Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-10-25
WaterViIle Gas House Wrecked
By an Explosion.
Charred Remains Of the Workman in
Charge Found in the Debris.
The Roof was Lifted IN Mid Air and tho
Learned at the Coroner's Inquest.


WArERvILLE, Oct. ~.
he people Of this city were startled this
morning by sharp explosion in the direction
of the Lockwood Mills. A fire alarm im-
which responded found that the explosion
had come from the gas house of the Lock
wood Company. situated on the west side of
Water street opposite mill No. 2.
The flames which were bursting from the
building were soon subdued by streams from
near hydrant and it vas found that the ex-
plosion had thrown the roof high in the air
and the four brick walls outward.
Intense excitement prevailed when it be-
came known that Henry Washburn, who
had charge of the gas manufacture, was in
the building at the time of the accident. The
debris was at once cleared away and the
body of Mr.. Wa-hburn, marred and disfg-
ured beyond recognition. was found in the
southeast corner of the building His hands
were throw INTO position before his fall, as
if to guard against sudden fash of light.
The remains were taken to the engine house.
ihe officers of the mills were soon on the
spot and careful examination of the ruins
was made by Master Mechanic Ctswell.
Supt Abbott, while engaged in helping to
aght the flames, fell and received pair full
disloestion of the thumb.
As soon as possible after the accident,
Coroner Carver summoned jury and held
an inquest. Among the witnesses examined
were Master Mechanic Csswell, Superinten-
dent Al bott William Ray, Moses Dunton
and Mrs Magee.
Mr.. Cssweli testified as to finding the
valves of the pipes leading from the gaso-
meter to the hou where the gas was manu-
facturrd all closed directly after the explo-
sion. He testified further as far as he could
ascertain. all the machinery Of the building
was in the usual good condition.
Mr. Abbott could give no theory of the
explosion. unless II were that Washburu at
tempted by The ligh, of a match to ascertain
tie quantity of oil IN the supply tank.
Nj Ray testified to being in the building
anu converting with Washburn few mo
"a. ents before the explosion occurred. When
he saw Washbnrn, the latter was engaged in
doing some work in the tank in which rest
the bottom of the Ioling pipes. lie saw no
light of any sort in the building.
Mr. Dunton testified that he was about to
cross the street to elter the building but
probably saved his life as the building fell
dur,Lg the conversation.
Mrs. Magee testified to having seen Wash
burn at the window two or three minute be-
fore the explosion,
When the jury visited the ruins at eleven
O'Clock they found one Of the hand holes in
stand pipe open
No further testimony was taken and the
jury adjourned to meet next Tuesday.
The deceased was q young man well
thought of in the c immunity and possessed
the entire confidence of his employers. He
was considered the most efficient man for
the position he occupied that the company
has ever employed
Mr.. Wsshburn was 32 years old, regular
church attendant and was to have been united
~ith the church next Sunday. He was a
married man, leaving a wife and one child