Worthy Citizen Instantly Killed

SMITH

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/15/2019 at 08:35:56

From Chastain Scrapbook:

WARNING: I just want to warn you all that this is a very graphic article

Worthy Citizen Instantly Killed
Full Particulars

Mr. Thos. Smith, and old and esteemed citizen of this county, while working in his mill, tending the engine, this (Thursday) afternoon, was caught in the machinery and instantly killed. The facts as near as we can gather them, are as follows:

Smith and Dilsaver, as partners in the mill, were running on custom work, and having a press of business, had agreed to run through the evening -- Mr. Smith, to tend the engine and at a certain hour to also attend the corn burs. Mr. Smith was in the engine alone, when it is thought, while the engine was in motion, attempted to gather up the band that runs the steam governor from the main shaft when his overcoat was caught by the pump band, governor band, or both, by which means he was drawn down upon the shaft and cylinder on which those bands run. His cry for help was heard by Mr. Dilsaver and Mr. Layton, who immediately ran to his relief, but too late to render an assistance. In the revolutions he made on the shaft, the cam-rod was detached at its forward attachment, which stopped the engine. The condition of the unfortunate man was one fearful mangle. One arm was entirely severed from the body at the shoulder, the neck broken, the chest mashed and mangled, and both legs broken at the knees. The arm was still fastened on the main shaft, but the body, almost entirely bare, lay under the back of the place where it had revolved. In these fearful revolutions his clothing was torn in shreds--even the soles were torn from the boots on his feet.

Mr. Smith was a good man -- reliable, true, honest and industrious. We understand that he leaves a large family.

Copied by Judy Chastain
February 22, 2003