A SERIOUS ACCIDENT-Mathis Hoffman 1875

HOFFMAN, HORR, WATSON, HAMIL, SADLER

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 5/7/2016 at 17:16:12

Dubuque Herald – June 2, 1875

A SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Mathias Hoffman Has His Hand
Severed From the Wrist

A serious accident befell Mathias Hoffman, a youth about 16 years of age employed in the cabinet factory of Sadler, Hamil & Wagner, to run a circular saw. Yesterday afternoon about 3 o’clock while at his work, in reaching out to pick up some pieces of wood near the saw, his right hand came in contact with it, as it was in rapid motion, and quick as a flash had sawed through the flesh and bone of the wrist, leaving the hand dangling from the arm by a few frail tenders and a piece of flesh. Dr’s. Horr, Watson and Waples were summoned and placed the severed member in position, the sewing together of which involved a very painful operation which the young man bore with heroic and uncomplaining fortitude without chloroform or other narcotic. Although the accident is of a painful nature and may involve serious consequences, the patient is in now as favorable and comfortable condition as could be expected, and if a healthful circulation of blood can be obtained through the torn and broken arteries, the hand may be preserved, although it is doubtful will it will ever be fit for active service again.

Mr. Hoffman’s many friends sympathize with him in his misfortune, and wish him a speedy recovery. His residence is on Jackson Street, between 12th and 13th Streets.