In the town of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, a dedicated public servant named Charles Sledd, a 35-year-old male, met an untimely and tragic end. His death, which occurred in October of 1904, was not the result of a malicious act, but rather a devastating consequence of an accident that had taken place eight months earlier. There were no suspects or arrests in connection with his passing as no crime had been committed.
On Wednesday, February 17, 1904, Sledd, who served as the Montgomery
County Deputy Jailer, was responding to a fire that had broken out in the basement of the county courthouse. In the midst of the chaos, his pistol fell from its holster and accidentally discharged. The single round struck him, causing a severe and life-altering injury.
The bullet entered through his mouth and exited near his temple, inflicting significant damage to his right eye. Despite the gravity of the wound, Sledd survived the initial incident. However, the injury necessitated the removal of his damaged eye. In October, he traveled to Louisville for the operation. Tragically, after being administered an anesthetic for the procedure, he collapsed and died. Deputy Jailer Charles Sledd had served his community for seven years and was survived by his wife and two children.
