying in State.
The remains will lie in state at the State House from 9 A. M. to 6 P. M. to-day. The Mayor and Common Council of this city, the Mayor and Council of Cincinnati, and the chief heads in official station will first be permitted to view the remains, when the public will be admitted.
The Catafalque.
This beautiful piece of work, upon which the coffin rests, is wreathed in flowers and other gentle emblems. Vases of flowers group about the dais, and the dais itself, with the varied and mournful drapery of the hall, presents a sight in which nature and art are most promiscuously entwined in honor to the dead.
While the procession is moving the bells toll out their mournful sounds. Appropriate music floats out upon the air, reaching the heart with its softening, soothing influence, while the stern peals of the minute guns, with warlike sounds, make strange contrasts.
The people universally wear mourning badges of some kind to indicate that their hearts are turned to him whose heart was ever turned toward them.
Private and public residences are heavily draped, many of them containing inscriptions to the dead so simple that they speak columns of history in the sentiments.
The State House is decorated in a most becoming manner. On a large, white banner, over one entrance, is conspicuously printed the inscription – “With Malice to No One – With Charity to All.” Over the arch to the main entrance is a sign of great expression – “Ohio Mourns Indeed.”
Wherever one goes or looks, there are the living testimonies to the moral and Christian worth of Abraham Lincoln, the murdered President of the American Republic.
A beautiful day, after the storm and gloom of the past twenty-four hours. The sun shines out[?] warm and brightly, and the air grows more fragrant, just as the sorrow and gloom of our bereavement will yet be changed to Christian joys, when we contemplate the rich treasures we have inherited through the assassination and martyrdom of the real emancipator.
Columbus, O., April 29, 8 P. M.
Departed from Columbus as dated. The vast concourse of citizens who escorted the remains to the depot speaks well for the citizens of Columbus and the adjacent country.
The procession which accompanied the remains to the State House this morning conducted it to the starting point this evening.
B. E. Smith, Esq., President, and J. M. Lunt, Esq., Superintendent of the Columbus and Indianapolis Central Railway, are on board, giving personal attention to the wants and wishes of passengers. They have with them Messrs. Bremen and Cumings, chief track men, and Wm. Slater, telegraphic operator, with all the necessary implements for immediate repair. S. A. Hughes, Esq., as Conductor, and Mr. James Gounley, Engineer, are in charge of the train.
Pleasant Valley, O., April 29, 8:43 P. M. – Here great bonfires lit up the country for miles. A large concourse of citizens were assembled around the depot. Two fine American flags, draped in mourning, were held in hand by two ladies. Depot was decorated with evergreens.
Unionville, O., April 29, 9:00 P. M. – There are only a dozen houses here, and yet there were about 200 persons present, most of them sitting in wagons – the people having come in from the country.
Milford, O., April 29, 9:19 P. M. Bonfires here, around which are assembled some 400 or 500 people who wave flags and handkerchiefs slowly. About two miles from this place a farmer and his family were standing in a field by a bonfire, and waving a flag.
Woodstock, Ohio, April 29 – 9:46 P. M. – About five hundred people present. The ladies presented boquets [sic]. One by Miss Villard, Miss Lucy Kimble and Miss Mary Kranston, on the part of the ladies of Woodstock. Another by Miss Ann M. Currier, and another by Mrs. G. Martin and Miss Delilah Beltz, two sisters. These ladies were permitted to enter the President’s car and strew flowers on the coffin. The Woodstock Cornet Band, U. Cushman, leader, played a dirge and hymn – “Dreaming I sleep love” and Flayl’s Hymn. The village bells slowly rang. Men stood silent with uncovered heads. The scene was affecting as it was beautiful.
Cable, Ohio, April 29 – 1:13 P. M. – The gentlemen on the train asked Mr. Lunt, Superintendent, where all the people came from who had assembled at this place. It was amazing. There were large bonfires. A soldier stood in the center of an assemblage, holding a flag. All men stood uncovered.
Urbana, Ohio, 10:40 P. M. – Some three thousand people present. Large cross on platform, entwined with circling wreaths of evergreens, which was worked under the direction of Mrs. Miles G, Williams, President Ladies’ Soldier Aid Society. From the top of the cross, and shorter arms, were hung illuminated colored transparencies. On the opposite side of the track was an elevated platform, on which were forty gentlemen and ladies, who sung with pathetic sweetness, the hymn entitled “Go to Thy Rest.” How appropriate. The singers represented the Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian and Presbyterian Churches. Large bonfires made night light as day. Minute guns were fired. Ten young ladies entered the car and strewed flowers on the martyr’s pier. One of the ladies was so affected that she cried and wept in great anguish.
New Madison, 11:24 P. M. – Brilliant illuminations, by which may be seen a number of drooped flags, a large assemblage present, who stand in silence as they look on the moving train. A beautiful boquet [sic] was presented and placed on the coffin by Mrs. Purron. The boquet [sic] was a most artistic one, made by Mrs. Stouteymeyer.
At Westville station crowds were gathered to pay respect to the dead.
Conover, O., 11:39 P. M. – A long line of people two deep are standing in file; on the right little boys and girls, then young men and women, and on the left elderly people. In the centre, supporting a large American flag, are three young ladies, Miss Eliza Throckmorton, Miss Nova Brecount and Miss Lizzie Barnes. A patriotic religious song, with a slow and mournful air, was chanted by the flag bearers.
Piqua, O., April 30 – 12:20 A. M. – Not less than ten thousand people are in the living mass now about the train. A great desire is manifested to see the President, and many ladies inquire if “little Willie” (the President’s son who died three years ago) is along. When answered in the affirmative they exclaimed: “O, I wish I could see him!” The Troy band and the Piqua band played appropriate music, after which a delegation from the Methodist churches under Rev. Granville (Col.) Moody, sang a hymn published in the Cincinnati Gazette of yesterday. Rev. M. repeated the first line, when it was then sung by the entire choir. As you may imagine it was a scene such as is seldom witnessed. Think of such actions at the holy midnight hour, when humanity is supposed to lay by its cares, and take its rest in the arms of repose.
Gettysburg[?], O., April 29, 1:10 A. M. – Large numbers of people are congregated together around huge bonfires. Drooping flags and other evidences of mourning are seen.
There were like scenes at Richmond Junction and Covington, just passed.
Greenville, O., 1:16 A. M. – Thirty-six young ladies dressed in white, slowly waving the Star Spangled Banner, greeted the cortege here. Lafayette’s requiem was sung with thrilling effect, by a number of ladies and gentlemen. About 500 people were congregated on the platform. Company C, 28th Ohio Infantry, was drawn up in line, with fire arms reversed. The depot was tastefully decorated. On either side of the depot were two bonfires fifteen feet high, which shed most brilliant light all round the train and depot.
New Paris, O., 2:41 A. M. – Great bonfires light up the skies. A crowd is gathered about, who stand with uncovered heads. A beautiful arch of evergreens was formed above the track, under which the train passed. The arch was 20 feet high and 30 feet in circumference.
At Wiley’s, New Madison and Weaver’s stations, mourners were congregated to pay respect to the passing dead.
From the State Line to Indianapolis.
Our special correspondent, accompanying the Governor and his suite, gives the following account of the reception of the funeral train in Indiana:
The special train, having on board the Governor and suite, the members of the State Senate and Legislature, State and city officials, the clergy, Mayor and City Council and a number of our prominent citizens, left the Union Depot, at precisely eight o’clock. At every station on the road, preparations were making for some display in honor of the funeral train to pass up in the morning. After a pleasant and safe run of a little over three hours, we arrived in Richmond, at half-past eleven, and were met at the depot by a large number of the citizens of the old Quaker city.
The party on the special train consists of the following gentlemen:
Governor O. P. Morton, Lieutenant Governor Conrad Baker, Hon. T. B. McCarty, Auditor of State, Hon. John I. Morrison, Treasurer of State, Hon. D. R. Williamson, Attorney General, Hon. Laz Noble, Clerk of the Supreme Court, Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, Brigadier General Tom Bennet, Hon. H. S. Lane, Hon. G. S. Orth, Hon. Thomas N. Stillwell, Hon. David Kilgore, Hon. D. S. Gooding, Hon. D. C. Branham, Hon. J. A. Matson, Hon. Henry Secrist, Gen. Colgrove, Hon. J. F. Kibby, Hon. C. J. Oason[?] Hon. J. L. Miller, Hon. M. C. Culver, Colonel R. N. Hudson, Colonel R. W. Thompson, Colonel Oyler, General Dumont, Hon. John U. Petit, Hon. Joseph E. McDonald, General John Love, Hon. Thomas Whitesides, Hon. Jer. Sullivan, Colonel Jas Burgess, Colonel L. L. Shuler, Hon. H. C. Newcomb, Jos. J. Bingham, Alfred Harrison, Wm. Hannaman, Hon. Jas. N. Tyner, Captain H. B. Hill, Captain Stansifer [?], Hon. J. Y. Allison, Colonel C. D. Murray; Colonel Ira Grover, Colonel D. G. Rose, Colonel W. H. J. Robinson, Hon. David McDonald, Hon. J. D. Howland, Judge C. A. Ray, Judge Blair, Hon. John Hannah, Ex-Governor Dunning, Dr. Hendrix, Judge Gregory, J. H. McVey, E. J. Banta, D. E. Snyder, Chas. F. Hoagate, R. N. Brown, Esq., R. B. Catherwood, Esq., E. W. Halford, Esq., Wm. Wallace, Esq., E.H. Barry, Esq., Hon. A. H. Connor, J. T. Wright, W. A. Bradshaw, Esq., J. J. Wright, Esq., E. W. Kimbell, Esq., General Elliott, Major J. H. Losier, Andrew Wallace, Esq., J. C. New, Esq., W. H. English, Esq., Captain Jas. Wallace, Mayor Caven and the Common Council, T. C. Philipe, J. P. Luse, Esq., J. H. Jordan, M. C. Garber, W. S. Lingle, Esq., R. J. Ryan, O. S. Butterfield, J. K. English, W. R. Manlove, Dr. Geo W. Clippinger, Charles N. Todd, Esq., Rev. F. C. Holliday, Rev. J. V. R. Miller, Rev. B. F. Foster, Rev. J. P. T Ingraham, Rev. Dr. Bowman, Rev. O. F. Marshall, Rev. O. A. Burgess, Father Bessonies, Mr. Silverthorn of the Evansville Journal, and Mr. Westfall of the Terre Haute Express. The train and party were in charge of General A. Stone, of Governor Morton’s staff.
The loyalty of the Burnt District is above reproach, and the handsome decorations in and around the railroad buildings, and wherever a view from the train is to be had, attest how heartfelt is the sorrow of Richmond at the fall of the President. Had it been so arranged as to allow the corpse to remain for a shor[t] time, the people here would have not been a whit behind their more favored brethren of the Capital in their tributes of respect to the remains of Abraham Lincoln. As it is the town is alive at the time I am writing this, midnight; all are on the qui vive for the Funeral Train. An immense crowd of men and women are at the Depot. The public buildings are draped and illuminated, and by every possible means the people are demonstrating their share in the universal sorrow.
The Depot Buildings are handsomely festooned with black, bearing at each droop an evergreen wreath, beautifully trimmed with flags in mourning. Immediately in front of the Depot a very handsome arch spans the Railroad, elaborately trimmed with mourning and evergreens, surmounted by a handsome canopy of flags and a portrait of President Lincoln.
The display is necessarily confined to the immediate vicinity of the railroad, yet there is enough[?], and in such good taste as to be an honor to the people of Richmond, as well as to be a handsome portal for the funeral cortege to enter the patriotic domain of the Hoosier State.
Richmond, 2 A. M. – At this hour all the bells of this city ring out their solemn tones to awaken the citizens, and warn them to repair to the depot. Red, white and blue lamps are suspended from the depot, and the arch spanning the track, is lighted with the national colors. In a few minutes the pilot engine comes in, drawing one car, containing the city officials of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport.
Upon the arrival of the funeral train, at least 5,000 persons are standing in the solemn gloom of midnight, reverently with uncovered heads, testifying their respect for the illustrious dead. As the train, bearing the corpse and escort, slowly passes under the arch, a tableau of the Genius of Liberty, weeping over the coffin of Lincoln, guarded on either side by a soldier and sailor, while a Brass Band plays a mournful dirge, adds greatly to the impressive ceremonies. A moment more, and the funeral train passes out of sight.
Governor Morton boarded the train at this point, and the cortege is now under the care of one of the personal friends of the dead President, and one of his firmest supporters in the dreadful drama of war. The train consists of nine cars, [illegible] beautifully draped, reflecting much credit upon the officers of the road. The funeral car, and the one occupied by the escort, are the same that have come through from Washington City. The one in which the President’s coffin lays is a handsome carriage, but a description is not necessary. The remains of little Willie Lincoln occupy the front part, and the President’s the rear portion. Both coffins are covered with the freshest flowers, votive offerings of the people along the line of the route. As I stood, and gazed at the somber coffin, I could scarcely realize that I stood in the presence of the murdered Lincoln. Yet so it was. Before me lay all that earth could retain of one whom it loved to call great, and the funeral honors so spontaneously paid to the memory of the illustrious brought more forcibly than ever to the mind the truth, that:
“The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth o’er gave,
Await alike the inevitable hour; –
The path of glory leads but to the grave.”
Wherever the train passed, people were gathered with all that they could devise to render honor to the funeral cortege; yet the eyes once so full of hope and steady patriotism, flashed not at the display; the heart so courageous in the cause of truth and Union, pulsated not; Honor’s voice provoked not the silent dust, nor flattery soothed the dull, cold ear of death. The people’s idol was a corpse, and with a heart overburdened with emotion, I turned from the contemplation of the sickening thought to see how the noble old Hoosier State showed her appreciation of the services, the talent, and the untimely murder of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the United States.
Centreville, 3:24 A. M. – The capital of Wayne county did her whole duty, so far as decorations, and a crowd of sorrowful spectators could be so accounted. The depot was very handsomely festooned with the emblems of mourning, relieved by wreaths of evergreens. The building was illuminated with two large chandeliers, and at least 2,000 people were formed on either side of the track, through which the train moved very slowly. I noticed many weeping eyes, especially among the ladies, and their chief desire seemed to be to catch a glimpse of the coffin of the President.
Cambridge City, 4:15 A. M. – As the train reached this place, it was received with the salvoes of artillery, and a very tasty arch had been thrown across the track. The darkness was turned into a solemn glare, by the burning of Bangal lights, and as the red shadow met the first streak of gray in the East, the effect was very impressive and solemn. It was the unanimous verdict of those who had travelled all the journey with the train that this and the display at Richmond far exceeded in solemnity and impressiveness anything that had been witnessed. There was a solemn earnestness depicted in every face, as the train passed, and the sentence was writ upon every feature, as if in burnished rows of steel, that though Lincoln has died, the Republic shall live. This was the observation of all on the train as they looked upon the stern, yet sorrowful countenances of Indiana patriots.
Dublin – 4:27 A. M. – This loyal little village had dressed its depot in mourning and evergreens, with portraits of Lincoln, Grant, Morton, Sherman and Sheridan. An arch spanned the railroad, and the track was lined with all the people the town and country could muster. Darkness was turned into day by large bonfires, around which the children were gathered in silence, impressed with the same solemnity as weighed down the hearts of their elders.
The depots at Lewisville, Coffin’s Station, Ogden’s and Raysville, were all appropriately dressed, but at Lewisville each person on the train was given a circular, containing the sentiments of the people, as follows:
We Mingle Our Tears with Yours.
Lincoln!
The Savior of his Country; the Emancipator of a Race, and the Friend of
All Mankind!
Triumphs over Death, and mounts Victoriously upward, with his old familiar tread.
Knightstown had erected Funeral arches at [e]ach end of the Depot, and festooned the building with the badges of sorrow. A choir chanted a solemn and beautiful hymn as the train moved leisurely between the files of mourning citizens.
Charlottesville, 5:40 A. M. – This little village had not forgotten that the honored dead was the friend of the oppressed, and chief among the procession at the depot was quite a large body of colored people. How fitting and sublime seemed the gospel declaration, as the Great Emancipator’s coffin passed through a file of free men, “Of one blood made He all nations of men.” The brightest star in the immortal diadem that encircles the brow of Abraham Lincoln, is his fiat to his country: “Be ye indeed free.”
Through the stations of Greenfield and Cumberland, the funeral train passed the same scenes as at other stations, and in half an hour the cortege tolled its way into the Capital of the State, where it was received with all the honors due the distinguished remains.
Senator Sherman, of Ohio, and General Joe Hooker and staff joined the train at Cleveland, and accompanied it to this city. The entire route from the State line was one magnificent ovation, and it is the verdict of those capable of judging that the Hoosier State has paid as fitting honor to the remains of President Lincoln, as any State through which they have passed.
Dr. Gurley, the President’s pastor, who delivered the funeral address upon the occasion of the obsequies at the White House, accompanies the train through Springfield, to be present at the final committal of the remains to the tomb prepared in the President’s own city.
Indiana is plunged into the depth of grief. Not by the magnificent demonstrations of her cities and town is this shown, but all along the line, the farm houses were decorated, and their inmates had gathered in clusters, and by the light of bonfires, caught a glimpse of the train that was bearing from their sight, the remains of a man who had molded their opinions to the fashion of his own giant mind, and who, in the first glimmerings of the twilight of Peace, had been snatched from the scene of his labors and his triumph to the reward of those “who sink to rest by all their country’s wishes blest.”
Arrival at the Depot.
Before the break of day the crowd began to gather about the depot, and by six o’clock all the avenues leading to it were closely packed with people. At half-past six the pilot train, which goes ahead of the funeral cortege to clear the way, arrived. Every moment the crowd increased in density. Every street poured out its contributions of men, women, and children, eagerly seeking, with sad and solemn faces, to obtain a view of the train.
At seven the funeral train arrived. In the mean time the military had been drawn up in open order, facing inward, forming a line of bayonets extending from Illinois and Washington street up to the State House doors.
The Funeral Train.
The funeral train which brought the remains of President Lincoln from Columbus to this city consists of nine cars, eight of them furnished by the New York Central, Cleveland and Buffalo, and Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati Railroad lines. The ninth car, containing the body, is the “President’s car,” built for the convenience of the President and the other dignitaries in traveling over the United States Military Railroads. This contains a parlor, sitting room and sleeping apartment. It has been richly draped in mourning within and without, the heavy black drapery being relieved with white and black rosettes, and silver fringes and tassels. The windows are draped with black curtains and the entire furniture shrouded in black. A plain stand covered with black cloth, has been placed in the car at one end, and on this the remains of the President are placed. On a similar stand at the other end of the car, is the coffin containing the remains of little Willie Lincoln, who died three years ago in his twelfth year. The funeral car is in charge of Mr. John McNaugton, United States Military Railroad.
The Body Deposited in the Funeral Car.
After some little unavoidable delay, the corpse was taken charge of by the local guard of honor, under command of Col. Sillmonson, and tenderly conducted to the hearse, the city band playing a sad and sorrowful dirge called Lincoln’s Funeral March, composed expressly for the occasion by Charles Hess, of Cincinnati.
The Funeral Car
Which conveyed the remains from the depot to the State House, was constructed by Weaver & Williams. It is fourteen feet long, five feet wide, and thirteen feet high, covered with black velvet. It is curtained with black, trimmed with silver fringe. The roof of the car bears twelve white plumes trimmed with black. On the top, about the coffer, is a beautiful eagle, silver gilt, with a beautiful laurel wreath in his beak. The sides are studded with large silver stars. The car will be drawn by horses in black velvet covers, bearing each a black plume, trimmed with white.
The horses are the same ones which drew the carriage in which Mr. Lincoln rode when he visited this city in 1861, on his way to Washington. They were driven by the same man.
March to the State House.
Through the open ranks of the soldiers, standing at a “present arms,” the procession then took up its line of march to the State House. On either side, in the falling rain, and amid the sound of the tolling bells, all along the entire line of march, the citizens thronged the sidewalks, balconies and housetops, to catch a fleeting glimpse of all that is mortal of our lost Chief Magistrate, Abraham, the Good.
The procession moved in the following order:
Relatives and Family Friends.
Judge David Davis, United States Supreme Court, C. M. Smith, and N. M. Edwards, brothers-in-law of Mrs. Lincoln.
General John B. S. Todd cousin to Mrs. Lincoln.
Charles Alexander Smith, brother of C. M. Smith.
Ward H. Lamon, United States Marshal of the District of Columbia.
Guard of Honor.
Major General David Hunter.
Brigadier General E. D. Townsend.
Brigadier General Charles Thomas.
Brigadier General A. B. Eaton.
Brigadier General J. G. Barnard.
Brigadier General J. G. Ramsey.
Brigadier General A. P. Howe.
Brigadier General D. C. McCallum.
Brigadier General J. C. Caldwell.
Brigadier General James E. Ekin.
Rear Admiral C. H. Davis, United States Navy.
Captain W. R. Taylor, United States Navy.
Major T. Y. Field, United States Marine Corps.
Quartermaster and Commissary of Subsistence for Escort, Captain Charles Penrose.
Congressional Committee
On the part of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.
Maine – Representative Frederick A. Pike.
New Hampshire – Representative Edward H. Rollins.
Vermont – Representative Portus Baxter.
Massachusetts – Representative Samuel Hooper.
Connecticut – Senator James Dixon.
Rhode Island – Senator Henry B. Anthony.
New York – Senator Ira Harris.
Pennsylvannia – Senator Edgar Cowan.
Ohio – Representative –Robert C. Schenck.
Kentucky – Representative Green Clay Smith.
Indiana – Representative George W. Julian.
Minnesota – Senator Alexander Ramsey.
Michigan – Representative Thomas W. Perry.
Illinois – Senator Richard Yates, Representatives Elihu B. Washburne, John F. Farnsworth and Isaac N. Arnold.
California – Representative Thomas B. Shannon.
Oregon – Senator George H. Williams.
Kansas – Representative Sidney Clark.
West Virginia – Representative Kellian V. Whaley.
Nevada – Senator James W. Nye.
Nebraska – Representative G. D. Hillbaugh.
Colorado – Representative Allen C. Bradford.
New Jersey – Representative William A. Newall.
Maryland – Representative Charles E. Phelps.
Sergeant-at-Arms United States Senate, George S. Brown.
Sergeant-at-Arms House of Representatives, N. G. Ordway.
Illinois Delegation.
Gov. R. J. Oglesby, Hon. J. T. Stuart,
Gen I. N. Haynie, A. A. G. Col. J. Williams,
Col. J. P. Bowen, A. D. C, Hon. S. H. Melvin,
Col. M. H. Hanna, A. D. C, Hon. Shelby M. Cullom[?],
Col. D. M. James, A. D. C., Gen. J. A. McClennard,
Major H. White, A. D. C., Hon. Lyman Trumbull,
Col. B. L. Philips, U. S. M. Hon. T. S. Redenburg,
of S. District of Illinois. Hon. T. J. Dennis,
Hon. Jesse K. Dubois, Hon. S. W. Fuller,
Lt. Gov. Wm. Bross, Hon. J. B. Turner,
Francis C. Sherman, May- Hon. J. Lawson,
or of Chicago Hon. C. L. Woodsman,
Hon. T. A. Heine, Hon. G. W. Gage,
Hon. J. Wentworth, M. C., Hon. G. H. Roberts,
Hon. S. S. Hayes Hon. J. Commisky[?],
Hon. Col. R. M. Hugh, Hon. L. Talcot.
Members of the Press.
I. A. Gobright, Associated Press.
C. R. Morgan, Associated Press.
U. H. Painter, Philadelphia Inquirer.
C. A. Page, New York Tribune.
G. B. Woods, Boston Advertiser.
Dr. Adonis, Chicago Tribune.
Governors of States.
Governor William Stone, of Iowa, and staff.
Governor O. P. Morton, of Indiana, and staff.
Governor John Brough, of Ohio, and staff.
The Guard of Honor.
The guard of honor consisted of:
Captain J. McCanby, 9th V. R. C.
First Lieut. J. R. Durkee, 7th V. R. C.
Second Lieut. E. Murphy, 10th V. R. C.
Second Lieut. E. Hoppy, 12th V. R. C.
First Sergeants.
C. Swineheart, Co. D, 7th V. R. C.
J. R. Edwards, Co. E. 9th V. R. C.
A. C. Cromwell, Co. I, 7th V. R. C.
J. F. Nelson, Co. A, 9th V. R. C.
L. E. Bullock, Co. E, 9th V. R. C.
P. Calingham, Co. H. 9th V. R. C.
A. J. Marshall, Co. K, V. R. C.
W. T. Daily, Co. A 10th V. R. C.
J. Collins, Co. D, 11th V. R. C.
W. H. Durgin, Co. F, 10th V. R. C.
Frank Smith, Co. C, 10th V. R. C.
G. E. Goodrich, Co. A, 12th Veteran Reserve Corps.
A. E. Carr, Co. D, 12th Veteran Reserve Corps.
F. Cary, Co. E, 12th Veteran Reserve Corps.
W. H. Noble, Co. G, 12th Veteran Reserve Corps.
J. Karr, Co. D, 14th Veteran Reserve Corps.
J. P. Smith, Co. I, 14th Veteran Reserve Corps.
J. Hanna, Co. E, 14th Veteran Reserve Corps.
F. D. Ferehand[?], 18th Veteran Reserve Corps.
J. M. Sedgwick, 18th Veteran Reserve Corps.
R. W. Lewis, 18th Veteran Reserve Corps.
J. P. Berry, Co. A, 24th Veteran Reserve Corps.
W. H. Wiseman, Co. E, 24th Veteran R. Corps.
J. M. Pardus, Co. K, 24th Veteran Reserve Corps.
The Coffin.
The coffin is got up on a scale of unsurpassed magnificence and grandeur. Its entire cost has been about $2,000, and it is undoubtedly the most beautiful thing of the kind ever manufactured in this country. The timber used in the construction is mahogany, which is also lined with lead. The inside of the coffin is lined with box-plaited satin, the pillow and lower surface is of the finest description of white silk, and the whole is surrounded with chenille, as in fringe. The inside of the face lid is raised with white satin, the center piece is trimmed with black and white silk braid, fastened at the four corners with silver stars. The upper third of the lid is thrown back so as to reveal the head and bust.
The most rich and costly [?] of black cloth covers the outside. It is heavily fringed with silver, having four silver medallions on either side in which are set the handles. All along the sides it is festooned with massive silver tacks, repre[?] drapery, in each fold of which glitters a silver star. The edges are decorated with silver braid, having tassels each five inches in length. Upon each side are four massive handles, also of silver, and at the head and foot are stars of the same material. On the top is a row of silver tacks, extending the whole length a few inches from the edge. In the center is a silver plate, on which is the inscription,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Sixteenth President of the United States.
Born July 12, 1809,
Died April 15, 1865.
This is encircled by a shield formed of silver tacks. The whole thing is really beautiful, and finished with exceedingly good taste and fine workmanship.
Arrival at the State House.
The Procession halted at the Washington street entrance. The coffin was tenderly lifted from the hearse, carried through the arch, into the State House, and reventially deposited on the catafalque, to await the pilgrimage of thousands of saddened hearts, who will, during the day, come to pay the last tribute of respect to the loved and lost.
Guard of Honor
First Watch – From 7 A. M. to 9 A. M.
1. Colonel J. S. Simonson, U. S. A.
2. Major C. S. Stevenson, Paymaster.
3. Surgeon A. D. Gall, U. S. Volunteers.
4. Captain T. Teneyck, 18th U. S. Infantry.
5. Captain S. A. Craig, 17th V. R. C.
6. Captain W. H. Thompson, 43d[?] regiment, infantry, Indiana Volunteers.
Second Watch – From 9 A. M. to 11 A. M.
1. Brevet Major General Alvin P. Hovey, U. S. Volunteers.
2. Colonel Benjamin Spooner.
3. Major J. W. Walker A. A. G.
4. Major Will Cumback, Paymaster
5. Captain Hugh Middleton, A. D. C.
6. Captain James Wilson, A. Q. M.
Third Watch – From 11 A. M. to 1 P. M.
1. Colonel Charles D. Murray, 89th Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
2. Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Major, 43d Regiment, Infantry, Indiana Volunteers.
3. Major William Bailey, Paymaster.
4. Surgeon Charles J. Kipp, U. S. V.
5. Captain F. S. Dunn, 12th U. S. Infantry.
6. Captain J. B. Hager, 14th U. S. Infantry.
Fourth Watch – From 1 P. M. to 3 P. M.
1. Colonel A. J. Warner, 17th regiment, V. R. C.
2. Major V. C. Hanna, Paymaster.
3. Surgeon J. S. Bobbs, U. S. V.
4. Captain M. L. Ogdes, 18th U. S. Infantry.
5. Captain E. T. Wallace, 5th V. R. C.
6. Captain William Sweeney, 43d Infantry, Indiana Volunteers.
Fifth Watch – From 3 P. M. to 5 P. M.
1. Brigadier General T. G. Pitcher, A. P. M. General.
2. Major Marshal Grover, Paymaster.
3. Major W. H. Norris, 43d regiment, infantry, Indiana Volunteers.
4. Captain Fergus Walker, A. A. I. G.
5. Captain James Whittemore, Ordinance Officer, U. S. A.
6. Captain J. P. Pope, A. C. S.
Sixth Watch – From 5 P. M. to 7 P. M.
1. Brevet Brigadier General A. A. Stevens, Col. 5th regiment, V. C. R.
2. Major M. L. Bundy, Paymaster.
3. Surgeon A. M[?] Fraser, 22d regiment, V. R. C.
4. Captain J. D. Taylor, Judge Advocate.
5. Captain Eugene Pickette, 22d regiment, V. R. C.
6. Captain T. B. Burrows, 18th U. S. Infantry
Seventh Watch – From 7 P. M. to 9 P. M.
1. Lieutenant Colonel Allen Rutherford, 22nd regiment, V. R. C.
2. Major O. A. Blake, 12th Calvary Indiana Volunteers.
3. Major C. M. Terrell, Paymaster.
4. Captain James H. Rice, 5th regiment, V. R. C.
5. Captain M. H. Bailhache, A. A. G.
6. Captain William T. Blanchard, 22d regiment, V. R. C.
Eighth Watch – From 9 P. M. to 11 P. M.
1. Colonel William E. McLean, 43d regiment Infantry Indiana Volunteers.
2. Brevet Major H. K. Thatcher, 14th U. S. Infantry.
3. Captain J. D. Russell, 5th regiment, V. R. C.
4. Captain William W. Jones, 22d regiment V. R. C.
5. Captain Christopher C. Becker, 17th regiment, V. R. C.
6. Captain William L. Yelton, 431 Infantry, Indiana Volunteers.
Ninth Watch – From 11 P. M. Until Departure
1. Lieutenant Colonel John H. Gardiner, 17th regiment V. R. C.
2. Lieutenant Colonel Grapin, 154th Infantry, Indiana Volunteers
3. Captain Samuel Place, 17th regiment V. R. C.
4. Captain Robert C. Hicks, 5th regiment, V. R. C.
5. Captain Francis M. Welch, 43d regiment Infantry Indiana Volunteers
6. Captain John O. Neill, 22d regiment, V. R. C.
The Coffin Deposited on the Catafalque.
The detail of twenty-two sergeants lifted the coffin out of the funeral car, carried it into the State House, and deposited it on the catafalque. Then the choir chanted a solemn dirge [illegible] which the city band and the band of the [?] V. R. C. struck up “Old Hundred.”
Opening the Coffin.
The coffin lid was then unscrewed, at [?] 9 o’clock, and the remains exposed to view. The doors were thrown open, for the admission of the Sabbath School children and ladies.
Visiting the Body.
The work of the visiting body, while in state, was a difficult and vexatious. Far down the west side of Washington st.[?] reaching in fact to Illinois, the sidewalk closely packed with people, jealously h[?]on, frequently through great physical discomfort, to every inch of distance gained. Falling at the foot of the line we press ahead, jostled, jammed, and tread upon, soaked with rain, and defiled with mud, until we reach to entrance. Old men and young men, women with children in their arms, black people and white, all indiscriminately mixed up, and animated by the same motive – not the gratification of a morbid curiosity, but an earnest, loving desire to gaze for the last time on the features of a great and good man, whose patriotism, firmness, integrity and wisdom have carried the nation through perils only now beginning to be comprehended, and never to be encountered again – a great and good man, doubly endeared because of the damning atrocity of the act which robbed us of our guide.
Passing through the arches at the entrance, we gain the vestibule, and in a moment enter the chamber of death.
Appearance of the Body.
Silently, reverently, with uncovered heads, the throng approach the coffin, passing in couples on either side, over a platform raised to afford a better view of the body. Everything is hushed to the stillness of death, save the whispered admonitions of the attendants to “pass on.” A flood of soft, mellow light is thrown by the chandeliers over the coffin, the lid of which is removed from the head and chest, affording a good view of the features. The face is much discolored, and shaved closely down to the upper part of the chin, showing beneath short, closely trimmed whiskers such as Mr. Lincoln has been accustomed to wear for some years. Although discolored, there is nothing of the repulsiveness of death visible in the dead President’s face. The expression is that of calm, placid contentment, as if he were enjoying an untroubled sleep, rather that of a person who has perished by violence. It is such an expression as is becoming to a man who leaves behind him no written line which his friends could wish blotted out – no spoken word which they would care to have forgotten, and the record of no public act which was not calculated to benefit his fellow men – in sober truth that noblest and rarest work of God, an honest man. The scene was solemn and impressive. The lips, around which were wont to wreathe the kindly smiles which made the plain, angular face of Mr. Lincoln so attractive, now sealed in death – the honest , frank eyes, so often sparkling with the light of genial humor, or humid with the expression of a great and absorbing love for all of God’s creatures, now forever dimmed and [?] – the beating of the great heart which ever throbbed with the kindliest impulses stilled for all time – the touching solemnity of the Guard of Honor, ranged in solemn silence about the coffin – the somber insignia of woe hung around the chamber of death – the sorrowful faces of the passing multitude, turned to catch one last, parting glimpse of the features never to be seen again on earth – all inside the scene one not soon to be forgotten. There were aged men and young girls who d[?] a tear as they turned from that last look, and children, just entering the vestibule of life, upon whose young hearts will be inaff[?]bly impressed the sadness of this “closing scene.” There were political opponents, who, in the mad rancor of partisan warfare have heaped upon the illustrious patriot opprobrious epithets, in whose faces something very like remorse shone through the expression of sorrow, in which they were clothed.
Numbers of the State House.
Notwithstanding the horrible weather, there was a constant stream of people passing through the State House, to look at the remains, from [?] o’clock in the morning throughout the entire day. The crowd thinned out a little late in the afternoon, but there were visitors up to the hour the coffin was closed – 11 o’clock P.M. It is estimated that persons were passed through at the rate of one hundred fifty per minute, and thus fully one hundred thousand persons viewed the remains in the course of the day.
No Procession.
About 12 o’clock Gen. Hovey announced that there would be no procession, on account of the heavy and continuous rain. This was quite a disappointment, as extensive preparation had been made, and if the weather had permitted there would have been a grand display. However, the failure of the procession by permitting the corpse to rest longer at the State House, enabled thousands to see the remains who would not have otherwise succeeded in doing so.
Colored Procession.
The colored Masons, in regalia, and colored citizens generally, visited the remains in a body. They formed a very respectable procession, at the head of which was carried the Emancipation Proclamation, and at intervals banner bearing the following inscriptions: “Colored Men, always Loyal.” “Lincoln, Martyr of Liberty.” “He Lives in our Memories.” “Slavery is Dead.”
Regulation Salute[?]
Thirty-six guns were fired at sunrise, thirty six at sunset, and one at half-hour intervals throughout the day, being the regulation salute for the death of the President.
The Indiana Display.
Had the weather been favorable, there can be no doubt but that the display in the State of Indiana and the Capital would have been of the most gorgeous description. No expense and pains had been spared on the part of the State officials to render every possible honor to the remains of the illustrious dead. Adjutant General Terrell, at the head of the State officials, has worked with the most untiring anxiety, to put the Capitol and the city in proper dress for the occasion, and the escort accompanying the President accord to this city the need of the finest preparation and display.
But Indianapolis was doomed to have a bad and unpropitious day, and the drizzling rain and terrible walking, rendered the display almost futile. Had the sun shone brightly, the intended procession would have eclipsed any excepting probably that at the Metropolis.
Washington street from East to the State House, was literally shrouded in black, and every house on the line of march was tastefully and appropriately trimmed. The unpropitious weather prevented the funeral pageant, but an offset to the disappointment of the people in this, was the increased facility given to view the remains as the lay in state at the Capitol. Every Indianian may feel the honor of the State has been rather brightened than compromised by their reception of the remains of President Lincoln, and that the State where he passed some years of his youth, has rendered her full quota of honor to him as the Savior of his Country.
The Sabbath Schools
Turned out in force. As near as we could estimate their numbers between four and five thousand scholars visited the State House. The published order of the procession was pretty generally observed among the different schools.
The Ceremonies at Night.
The stream of visitors continued without abatement, long after nightfall, but about nine o’clock a visible diminuition [sic] in numbers allowed those who came at that hour to satisfy themselves with as long a look at the beloved features as they wished. General McCull, commanding the railroads, set the time for departure one hour in advance of the published card, making it at 11 o’clock, instead of 12. The ceremonies on the part of the State closed,
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at ten o’clock with a procession of the Marshals around the coffin, after which the Guard of Honor, and the Guard of Sergeants filed in and took charge of the remains. The undertaker replaced the lid, and the last glance of Abraham Lincoln had been taken in Indiana forever. The flowers which garlanded the coffin were gathered up and given to the charge of the State Librarian for preservation.
At a few minutes past ten, the order was given, and while the band played the solemn air “Old Hundred,” the coffin was lifted from the dais to the shoulders of the Sergeants, and by them carried to the funeral car, whence, through a line of armed troops, and torch bearers, extending from the south entrance of the Capitol to the west end of the Union Depot, the procession headed by the carriages of Generals Hooker and Hovey, and composed of the civic and military escort, attended by Senator Lane and Representatives Orth, Stillwell and Farquhar[?], moved, amid the tolling of bells and thousands of uncovered heads, to place the coffin of Abraham Lincoln upon the train prepared by the Lafayette Railroad Company, to be transported to Chicago.
Thus ended the Funeral Honors, paid by the State of Indiana to the memory of the late President of the United States. It is hazarding nothing to say that Indiana never saw such a sight, and, in the providence of God, we hope she may never see such again. The world’s history is emblazoned by the examples of a few martyrs to the cause of Liberty and Religion, and sacred in the heart of Indiana is to-day added to the shining necrology the name of Abraham Lincoln, the murdered President of the United States of America.
Hush, the Dead March wails in the people’s ears;
The dark crowd moves, and there are sobs and tears.
Bury the great man with an empire’s lamentation,
Let us bury the great man to the noise of the mourning of a mighty nation.
Mourning when its leaders fall;
While sorrow darkens hamlet and hall.
Mourn for the man of amplest influence,
Yet clearest of ambitious crime,
Our foremost, yet with least pretence.
Rich in saving common sense,
And, as the greatest only are,
In his simplicity sublime.
And let the land whose hearths be saved from shame
For many and many an age proclaim
Their ever honest President’s great frame.
With honor, honor, honor, honor to him,
Eternal honor to his name.
And while the races of mankind endure,
Let his great example stand
Colossal, seen of every land,
To keep the soldier firm, the statesman pure;
Till in all lands, and through all human story,
The path of duty be the way to glory.
“Decorations of the City,” Indianapolis Daily Journal, May 1, 1865, 4, accessed NewsaperArchive.com.
Decorations of the City.
The State House.
The interior decorations of the State House are of a character that will reflect no discredit upon the State authorities, and those enterprising and energetic gentlemen, Colonels Frybarger and Sturm, who have had the matter in especial charge, assisted materially by Mr. B. F. Foster, who labored efficiently and ceaselessly to accomplish the work entrusted to him. Few persons who are familiar with the rather shabby appearance of the State Capitol would be able to recognize the interior in the elegant dress which has been prepared for it. Indeed, persons who have traveled with the funeral cortege from the time it left Washington up to its arrival here, say that in no other city has the hall in which the remains of our President have been exhibited, been so completely, elegantly and appropriately decorated. The walls have been papered, and the floor covered with matting. The evergreen wreaths and garlands which hang in rich profusion from the walls have been artistically constructed, and the exquisite taste displayed in arranging them shows that the whole matter has been in the hands of true artists. Along the walls hang pictures of Washington, Lincoln, Johnson, Seward, Sheridan, Hovey, Morton, Douglas, Sherman, Grant, Colonel Dick O’Neill and Edward Everett. Busts of Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Webster, Clay and Douglas are placed at intervals, their brows bound with the ever-living laurel, throughout the hall. A beautiful bust of Washington, by that eminent artist, T. D. Jones, of Cincinnati, stands on a pedestal at the head of the coffin, its brow encircled with a laurel wreath. The hall is curtained with black, and brilliantly lighted with numerous chandeliers. The catafalque on which the coffin rests, is covered with fine black velvet, and trimmed with silver fringe. But the crowning glory of the interior decorations in the canopy overhanging and surrounding the catafalque. It is constructed of black material, in pagoda shape, with white cords and tassels. The roof – if such a term may be properly used – is studded with golden stars.
The Washington street front of the State House, though not so handsomely done as the interior, shows very well. The large pillars are draped with black and white, twined with garlands of evergreens. The front is festooned with black and white. A painting of the State coat of arms adorns the pediment.
Colonel Fryberger is entitled to the credit, we believe, of making the designs of the State House decorations. Mr. Lewis Stetchan did the upholstery, and arranged the wall decorations.
The Surroundings.
The fence around the State House square is hung with wreaths of arbor vitae. At each corner on Washington street, small arches, trimmed with evergreens, have been erected.
The main entrance, on Washington street, is a structure of considerable size, combining quite a variety of styles of architecture. It is about twenty-five feet high, forty feet in length, and twenty-four feet wide. Underneath is a carriage way twelve feet wide, with a six foot passage way on either side. The main pillars are fifteen feet high. Portraits of Grant, Sherman, Farragut and Morton are suspended from the pillars, while on the pedestals at the top, rest handsome busts of Washington, Webster, Lincoln and Clay. Over the arches is a speaking stand, with seats for choristers and musicians. The entire structure is beautifully shrouded in black and white, relieved by evergreen garlands, with a fine display of flags. At the north side a simple Gothic arch, decorated with the usual draping of black and white, has been erected.
Washington Street.
From the State House to New Jersey street Washington street is superbly decorated. A busy scene it presented Saturday night. Fires were built at intervals, and almost the entire population of the street were busy as beavers, finishing the arche[s], and fixing up the business houses. There are three arches – one at the crossing of Illinois street, another at Pennsylvania, and a third at Alabama. The arch at Illinois street, which may be taken as a type of the others, is a skeleton of wood, on which is wrought an elegant fabric of white, black and evergreen. The main passage, just over the railroad track, is about thirty feet wide, with twelve foot passages on each side. The framework in the middle is about thirty feet high. Plumes and flags ornament the top, and an eagle, over the main arch, holds in his beak a beautiful evergreen wreath, interspersed with white roses. Numerous ropes, with curtains of white and black looped up, studded with white rosettes, and white streamers hanging down, were stretched across the street, from the tops of the houses.
Mr. Riley displayed excellent taste in the decorations of the Metropolitan Theater. In the center hung a circular banner, in evergreen framework, which bore the following inscription:
Abraham Lincoln:
His Life Was Gentle, and the Elements So Mixed in Him, that Nature Might Stand Up and Say to All the World,
This Was A Man
On either side of the banner were representations of “F[?],” with her trumpet, and the Goddess of Liberty. Above sits the eagle, with a picture of Lincoln in his beak, and black plumes overhang the whole.
Masonic Hall was festooned with red, white and blue, hung with banners.
Geisendorff’s Wool Factory was ornamented with broad stripes of alternate black and white, with a handsome American flag, bordered with black, looped up in the center.
The City Hall was most profusely decorated, from dome to basement, being hung with wreaths, garlands, streamers, flags, rosettes, &c. The words, “Our Glorious Union,” formed by jets of gas, run across the front of the entire building. The decoration of the building is in excellent taste, and reflects great credit on those who had it in charge. We understand that it was gotten up by contributions from the police and city officers – the police themselves doing the work.
Tyler’s Bee Hive and the Union Telegraph office presented a handsome appearance.
J. H. Vajen had an elegant and rather unique representation of an hour glass, with other decorations, on a frame work in front of his store.
The windows of the Adams Express office were handsomely decorated with portraits of Lincoln, shrouded in mourning.
J. H. Baldwin, of the Fancy Bazaar, made an elegant display.
Huey & Mathews exhibited a fine front, with portraits of Lincoln, Grant, Morton and Sheridan.
The building occupied by Owen McGinnis was beautifully draped, while Barnes, of the upper story, contributed well executed portraits of Lincoln and Morton, to the general display.
Hume, Adams & Co. presented a fine appearance. In one window was the representation of a tomb, with an angel hovering over it, on the base of the tomb the word “Lincoln.” In the same window appeared the motto: “Our martyred President – Gone, but not forgotten.” In another window was an interior view of a camp tent with a picture of Lincoln, and the motto: “Abraham Lincoln! Honored in Life! Remembered in Death!”
The Boston Store presented a pleasing variety flags, wreaths, drapery, &c., tastefully arranged, with pictures of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Webster and Clay.
Temperance Hall has no cause to blush on account of the appearance it presented. In addition to the elegant shrouding, with handsome wreaths, there was a shield, bearing the portrait of the lamented dead, and the apt quotation: “After life’s fitful fever, he sleeps well.”
The Peru Railroad office displayed one of Jones’ life-like busts of Lincoln, and was elegantly ornamented with drapery.
The office of Seidensticker & Kappes attracted the attention of passers, by the elegant simplicity and appropriateness of its decorations.
The verandah of Little’s Hotel was neatly and attractively festooned with black and white, wreaths, flags. &c.
Odd Fellows Hall, in addition to the decorations, presented the beautiful sentiment, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
The establishments of J. George Stils, J. W. Holland, Tousey & Byram, Alverd, Caldwell & Alvord, Root & Barnett, Dorsey & Laman, Home Mutual Insurance Company, Munson & Johnson, Geo. F. Adams, Joseph McCreery and the Pay Department, were all handsomely decorated.
The establishment of H. F. Knoderer & Bro. was ornamented with rather more taste than might have been expected, considering the hurry in which it was gotten up.
The house of Hays & Rosenthal elegantly represented grief, hope and immortality, in festoons of black and white, with a beautiful embroidery of evergreen.
The establishment of Merrill & Co. was elegantly decorated, and presented the motto, “He being dead yet speaketh.”
The establishment of W. J. Haskett displayed a large white banner, trimmed with black, bearing the inscription: “He sleeps in the blessings of the poor, whose fetters God commissioned him to break. Give prayers and tears to the desolate widow and the fatherless, but count him far above the crowd of his fellow men.”
The establishments of Goodman & Morris, Glaser & Mitchell, the People’s Store, Jones & Vinnedge, O. B. Stout & Co., Fox & Mayer, Wm. Haerle, R. Parker, Bates House, Palmer House, Bowen & Stewart, L. J. Mossler, Moses, Myer, Dessar & Bros., J. W. Copeland, Benjamin Simon, Dudley, Newcomb & Co., and a great many others whose names we failed to obtain, were handsomely decorated.
The Post Office.
The Postmaster succeeded in making an excellent display. Black and white drapery, studded with large white rosettes, run entirely around the cornices under the roof, and every window was neatly draped, in white and black, with crossed flags and rosettes over the caps. The building, as dressed for the funeral reception, presented an elegant appearance, worthy of the occasion.
The Journal Office
Was draped with festoons of black and white around the cornice and beneath the windows, the corners surmounted by plumes. The Meridian street front was tastefully ornamented with evergreens, in arches above the windows, interspersed with rosettes and draped flags. In the center of the front was a life-size bust picture of the late President, on either side of which drooped the national colors, crossed and draped. A large flag floated above Meridian street, midway between the Journal Building and Wesley Chapel.
Meridian Street.
The wholesale grocery establishment of Connely & Wiles, as well as those of Mooney & Co., Keefer & Rush, at the foot of the street, were decorated, as also those of Vinnedge & Jones, Hays & Rosenthal, Webb, Tarkington & Co., Dessar & Brother, Hendricks, Edmunds & Co., Groesland[?] & McGuire, and Sawyer, Stoneman & Hasselman.
Private Dwellings.
In the course of a drive about the city we noticed the dwellings of Dr. Thompson, Charles Mayer, and J. F. Ramsay, on Illinois street; Colonel James Blake, corner Tennessee and North; Mrs. Judge Caleb Smith, New York and California; C. Geisendorff, New York street; J. L. Fugate, D. M. Cantrell and Samuel Hippard, Tennessee street; Willis Murphy and Major V. C. Hanna, Meridian street; Judge David McDonald, Joseph E. McDonald, William Wood, City Engineer, and William Sheets, Pennsylvania street; Mrs. Hoyt, Massachusetts Avenue; J. H. Vajen, Meridian street; Dr. Kitchen and A. G. Pettibone, Meridian street; Nicholas McCarty and Mr. Day, Meridian Street, as being handsomely and appropriately decorated. The dwelling of E. A. Hass[?], 188 Tennessee street, was elegantly decorated, as were hundreds of others, which we have failed to enumerate.
Street Car Decorations.
Mr. R. B. Catherwood, President of the Street Railroad Company, had all the cars handsomely decorated. The following is a list of the mottoes:
Car No. 10 – “Sorrow for the Dead; Justice for the Living; Punishment for Traitors.”
Car 11 – “He has gone from Works to his Reward.”
Car 12 – “East, West, North and South Mourn, by the Greatest Friend of Suffering Humanity Is Gone.”
Car 13 – Fear not, Abraham, I am thy Shield; they Reward shall be Exceedingly Great.”
Car 14 – “Justice, Not Revenge.”
Car 15 – “With Malice towards None; With Charity to All.”
Car 16 – Too Good for Earth, to Heaven thou Art Gone, and Left a Nation in Tears.”
Car 17 – “The Joy of Our Heart has Ceased; Our Dance has Turned into Mourning.”
Car 18 – “Rest in Peace, thou Gentle Spirit,
“Souls like thine with God inherit
“Life and Love.”
Car 19 – “The tear that we shed, though in secret it rolls,
“Shall long keep his memory green in our souls.”
Car 20 – “Thou art Gone, and Friend and Foe alike Appreciate Thee Now.”