[2]. The poem will be found in Parley P. Pratt's Autobiography, p. 500.
[3]. The Seer is published in the Latter-day Saints' Hymn Book, p. 337.
CHAPTER XLIX.
FUNERAL CEREMONIES—TESTIMONIES OF PRESIDENT TAYLOR'S FELLOW LABORERS—FINAL RESTING PLACE OF THE CHAMPION OF LIBERTY.
The morning of Friday, July 29, 1887, dawned over Salt Lake Valley, rosy and beautiful; but it was a day of sadness in the chief city of the Saints, and throughout Israel. It was the day appointed for the funeral services of President Taylor. Shortly after day-light had broken over the eastern mountains, vehicles loaded with people could be seen coming into the city from all directions to do honor to the great departed. Later special trains loaded to their utmost capacity brought in those too far from the city to reach it with teams.
The remains of President Taylor were removed to the Gardo House on the night of the 26th, and at six o'clock in the morning of the 29th, the day of his funeral, his family assembled to take a mournful but fond adieu of the earthly remains of him who had been their head—their husband, father and their friend. At ten minutes before seven the body was removed to the large Tabernacle; and at seven the doors of the mammoth building were thrown open to the great throng which already surrounded it. The body was placed in the open space in front of the stand so that the people could pass in single file on each side. The coffin in which it was enclosed was made of Utah pine, stained and polished until it resembled mahogany. It was tastefully ornamented with silver trimmings, but there was an entire absence of any display. On a silver plate on the coffin was inscribed in neatly engraved lettering:
PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR.
DIED JULY 25, 1887
AGED 78 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AND 24 DAYS.
At the bottom of the plate was engraved:
HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
REST IN PEACE.