AN EAST ST. LOUIS FUNERAL

Not only the fact that Mr. Sage stood high in social, political and financial circles brought many to see his bier, who, through those channels, associated with him in life, but the more touching circumstances of his tragic and pathetic death. Mrs. Sage was the accomplished and pretty daughter of Attorney E. R. Davis. She was married to the handsome real estate man about five years ago and the pair lived in a fine home on Eighth street. About a year ago they rented their residence and a temporary home was established in the Strickler household.

On the fateful evening the couple had been entertained by St. Louis friends and returned to the city about 5 o'clock. A few moments were passed at Mr. Sage's office, and Mr. and Mrs. Sage noticing the threatening clouds, hastened their steps towards Collinsville and St. Louis avenues. As they reached the corner, an eye-witness says, they stopped for a moment and attempted to enter the front door of the grocery. The door was either locked or fastened in some way, and a break was made for the hallway. Just as they entered the door the awful crash came. The air was filled with flying missiles and the house began to fall forward. The couple were then standing in the landing leading to the first flight of steps. Mrs. Sage leaned on her husband's arm, while her other arm was high up on his breast, as if she were half -pleading for further protection. The request was granted without ceremony, and long before the building finally crashed Mr. Sage held his wife firmly in his arms, while hers were as lovingly clasped about his neck. In this position their mangled bodies were found, and as this was the position in which they. were last seen alive, it is believed that when they noticed the awful effect of the storm upon the back part of the house and knew escape was impossible in any direction they awaited in terror and in affectionate embrace their doom.