Submitted by

The Rome Tribune
Tuesday, March 27, 1894

CAPT COULTER
The River Veteran, Dies at His Post of Duty
Captain F.M. Coulter is dead.

He was taken sick Saturday afternoon [24 March 1894] shortly after 8 o�clock, while at his post in the pilot house of the steamer Clifford B. Seay, just two miles below Centre. He at once rang for assistance and was carried from the pilot house in a very weak condition. On reaching the saloon he was approached by Captain Kirkpatrick. As the latter neared him, Mr. Coulter exclaimed, �Oh! Mr. Kirk, I am so sick.�
He reeled and would have fallen had not Mr. Kirkpatrick caught him. He was carried to the cabin, where many fruitless efforts were made to alleviate his suffering. On reaching Centre two physicians were called in, but their skill availed nothing. When the boat left Centre one of them staid on board to attend the Captain. While making the landing at Howe�s cross roads at 10:15 o�clock p.m. death came to the relief of this man, who has borne more than his share of the burdens of this life with such an humble spirit and such unflinching fortitude. The cause of his death was acute indigestion, with which he had of late had several attacks. His remains reached the city at 5 o�clock Sunday morning and Captain Simpson was detailed to go to the Captain�s residence on Fourth avenue and break the sad news to his wife and children. This was not the first time he has gone to this family as the bearer of bad news. This time he was met at the door by Mrs. Coulter, who exclaimed: �Tell it! Tell it quick, Captain. I know something is wrong. I have been feeling it over since last night. His remains were brought to the house and prepared for burial. Captain Coulter�s death is a loss to every citizen of Rome. He was the friend of every one. As a reliable, steady, honest, hardworking man, he was known and loved. He moved here from Pittsburg, Penn., 35 years ago, and has been a river man since his arrival. For the past twelve years he has been employed by Capt. J.J. Seay, president of the White Star Line. Capt. Seay says he was a mechanic of rare sill, having built every boat that ever plied the Coosa except two. He had the reputation among steamboat inspectors of knowing the art of building boats of heaviest tonnage with least draught. Capt. Seay says another man like him cannot be found. Capt. Coulter was a man who always did his duty, and was always at his post, no matter how great the danger. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his death.
The funeral services took place yesterday [Monday 26 March 1894] afternoon at 3:30 o�clock, from St. Peter�s church. The remains were interred in the family lot in Myrtle Hill Cemetery. The following gentlemen acted as pall bearers: John J. Seay, John T. Warlock, George Magruder, W. M. Towers, S. P. Sanford and Capt. Oliver Stillwell.

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