Mr. B. P. Compton received a telegram a few days ago, notifying him of the death of his son, ROBERT E. COMPTON, who was killed in Mexico on the 29th of January, by a railroad accident, as a freight conductor. It will be remembered that R.E. Compton was conductor on the Pocahontas and Clinch Valley Division for several years, up to 11 years ago last December, when he left and went to Mexico, where he held his same job up to the day of his death. Robert was a man who was liked by all who he came in contact with, and his many friends in Falls Mills grieved to hear of his death. He leaves a father, mother, three brothers and four sisters to mourn their loss. Viz: Mr. C.E., W.S. and H.B. Compton, Mrs. E.C. Lusk, Mrs. S.H. Wysong, Mrs. J.R. Harry and Mrs. G.W. Givens. He was in the 30 year of his age. The sorrowing family and friends have the sympathy of the entire community.
(Article from "Clinch Valley News," Tazewell VA, February 12, 1904.)

Letter from W.D. Ives, Secretary of the O. Railroad Compton, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, January 30, 1904, to Robert's father:

"Dear Sir: Confirming my telegram of the 29, I am sorry to have to communicate to you the news of your son's death. He was killed on the morning of the 28th, while in performance of duty, vainly trying to stop some run-away cars on what is known as the Rascon Mountain. No man more truly died at his post of duty than Bob; and it is probable that the fact that these cars were liable to dash into a train at the foot of the mountain and thus sacrifice many other lives caused him to remain at a post of danger from which most men would have fled. Remains were buried in the main cemetery here, on the 29th, amid tributes of sorrowing friends, and with the last rites of our order, in connection with the services conducted by a clergyman. I have his papers and personal belongings, which I shall be glad to send to you as soon as I receive your directions. All funeral expenses have been paid by the O.R.C., but if it is your wish that they be defrayed by his estate, I will furnish you with bills upon application. Regretting the sad circumstances under which I must write, I am, Sincerely yours., W.D. Ives."