Sad Death of Col. Francis Murray Wynkoop--His Funeral.--On the 13th inst., Col. Francis M. Wynkoop late United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was accidentally killed while gunning near his residence, Valemira, [Valencia-chw], this County. It appears that Col. Wynkoop was hunting pheasants in company with his hired man, when the gun in the hands of the latter was accidentally discharged. The load took effect in Col. W.'s leg, and he died in half an hour from the effects of the wound. The deceased was but thirty-eight years of age. He was born near Newtown, Bucks County. On the breaking out of the Mexican War he joined the Washington Artillerists, under the command of Capt. Nagle. After the arrival of the company at Pittsburg, they were mustered into the Pennsylvania Regiment, in December, 1846, and at an election private Wynkoop was elected Colonel. While in Mexico Colonel Wynkoop won the commendations of his superiors for his bravery, and the love of his men for the kindness always shown them. He was at the capture of the city of Vera Cruz, also at the battle of Cerro Gordo, of Huamantla, and was also actively engaged in numerous skirmishes, and in all exhibited much skill and bravery.--He was also chosen Civil and Military Governor of Perote. The Colonel returned to Philadelphia with the regiment, where he received his discharge. President Pierce appointed him United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, an office he filled until the commencement of the Administration of President Buchanan. After his retirement from office, and up to the time of the fatal accident, Col. Wynkoop resided on his farm in the Cattawissa Valley, this County. The mother and brother of the deceased reside in Philadelphia. Colonel Wynkoop married a daughter of Major Twiggs, who fell in Mexico. He left no children.
    Col. Wynkoop's untimely death is much regretted in Schuylkill County, where he has been most favorably known from a boy; in whose welfare he always felt a warm interest, and where he has many warm and true friends.
    As soon as intelligence had been received here of the unfortunate occurrence, the flags of the Borough were placed at half mast, and orders were issued by Gen. Cake for a Brigade Parade of the 1st and 2d Regiments, Schuylkill County Volunteers, on the occasion of the funeral. Information was received that the Scott Legion of Philadelphia of Philadelphia would attend the funeral and pay the last honors to his remains. The Legion is composed of a large number of Col. Wynkoop's command in Mexico.
    On Tuesday night the remains of Col. Wynkoop reached this Borough, and were conveyed to the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Thomas F. Atwood.
    On the same night in obedience to a call signed by many citizens, a large number of the inhabitants of the Borough met at the Exchange Hotel to take some action upon the decease of Col. Wynkoop. The meeting was organized by appointing the following officers:--
    President--Hon. S. N. PALMER.
    Vice Presidents--Hon. C. Frailey, Michael Cochran, Esq., Hon. Bernard Riley, Samuel Huntzinger, Jacob Koehler.
    Secretaries--JAS. M. RICHARDS, THOS. FOSTER.
    Upon taking the chair, Judge Palmer made a few remarks referring in eloquent terms to the early life and subsequent career in Mexico, of the deceased. Upon motion of S. Huntzinger, Esq., Messrs. H. L. Cake, R. M. Palmer, J. M. Wetherill and J. G. Frick were appointed a Committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting, who reported the following:
    WHEREAS, We have heard with feelings of deep regret of the sudden and unexpected death of Gen. Francis M. Wynkoop, one of the most generally beloved and respected citizens of Schuylkill County, therefore
    Resolved. That in the death of Gen. Wynkoop, the citizens of Pottsville and of Schuylkill County have reason to deplore the loss of one who in his early life and in his mature manhood, was an ornament to the social circle, and an example in the community.
    Resolved. That in his death our country has reason to mourn the loss of a brave soldier, a faithful citizen and zealous public officer, whose services in various capacities both civil and military, have been creditable and honorable to himself, useful to his country, and will preserve his name to posterity among the great and good of past years, whose memories are enshrined in the hearts of all citizens of this Republic, with whom patriotism is revered.
    Resolved. That the people of the whole country who remember the gallant deeds and valuable services of Gen. Wynkoop in the war with Mexico, will sympathize with us as his friends and neighbors who know him best, in the loss we have sustained in his sudden death.
    Resolved. That we tender the heartfelt sympathy of this meeting to the widow and the nearest surviving relations of Gen. Wynkoop, in the dreadful bereavement they suffer in the loss of a kind and excellent husband, son, brother and friend.
    Resolved. That in his relation of husband, son and brother, we knew him to have been loving and kind, and feel that his loss will be irreparable.
    Resolved. That we find a mournful consolation in the fact that the name and fame of our distinguished fellow-citizen, although dying thus, in the morning of a useful life, had become in a considerable degree the property of the nation, and that they will be honorably and gratefully remembered by our people everywhere.
    Resolved. That we tender the sympathy of this meeting to the survivors of the First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the war with Mexico, who will so deeply regret the loss of their brave and distinguished Colonel in that glorious service.
    Resolved. That we will attend the funeral of our departed friend, and recommend that the places of business be closed throughout the Borough between the hours of one and four o'clock in the afternoon, as a further token of respect.
    Resolved. That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the wife and near relatives of the deceased, to Capt. James Nagle, of Company B. (Mexican Service,) to the Scott Legion of the city of Philadelphia, and that they be published in all the papers of this place.

    The military preparations made were complete, and on Wednesday last, the day appointed for the funeral, the companies composing the 1st and 2d Regiments, commenced assembling in this Borough. The Washington Artillerists, under command of Lieut. Smith, and numbering forty-six muskets, marched down between 11 and 12 o'clock to the depot to receive the Scott Legion. At 12 o'clock the Legion arrived, with forty muskets, under command of Captain Grey, and were escorted by the Artillerists to their quarters at the Exchange Hotel. They are a fine looking body of men, march well, and attracted much attention.
    In the afternoon the line formed about 3 o'clock and with solemn music, slow and measured tread, the body of the late Col. Wynkoop was born in a hearse drawn by four black horses, from Mr. Atwood's residence to Mount Laurel Cemetery, at the upper part of Market street. Before the coffin was closed however, the Scott Legion took a last look at the body. The face was but little changed, and was as calm and placid in the dread stillness, as if Col. Wynkoop were but sleeping that counterfeit of death,--alas, in this instance that it should be the dread original. In the coffin were deposited a bible, sword and flag.
    The order of the procession from Mr. Atwood's residence to the Cemetery was as follows:--

Source:

Unknown, "Local Affairs, Sad Death of Col. Francis Murray Wynkoop--His Funeral," The Miners' Journal and Pottsville General Advertiser, Pottsville, Pa., Saturday, 19 December 1857, page 2, col. 4.