October 26, 1863
TERRIBLE ACCIDENT - MRS. AUDITOR CRANE KILLED. - On Saturday morning a most terrible accident occurred at Ritchietown, near the house of Mr. J. B. Ford, which resulted in the instant death of Mrs. Crane, wife of the Auditor of West Virginia. The engineer of the express for the east; as the train neared the point indicated, observed a lady walking in close proximity to the track and called to her to get out of the way. There are two or three tracks or railings near the point, and it is supposed she became confused and alarmed, and instead of getting out of the way, fell with her neck upon the main track. - The driving wheels of the engine passed directly over her neck, completely severing the head from the body.
For two hours after the accident the body was not identified, but it was finally recognized as that of Mrs. Crane.
An inquest was held upon the body and a verdict rendered in accordance with the above statements.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1863