Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-06-04
A Distressing Tragedy.

A distressing Tragedy.
Our entire community was greatly
shocked and distressed yesterday morn
ing to learn of the death Of Mrs. Danske
cambridge, wife OF Hon. A. s. Dandridge,
which occurred about II O'Clock at her
home near ShepherdstJwn, from pistol
shot in the head. Mrs. cambridge was
alone in her room at the time. The nurse
who had been in attendance upon her for
some months was down stairs, when she
heard shot, followed by a fall. Upon
hurrying upstairs she found Mrs. DAN
bridge lying on the floor OF her room,
and though DR.. Burwell was hastily sum-
moned nothing could be done, as death
had been instantaneous. Mr.. cambridge,
who was at his office in town, was appris-
ed of the tragedy, but was unable to reach
home until all was over.
Mrs. cambridge, who had been in Ill
health for the past couple OF years, and
who had suffered greatly from insomnia,
had been seriously depressed for some
weeks past. She had arranged to 60 to
North Carolina this week, but changed
her mind, expressing the desire to wait
little while and then 90 to northern
resort. Tuesday she had seemed bright
er than for some time, but Tuesday night
was one OF sleeplessneSs and suffering
for her and she again became respondent.
Mrs. cambridge, who was in the Sixtieth
year OF her age, is survived by her de-
voted husband daughter, Miss Violet
cambridge; brother, Rev. Harry Bed
niger, of Salem, Mass; and half sister,
Mrs. Virginia Niche, Of Charlottesville,
Va.
Mrs. cambridge was daughter OF the
late Henry Bedinger, one of Shepherds
towns most distinguished citizens and a
member of Congress from this district
before the war. He was United States
minister to Denmark under President
Buchanan, and it was while he was
serving in Copenhagen that Mrs. Dan
bridge was born. Her father gave her
the name OF DanSke, Little Dane" in
the language Of the country in which she
first saw the light Of day. Her mother
was Miss Lawrence, OF New York, this
family being also prominent. Henry
Bedinger was man OF literary genius,
and Mrs. cambridge inherited from him
great talent She wrote many poems in
graceful, delicate style. showing her love
OF flowers and birds and the things OF ma
ture. Most OF these poems were publish
ed in the New York Independent, and
were published later in book form, several
volumes of which were issued, the first
being "Joy and Other Poems" Within
the past few years Mrs. cambridge also
published two historical volumes OF great
local interest, one, George Michael
Bedinger," being the story OF the life OF
one OF her distinguished ancestors, a
soldier OF tFie Revolutionary War, and the
other Historic ShepherdStown," most
valuable and useful contribution TO the
interesting history OF this ancient town.
american Prisoners OF the Revolution"
written in memory Of the authors grand
father, Lieutenant Daniel Bedinger, OF the
Continental Army, was regarded as a
very valuable historical contribution, as
if gave the names Of 5000 men confined
on the notorious prison ship New Jersey.
Her literary talent was recognized in
every section of our country, and she re-
Elected much honor upon our community.
OF exalted purity of mind and character,
of the highest ideals, her pen expressed
noble and uplifting sentiments and she
has left the world richer in beauty OF
thought and expression because OF her
genius.
The tendereSt sympathy OF our entire
community goes out TO Mr. cambridge in
the sad death OF his wife, and there is
sincere coincidence for the other bereaved
relatives. They have the consolation OF
knowing that weary sufferer is at rest,
and that the sweet influence OF useful
life and noble ideals will live long after
the mortal tenement has returned 10 dust.
The funeral services will be held Fri
day morning at II O'Clock in the Trinity
Episcopal Church.