Sammis, Bertie 1883-1893

SAMMIS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/5/2006 at 20:36:40

FUNERAL OF BERTIE SAMMIS

Yesterday was a beautiful June day, but sadness prevailed throughout the city, for it was at 2 p.m. that the funeral of Bertie Sammis took place, Rev. J. E. Snowden in charge. The deceased was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Sammis. He was about nine years of age, the idol of his parents and a favorite among all who knew him. Childhood is always sweet and full of charms, but in this case exceptionally so. He was a manly boy and dearly beloved by all. Sunshine beamed forth from his face at all times and none can recall the time when he did not wear a smile. After a brief illness, beginning with the measles and finally terminating in lung fever, June 26, about 10 a.m. he closed his eyes to the scenes of earth. Like a fair flower from life’s garden, little Bertie has been tansplanted into a brighter, never fading sphere.

Never in the history of LeMars has there been a larger attended and more touching funeral. Over seventy teams were present in the procession. Numerous friends were here from abroad and if they sympathizing tear could avail, the sorrow stricken hearts would be healed. But Bertie has gone in the fresh bloom of his tender youth, but the reflection of his pure innocent character has impressed itself indelibly upon many a heart.

The services were held at the residence and among the true mourners were twelve little boys making up the Sunday school class of which he was a member, Mrs. Mordoff, being the teacher. At the house they stood on either side of the walk, as the casket was tenderly borne from the place and at the cemetery the earth had been covered with evergreens and sweet flowers, the presence of which, if possible, lightened the gloom. The casket was placed by the grave, when the Sunday school class encircled it, each dropped a garland of flowers, while they in concert repeated these touching words: “Good night, dear Bertie, till we meet you in the morning.”

Source: LeMars Sentinel newspaper
Dated June 29, 1893