Funeral of James Rudd
(C. Avis Catalog entry #335)
(Document ID #491)
Temple Telegram
Temple, TX
5-9-1921
p. ?
[…]AY MORNING, MAY 9, 1921
Due Homage Paid To Memory of a Pioneer Citizen
Simple, plain and unaffected. In complete keeping with his manner of living, were the obsequies of the late James Rudd conducted yesterday afternoon and attended by hundreds who came to breathe a last message of esteem and place a flower on the bier of an old, tried and true friend.
Nature was in complete harmony with the setting of the scene. The day opened in storm and gloom, fitting symbol of the tempestuous early career through which the doughty warrior had fought; then in the afternoon as if synonymous with the evening of his life, the storm broke, the clouds cleared away, the sun shone in softened splendor, field flowers tilted their heads aloft and the birds twittered their sweetest carols, all nature reclining to peaceful quietude.
When the final moment arrived at the family home when eternal farewells were to be spoken and the casket closed over the rugged, honest features, tears flowed unrestrained. Pent up emotions struggled with their bonds. A choir sang in softened cadences, "Lead Kindly Light," after which Rev. L. E. Selfridge spoke in earnest and sincere words of the goodly traits and qualities of the departed husband, father, neighbor and friend
The cortege was then formed with hundreds of vehicles in line taking up its solemn procession to Hillcrest where in a tomb adorned with choirest flowers and the wealth of fields of green, the casket was tenderly lowered as the strains cf "Sweet Bye and Bye" mingled with the fragrance of a perfect day and all that was mortal of a good man was laid to peaceful and eternal rest.