Green River (Wyoming) Star
IN MEMORIAM - (By Mrs. Clyde Stewart of Burnt Fork, Wyoming.)

Wyoming has lost one of its grand old men. On May 11, 1914, Philip Mass entered into rest at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. L. Fosdick. He was born at Chihuahua, Mexico, September 16, 1840 (or 1839), and grew to young man-hood there. At an age when most boys are in school he was serving his country loyally in positions of great responsibility.

Afterwards he came to the United States and became one of its most trusted citizens. The helpfulness his nature was so full of has meant much in the upbuilding of the West. His honesty, uprightness and integrity made him lasting friends and his example was one that could but uplift all who knew him. He was a stranger to fear. When this country was new and times troublesome, he took his life in his hands and walked unfalteringly.

He was ever ready to aid--his home was one of friendly hospitality. His wife was Adaline Beauxveaux. They had a large family of sons and daughters for whom he hired teachers and governess not depending upon outside help for the careful training his children received. The home he built is among the most comfortable and beautiful on Henry's Fork, but for years he has lived with Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Fosdick. He had not been quite well for months, being a sufferer from rheumatism. While his death was sudden it was not unexpected.

His funeral was perhaps the largest ever held in this community. Friends and relatives came out from Green River, among those present were Hon. T. S. Taliaferro, John Hutton, Hugo Gaensslen, Miss Addie Pearson and John Ostrum, also the family of Mr. Sam Harvey. The funeral service was conducted by Mr. Wallace Johnson whose feeling, words and earnest prayer found lodgement in hearts softened by sorrow. In a short address, Hon. T. S. Taliaferro spoke words of appreciation that all present would liked to have said had they Mr. Taliaferro's eloquence.

A choir composed of Mrs. Geo. Stoll, Mrs. Geo. Bullock, Mrs. Geo. McCarty, and Mrs. Vorhees Pearson sang “Near My God To Thee”. John Hutton, Eugene Hickey, Thomas Welch, Thomas Anson, George Stoll, Jr., and Clark Logan acted as pall-bearers. At the grave was sung “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” and a beautiful prayer by Mr. Johnson ended the service. There, almost in the shadow of the shadow of the great mountain named for him, by the side of his beloved wife Adaline, and his sons James and Jesse, all that was mortal of Philip Mass was laid to rest.

Old gray-haired men and women, friends of years standing, fathers and mothers whom he had known when they were babies, stood tear blinded with their little ones saying a mute farewell. Beautiful floral offerings from members of Woodcraft and many friends in Green River and from friends in this community attested the sympathy for the family.

All of Mr. Mass’ children could not be present at the funeral. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Fosdick, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Harvey and family, and Mr. Edward Mass and family.

He is survived by eight children: Mrs. R. L. Fosdick, Burnt Fork, Wyo; Mrs. S. H. Harvey, Green River, Wyo; Mrs. S. H. Harvey, Green River, Wyo; Mrs. Fred Peterson, Mrs. W. S. Perry, Vernal, Utah; Mr. John Mass, Riverton, Wyo; Mr. Edward Mass, Burnt Fork, Wyo; Mr. Philip Mass, Casper, Wyo., who have the sympathy of a very large circle of friends.