Frank P. Poston, a member of a prominent family, a leader of the Memphis law counsel of the Southern Railway Company, a man of sterling worth and fixed integrity, died at 11:10 last night. His death was the result of a pistol shot fired by a negro which struck Mr. Poston in the side while he was passing on DeSoto street at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The death of Mr. Poston was evidently caused by accident. An investigation was prosecuted by offices of the local police department and every statement correlated that of the dying man, and echoed what he said at the time that he was shot, that the ball which struck him was fired by a negro who was standing in the alley heading east from DeSoto street between Gayoso and Dixie, and was not fired to accomplish his death. Memphis will be shocked at the foregoing announcement. The news of Mr. Poston's deplorable death will be received with regret on all sides. His untimely end and the tragic manner in which he died will cause grief wherever he is known. The tragedy in which Mr. Poston lost his life marked the end of a day in the criminal history of the city, the record of which might well be written in blood. The news that he had been shot was sent to the police station upon the heels of three reports of murders and just before the close of a day during which more than fifty arrests were made, and throughout which, the officers of the law entrusted with the protection of the city were much concerned at the outbreak of lawlessness which occurred. At two o'clock yesterday afternoon, Mr. Poston, accompanied by his two daughters, went to the home of W.E. McGehee, 576 Beale street, to take Christmas dinner. Mrs. McGehee was a sister of the deceased and had invited him and his children to eat their Christmas dinner with her. After the dinner was finished, Mr. Poston told his sister that he had an engagement at his offices in the Equitable building, and about 4 o'clock left to go to that place. He looked for a car to take him up town, but when one was not slighted, walked leisurely along Beale street toward Main. Reaching DeSoto street, he continued to walk to his offices, and turned north on a side street and was walking along the east side of that street. Between this street and Gayoso there is an alley leading east from DeSoto street. When Mr. Poston arrived at the south of the alley he heard the report of a revolver and looked up the alley and saw where a negro man was standing several feet away, and Mr. Poston walked across to the west side of DeSoto street and sat down upon a stool which is in front of a lunch counter on that side. He told those who approached him that he had been shot in the hand. Patrolmen Soefker and Fiudley were soon upon the scene and the police station was notified. When the report was received at the police station, Detectives Foppiano and Jones, and Turnkey Camferdam, made a hurry-up run and were at Mr. Poston's side in a very few moments. The officers were informed by Mr. Poston that he had been shot in the hand and that he was feeling sick at his stomach. Detective Foppiano called a carriage and at Mr. Poston's request carried him to the house of Dr. R.B. Maury, 534 Beale street. Mrs. Maury was Mr. Poston's sister, and for that reason, he asked to be taken to her home and to have her husband Dr. Maury treat his wound. Mr. Poston walked to the carriage and when the vehicle arrived in front of Dr. Maury's home, Dr. Maury was not there. Then Dr. W.O. Erskine, who lives a few houses away, was called in. To Dr. Erskine, Mr. Poston exhibited his wounded hand and the physician proceeded to dress it. Mr. Poston remarked to the doctor that he was sick at the stomach and said that he couldn't understand why. After more careful examination was made, with the result that it was discovered to the horror of all, that a pistol ball had struck Mr. Poston in the right side and had penetrated his body, lodging on the left side. When the discovery that Mr. Poston was seriously injured was made, Dr. John M. Maury and Dr. W. W. Taylor were called in for consultation and it was decided that an operation was necessary. The wounded man was then taken to the Presbyterian Home Hospital. At ten o'clock last night the physicians commenced the operation with misgivings as to the result. It was decided that only an operation would save his life, and that possibly it would not be successful. The operation was performed, but the wounded man could not withstand the shock and expired at 11:10. Mr. Poston is survived by two daughters and a number of sisters and brothers. His brothers, W.K. Poston, G.S. Poston, and John Poston are residents of this city, and another brother, J.B. Poston lives in Denison, Tex. His sisters, Mrs. R.B. Maury, Mrs. W.E. McGehee, Mrs. W.J. Littlejohn, Mrs. R.A. Risck and Miss Josephine Poston, live here, and still another sister, Mrs. Anna Thomas resides in Grenada. Miss. Had Mr. Poston lived until April of next year, he would have been 47 years of age. He has been a prominent member of the local bar for a number of years and was a leader in promoting the work of the Tennessee as well as the Memphis Bar Association. He was recognized as an attorney of much ability and a man who worked hard and was faithful to the trust reported in him as a member of his profession. (Published in The Commercial Appeal 12-26-1905)

His brother, David H. Poston, also a Memphis attorney, was shot by Col. Henry Clay King on March 10, 1891, and died the next day.

Marriage in Memphis, TN, on December 17, 1890, of Frank P. Poston to Miss Mary H. Schwar.