MUSCATINE COUNTY IOWA REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS BOOK ONE

Source: REGISTER OF OLD SETTLERS , BOOK One, page 206
submitted by Neal Carter, Aug. 24, 2007

FUNERAL OF CORNELIUS CADLE
(Died March 11, 1886)

The funeral of Deacon Cornelius Cadle caused a thronged attendance at the Congregational church yesterday afternoon. A most impressive feature of the obsequies, was the escort of the funeral car and its casket, from the residence to the church, by the Old Settlers’ society and Veteran Soldiers of the city. The former under the lead of Joseph Bridgman Esq., numbered over fifty, and the latter, marshaled under the command of Gen. Banks, formed an equally effective column. The appearance of these two bodies of men in the funeral procession spoke eloquently of two important epochs in the life of deceased: the one, relating to the part he nobly bore in the early settlement of Muscatine, and the esteem that cherished the memory of his forty three years of citizenship and congenial association in the hearts of these old, gray-haired friends; the other no less significantly telling of a patriotic devotion during the Rebellion, and of a zealous, liberal and tender solicitude for the boys at the front, marching, fighting, wounded and dying under the Flag of the Union.

The pall bearers were four sons present, of deceased – Cornelius, William, Charles and Henry, -- and as they bore the precious remains of their father up the aisle of the church, there were few eyes in that large congregation that could look on, undimmed, at so reverent’y filial a spectacle. The casket was ornamented with a large cross of white flowers.

The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Robbins, toward whom a wide and deep sympathy has flowed from the hearts of this community, in being called to bury, in so brief an interval, the two Deacon of his church, and friends of nearly a half century of beloved acquaintance, the sad offices of yesterday having been performed over the grave of Deacon Suel Foster, the 24th of January.

The sermon was an affectionate review of the life of deceased and an earnest eulogy of his character as husband, father, friend, citizen, Christian and officer of the church. The venerable pastor has preached few sermons in whose every word his heart so manifestly palpitated as in the discourse of yesterday, which was listened to with the wrapt attention of the congregation.

The beautiful chant of the choir as the cortege entered the church, and the musical part of the service was of a character to give a special tenderness to the occasion.

As the casket was open at the house for the last farewell gaze of family and friends, there was no leave-taking of the remains at the church. The services closed with a hymn by the choir, and the last prayer and the benediction were offered at the grave.

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Old Settlers’ Meeting

Pursuant to call the Old Settlers of Muscatine met at the City Hall, March 13, 1886, at 9 a. m. to pay respect to the memory of the late Cornelius Cadle Sr. President Walton occupied the chair, and in the absence of the secretary, J. G. H. Little was appointed protem.

Remarks were made by the President and Joseph Bridgman Esq. upon the life and virtues of deceased and the following note was read from Hon. D. C. Richman:

MUSCATINE, Iowa, March 13, 1886

J. P. WALTON, Esq., President of the Old Settlers’ Association:

DEAR SIR:

Being unavoidably absent from town this morning, and unable to attend the meeting in regard to the
death of our brother Cadle, I desire to say that I have known him over forty years as a man of unswerving integrity, prompt and reliable in business matters, true to his friends, and a devoted Christian; and I heard of his death with sorrow and pain. May we all seek to imitate his virtues, and share with him in the reward they always bring in this world, as well as that which is to come. Yours fraternally,---D. C. RICHMAN

On motion, Messrs. J. Bridgman, G. B. Denison and C. U. Hatch were made committee on resolutions. On motion, the old settlers will meet as a body at the house of Bro. Cadle, on Sunday, at 2 p. m., and escort the remains to the church and attend the services as a body. Ordered that each member of the Old Settlers’ society be designated at the funeral by wearing a sprig of evergreen.

On motion, adjourned. --- J. G. H. LITTLE, Secretary

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REPORT OF COMMITTEE

MR. PRESIDENT AND OLD SETTLERS: Your committee would submit the following report:

IN MEMORIAM

“When a good man dies the people mourn,” and in the death of Cornelius Cadle we may well say that a good man has passed away.

Mr. Cadle has for so many years been connected with the business and industries of the city that his loss will be as irreparable as that of any who have preceded him to the unknown; and it is sad to feel that in him the vital flame is extinguished and that he will never return to this busy world. It is this un-returning thought that fills the heart with grief. Mr. Cadle, though in search of health in a more genial clime, was shadowed by the grim messenger, who claimed him for his own, and it only repeats the truth that “There is no place where man is and death is not.” And under the deep shadow of this renewed affliction, we would extend to the sorrowing family our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.

“Before me, as well as behind, God is, and all is well.” And

WHEREAS

, Cornelius Cadle, sr., whose death we mourn to-day, has passed in and out before us for forty-three years, has been gathered like a shock of wheat fully ripe, upon his seventy-seventh birthday; and

WHEREAS

, The life of the departed has been clearly identified with our history as a nation, State and city, and in movements for good he has always been found among the first; his public spirit, charity and love for his fellow men always standing out bright and clear; and

WHEREAS

, During the dark days of the rebellion, his faith never wavered, nor his courage weakened, while three of his sons were at the front with the old flag; the soldier’s family, the Christian and sanitary commission found in him an earnest friend and indefatigable worker; therefore,

Resolved

, That while we mourn the loss of our brother, we rejoice that he was spared to us so long; that he lived such an exemplary life of almost a half century; that his Godly walk, his Christian character, his patriotism, public spirit, and love of good works will be an example for those who follow; and that these resolutions be published in the daily papers, and a copy transmitted to the family of our departed friend.

J. BRIDGMAN,

G. B. DENISON,} Committee

C.H. HATCH,

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