Detail from the diary of Kenneth Allen (1874)
Kenneth Allen (1857-1930) was a seventeen year old student at the English and Classical School in West Newton, Massachusetts, when Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner (1811-1874) died on March 11, 1874.
On Tuesday, March 17, 1874 describes Kenneth describes his attempt on Sunday, March 15, to see the body of Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner at the Statehouse in Boston. He also describes his experience on Monday at the funeral in Boston and burial at Mt. Auburn cemetery on Monday, March 16.
Transcription
Transcribed from the diary of Kenneth Allen (1857-1930) of West Newton, Massachusetts. Entry from Tuesday, March 17, 1874.
Tuesday, March 17, 1874.
Rainy. Thermometer 37°. Barometer 30.1. Wind S. Since Friday Harry has got almost well, mother has got well, and Hortensia is now quite sick. Merchant almost died with the croup Sunday night.
Saturday Thornton Adams and I went to Cambridge where we met Joe and with Gardner and Russell, we went to Agassiz Museum, but finding it closed we went all over and to the top of Memorial Hall, which is the handsomest hall I ever saw. The tower is about as high as Bunker Hill monument, and from it we got a splendid view. Thornton, Joe and I then went to Allston where we [took] the train home. Thornton and I walked about 10 miles.
Sunday, after church I went to Newton, and at 2.15 started for Boston to see Sumner's body which was only in state from 10 to 6. Though I took the wrong road several times I got in town at 3.50 and to the state house at 4.10, meeting Mr. Soering on Beacon St. I think I never saw so many fine horses and carriages as I saw that day going along Beacon St., the bridge, and by Allston. Wee, when I got to the State House I found there was such a tremendous crowd that only ladies were admitted, and even they made such a crowd that several fainted. So I went to the depot and took the 5 o'clock train (11 or 12 crowded cars) home, having walked about 10 miles that day. When I got home I found that father had started after me, hoping to overtake me and walk in with me. I was very sorry. That night he did not come home, but came the next morning, having spend the night in Cambridge. Mr. Nathaniel's boys got in but could see nothing. Mr. Nathaniel and Mr. Joseph could not get in. At 5.30 the gates were opened to all. Father was there then, but there was such a crowd he thought it would not pay to go in.
At 3 yesterday we all went to the services at the church, but at 4.15 we left and walked to Watertown in 35 minutes. There we crowded into the 4.55 car and went to Mt. Auburn. A large number of carriages and people were there waiting for Sumner's funeral procession. After going into the chapel I went up to the tower and at about 5.45 the bell tolled and after a while, the atmosphere being misty, we saw twelve men in handsome uniform on black horses, then came coaches and the hearse, drawn by 12 6 black and 6 white horses, followed by more carriages. They came round just S.W. of the tower and these stopped, and took out the coffin, which was a magnificent one, with a pure silver railing round it. Longfellow was among the pole-bearers. They put the coffin in a grave. Then, one or two short addresses were made and three hymns sung beautifully by the Apollo Club of Boston, in part joined by a few instruments. I saw Vice-president Wilson. Gens. [Sheridan], Bunker and Butler were at the grave, Mr. Longfellow, Mr. Pinchblack, Wendell Phillipps and a great many other distinguished men.
Then we went out and took the 6.45 car, which was jammed full, to Watertown. When half way there it ran off the track, but after a while we lifted it on. at Watertown we marched, 4 by 4, most of the way home, and by good luck were not attacked by any Irish boys near the Newtonville Mills. The last half of the way we had to take turns carrying Hatfield, who was tired and sick. Walked 8 or 10 miles that day. Splendid weather for walking. This afternoon I practiced. Before dinner mother accompanied me with the piano, and it sounded first-rate.
The bells tolled for half hour or an hour yesterday.
Miss Purdie had a party for Antonio last night, but he went to Gloucester Saturday and hasn’t returned yet. They were very much disappointed.