William Augustin Martin

1887

Laid To Rest

Obsequies Over the Remains of the Late W. A. Martin

The funeral services over the remains of the late W. A. Martin were held yesterday at the family residence on McCallie street, at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. J. W. Bachman officiating, assisted by Revs. G. C. Rankin and J. T. Christian.

At the appointed hour the house, yard and sidewalk in front of the residence were crowded with the friends and acquaintances of the deceased, and when the tones of the organ sounded out the solemn prelude to a favorite hymn of the deceased and the First Presbyterian church choir took up the words and music, every head in the vast audience was bred and many an eye was wet in token of the esteem in which the deceased was held.

Rev. J. W. Bachman gave a most impressive and touching discourse as to the condition of those who die in the faith, and dwelt on the virtues and many manly and admirable qualities of the deceased. He spoke in his usual tender and impressive way, and frequently words of genuine pathos and emotion escaped him as he spoke of the great interest the dead man had evinced in his spiritual condition while in the midst of life.

Members of the N. B. Forrest Camp, Confederate Veterans, were present in a body and wore the uniform at the present worn by the association - black hats with gold bands with the initials "C. V." fastened on the upturned brims.

At the conclusion of the services the remains were taken to Forest Hill cemetery, attended by the entire camp and a long line of carriages occupied by friends and acquaintances of the deceased, where they were finally interred with the religious ceremonies of the camp.

Large numbers attended the burial taking the dummy line at the King street station.

Thus was laid to his last resting place another of Chattanooga's best and most highly esteemed older citizens.

The Chattanooga Times May 2, 1887

Submitted by Gary P. Martin
jgmartin@mindspring.com