Tilsonburg
Liberal: -- The funeral of Mr. and Mrs. Cohoe on Tuesday,
March 28th was attended by sympathizing friends and acquaintances
from all parts of the country, there being upwards of 200 carriages in the procession and around the churches.
The
two caskets were side by side in the front room of the house, and
hundreds took a farewell view of the peaceful faces, but the scene
when the two caskets were placed in the two hearses, will not soon
be forgotten by those present.
The
pall-bearers for Mr. Cohoe were Messrs. Jas. McDonald, A. Jeffrey,
G. H. Mabee, P. Mabee, T. Tisdale and Griffin. For Mrs. Cohoe,
Messrs. Thos. Herron, Geo. Hicks, N. Tisdale, R. Hillis, W. MacKay
and C. Holbrook.
Besides
a large number of relatives present, we noticed Judge Robb, E. C.
Carpenter, M.P.P., Registrar Donly, Mr. Slaght of Simcoe, Squires
Kelley and McBride of Houghton, Dr. Snider of Waterford, and many
councillors [sic] and other officials, and a large number from
Tilsonburg and adjoining places.
The
remains were taken to the Methodist cemetery at Courtland, and
service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Shepard. Rev. Mr. Cuthbert also
held a service in the Baptist church, the one church being too small
to accomodate [sic] the crowd.
The
following additional particulars of Mr. and Mrs. Cohoe from an old
friend of the Liberal, and a near relative of the departed:
--
James Francis
Cohoe, youngest son of the late Nathan Smith Cohoe, was born at
Middleton Centre in 1836. His youthful years were spent in attending
the Public Schools, and assisting [with] the farm work on the old
homestead.
Arriving at
manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ferris, who was
born in Ireland, and came to this country when but a child.
Their
union was blessed with two daughters and one son who yet survive
them, all being comfortably settled at or near Courtland, viz. Mrs.
John Jackson, Mrs. Silas Benn and James W. Cohoe. Rev. B. L. Cohoe,
pastor of the Springfield Methodist church is a nephew of Mr.
Cohoe's.
This terrible
dispensation which called the two estimable people so suddenly away
from us is much regretted when we consider their sterling integrity
and worth.
Squire
Cohoe, as he was familiarly called by many, has been a public
character for many years, and many a difficulty between neighbors
and others, who applied to him for adjustment or friendly mediation.
was amicably settled by his intervention and advice as Justice of
the Peace.
His work as
Clerk of the Division Court, and his lately added duties in the
County Council, attest the fact that in the opinion of his fellow
men he was worthy of their confidence, and that his judgment in
public as well as private matters might safely be relied on.
Holding
for many years the office of trustee of the Courtland Methodist
Church, he was ever ready to assist in the enterprises of that and
other churches. He loved his bible, and the carefully marked pages
and passages are more eloquent than words in declaring his
attachment to the saving and exalting doctrines of the truth divine.
It
was in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Cohoe that their friends best
learned to love them. Not only in the unpretentious farm house, the
scene of their earlier efforts and successes, but also in the
beautiful brick mansion, which after their retirement from the more
active duties of life, they built about five years ago, to be for
them a resting place in old age.
At
their home there was ever the open door, the hearty welcome, the
extended hand, the proferred cosy chair in the warmest corner, while
the beautifully spread repast was freely set before rich and poor
alike.
Here they lived
for the good they might do to neighbors and children, and it was
upon the altar, the sacred shrine of such affection, they laid
unwittingly the sacrifice of their loss.
A
loved daughter was afflicted -- they must hasten to her relief.
Those who knew them best knew what prompted them to brave the
blinding storm, and go out to sudden terrible death, bearing
in their hearts such kindly affection, such holy love deeply
enshrined within. They "were lovely and pleasant in their
lives, and in their death they were not divided."
