Merts & Riddle  ·  Brandonville, W.Va.

The Spear’s Family
Merts and Riddle Hearse

Discovered in a barn where it was stored in 1903 — photographed as found

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This Merts and Riddle hearse was found in a barn in Brandonville, West Virginia, where it had been put in 1903. It was recently purchased by Carl Spear, owner of Spear Funeral Home in Bruceton Mills, WVA. The Merts and Riddle nameplate, found at the bottom of each side window, helps date the vehicle — Merts sold out to Riddle in 1891. The hearse is similar to #215 in the Merts and Riddle Catalog. It is photographed here “as it was.”

Photographs

Keith Spear adjusting the hearse
No. 1

Keith Spear adjusting his father’s Merts and Riddle Hearse. Found in a barn where it had been put in 1903 in Brandonville, WVA, this hearse is “as it was.” It was recently purchased by Carl Spear, owner of Spear Funeral Home in Bruceton Mills, WVA.

The Merts and Riddle nameplate
No. 2

The Merts and Riddle nameplate was found at the bottom of each side window. Merts sold out to Riddle in 1891, helping us to date this vehicle.

Hand carved corner pillar
No. 3

The elegant hand carved pillar appears on all four corners. These were fashioned from a solid block of wood.

The roof of the hearse
No. 4

The roof, showing its age, was covered with a type of canvas and then layered with several coats of paint and varnish to preserve it.

Back door glass with gold corner designs
No. 5

The back door glass shows the lovely gold corner designs. One window glass has been replaced.

The bier plate table inside the hearse
No. 6

The bier plate table inside the hearse. The bier pins went into holes in the plate to adjust to the size of the casket. The large wooden roller at the back, as well as the small rollers on the plate, eased the casket inside.

Gold bullion fringe tassel
No. 7

This large tassel with a hand carved bead at the top is made of gold bullion fringe.

The brake against the wheel
No. 8

The brake is shown against the wheel. A lever in front of the driver’s seat controlled the brake. These were added to vehicles by request and usually only used in hilly areas.

The padded pole bar in front of the hearse
No. 9

The padded pole bar in front of the hearse. It was stuffed with dried grasses which were beginning to come out. The padding protected the horse.

Hand carved urns on the roof
No. 10

Six beautiful hand carved urns, 15″ high, adorned the roof of the hearse. This hearse is similar to #215 in the Merts and Riddle Catalog, found on the CD. There are many more photographs of this hearse as well as others on the CD, 2001 edition.