Train Accident takes life of Chenowee Woman
Jackson Times – January 1924
Mrs. Robert Cundiff instantly killed by train.
One of the County's most beloved Woman meets horrible death.
One of the most horrible and saddest accidents ever happened in this part of the state, occurred thursday of the past week when Mrs. Robert Cundiff was instantly killed by a train near her home at Chenowee. According to information received by us, Mrs. Cundiff had started from her home to a store nearby, carrying with her a basket of eggs and was walking along the railroad track. She was killed by what is known as the helper engine. No one saw Mrs. Cundiff killed, but from what can be learned she was struck by the engine about 10 o'clock. However, her body was not found for about an hour. Her head was entirely severed form her body and the body dragged two hundred and forty-five feet down the track. It was not known she had been killed until the engineer on the passenger train found part of the body lying by the side of the track. It was then, an investigation revealed the horrible and most unbelievable truth. Just how it happened no one knows.
Mrs. Cundiff was one of the best women that ever lived. She was a conscientious Christian woman with her heart full of love for her family and friends. She was never idle but attended strictly to her own affairs. In sickness or distress of any kind, her neighbors knew they would find in her a sympathizing friend ready to help bear their grief and cares. A more devoted wife and kind, loving mother was never known. By her death the home has been made a lonely place that will never be the same. She was a member of the Methodist Church for many years. Mrs. Cundiff was born in this country October 24, 1856. She was before her marriage, Miss Mary Jane Wyatt, sister of the late John Wyatt. On July 26, 1877, she and Robert Cundiff of Lee County, were married. They lived in Lee for a number of years before moving to Breathitt about 1882, and lived at the present home from thattime until her death. To this union born ten children, who with the husband survive. They are Nannie Hurst Newland, born June 9, 1878, Mrs. Callie M. Marks, born December 17, 1879, William Cundiff, born September 25, 1881, George Cundiff, born May 6, 1884, Mrs. Joanna Griffith, born November 9, 1886, Mrs. Luellan Lutes, born November 22, 1888, Ruben Cundiff, Born May 20, 1891, Mrs. Bettie Maupin, born January 17, 1893, Charles H. Cundiff, born January 6, 1896, Mrs. Grace B. Wilson, born March 28, 1899 and one adopted daughter, Ellen, age 13 yeras, who is at home. Also forty three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted at the Town Branch Cemetery by Rev. E.L. Griffy of Irvine and Rev. Will Kash in the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives. To the husband, children and relatives the sympathy of the entire community is extended in the loss of the good wife and mother. By the Christian life she has perpared her soul for a home in heaven and has laid down her work on this earth and gone to be with her saviour. May her life be ever an inspration to those who knew her ahd while her family is all broken up and their hearts bleeding, may they have the comfort that comes by knowing they will meet her again if they will only consecrate their love to God.