Letter to Sarah H. Earle, Care of J. M. Earle, Worcester, Massachusetts, from her husband, J. M. Earle, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1846

The corpse had a quiet and pleasant expression on the countenance, similar to that which Eliza had when her friends were about her.....J. M. Earle, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 28, 1846

Philada 5 Mo 28, 1846

My Dear Wife,

I arrived in New York yesterday morning in good season for the early train for this city, and found sister Lucy on board. We arrived here at about ½ past 12, and just after we had started in a carriage for Thomas’s were hailed by L. Mifflin, who came with a message for us to go to Brother Hackers, but we did not think best to change our course. Pliny came with a carriage for us & we went immediately after dinner.

Our meeting with Brother H. was deeply affecting. The corpse had a quiet and pleasant expression on the countenance, similar to that which Eliza had when her friends were about her. It was exceedingly natural, with the exception of the lower jaw & under lip, which appeared to be slightly more fallen in than were in life. The funeral was very large, the house being literally filled with people, and something like 25 coaches accompanied the remains to their final resting place in Laurel Hill cemetery where William has taken a lot between those of Isaac and Henry. The graves of our dear sister and of Lucy Hacker are side by side - that of Nancy Shoue a short distance from them.

Among the kind and sympathizing friends who accompanied us to the grave, I noticed Cousin J. & L. Mott & E. Yarnall, Mary Brown & one of her sons, E Davis & wife etc. In the evening, Wm. spoke very feelingly, in conversation with me, on the subject of his trials, how, whenever he had fixed matters to his mind, so that he might be at ease and enjoy the good things of this life, something had always occurred to break in upon his arrangements and destroy his hopes.

Isaiah Hacker came & sat by me and expressed very strongly the deep attachment which every branch of the family had formed for Eliza and passed a eulogium on her character, such as nothing but strong conviction and heartfelt sincerity could dictate – But I must close or be too late for the mail I cannot be at home before next week & Lucy will come with me.

Thine affectionately J. M. Earle

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Notes: Letter to Sarah H. Earle, Care of J. M. Earle, Worcester, Massachusetts, from her husband, J. M. Earle, Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania], May 28, 1846; from the Phillip F. Schlee Collection.

-- John Milton Earle, son of Pliny Earle and Patience Buffum, married Sarah Hussey. She was daughter of Tristram Hussey and Sarah Folger. Brothers of John Milton Earle included Thomas Earle (1796-1849), who married Mary Hussey (1798-1886); and Pliny Earle II (1809-1892).

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