William Burkhardt
Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 February 1884, page 1
NEWPORT
FUNERAL OF A SOLDIER ON THE WATER-A sight that will not be easily
or early forgotten was witnessed by a large number of people in the flooded
districts yesterday. It being the funeral of William Burkhardt, the bugler of
the Barracks, who was drowned while boating. About one o'clock the remains
were placed on a large float. The elegant casket was strewn with a profusion of
beautiful floral offerings. Then the military honors were paid by firing a
salute over the body as the boat lay alongside the Barracks.
Then six comrades of the deceased took their positions as pallbearers alongside the coffin and then the other members of the company crowded into the boat. Then the officers took their positions behind the boat and the procession moved across the gloomy looking waters.
The drummer sounded the death knell as the boat was pulled away with muffled oars to the foot of Columbia street. Here they were placed in a hearse and conveyed to the Columbia street Presbyterian Church where the funeral services were held and the last tribute due the dead was paid.
After the services, the remains were conveyed to the Short Line Depot and were sent to the home of his parents in Baltimore. An American flay covered the coffin.