The Shasta courier., 1864-08-20

MELANCHOLY ACCiDENT.-One OF the most
heart rendiug and shocking tragedies. that it
has ever been cur duty to record. occurred
in this region on the afternoon of Friday, the
55h inst. A number OF ladies were as Ding
ley's -four mill, in Green Valley, witnessing
the working of the machinery, when one of
their number, Miss Mary f. Parker, took a
position between one of the hoppers and the
small upright iron shaft, which, by connec-
tons supplies the motive power to the stones.
While leaning over the hopper and handing
the grain that was being ground, her dress
was caught by the revolving shaft and soon
wound so as to become fast. She did not an
pear to realize the peril of her position, and
said to the miller, who was at work on the
opposite side of the stones that were in mo-
ton. with smile, and in a pleasant manner.
Ny dress is caughtp The miller, Instant
lv realizing her situation, exclaimed, :. NV
dear girl, you will be killed ~ and at the
same time sprang to her aid, and endeavored
with all his strength, to tear her from the
iron grasp but it did not avail, and he had
to leave her for the purpose Of stopping the
mill. She was thrown down and her head
dashed violently against the cast iron boxing
of the stones, spatterng her brains all around
and killing her instantly. Mrs. Parker. the
girls mother, was IN the mill, and at the time
had started to ascend the stairs to the story
above, but lost no time in springin5 to the
assistance of her child. and frantieallv sought
to seize the body, but was prevented from
endangering hcr own life The mill was pro-
PEELED by water applied to wheel which is
sixty five feet in diameter-probably the lar.
gest in the United States-and to stop it re.
quired some minutes. during which time
n 10 L 70, -
portion OF it from becoming bruised and man.
gled in frightful manner It is thought by
many that ii the girl had realized her situa
ton, at first, and seized the shaft so as to re.
vove with it, until its speed could have been
slaekened, her lie might have been saved.
Miss Parker was young lady OF more than
ordinary beauty and accomplishments a
member of the First Baptist Church, San
Francisco; and was greatly beloved aud ad.
mired by wide circle of friends. Since the
death of her father, Mr.. Jas. NJ Parkerl. in
January last, she has been the chief support
of the family, consisting OF her mother and
five children younger than herselfl, by her
vocation as a compostor in the Office of the
Pacific Monthly. The family were visiting
some friends in Green Valley. at the time of
the sad oceurrance, and had spent some three
weeks but were expecting to return TO the
city. in few days, with Mr.. Eugene Lehe,
Chief Bugler of the Ninth Infantry Band,
stationed at Fort Aica.raz, and to whom the
unfortunate girl was to have been married
on her eighteenth birth day-the 18th inst.
He obtained leave ofabsence for that purpose,
and came up on the Princess on Saturday,
and was suffered to reach the house where the
dead body of his betrothed lay before he was
apprised of what had happened The funer.
al services took place at the Stone Church.
Rockville, on Sunday. and were attended by
the members of Mt. Delight, Fairfield and
Solano Lodges of Good Templars. of which
Order she was member. Rev. W. S. Urmy,
W. c, T., ofieiated as Chaplain. The servi-
ces were more than usually affecting. and
were attended by large number of people
other than members Of the Order Soldao
Press.