Obituaries

Sunday witnessed one of the largest funerals held in this city and Alsace township for a long time. It was the funeral of three members of the Bingaman family; mother, daughter and grandson. Over 500 persons viewed the remains at the house, 509 South 14th street. Two policeman were stationed at the door. The three bodies lay in the front room of the house, The bodies of the daughter, Hannah Bingaman, and her 9-weeks old son Earl, were in a walnut coffin, the body of the child lying on the left side of its mother, its head resting on her arm. Both were dressed in handsome white satin shrouds, and many shed tears as they looked a the young mother and her infant. Alongside of this coffin was another containing the remains of Mrs. Caroline Bingaman, which were attired in a black silk dress. The floral tributes were beautiful,among those of the mother of the family were a handsome bouquet of natural flowers from her sisters, and three other beautiful bouquets by friends. One hand clasped a sheaf of wheat. A handsome wax bouquet by Miss Katie Mertz adorned the coffin of the daughter and her child. When the funeral cortege reached Spies' church the edifice, which has a seating capacity of nearly 1400, was already filled, excepting some front seats which were reserved for the friends and relative of deceased. The crowd numbers over 1500. Over a hundred stood in the aisles, and several hundred were unable to get into the church. Nearly 160 conveyances brought persons to the church which was never so crowded since its dedication. The pall-bearers for Mrs. Bingaman were: Samuel W. Hoffmaster, Mark W. Pierce, Peter R. Quinter and James Boyer. The pall-bearers for daughter and her child were: Newton Keehn, John Biehl, Winfield Helfrich and Martin Helfrich. Rev. Dr. Leinbach conducted impressive services and took for his text the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35. "Jesus wept." After services the remains were viewed by all in attendance. Fully 2000 saw the remains at the house and church. John R. Henninger & son, Hunter, were the undertakers. Mrs. Lillie Geiger had laid out the remains. The remains were interred in graves adjoining that of Samuel Bingaman, whose death preceded the others. The remainder of the family will reside in the future at the home of a relative in Alsace. They are Sarah, aged 27; Samuel, aged 25; Amelia, aged 22; Rose, aged 15; Annie, aged 12; and Ida, aged 10.