XXiVl BIOGRAPUICAL SKETCU OF THE AUTHOR. 



speak a I an^- instant. The scene was very affecting. The coim- 

 tiy peoi>le, who knew and loved EQram well, had come from their 

 farms and villages. When these stout yeoman looked u})on his 

 calm, quiet face, with its sweet smile, they broke down at once; 

 and " eyes albeit unused to the melting mood " swam over with 

 tears. Some few, including Dan Pfifer, could not trust themselves 

 to meet him face to face. All the trainers and drivers were there, 

 with most of the eminent owners of fast horses. The ladies were 

 there in great numbers ; and this was truly fitting, for Hiram was 

 always distinguished for his ceremonious politeness to them. He 

 was, in fact, when seen at liis best, in person, in dress, in manners, 

 and in mind, a thorough gentleman. The service was performed 

 by the Rev. Mr. Munn, of East New York, in an impressive man- 

 ner. And then the procession, with its mourners, and Oliver 

 Marshall, Simeon D. Hoagland, AVilliam AVhclan, Joseph Croch- 

 eron, John Crooks, John I. Snedeker, and Wellington Simonson 

 as pall-bearers, streamed along through the snow, to the cemetery- 

 gate, and wound its way up the hillside, and past the lofty monu- 

 ment, to the grave. It was a long time ere the most had reached 

 the place ; and many, indeed, never got there at all until after the 

 clods from the spade fell on the cotlin, and smote upon our ears 

 all mortal fate. Hiram Woodruff lies near tl:e summit of a loily 

 hill, which overlooks the south side of the Island and the great 

 •waters upon which he loved to sail. The beauties and the 

 grandeur of nature are all about his last resting-place. "SATien 

 it is bleak and stormy, as it was tliat day, the sough of the wind 

 seems to bear with it the deep roar of the majestic ocean. When 

 it is fine, there is no lovelier spot on all the Ishmd ; and, standing 

 near Ids place of rest, one can look out iiir and away over a world 

 of life and fertile land and busy waters. Peace to him who sleeps 

 on that hallowed summit I 



