Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-12

PAINFUL CAsUALTY-DEArH OF PROFESSOR
MILES j. FLETcHER, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC
lNsTRUCTIoN.-We are called upon to announce
the sudden demise, by one Of the most painful
casualties, of Professor Miles J. Fletcher, Super
intendent Of Public Instruction of Indiana. In
company with Governor Morton, (by whom he
vas summoned 20 co. Adiutant General Noble
and Brigade Surgeon, DR.. Bobbs, Prof. Fletcher
left the city OF Saturday night By the Terre
Haute Railroad for Pittsburg Landing. The
errand Of this party was the humane one Of look
ing after Indiana soldiers who might fall wound
ed in the impending battle at COrinth. They pro-
crossed safely on their journey until, near Sulli
van. on the Evansville and Charlottesville Rail
road, the locomotive came in contact with a
freight car switched off but not sufficiently clear
of the main track. The shock of the train caus-
ed Professor Fletcher to look out of the window,
when instantly his head struck the car, fracturing
his skull, aud he died Immediately.
Professor Fletcher was a native Of Indianap-
oils, a son of Calvin Fletcher, Esq, one of the
Oldest and most respectable of cur citizens. He
was born in a log cabin where Blake's Block
now stands on Washington street. In early life
he had every advantage of education. He was a
graduate Of Browns University, Rhode Island.
Just before he graduated he was elected to and
accepted the ProfessOrship Of belle-lettres and
history in the Asbury University, Greencastle.
He remained in that position two years, when he
studied law at the law school of Cambridge Uni
versity. Upon the completion of his law course he
resumed his PrOfessOrship at Asbury University.
In 1860 he was nominated by the Republican party
didate for Superintendent of Public Instruction,
and elected. The duties of this Office he per
formed acceptably to the State at large up to the
time of his death. Professor Fletcher was about
thIrty-three years Of age, and leaves a wife and
two children, a large circle of Immediate relatives,
and friends and acquaintance throughout the
State who admired and respected him, to mourn
his untimely loss.
Professor Fletcher possessed great energy Of
character and was z~ealOusly devoted to the educa-
tiOHal interests Of Indiana. he was a genial
gentleman pleasant companion in our limited
intercourse with him, since his late residence
here. we found hin free from bigotry, socially
morally and politically. He left here on Satur-
day night, full o. life, buoyant with hope, on a
mission OF mercy. In a few hours after comes
the sad message that he is cut off. without a mo-
ment's warning, in the noon day of life and use
fulneSs. How true is it that we know not what
a day, even an hour, NAV bring forth. Such is
life. Professor Fletcher had several times visited
our soldiers, East and West, by request of the
State authorities, to look after their interests and
minister to their wants, and in the performance oil
those duties he had won their regard, and tc
them the news of his sudden demise, which on q
similar errand, will excite with those who knew
him the deepest emotions of sorrow.
The funeral will take place at Robert.
Chapel o -mOrrov Tuesday morning, at ter
O'Clock. Bishop Ames will o~ficiate upon the Oc
casiOn.