Mary Lincoln funeral

[RJNorton]

Here are a few more details on Mary's funeral. The pallbearers were Illinois Governor Shelby Moore Cullom, Milton Hay, James C. Conkling, John A. McClernand substituting for O.M. Hatch (who had originally been named), Jacob Bunn, and John S. Bradford. The above named men were the active pallbearers. They were preceded by two honorary pallbearers: Judge S.H. Treat and Col. John Williams.

Among the attendees at the funeral were Robert T. Lincoln, Mrs. W.S. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. Ninian Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Smith, and numerous other relatives and long time friends and dignitaries (including many officers of the state of Illinois plus members of the Lincoln Guard of Honor).

Flowers at the funeral were elaborate. Among the banked-up tributes of flowers was one in the form of a large book made of carnations with the name Mary Lincoln in blue forget-me-nots on the opened pages. This gift of flowers came as "the loving offering of the people" of Springfield. Another floral representation, in carnations, roses, and daises, was of the spiritualist convention - "the Pearly Gates Ajar."