| Funeral of Col. James May
The funeral of Col. James May was attended at the residence of Mrs. William Francis on Oak street, Tuesday afternoon, Rev. R. S. Kellerman conducting the services. The members of E. V. Sumner Post 19, G. A. R., showed their respect for their late comrade by attending the funeral in a body and the two military companies with the Fitchburg Band performed the duty of escort. The services at the house commenced with singing "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," by a quartette consisting of J. Warren White, Mrs. H. S. Derby, Miss Minnie J. Kingsbury and George W. Luke. Rev. R. S. Kellerman read a part of the 9th chapter of John and addressed consoling words to the mourning friends, speaking especially of the hope of immortality, and offered prayer. The services at the house closed with singing, "Abide with me." The body was enclosed in a black walnut casket and a wwreath rested on the casket. The pall bearers were Gen. John W. Kimball, Sergt. Henry A. Spooner, Corporals George T. Daniels and Henry L. Sheldon, and Privates Charles K. Griswold and C. C. Litch. All the pall bearers were members of the old Fusiliers with the deceased before the war, and the first five left Fitchberg with him, 19 years ago last Monday for the scenes of the camp and field. The procession moved in the following order, the military marching with arms reversed and the band playing dirges: Fitchburg Band, 21 pieces, W. S. Russell, leader The coffin was covered with the American flag. The procession moved from Oak street, through Holt, Summer, Main, Pre?? and Laurel streets to the tomb. The impressive burial service of the Gand Army was conducted by Chaplain Oliver, after which the remains were temporarily deposited in the tomb. The military then fird three vollys over the tomb which completed the funeral services. |