Clippings from the Boyertown Democrat, Saturday, February 15, 1902

Funerals of the Victims

The funeral of Henry Shaner and his son, Lawrence, took place last Saturday morning, and was one of the largest funerals held in Boyertown in many years. Services were conducted by Rev. Weber, and he preached a very impressive sermon. Father and son were laid to rest side by side in one grave. There was a profusion of floral tributes. The pall bearers were Milton Strunk, Harry Hartenstein, Oliver Saybold and Frank Hartman, for the father, and Howard Fegley, Eddie Ziegler, Reuben Wren and Edward Grim.

Irvin Houck was buried at the same time. Services were held at the house and in the Reformed Church by Rev. Freeman. The church was crowded to the doors with people, some of whom had come from a great distance. The pastor spoke feelingly on the awful calamity, and referred in a touching manner to the victims and their grief stricken families. The floral tributes were profuse. The pall bearers were Marcus Eberly, Oliver Ream, Harvey Knouse, Warren Reinert.

The funeral of George Grim, the last of the four victims, took place from his residence on Tuesday and was very largely attended. Friends from Allentown, Alburtis, Reading, New Ringgold, Phoenixville, Pottstown and other places were present. Daniel Graeff delivered the memorial address. The pall bearers were: S. L. Brunner, Lyman Engel, Elmer Megerly, John Warner, Frank Ritter, Philip Heere, Webster Yoder, Al. Graver. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery.

Echoes of the Disaster

Mrs. Shaner, the widow of one of the unfortunates in the recent disaster, was yesterday paid $1,000 by the Prudential insurance company, being the full amount of the policy of the deceased. The same company also paid to the parents of Irwin Houck, another victim the sum of $216, the amount of insurance carried by him.

Mrs. Shaner will remain in charge of the Fairview Cemetery for the present, and will conduct the work the same as if her husband were here. She has engaged Jacob Cleaver and Thomas Barkle to dig graves and James Shaner to do the mason work. There have been numerous applicants for the position, but the cemetery board will not make a change for the present.

Mr. Carver moved into one of Dr. Francis new houses on Third Street, until his property is rebuilt. The loss to the building has not yet been adjusted by the insurance companies. The different companies interested had representatives on the ground this week, but up to date have not reached a settlement. Appraisers will probably be appointed some time next week to adjust the loss.

Submitted by Betty.