From Michael Diehl’s account
Pt. 5 of 5: December 30
His funeral solemnities were performed on the 30th December. His body was taken to the church built under his superintendence, and in which he had been ministering to the people. A sermon was preached by Rev. S. Ritz, president of the Board of Directors, and Rev. D. P. Rosenmiller, and several ministers of other denominations, participated in the exercises.
Before the coffin was closed, his pupils gathered around, bathed in tears, and gazed upon him with all the tenderness with which affectionate children would linger around the remains of a departed, fondly loved parent.
The tears shed on that occasion were an appropriate testimony to his exalted worth. From the church his remains, followed by a long and mournful procession, were taken to the college cemetery, and buried in a lovely spot, near his cherished Wittenberg, to the founding of which he had devoted all his energies, and perhaps sacrificed his life.
A more appropriate place for the repose of his body could not have been selected. Here his grave will be visited with grateful reverence. As those who once sat at his feet and received instruction from his lips, visit their Alma Mater, with mournful joy they will linger round and drop a tear upon his tomb. And as the youth of future days shall resort to this seminary of learning, with emotions of gratitude, mingled with sadness, they will gaze upon the sacred spot where its honored founder reposes.
This series was drawn from Chapter XXIII. “Sickness, Death, Etc.” in Biography of Rev. Ezra Keller: Founder and First President of Wittenberg College / by Rev. M. Diehl; with an introduction by Rev. S. Sprecher. Springfield, OH : Ruralist Publishing Co., 1859.
About The Project
With Wittenberg now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on Wittenberg's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in Wittenberg History or Happy Birthday Wittenberg. Others have their origin in the Wittenberg History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.