Funeral of Judge Knapp

The article below was published in The New York Times on 31 January 1892.

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"FUNERAL OF JUDGE KNAPP.

"THE LAST SERVICES ATTENDED BY DISTINGUISHED MEN OF THE STATE.

HACKENSACK, Jan. 30 -- The funeral of the late Justice Manning M. Knapp of the New Jersey Supreme court attracted a great throng of distinguished men to the Second Dutch Reformed Church here this afternoon. At the homestead of the Judge the Rev. Arthur Johnson, pastor of the church, offered a prayer. The casket of black cloth was hidden beneath the floral tributes of friends as it was carried to the hearse for removal to the church. The congregation rose to their feet as it was borne up the aisle of the church. Mrs. Knapp, the Judge's widow, was opposed to an offer of song over the bier, and out of respect to her wishes there was no singing.

"Addresses were made by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, the Rev. James Demaret of Flushing, L.I., a former pastor of the church, and the Rev. John Kramer of New York.

" 'What a splendid dying this was!' exclaimed the Rev. Mr. Johnson. 'While protesting against the slowness of the court officers he dies. His last words under other circumstances might have gone out to the world unheeded, but now they have gone out to the world emblazoned with glory. The more I knew of him the more I became impressed with his sterling qualities. He died doing his duty, and I feel that the noblest way to die is at the post of duty. Although men may wink at violations of law, he never winked, but went on performing his duty like the man he was. He is away from his high station, but his influence will long be felt.'

"Among those in attendance were ex-Gov. Bedle, Supreme Court Justice Depue, ex-Judge Garrettson, Judge Kirkpatrick, Courtlandt Parker, ex-Mayer Collins, Judge Job H. Lippincott, Asa W. Dickinson, ex-Judge John A. Blair, Supreme Court Justice Dixon, Washingtton B. Williams, ex-Judge William Pitt Douglas, ex-Sheriff C.J. Cronan, William H. Corbin, Charles L. Corbin, R.B. Seymour, and Judge Paxton.

"The interment was in Hackensack Cemetery.

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Why have I posted the stories of his death and his funeral? Because Manning M. Knapp is my second great-granduncle. His sister was Sarah Knapp, who married David Auble. David and Sarah (Knapp) Auble are two my sixteen great-great-grandparents.

I think that Manning Knapp is probably the closest relative of mine that has served his state or country in a relatively high judicial, legislative or poilitical office. Besides, the stories are interesting!