Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-03-28
APPALLING ACCIDENT.
A Well Known Citizen Killed I'm.
staatIy from q Plank Thrown from
she Top of the Publishing HOuse.


A Well Known Citizen Killed I'm.
staatIy from Plank Thrown from
she Top of the Publishing House.
We chronicle this morning one of the
most heart-reDdiug accidents that has ever
occurred ia our recollection as q Journalist
An accident which suddenly cut down in
the vigor of manhood q worthy citizen, en-
deared to kindred aud esteemed by host
of friends.
About half past o'clock yesterday even
ing, David p. Porter, of the house of Dis,
mukes, Woolwine & Co., WAS standing on
the pavement in front of the Publishing
House conversing with some friends doing
business in the wholesale houses in that
block. Noticing plank extending out
from the roofof the house, and fearing that
it might fail, Mr.. Porter, with other gentle
men, fell back to the door of Pigue, Manner
81 Hall. In a few moments after
wards the plank which had been observed
was thrown out into the street by one of
the painters employed by Barthell & Jo-
seph, who yesterday were engaged in put
ting the flushing touches on the mansard
front OF that bulldog. Ten minutes later
MIR. Porter left his acquaintance to go in
the direction of his store on the north side
of the square, and Just as he stepped off
the pavement, second plank thrown from
the top of the building struck him On the
crown of the head, which felled him to the
ground. The friends whom he had Just
left but moment before rushed to the
spot where be fell, and found him iusensi-
BILE. He was quickly removed to the
building, and physician summoned to his
aid, but in few momen,s the young heart
had ceased to throb, and host of friends
were weep;rg over lifeless corpse.
The Coroner was notified of the occur.
renee, and upon bis arrival summoned
jury, composed of T. y. Morris, j. La
Prade, M. A. McClaugherty, G. P. Norvell,
G. A. Reddick, w. r, Wood and w. ID.
Robertson, who proceeded at once to inves
tgate the Cause of the accident which re-
suited in death. A number of witnesses
were examined, aud it was ascerSained that
the second plank mentioned above, and
which produced the fatal result, was thrown
from the building by j.. p. Barthell. 1t
was also shown from the evidence that be
exhibited great caution. TIE plank in the
first place was handed him by one of bis
workmen, and discovering wagon and
team below, he would not throw it off for
fear of doing some damsge, and it was then
removed from the centre of the building al
most to the South corner, when, looking
over, Mr.. Barthell remarked, 81 believe l
can throw this plank into the street without
striking anybody" and seeing an old negro
woman short distance Off picking up chips,
he exclaimed: "HellO, aunty, here is plank
for you," and pitching it ont into the street,
it struck MIR. Porter, as above mentioned.
So it appears that in attempting to show a
kindness to the old woman who was en-
gagged in gathering scanty supplies of fuel,
Mr.. Bsrthell accidentally killed good citi,
zen. Those who know Mr.. Barthell will
readily appreciate his feelings when he saw
what he had done. There were many warm
| friends of the dece sed on the ground shortly
after the occurrence, but no heart more sad
nor no head more bsnt down. ia sorrow
than that of Mr.. Barthell.
After a thorough investigation, on the
part of the jury, verdict was returned as
| follows: ave find from the evidence be-
fore the jury that Mr.. David P. Porter came
to his death by plank being thrown kom
the top of the Southern Methodist Publish
ing House by Jack Barthell, said plank
causing almost instant death by striking
said Porter upon the top of the head. Do
not belieye that the said Barthell threw the
plank with the Intention IF killing said
Porter"
Al meeting held in the Office of Dis
mukes & Woolwine, last evening, by the
former friends and associates of David p.
Porter, for the purpose of expressing
their deep sorrow for his sudden and IN
timely death, J. A. Jennings was called to
the chair. After calling the house 10 order,
j. E. WoolWine was appointed" Secretary,
and committee selected to draft resolu-
tons. They reported the following:
Resolved, That in the painful accident
Which-Yithout a moments notice-hur-
ried our esteemed friend into the presence
Of his Creator we recognize the dispense
ton OF an all-wise Providence, Who doelh
al things well, aid would be impressed
with the importance Of being ever ready for
the coming of our Master.
Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Por-
te rour city has lost one Of It's most promis-
ing citizens, and We one of our most es-
teemed, amiable, frank and generous COM
panions.
Resolved, That We meet at q O'Clock, at
the Office of Dismukes & Woolwine, 20 at
tend the funeral in body,
Resolved, That Wo tender our sympa-
thies to bis bereaVed family.
Resolved, That the city papers be re-
quested to publish the proceedings of this
meeting. j. A. JENNINGS, Chairman.
j. Z. WooLwINE, Secretary.