In the midst of life we are in death. But a few days ago the familiar face of Tracy Beadle was seen upon our streets and at his place of business. To-day his body lies cold in death. The announcement will bring sadness and sorrow to the hearts of thousands of people in this city and county who have known him so long and loved him so well. Tracy Beadle was a man who impressed himself upon all who saw or knew him. He had lived in Elmira for over forty years, and had grown to the fullness of public confidence and esteem. In business he was successful and amassed a competence. In public affairs he was earnest, intelligent, and influential, and he was through all his life a practical and consistent Christian. He was repeatedly called by his fellow citizens to places of trust and honor, the duties of which, as those of private station, he discharged with fidelity and to full public satisfaction. The honored citizen has gone from our midst. His genial greetings will be known no more. He leaves behind a memory fragrant with kindly deeds which will long endure in hundreds of homes. He filled the full measure of a good man, and died in the maturity of his years honored and mourned by all. Thus one by one are passing away the older residents of the city. But few of them are left. Age and infirmities are creeping upon them, and a few days at best will number them all in the past. While they live let us mark their presence with deference and respect; and threw their paths with flowers of affection. They are the pioneers. May those who come after them fill their places with equal honor and success.
The funeral of the late Dr. Tracy Beadle took place from the residence on Lake street yesterday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock. The day was raw, and wet, adding to and increasing the mournful character of the occasion. There was a very large attendance, the residence spacious as it is, being unable to accommodate one half of those present, many remaining upon the porch, in the door yard or out upon the walk. About all of the older citizens of Elmira, whose who are left, were among those who paid their last offices to the honored dead. Those who had known him the longest loving him the best. Yet all classes of our citizens, the humble as well as the prosperous and conspicuous were to be noticed in the throng. They all had some part in offering their silent testimony in this manner to the memory of one who was to be laid away forever from mortal gaze.
