| Funeral of a Veteran Fusilier.
The funeral of Postmaster R. E. Bowen occurred at his late home in Millbury, on Thursday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of relatives, friends, neighbors, old comrades, and nearly all the business men of the place, filling the house to overflowing, while many were unable to obtain admission. The services were conducted under the direction of George A. Custer Post 70, G. A. R., of which the deceased was a honored member. About 40 comrades were present, and the 15th Massachusetts regiment was also represented by a good delegation, seven members of Company B, as follows: Henry A. Spooner and Charles E. Griswold of Fitchburg, Joseph B. Matthews, William E. Taylor and Oscar A. Kendall of Winchendon, Josiah A. Wilder of Worcester, and one Alvin A. Simonds (who was formerly of Fitchburg) from Dayton, Ohio, the later being the fellow prisoner who made his escape from the bevels with Mr. Bowen, and shared with him in the terrible experiences of a 22 days' journey through the mountains. All of the 15th boys were distinguished by the badge of the second corps. Rev. P. Y. Smith of Wilkinsonville, a particular friend of the deceased, officiated. He delivered an eloquent and [?] eulogy, from Job 7:16, in which he paid the highest tribute to the beautiful life and character of the departed. The music for the occasion was provided by a select choir, composed of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Goddard, Mrs. I. N. Goddard and Charles Lovel, who sang, "How Sleep the Brave," "In the Sweet Bye and Bye," and "Beyond the Smiling and the Weep..." [? smear ] [The] remains of the departed was draped with the national flag, and upon the top was placed a beautiful G. A. R. emplem, composed of red, white and blue, contributed by Post 70. The bearers were Comrades A. H. Batcheller, Lyman Waters, T. A. Winter, C. H. Wright, N. H. Sears and S. D. Waters. The remains were interred at Central Cemetery and followed to the grave by the Post and other comrades, where the usual G. A. R. funeral service was performed. |