[Frederick G. Gedge died 8 Nov 1854]

Kentucky Statesman

November 10, 1854

PAINFUL OCCURRENCE

DEATH OF F. G. GEDGE

Our community was this morning startled by a report that Frederick G. Gedge, Esq., had been killed on the C.& L. R.R. The report proved too true. At 7 o’clock, as the engine for the express train was coming from the station to the depot, and when between Ninth and Tenth streets, Mr. Gedge fell or threw himself across the track, just in front of the locomotive. His head was lying upon one of the rails and was completely severed from the trunk! No language can describe the scene that ensued. Hundreds of persons soon gathered around and a deep sorrow mantled every countenance. Stout hearted men wept like children.

This death, horrible and distressing as it is in all its aspects, was attended by circumstances which add to the grief felt by every person in the community. If voluntary, as a coroner’s jury has decided, no one can doubt that it was done with that lack of consciousness which takes away accountability. Mr. Gedge had endorsed for a considerable amount for others. These parties failing to meet their engagements threw the liability upon him. This, preying upon a mind peculiarly sensitive on points honor, credit and fair standing in all business transactions, dethroned reason, and the fearful result is now mourned by an entire community.

Mr. Gedge was a man of great energy, enterprise and decision of character, and has long been at the head of the leading business firm of this city. He has ever taken an active part in all undertakings calculated to promote the interests of Covington, and few men have done more towards building up the city. Noted for his sagacity, prudence and spotless integrity, he was eminently successful as a business man, and his name alone was a tower of strength, in any undertaking, whether public or private. The work which was made the instrument of his death had no more devoted or efficient friend than Frederick G. Gedge.

That such a man, so honored and so useful, scarcely past the prime of life, a devoted Christian, blessed in his domestic relations, and surrounded by troops of friends, should thus pass away is most painful.

Remembering his virtues and his usefulness, and regarding his death as a public calamity, it is respectfully suggested that at the hour set apart for the interment of his remains the business houses of the city be closed.

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The foregoing was issued in an extra Wednesday morning. The following is given as the verdict of the coroner’s jury:

‘ We believe that in a fit of mental derangement the said Frederick G. Gedge threw himself on the Railroad track in front of a locomotive as it was approaching him, and thereby had his head severed from his body by the said locomotive running over him. There were some papers found upon his body as the jury are informed but did not see them.’

(Signed) S.C. PERRIN, Foreman

The funeral services took place on Thursday afternoon. A procession was formed in the following order.

Independent Franklin Fire Company

Kentucky Fire Company, No. 2

Washington Fire Company, of Newport

Covington Fire Company, No. 1

THE REMAINS

Attended by the following pall bearers:

M. M. Benton, C. A. Withers,

B. W. Foley, Jno. T. Levis,

S. J. Walker, Jno. B. Casey,

A. Robbins, Col. Garnett,

Jno. Gray, Samuel Reynolds,

Jackson Sparrow A. L. Greer.

Following was a long train of carriages containing the family and immediate friends of the deceased.

The procession proceeded to the Scott st. Methodist E. Church, which had been selected because affording the greatest accommodation to the public. The church was densely crowded, leaving hundreds outside unable to get seats. --- The services were performed by Rev. Nr. Newton, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who passed[?] his remarks upon portions of the LXXVII and XLVI Psalms. “Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.” … “Be still, and know that I am God.”

We will not do the eloquent speaker injustice by attempting to give the substance of his remarks. The lesson inculcated by the test, of an overruling Providence working to accomplish its purposes, always good, by means often mysterious and incomprehensible to finite minds, was earnestly and eloquently enforced.

The application of the doctrine to the mournful event which had called together the vast assemblage, was alike impressive and beautiful. The domestic virtues, the public usefulness, and the Christian graces of the deceased, were most eloquently and impressively touched upon. An allusion to the mysterious and terrible struggle which had left only the mangled remains of one so useful, and so loved and honored, brought tears to many eyes. .

The impressive ceremonies being over the procession proceeded to Linden Grove Cemetery.

Paula Moler