The Ouachita Telegraph - George W. McFee Dies after Buggy Accident

Date: Aug. 2000
Submitted by: Lora Peppers <lpeppers@ouachita.lib.la.us>

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The Ouachita Telegraph
Friday, November 22, 1878
Page 2, Column 2

        George W. McFee, druggist and pharmaceutist (sic), died at his residence in
this city on Friday, 15th November, 1878, in the 45th year of his age.  He
had been complaining of an attack of rheumatism and an ulcerated leg, but in
other respects appeared to be in good health.  On Saturday preceding he
borrowed of Mr. J.G. Logan his horse and buggy to ride home for dinner.  The
start was rapid and the buggy soon out of sight.  In a few minutes it became
known that the horse had become vicious and that Mr. McFee had been
seriously hurt in an effort to abandon the buggy.  A number of physicians
repaired to his assistance, and found one leg broken in two places and the
patient spitting blood from internal injuries.  The sufferer was made as
comfortable as skill could suggest.  On Sunday morning a re-examination
disclosed the frightful fact that the ankle joint had been crushed and that
amputation was necessary.  The operation was performed during the evening,
and for a day or two great hopes were entertained for a speedy recovery.
Suddenly there was a change for the worse, and in spite of everything that
could be done he steadily declined.  Mortification set in, and he was
informed of his danger.  He set about his final preparations like a
philosopher and died as became a man.  The Masons and the fire companies
took charge of the remains and consigned them to the grave under the
beautiful and impressive solemnities of their orders.
        Mr. McFee was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and located here in 1855.  In 1861
he married Mrs. Pauline C. Bass, widow of Isaac T. Bass, who together with
six minor children survive him.  Mr. McFee’s business qualities were of a
high order, and his education for his profession thorough and complete.  He
amassed property and kept out of debt, and he leaves his family independent.
  He had many sterling qualities, and will be long remembered for deeds of
charity that are known only to the receivers.  His loss to his family is
irreparable and they are to be commiserated, but the public is also a
sufferer and fully conscious of the heavy hand that has been laid upon it.
NOTE:  In the Friday, November 29, 1878 edition of the Ouachita Telegraph,
there is a resolution of respect from the Ouachita Fire Company, No. 1 for
Mr. McFee, Page 3, Column 3, and from the Western Star Lodge Masons in the
Friday, December 13, 1878 issue, Page 3, Column 2.

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