Funeral of Miss Flora Kahn

The funeral of Miss Flora Kahn took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon, at the residence of her father on Oak street. There was a very large crowd of citizens in attendance, embracing almost every shade of religion and nationality, showing the high esteem in which the deceased was held by all classes of the people. Rev. Mr. Ensel, of the Jewish church, at Springfield, Ill., conducted the services, and made some very proper, sensible and touching remarks. The choir of the Synagogue, of which she had been a member, made some excellent music in keeping with and suitable to the sad occasion.

The great calamity and its fatal result, which had called them together were fully shown by the faces of the assembled multitude, which exhibited all the signs of true sorrow and earnest sympathy with the stricken family in the loss of their only daughter, who was indeed one worthy of all their affection. The pall-bearers were chosen from among her young gentlemen friends. The funeral procession was very long, reaching over two squares and a half; and followed by friends who had known, loved and admired her, the mortal remains of Miss Flora Kahn were taken to the Jewish cemetery and deposited in the grave in accordance with ancient customs of the Jewish people.

The beautiful white wreath of roses which adorned the coffin was an emblem of the pure and unsullied life of this noble lady. It was formed by the good taste and fair hands of three lady friends, and was most appropriate.

“Bring flowers, pale flowers, o’er the bier to shed,

A crown for the brow of the early dead!

For this through its leaves hath the white rose burst,

For this in the woods was the violet nursed,

Though they smile in vain for what once was ours,

They are love’s last gift—bring ye flowers, pale flowers!”

Paducah Daily News

July 20, 1880

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Note: The following comments were made in a sermon given in 2007:

Sermon at Temple Israel in Paducah - November 2, 2007

Torah Portion - Chayyei Sarah

…..In the National Jewish Archives in Cincinnati there are two volumes which hold the minutes of Temple Israel’s Board meetings and Congregational meetings from 1880 to 1910. I am transcribing part of the first volume for a history project. One of the most fascinating aspects so far has been the issues surrounding the cemetery

……Balancing the needs of individuals and the needs of the congregation was on the minds of the Board here over a hundred years ago. In July of 1880 a special congregational meeting was held. The minutes of that meeting record:

The President stated the object of the meeting. Whereas, Miss Flora Kahn an estimable young lady & daughter of our member Mr. Kahn, who has shown herself to be an energetic daughter of Israel is now being almost at the point of death, action may be taken to call a neighboring officiating Rabbi or Chasan to perform the last sad rites of our religion over the young lady’s remains at her death. On Motion the President was authorized to telegraph at the death of Miss Flora Kahn (please God she may recover) to the nearest Chasan or Rabbi to perform the burial service, all expenses incurred to be covered by this congregation.