24/10/2025
Interesting local history on the sad demise of William fitzhugh. Courtesy of 16th Texas Cavalry Dismounted, Fitzhugh's Regiment
On October 23, 1883, Colonel William Fitzhugh was returning home to Melissa, Texas from business in nearby McKinney. Traveling with a companion, Fitzhugh's return journey seemed to be going well until the pair reached a railroad bridge. As the horses passed under the bridge, they took fright and bolted. Both men were thrown from the wagon, which then rolled over Fitzhugh as the horses took off. Despite being tended to quickly, Fitzhugh's injuries proved fatal in a matter of hours.
His body was laid to rest in Forest Grove cemetery in McKinney, but after the death of his wife, who had gone to live in Denison, he was reinterred alongside her in Fairview Cemetery in that city.
At the time of his death, Fitzhugh was serving as the Doorkeeper to the Texas Legislature. In honor of their late friend, the Senate placed a memorial page in their journal for that session.On October 23, 1883, Colonel William Fitzhugh was returning home to Melissa, Texas from business in nearby McKinney. Traveling with a companion, Fitzhugh's return journey seemed to be going well until the pair reached a railroad bridge. As the horses passed under the bridge, they took fright and bolted. Both men were thrown from the wagon, which then rolled over Fitzhugh as the horses took off. Despite being tended to quickly, Fitzhugh's injuries proved fatal in a matter of hours.
His body was laid to rest in Forest Grove cemetery in McKinney, but after the death of his wife, who had gone to live in Denison, he was reinterred alongside her in Fairview Cemetery in that city.
At the time of his death, Fitzhugh was serving as the Doorkeeper to the Texas Legislature. In honor of their late friend, the Senate placed a memorial page in their journal for that session.
Picture below also courtesy of the same faction
by LaCinda Russell
