The Daily Ardmoreite

GYPSY CHIEF DIES
Near Muskogee. Members of Clan Give Magnificent Funeral.

Muskogee, Okla., Aug. 15.—In a costly coffin resting beneath the sheltering boughs of a leafy canopy, watched by 150 mourning members of a Gypsy tribe, lies the body of Rabbi Young, 86 years of age, who died yesterday at the camp of his tribesmen near Maynard Bayou, east of here. Reputed to be the father of fifty children, many of whom are members of his flock, Young was one of the most noted characters among the nomads of the United States. A few minutes after death, an undertaker was called to embalm the body. The Gypsies bought the most expensive coffin they could get, and paid the bill in $20 gold pieces. Then they called other Gypsy camps all over the country by long distance telephone, informing them of the death of their leader. They spent more than $40 on these messages. Other expenses were incurred, and for all the Gypsies paid in double eagles, of which they appeared to have an inexhaustible supply.

Today, twenty-four hours after the death of the chief, the members of the tribe solemnly took his silk-bedecked wagon, his silver embossed saddle, his sets of harness and all his belongings, and piling them into a heap, burned them. Part of the ashes were put in the coffin with the body and will be buried with it.

The information which the law requires be given in case of a death contains the note that Chief Rabbi Young was born in England, and claimed Ponca City, Okla., as his residence. Burial will take place in Oklahoma City, where already preparations for the funeral are in progress. The entire train of thirty-two wagons probably will drive overland to attend the last rites.

Young's clan is a member of the Stanley tribe of Gypsies. His death is the second in the tribe in two weeks, an infant of Willie Stanley dying here after an all day race through blistering heat to bring the babe to a hospital here.