Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-10-23

IRON MOUNTALAV Sszsazzzsssz r ~.
Ed. Register.-The s. n 81 hor.
rible accident that evc ed ut this
place, happened to Mr.. r. .. Thomas,
one OF our best citizens. Wednesday
morning about 10 O'Clock. He held posi-
ton In the employ of the company as fore
man In one Of the mining cuts, and, at the
time the accident happened. was preparing
. heavy blast. Having charged the hole
heavily with dynamite, he was packing the
tamping around the fuse, when apremature
explosion took place, discharging the whole
load through his body, killing him instantly.
The body was torn into fragments and seat
tered In every direction, by the tremendous
force Of the blast. The largest piece, con-
sisting of the head and about half the chest,
weighing about 20 pounds was hurled up
| the bank fully sixty feet, and was mangled
In the most shocking manner. All that part
| of the body from the knees to the middle of
the chest, was blown to pieces, and the frag-
ments were strewn over the side OF the blur.
It was indeed one of the most pitiable and
heart-rending sights ever witnessed. A
heavy silver watch belonging to deceased
was completely destroyed. No two pieces
were together when picked up. The side Of
the case next to the shot was even partially
melted by the powerful friction OF the blast.
The tamping stick was shattered to shreds,
and the knife used In cutting the fuse was
torn to pieces. Strange to say, bunch Of
keys belonging to the Masonic and Odd-Fel-
lows hall, was picked up fully intact, nor
damaged in the least. A Frenchman by the
n q nf T,tl had <ho ri ono
knee knocked of by flying rock, at the
same time, and received other slight injuries.
Several men were standing around at the
time, but were fortunate enough to escape
beyond severe shock. As soon as coffin
could be procured the remains Of the unfor-
tunate man were gathered up and taken
home, where they were placed in charge OF
many Borrowing friends, surrounded by the
grief stricken wife and crying children.
Mrs. Thomas was not at home when the sad
misfortune occurred; but was visiting
friend near by when the startling intelli-
gence of her husbands death was conveyed
to her. No one can imagine the feelings OF
one under such circumstances. The loss Of
our nearest and dearest friend is sad enough
at best; but when he has to be taken away
SO suddenly, and under such circumstances
as these no mind can conceive, and no heart
can realize the awful despair Of the bereav-
ed. While such things are awful to con-
template. it is best to be reconcied to fate,
and learn to put our trust in Him who or
dereth all things well to them that love and
fear Him.
Mr.. Thomas was born in Ripley county,
Arkansas, ON the 7th day of January, 1851.
He lived with his parents until he was u
years old, when he came to this place with
his aunt, Mrs. r. +. Garrett, in 1868. He
made her house his home most Of the time
until he married. He married Miss N. j.
Downey March I'd, 1871, with whom he
lived happily until the time of his death.
He joined the Christian church, and was
consistent member for seven years. He was
also member of the A. +. & A. NJ, also Of
the I. o. o. F., and the A. o. U. w. Lodges
respectively. He held benefit certificate
in the latter for s., 600 which will be paid in
a few days.
In all these orders he demeaned himself
with gentlemanly propriety, and fraternal
friendship. He was 9 man whose conduct
was above feproacK, and whose Integrity
was unquestionable. He was q kind and
devoted husband, loving. and indulgent
father, noble man and useful citizen; and
leaves many relatives and host OF friends
TO mourn his unfortunate and untimely
demise.
He was followed to hts grave by a large
concourse of friends and brethren, and was
buried with all the honors that could be
conferred upon him by the brethren of the
three Lodges OF which he was member.
Brother Thomas IL gone; and that hand
we all delighted to clasp in fraternal friend
ship is cold in death. May he rest in peace,
and his sleep be sweet In Jesus. Let US look
higher and be encouraged by the hope that
we may again be permitted to meet him on
that evergreen shore, where sickness, sor-
row, pain and death are felt and feared no
more" Respectfully,
III. CLAY DAVIS.