The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-03-18
4 TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.
Fly Wheel Bursts at Lukens Lum-
Der Mill.
Mr.. JOHN r. LAUeHERY KILLED.

AS the result of the injuries receiv-
ed in the accident at the saw mill OF
the Lukens Lumber Co., Friday al
ternoon, Mr.. John F. Laughery died at
DR.. Moods infrmary at 9.20 O'Clock
Friday night. He was removed to the IN
frmary Immediately after the accident
and efforts were made to give him re-
lief, but he did not regain conscious
ness, even momentarlly.
The accident occurred at the saw
mill where the ordinary work was 60
ing on as usual. The regular hands
were at their usual posts, the machln-
cry was working as we'll as usual and
there had been not the least lntlmatloE
that there was anything wrong. Mr.
Laughery, who was general manager
of the business and whose duties sci
dom carried him to the saw shed, had
Just stepped into the shed with
friend, Mr.. Flippin, who he was SHOW
ing over the plant.
They were standing close together
beside the engine, and about opposite
the big ten foot hy-wheel, which was
on the other side of the engine. When
they had been standing there but
few moments watching the saw mill
in operation, the governor OF the
engine suddenly refused to act, the
engines speed increased so terrihcally
that the big fly wheel, weighing about
six thousand pounds, burst into frag-
ments and the pieces were hurled for
ward and upwards with the force OF
cannon balls. The roof Of the mill,
Just above the wheel, had great hole
torn in it and some Of the pieces Of
the wheel that passed through the
roof we're picked up more than
hundred yards from the mill. Most
of the fragments of the wheel we're
projected upwards or in straight
line forward from the wheel, but one
small piece, about FIVE inches square,
was thrown sidewise and striking
Mr.. Laughery On the right side of the
face and forehead with terrible force,
crushed the cheek bone and skull, the
bones being forced into the brain.
He fell instantly, Mr.. Flippin, who
was standing beside him, catching him
as be fell. No one else was hit by the
hying fragments and it seems wonder
full that all escaped where sucn ruin
was wrought.
It is said that Mr.. Laughery realized
what was wrong with the engine In
stantly and made movement toward
it to shut of the steam but was struck
down before he had time to do so. Mr..
Charles Joyner, the sawyer, also real
lied the danger and ran to the engine
and shut off the steam, but the wheel
burst while he was in the act of stop
ping it, and his presence of mind and
bravery in the face Of such nerve
paralyzine danger was unayaillng to
prevent the disaster and its terrible
result. 1t was over so quickly that
there was scarcely time for thought
and the danger had passed before most
of the hands realized their peril.
Mr.. Laughery was removed to
the Office of the company and doctors
summoned by telephone. After be had
been examined by Drs. Cheyne,
Stuckey and Archie China, who declar-
ed his injuries to be mortal, he was
taken to DR.. Moods infrmary and
the wound dressed, and be was made
as comfortable as possible. But there
was 10 hope from the first and the
end came at 9:20 O'Clock.
Mr.. Laughery was a native of Penn
sylvania, but came to Sumter about
eighteen years ago and was from that
time identified with the lumber busi
ness which he has successfully managed
for a number of years. He leaves a
wife, who was with him at the end,
but no children. He was an enthusi-
astic secret society man, a member OF
Claremont Lodge, A. F. NJ, and
Beulah Chapter, r. A. NJ, of this
city, Knights Templar and Sh1iner,
as we'll as member of other orders.
The funeral services were held at
his late residence at 5 O'Clock Sun
day afternoon, and his body was
carried to Ligonier, Pa, on the train
leaving at 6.l5 p. NJ, for interment.