The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-10-05
AN ERoNAUT LOST IN FHE CLOUDS.
From he Detroit Tribune.


aa2 From the Detroit Tribune
We have learned full particulars of the balloon
ascension at Adrian on Thursday, its subsequent
descent, and its second ascension, and run away
with the ;pronaut while beyond his coptroL II is
brief narrative, but of thrilling interest a man
lost in the sky There can scarcely be more ter
rible thought It makes the flesh creep, and sends
a shudder through every nerve. .sT,.L ISIS
The first ascension took place about . o'clock IN
the morning. 1t was on the occasion Of a large
Sunday school celebration at Adrian, The balloon
was very large and wellconstructed one, being
about the height of two-story building when IN
fated and ready to cut loose from its fastCnings-
Messrs Eannster and Thurston took seats IN the
car attached to the balloon, and assembled safely
and steadily. After remaining about forty minutes
in the air sailing towards Toledo all the time, they
aliohtcd in the woods in the town of Riga, Lena
wee county, near Knights Station on the southern
road distance about eighteen miles west of Toledo
Several men came to the assistance OF the adycn-
turers and they proceeded to prepare the balloon
for packing, to be taken back to Adrian.
| In doing this the monster balloon was turned
over and partially upside down to disGntanse M INC
netting and to reach the valve. To do this, MI
Ira Thurson one of the Dronaus, took Oft his coat
and cot astride of the valve block. lie then sug-
oested that the car be detached from the balloon
while he should hold it down with his weight
This proved fearful calculation, for no sooner
was the still inflated body relieved from the weight
of the car than it shot into the air with the sud
denncss of a rocket, taking Mr. Thurston along
with it. seated upon the valve of the balloon, and
holding on to the collapsed silk of the ar-shp IN
that portion of its bulk . In this helpless condi-
ton the Inflated sped straight into the SKY III
the full sight Of his companions, even more heip-
less than himself. SO far as is known, there Wcrc
no possible means for him to secure bis descent,
whether safe or otherwise The part of the bal.
Icon filed with cas- was full twelve feet above him,
50 that there was no chance for him to cut its sides
and allow the GAS to escape. He could only cling
to his rrccarious hold and 90 whlhcrsoevcr the
currents of air should take him.
| Without regulation or control of any kind the
balloon continued to mount upward sailing oil in
the direction of this city and Lake Erie. The fatal
? ascension took place about il O'Clock, and lew
minutes rast noon it seen i'll the town OF Bliss
field, in Lenawee county, apparently full three
miles high and about the size OF star in appear
ance 1t was still going up and on. At% quarter
past o'clock it last dnlly visible going IN the
direction of Maiden, as ascertaincd by compass
c bearings taken by parties observing 1t
What is his exact fate battles con- lecture; but
that it is horrible almost beyond precedent there
n can be no doubt There is not one chance in a
G million Cor successful escape Whether the un-
fortunate man carried up so high as TO become
e benumbcd and senseless, death ensuing, or wheth-
er he fell off at length from his tremendous atti-
= tude. to have his breath sucked from him III his
i fearful descent, and to be sunk in the Lake OF
i dashed into shapeess mass upon the earth, it Is
e doubtful if any save God will ever know. GnG
y mind stands appalled, in contemplating this fearful
d disaster, and bndly gropcs in mazes OF wonder at
V where his place Of sepulchre shall be-
d Mr. Thurston was experienced balloonlst
d having built several and this being his thirty
N seventh ascension. lie formerly resident ii
es the vicinity of Lima and Rochester, in Wcstcrr
II New York, but has lattcry resided in Adrian
where he was extensively engaged i'll business as
re nurseryman. He was widowcr, having lost IN
Of wife last winter lie leaves an interesting daugl
re ter about II years ofage, to mourn her father
lc unknown, terrible fate.
,s DETROIT, Sept. 2l.-The balloon which carrie
Us off Mr. Thurston, came down. it has been ascertain
,o t ed, the same day, Baptist Creek, Canada Nes
IT, Thnrston was seen on il short time before III
III body is supposed to be in the marshes near tn
Lake.