The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-04-22
LEFFIHGWELL & HOLDEN.

lEttIhGHELL X HULDEh.
A horrible accident occurred on the Lake
Shore road last Saturday night at Kipton.
station four miles west of Oberlin. Fast mail
No IA, with one sleeper and parlor car at
tached. crashed into passenger train No. 21.
while running over so miles an hour. Some
misunderstanding existed by which the en-
gineer Of the regular passenger train undertook
to run to Kipton instead of passing at Oberlin,
as ordered. and justa as the train was about to
take the siding at Kipton, the mail train round
ed a heavy curve fianked on either side by
high embankments. and in moment the two
engines and lot of the mail cars were in-
extricable mass of ruins. Eleven postal clerks
were on the train, six of whom were killed out
right. besides the two engineers and the fire.
man of train IA, a four year old son of section
boss living close by. and farmer, both of whom
were standing on the depot platform, The
scenes at the disaster were horrible beyond de-
scription. The bodies of all the victims were
mutilaGed and crushed out of all human SEM
blance, while several of the passengers and
trainm en- were badly wounded Such accidents
are frightful to relate, and the heart goes out
in great sympathy for the victims, their fami-
lies and friends. and we mourn their terrible
fate, although strangers to us. But how much
greater the shock and stronger the grief when
among the list is seen the name of one who but
yesterday went out from us in the full bloom of
noble young manhood, and whom we reckon
as among our choicest acquaintauces and dear
est friends. Hardly anyone in Ravenna but
knew Fred Clement. who left the employ of W.
8. Krake while serving under him as assistant
post master at this place. and will remember
his exceptional brightness and accommodating,
gentlemanly conduct while behind the post Of
flee windows. Most of our citizens will re-
member. too, when he left MIR. Krake to accept
position as postal clerk on the L. S. & NJ. S.
road, which Mr.. X. procured for him. and how
he steadily advanced until he was recognized
as one of the best clerks in the government
service. f. F. Clement was among the killed at
this awful wreck, and the PRESS knows of no
words to express the universal sorrow felt here
in his old home over the deplorable ending of
this promising life. He was liked by every
body. and deservedly so, and we have never
known death more sad or Iamentable than
this one. He leaves a father. mother and two
sisters to mourn the loss of the dear son and
brother, who for so many years tenderly cared
for their every want and faithfully performed
would require. He has been the support of his
mother and sisters for years. He was engaged
to one Of Ravenna's most estimable young
ladies, and we understand the young couple
were looking forward to day in the not dis
tant future when their brightest hopes should
be realized at the altar. In a moment death
ended it all. and how inexpressibly sad and
deep the sorrow for the one so cruelty afflicted.
The remains of Mr. Clemant ,rara bronobt =,
Ravenna yesterday morning and funeral ser.
at 1;91 O'Clock. Rev. s. W. Meek delivering a
most touching and affecting eulogy. The house
was crowded with the sorrowing friends, and
no one ever died who is more sincerely and
universally mourned than F. f. Clement who
met his death like hero at his post of duty
The services were conducted by Garrettsville
Lodge, F. & A. III of which Mr.. Clement was
an honored member. The members of Unity
Lodge attended the funeral in body, as did
also the members of Ravenna branc of Royal
Arcanum, which reckoned him as one of its
most valued members.
The floral tributes were the most beautiful
offerings ever seen in Ravenna. His associates
in the mail service were unable to be present
in a body, but were represented by w A.
Stevenson. Of Cleveland, one of their number
They sent an elegant floral emblem represent
ing a broken wheel. 1t was made up from
lilies. roses. carnations and smilax His young
gentlemen friends and young lady friends of
Ravenna each sent in very beautiful floral
pieces. expressive of their affectionate regard
Very handsome pieces were also furnished by
the Ravenna and Garrettsville Lodges. and a
living in California. was also among the
trihutes The Owl Cluh al
| furnished a beautiful piece.
F. F. Clement was born in Indiana in 1864.
| and came to Ravenna when mere child with
| his parents He acquired his education in our
public schools, and in 1882 was appointed as
| sistant by Postmaster Krake and proved to be
one of the best clerks that ever handled mail in
| Ravenna. His efficiency and faithfulness were
| so marked that Mr.. Krake interested hims elf in
| the young mans behalf and was instrumental
| in obtaining position for him as postal clerk
| he entering the employ of the government in
| 1894, and continuing uninterruptedly ever
since, the Cleveland admin stration retalnipp
| him, solely because of his splendid ability anG
record His promotion 5 rapid, and at one
time he was offered a clerkship in the ocear
service at a salary of $25eO per annum but hi
did not care to be away from home for suct
protracted lengths of time aid decided to re
main where he was. This position was reserv
ed for the best men in the whole U. s. service
and Mr.. Clement cast lots with the few who's,
efficiency was considered equal to his. and wa
lucky enough to draw the winning card, bu
fer the reason above stated, decided not t.
make the change. few years ago the famil,
moved to Garrettsville, and about six month
ago went to Cleveland.
He was member of the Congregations
Church of this city, and was a young man Q
very superior qualities and worth and his un
timely death is great loss, not only to his al
r flicted family, but 10 the world. for true man
r hood can never be spared. His host of Ravenn
and Garrettsville friends join with the Athlete
: ones in mourning the death of this most est
S mable young man.