Ex-governor Bagley

On the arrival in Detroit of the body of the late ex-Governor Bagley, it was taken to the family residence, at the corner of Washington avenue and Park street, escorted by a detachment of pólice and the delegation of friends who met his remains at Chicago. The following duy the body was taken to the City Hall, escorted by the pólice detachment and a number of prominent citiens, and by 125 children and six sisters from fSt. Vincent's Orplian Asylum. The little ones wko had so often received the fruits of his bounty, wore uniformly attired and had orape on their arms. At the City Hall a suitable catafalque had been erected, and upon it the casket was laid in state, guarded by a detachment of the Detroit Light Guard and by an lionorary guard of emiment citizenj. A multitude were in waiting for tliis opportunity of looking upon the face of of one who was a universal friend, and from the moment of arrival until the body was removed the corridors of the City Hall were thronged. The following day, Sunday, was fixed upon for the funeral, which was attended from his . late residence. To name those in attendance would be but to record the most eminent of Michigan's public ïnen and the noblest of her sons, in addition to 30,000 citizens of Detroit and vicinity. As f'ar as eye could reaeh.from the corner of Park st. and Washington avenue in everydirection about Grand Circus park, a dense mass were in waiting. The funeral services were conducted by the ltev. T. 15. Forbush, pastor of the Únitarian church of which the deceased was an honored member. After suitable readings l)r. Forbush said: Ourloved friend has gone awayfrom us. In that far distant land where he joumeyed he met a friend, a silent sister - Death- who touched him and he slept unto an everlasting wakening. We have gathered here to-day to pay jui last respects, and to show liow deeply the love of him was in all our "nearts.. We do not think of him now ;is the statesman, the man of affairs. We think of him as the friend, witli the great heart, with the ready hand, with the genial face, with the hearty word; ever ready to help anyone who needed helping and to join with the helping hand the earnest loving thought and the hearty "God bless you." Ah, 'tis a gre.it thing to live so, so that when one dies, instead of praise there are tears; so that the strong men's voices clioke when they try to speak their appreciation; so that widows' hands ave clasped in prayer, and orphans gatlier round witheyes wet with tears. And now our friend is gone; no, not gone. Ilelives with us still in all the good things he has done, in all the brave words he lias spoken, in all the heavts he lias made happy by his tenderness and nobility;lives with us still, and ever more will live, in that influonce wliich goes out from every good word and work, and remains with human ity to the last syllable of recorded time; lives in all the generous thoughts he' has prompted; lives in the hopes that he has caused to blossom; lives in the inspiratious wliich come from him unto all our lives. He has joined ttiose who have gone before; friends whom he loved so dearly; companions whom he had trusted, and the little one passed on. Aye, and he lias heard that most blessed voice saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou didst f eed the hungry; tliou didst elothe the naked ; thou didst visit and help the sick and weary; the prisoner and the poor. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Dr. Forbush was followed by Chief Justice Isaac Maratón, one of ex-Governor Bagley's warmest friends, who pronounced a glowing eulogium. He said: I shall not attempt on this occasion to pronounce any studied words of indiscriminate praise or commendation, but rather to pay a last tribute of loving words to a departed friend: a sincere tribute to one who by his kindness and frankness endeared many to him, and who, with great, statesmanlike ability, performed the various duties entrusted to him with fidelity, intelligence, perseverance and honor. If to be a great man while living and to be honored and respected when dead indicates a good man, then was John J. Bagley truly a good man. For although he inherited neither riches nor position, but in his youth had to contend against adverse circumstances, yet in his manhood he sprung forth like a bright sun through the tempestuous sky, laden with wealth and honors wliich he generously distributed. His remains lie there to-day, but his friends point net to his lineage alone, but to his own life, his living words and acts; and in them his memory will shine clear and bright. Examine the records of your muncipality here; inquire of the heads of our educational and public institutions. Go examine the state archives, and there learn the breadth of his judgment and comprehension, and the broad, generous views which he entertained. He advocated the support, the protection and the preservation of our different educational institutions, and would have so extended their benefits that they would have been within the reach of all. His messages were clear, broad and comprehensive. He was far too practical and successful in business to undertake to eradicate evils by state legislation, which the people were not ready to enforce, but with statesmanlike foresight and wisdom he liad the courage to foresee and reconimenti measures to regúlate and reduce them. He was distinpruished for vigor and activity in the performance of every act which would advance the prosperity and material interests of the state. He was not willing to wait at all times the slow action of others, but when he lfad made up his mind, conlident in the correctness of his opinión and earnest in his efforts, he would infuse some of his own forcé and vigor into them, for the purpose of carrying out whatever was necessary to the welfare of the state. Yet no man was more willing than he to listen tothe adviceand opinicn of others upon public matters, or to give due credit for services promptly performed for the state. That he was ambitious no one will deny. But his ambition was to foster and protect the interests of the great state which he loved so well; to carry into each department of the government the same principies which had made his own business successful; to give tothe people of this state a pure government; to do good, to benetit his country and mankind, and thus leave behind him a name and a reputation. And hlstory will place John J. Bagley high on the roll of the great men of this state. He advocated the establishment of public institutions for the sick and the indigent. To guard the depraved youth from a life of crime; to protect him from unjust punishment; to edúcate him, to cura him out a useful citizen rather than a hardened criminal. ie considered worthy of his very best efforts. In liis endeavors to secure a dome íor the fatherless and the orphan lie was eamest and untiring, while in his own language, he wanted "the state to reach out its hand, not harshïy and restrainingly, clothed in iron mail, but gently; and with tender clasp, folding in its arms these little innocents, taking the place of their fathers and their mothers, and holding them out to its citizens as their brothers and sisters. He was warm and true in his friendships. He was kind aDd generous, and many to-day can bear cheerf ui witness to his kindness toward them. These same acts endeared many of us to him so that we loved him to the last. And we will long love and cherish his memory; and to-day there are but few high-ways and by-ways throughout this state wherehis mourners may not be found. And now, what shall I say of those who have lost an affectionate husband and kind father, as pure in his domestic life as he was in his public career. uFor him do more shall children run Tolispthelf eire's return, Or climb bii knee, tbe envied kiss to Bhare." And what shall I say of her "that like a jewel has hung 30 years about his neck and yet not lost her luster?" Of her "that has loved him with that excellence that angels love good men with '(" To Him who doeth all things well they will look for their comfort, and the many pleasant recollections of the deceased, and his reputation as a public oflicer, they will exer cherish as a goodly heritage. The quartette choir of Dr. Forbush's church sang "Into the Silent Land," "Only Remembered" and "Beyond the Smiling and the Weeping." The floral tokens were unique and expressive of the tender esteem in which the departed was universally held. At the close of the services the elegant metallic casket containing the body was removed to the hearse and the funeral procession took its mournful way to Woodmere cemetery. During theremovalof the remains from the house Gardner's band played a dirge. The cortege was escorted by the Detroit Infantry battalion headed by Gardner's band. When the funeral train reached the corner of Eighteenth and Fort streets, as the hearse was passing, a touching incident occurred. The Kev. J. B. Cressy aecoinpanied by a number of young ladies, sang "The Sweet Bye-and-Bye." At the cemetery the employees of John J. Bagley & Co. encircled the grave. After the lowering of the casket, the last services were performed and the vast assemblage lingeringly departed. Gov. Bagley's will has been filed for probate and Sept 8, the date of the majority of John N. Bagley, the oldest 'son, has been set for the hearing. The will is charaeteiïstic of the bestower and is repleat iri evidences of his genero8ity and good will. It is as follows and speaks lor iteelf : In the name of God, amen. I, John J. Bagley, of the city of Detroit, county of wayue and state of Michigan, being of sound mind and memory, and desirous of expressing my wishes and purposes in reference to my property and catate in caae of death do liereby ordain, publish and declare the following as and for my last will and testament.hcreby revoking any and all foriner wills by me made. 1. I liereby grant and devise to my exeeutors and trust es hereinafter named and to their successors and the suivivors or survivor of them, all my property and estáte, both real and personal, whereof I m .y die seized and possessed, and wherever situated, with full power and authority to sell and convey the same, and to make increase, benellt and improveinent of the same from time to time by efl'ecting judicious investments thereof as they in the exercise of their best judgment, and in accordance with the spirit and in'.ent of this my will shall deeni best lor the welfare of my family and estáte, to have and to hold said property and estáte unto said executors and trustees and the survivors and survivor of them, and to their heirs and successors, but in trust only and for the following purposes as hereinafter stated and expressed, and they my said executors and trustees are hereby clothed with all needed and requisite authority to carry this niy will into effect. 2. I desire to make the following specific bequests, and I do hereby devise and bequeath from my estáte as folio ws: (a.) To every person who at the time of my decease shall have been in my employ in the store or factory, or at my residence for the period of ft ve years, and who at the time of my decease shall still be in my employ the sum of ñfty dollars ($50) each. (b.) To all who shall so have been in my employ for a period of ten years, and who at the time of my decease shall still be in my employ, the sum of two hundred dollars ($200) each. (c.) To all who shall so have been in my employ for the period of 15 years, and who at the time of my decease shall still be in my employ, the sum of five hundred dollars ($500) each. in these bequests I do not include any one of those associated with me in business as partners, or joint eorporators. (d.) To my esteemed associates in business, John B. Stoutenberg, Spencer X. Hurlbut, Ira Niles, Joseph 11. Blanchard and Edward Mason, 1 give and direct my executors to procure and bestow upon each one of them a handsome gold watch and chain, not exceeding two hundred and flfty dollars each in value, with an appropriate inscription thereon, so as to constitute the same a memorial gift from niyself. (e.) To the First Congregational Unitarian church of Detroit I give the sum of live hundred dollars (#500). (f.) To the benevolent nssociation of Detroit known as "The Little Sisters of the Poor," who, in my judgment, more than any other charitable association, earry out practically and with rare simplicity and humility tho divine work of chaiity, I cheerfully give the sum of five hundred dollars ($500). (g.) To the sisters in charge of St. Vincent's orphan asylum in Detroit I also give the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.) (h.) To the Woman's hospital and Foundlings home of the city of Detroit, I also give the sum of five hundred dollars (500). (i.) To the Rev. Samuel B. Carpenter, son of William N. Carpenter of Detroit, I give, as a token of my regard, both for his father and himself, the the sum of live hundred dollars ($500). (j). To Mrs. Jeannette M. Rice of Jackson, my wife's aunt, I give the sum of one hundred dollars ($100) per year as long as she shall live. (k.) If John Trix shall be in my business employ or in that of the lirm at the time of my death, I give the sum of five hundred dollars ($500), all which bequests I desire my executors to pay as soon after my decease is they shall find themselves conveniently able so to do. (1.) In case I shall not have so done n my lifetime, and before this will nkes effect, I desire and direct my said executors, after they shall have obtained the perraission of the city authorities so to do, to lócate and construct on Campus Martius in the city of Detroit, at a suitable point between McMillan's present store and the City Hall, a free public drinking fountain of ice water tor the pfeople, provided the city corporation will on their part agree to furnish at their cost the necessary supply of ice therefor from and including the month of May to and including the month of November in each yeiir, and also a free supply of water thereto for the entire year - said fountain to be of neat and tasteful design and of appropriate and enduring material, and the cost thereof not to xceed five thousand dollars (15,000.) 3. I direct that my executors and trustees will do their best to maintain the reptitation and credit of the factory with which I have been so long identiQed, and its products and business; to develope and increase the same as called for; to suitably, profitably and carefully invest the surplus income of my estáte not expended or appropriated; to improve as far as prudence and their good judgement shall dictate my improductivo and other real estáte so as to have ityield income; to sell any and all such as they may deem necessary, especially my lands and out-lying property and make conveyances thereof; to preserve and husband my best stocks, especially my business and bank stocks, and as far ís practicable continue over said property and business the same general condtict and management as I, if still living, would be likely to exercise and bestow thereon. 4. From the income of my share of the business and of my estáte I direct my executors and trustees to pay all taxes, assessments and other outlays and disbursements on my several real estáte properties and especially on my homestead property which by this will is devised to my beloved wife and to her heirs absolutely and in fee; and thereafter to pay from such income to my said wife Francés E. Uagley, so much as shall be necessary to enable her to maintain the home, dei'ray her owm personal expenses, to support, educate and clothe the children and generally to conduct and maintain the home establishment, and which, is I now estímate it, may be covered by an allowance of about one thousand dollars ($1,000) per month; but my said executors and trustees are authorized to to exceed this amount if on conference and consultation with my said wife, they shall lind such income necessary and proper. 5. "Whatever of my said income as is not appropriated to the purposes and uses already named, and to such of my children as may ue married or shall have attained their majority, or to such as may require a special allowance cording as my said wife and said executors and trustees shall together appropriate of the same for such purpose, shall be by my said executors and trustees invested in the best manner aecording to their judgment for theincrease of the same, and by them be held until the youngest child shall become of age, at which time it is my wish, and I do so direct, that my entire estáte shall be equally divided and distributed among my children or such of them as shall then be living, share and share alike; and in case any of them shall have died leaving issue, then such issue shall take equally among themselves the portion or share that would have gone to their parent or parents. And in such distiïbution it is my wish that the business or factory stock shall be allottcd to my sons so that they may continue such business as is hereinabove provided. But if my wife shall be living at the time when my youngest child shall have so become of age, then my said executors and trustees, or whosoever shall be charged with the duty of such apportionment of my estáte, shall iirst, and before any such distribution is or shall be made, set apart f rom my said estáte such part or portion as shall be necessary and adequate to afford my said wife a suitable income, and in such sum as she and my said trustees shall agree upon; and the portion of my estate so set apart to yield such income, shall upon the death of my said wife be divided equally among my then surviving children or their representatives as is above provided. And in case any child shall either in my lifetime or thereafter (if in the judgement of aiy wife and trustees it shall be thought best so to do ) receive any portion ol the principal of my said estáte, it shall in the amount thereof be duly chargec to such child, and reckoned in as pari of their portion in the time of distribution. My children who are so-to receive in the general distribution their portions respectively of my estáte are at the time of making this will named as follows, viz: Florence Bagly Sherman of New York city. John Newbury Bagley. Francés Margery Bagley. Margaret Sargent Bagley. Olive Bagley. Paul Frederick Bagley, and Helen Bagely; and I hereby appoint my beloved wife the guardián of all such as are under age. G. I hereby direct my executors and trustees to represent me and my interest in the tobáceo business of John J. Bagley & Co., and to assume the management and conduct of my general business, and to give special attention to said tobáceo business, which I regard as particularly and specially valuable and important, and which now that it is incorporated I desire to have perpetuated under its present name as long and as far as possible into the future; and I here nomínate and appoint as my said executors and trustees the following persons, viz: Joseph ï. Masón, my son John Newbury Bagley, George II. Hopknis and D. Bethnne Duffield, all of Detroit, Michigan, the first three to have more special charge of the general factory and business, and the latter as legal adviser generally, and particularly in connection with my real estáte interests and its management, improvement, disposition, etc. And I here direct that my said executors and trustees shall receive for their services under my said will such remuneration as in proper aud right. I also here express my wish that such executors and trustees may be relieved so far as I have the power to relieve them of any legal necessity for entering into bonds in connection with the duties and trusts hereby imposed, I haring the f ullest contideuce in their faithfulness and integrity toward me and mine. And in order that said executors and trustees may be generally advised of my wishes and purposes in connection with my said estáte, they are here referred to article three of this will. wherein they will lind the saine exsressed, I merely adding thereto that I desire not only that the tobáceo business may be continued, but as far and is fast as needs be, that the same may je expanded andenlarged so asto meet the requirements of its increasing trade and that the same sliall be generally carried on according to the same methods and principies as have been hitherto adopted and applied by rayself and ssociates and which in my opinión iave so largely contributed to its prosserity and success. 7. I hereby devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Francés E. Bagley and to her heirs and assigns forever and in fee, with the consequent right to sell and dispose of the same by deed or will should she and mysaid trustees at any time deern the same prudent and proper, the lots and house and barn thereon situated on the corner of Park street and Washington avenue in the city of Detroit, Michigan, and constituting our present homestead. togetker with all my books, picturea, furniture, silver, china, horses, carriages and everything composing our household stuff and movables. I have already hereinbefore provided that a suitable income shall be appropriated and paid to her. monthly if desired, to maintain the home and to clothe, edúcate and support the children and herself. I desire however here to say to my wife that it is my desire and wish that my death shall not opérate so as to induce her to sell and close out said property, but on the contrary I desire that she shall continue to maintain and carry forward the home for the benefit and comfort of herself and her children as heretofore and in the same general way as we together would do were I still with her. I desire here further to say that I have full coniidence in my said wife, and readily commit to her the education of my children, making only this one requirement, viz., that they one and all be educated in this country and not abroad, as it is my sincere desire that they may grow up to be true AmericaHS, and lovers t of their native land and her institutioiïs. I also wish my wife to confer with my executors and trustees as to the annual apportionment of the income of my estáte as shall remain after deducting that portion set apart for herself. Said portion is to be divided into seven dilterent portions, according to the nuinber of my children, and ifmy said wife and trustees shall concur then the whole of such part as woulc go to such children as are married or of agí;, shall be paid over to such chil dren or a lesser sum if my said wife and trustees shall think best Kut i f such married children and sucl children as are of age shall require in writing of said trustees amoun so apportioned to them, then said trus tees sliall pay the same in accordance with such requisition; the remaining portions of said income as would be payable to the other children if of age shall be by my said executors an trustee is nvested foi general distribu tion among all the children when the youngest child shall have attained legal majority. I also particularly reque.-t of m; said wife that as the children inarry and settle in life, she will distribute among them from the silver, china, books, pictures, furniture and other household effects such particular articles as she may deern appropriale to eacli, and as shall tend to preserve botli to them and their children pleasant associations and memories of our fainily and their paren tal home. 8. As to all other matters or things that may become necessary to do or have done in cönnection with my estate and the management and apportionment thcreof, as hereinaboye generally provided fot and not specifically roentioned, I commit and commend the same to my said trustees md here confer upon them all the powers necessary and requisite to carry the same into full effect. 9. In case I do not in my life time erect a family monument on my lots in Woodmere cemetery I desire my executors to do so under the direction of my wife, but the same shall not exceed in cost the suin of $500. 10. My books and private papers will disclose the different properties held and owned by me, and to them I refer my executors and trustees. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Detroit on this 2d day of September, A. D. 1880. JNO. J. BAGLEY. [L. S.] On this 2d day of September, A. D. 1880, John J. Bagley signed, sealed, published and declared in our presence the foregoing instrument as his last will and testament, at Detroit, Michi'gan, and we, at his request, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, did at the same time affix our names hereto as subscribing witnesses thereof. JAMES A. BK0WN. Detroit, Midi. JOHN A. WEIH. Detroit, Micli. I, John J. Bagley of Detroit, "Wayne County, Michigan, do hereby make the following codicil to my foregoing will, which (with said will hereby reatnined) I declare to be part and parcel thereof, the same having been overlookek at the time of the execution of my said foregoing will, viz.: 1. The gold watcli and chain which I carry, I hereby give and bequeath to my son, Paul Frederick Bagley, and to him I also give my carneo sleeve buttons. My onyx sleeve buttons, with the arms of the state of Michigan cut thereon, I give to my son, John Newbury Bagley. My heaviest gold-headed cane I give to my friend Jerome Croul, the other cane, gold-headed, I give to my friend George II. Hopkins, and a slide with the hair of President Lincoln therein, to my friend D. Bethune Duffield, all of Detroit, Michigan. The codicil was never executed. A Philadelphia paper refera to the proposal to bring the retnains of William Penn to Philadelphia says: ïhere was anything but a unanimous approval of the idea ainong the people of this city. ïhere will be no general regret that our excellent townsman, Mr. Ilarri8on, who undertook to negotute the matter, has been anticipated with a decided and discourteous ref usal f rom the trustees of the English graveyard, where I'enn lies buried with his wives and his children. Those who have traced the whole course of William Penn's relations to Pennsylvania know thatthere would bea gieat incongruity in bringing his remains to Philadelphia, unless we did it in the penitent spirit n wliich Florence in vain begged that Dante's bones might be returned to her. We did not drive Penn into exile, nor did we threateu to burn hini alive if we found him in our juiisiliction, as Florence did to her gioatest son. But the relations between the proprietor and the province were constant ly unpleasant, and from an enterprise in which :he great Friend had eaibarked all hia ïopes and ïnuch of his fortune, he derived little else than desquiet and conention.