The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-12
AN EXPLOSION
KILLS TWO MEN
RobiO, in Chesterfield, the Scene of
a FrightfuI Accident.
Mr.. GEO. W. PAYNE A VICTIM.
The Well-Known Young Chcsterfield-
ian and a Negro Laborer Named
Thomas Hicks kiIled-Cause
of ExpIosion-The Funeral.
Mr.. GEO. W. PAYNE A VICTIM.

AS the result OF a frightful accident at
Roblo yesterday morning two men were
almost Instantly killed. Mr. George W.
Payne. who was the brick mandatory
and Thomas Hicks, negro, who was en-
ployed as laborer at the place.
Passengers coming TO Richmond on the
morning train from points in the neigh
borhood Of Robio heard the explosion and
felt the shock. They saw flying piles Of
timber and a quantity Of dust and debris
in the air. This was few moments after
the fatal accident occurred.
A NEW ENTERPRISE
The brick kiln is near the railroad sta
ton. which is about two miles beyond
Bon Air on the Southern railway. The
plant consists Of two frams buildings in
addition 10 the usual equipment for man
ufacturing bricks. IL was established
about four months ago and was under
the management OF Mr.. p. II. Mushroe.
Payne had been engineer ever since the
plant was established. He lived about
mile beyond the plant and was thirty
three years OF age. He was held In high
esteem By a large number of people In
Chesterfield county. as well as In Rich
mond. He was y man of pleasant address
and was liked by all who knew him. Mr..
Payne was married and had three chill
dren. He was a faithful employe, and
discharged his duties With satisfaction
TO the management.
Hicks was one of the laborers about
tine place.
The explosion completely demolished the
boiler and blew out one end of the build
ing in which it was located. besides do
ing other damage.
KILLED INSTANTLY.
As soon as the accident occurred
number Of people who were IN the vicin-
ity hurried 10 the place. Payne was lying
under the wreck and died In a few mo-
ments His body was lifeiess when taken
out from under the wreck. DR.. c. NJ.
Hazen. Of Bon Air. was summoned and
responded promptly. but the unfortunate
man was dead when he arrived When
examined the body had no bruises and
few wounds. one deep cash in the back
Of the head appeared TO be the fatal
wound.
Hicks body was badly mangled. The
remains Of both men were turned over to
their people for burial.
There are several reasons assigned as
the cause Of the explosion. one is that
the water used I'm the boiler was not
good. Another theory was that the boiler
itself was defective.
The damage al the plant Is not known.
but IT will amount to several hundred
dollars.
MR. PAYNE WELL KNOWN.
Mr.. Payne was a nephew Of Judge 3.
A. Hancock. of Chesterfield.
Mr.. Payne was well known all over
Chesterfield and Powhatan counties. His
father was at one time engaged In the
real estate business in Manchester with
DR.. l.. r. Chies. a former mayor Of the
city He was In the thIrty-tlird year Of
his age
Mr. Payne had a brother. Mr. Winston
Payne. who formerly lived in Manches-
ter. He was employed as drug clerk
with the Messrs. Friend Brothers.
The deceased was also a nephew OF
Professor Charles II. Winston, Of Rich
mond College.
The funeral will take place from his
late home this afternoon at o'clock
The interment will be made I'm the family
burying ground.