Ebbie Davenport

DAVENPORT

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 8/28/2014 at 17:51:43

THE LAST OF EARTH

The Funeral of Ebbie Davenport This Morning.

This morning at 9 o'clock occurred the funeral services of the lamented Ebbie Davenport, the bright lad who met an unfortunate death while at work the other morning. The services occurred at St. Mary's church and a solemn requiem high Mass was celebrated with the following officials: Celebrant, Rev. J.P. Ryan, pastor of St. Mary's; deacon, Rev. J.F. Kempker, chaplain at Mercy hospital; sub deacon, Rev. James Davis, pastor of the Sacred Heart cathedral; master of ceremonies, Rev. D.J. Flannery, pastor of St. Anthony's.

The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J.P. Ryan and was a very eloquent and touching tribute to the memory of the deceased, who for years had been one of the most faithful acolytes of the church. He portrayed the excellent characteristics of the departed and his earnest, manly and true qualities that had so endeared him to all, also touching upon those beautiful thoughts from the scriptures, comforting to the relatives and dear friends in the dark hour of their sorrow.

Instead of the usual shroud, Ebbie was dressed in his acolyte's garb, a white cassock with purple collar and cuffs and lace surplice, just as he had frequently been arrayed while officiating as master of ceremonies in various functions of the church. At the grave Rev. D.J. Flannery officiated, the interment being in St. Mary's cemetery. The church was crowded with friends of the deceased, testifying to the esteem in which the lad had been held by all who knew him. The dry goods house of King, Hasler & Schwentzer, where Ebbie had been employed, was closed and all the proprietors, as well as employees, attended the funeral in a body, requiring eleven carriages for their conveyance. The employers tendered a beautiful floral cross about four feet in height and the employees a floral piece the "Gates Ajar" with a white dove on top as a token of their sympathy and as a tribute of regard in which Ebbie had been held by them all. It was indeed a sad funeral, and sincere and heartfelt sympathy is extended by all to the mother and relations and friends of the noble boy in their deep distress.

Source: Davenport Daily Leader, Davenport, Ia., 30 June 1893.