Rensselaer Union, Volume 11, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 April 1879 — A Level-Headed Dead Man. [ARTICLE]

A Level-Headed Dead Man.

The following is an extract from the will of a gentleman who was a citizen of and who died recently in Baltimore Coanty, and which he directed should be read at his fnneral. The leading traits of his character throughout his life were honesty and truthfulness, and the extract shows how he, as a dying man, viewed the popular and fashionable funeral pageantry of the day: “In view of the uncertainty of life, 1 hereby commit to writing my last wishes with regard to the manner and means used for the disposal of my mortal remains. First, I wish my body to be clothed in plain shroud. I wish no flowers, nor mock display. I object to my body being carried to the church. I wish it to be removed from my earthly home, to its last resting place, there to rest, unmarked, unless at some future time some child or children are moved so to do. Most earnestly I request that nothing called mourning shall be worn by my family, as I am persuaded this has become a solemn mockery. If the heart is not the fountain from whence these emotions flow, they can never emanate from this source. Above all, I wish no undeserved eulogies pronounced over niy remains. If there was one trait in my character worthy of imitation, then imitate it; and with the last look bury all of my imperfections and infirmities with my remains. Without reflecting upon my friends, I may allude to one infirmity ot our natures; that is, in vying with each other to show our consideration and respect for them that are beyond this influence. There was time, but the opportunity is lost. If I may select the ground for a few remarks, it is from these words: ‘Unprofitabletenant.’ Lastly, in order to satisfy the curious, and avoid reflections upon my family, I request or the minister officiating to read this publicly at my funeral.” —Baltimore American.