The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1909-07-29
John w. Cater is MORALLY Wounded
While Engaged in Blasting
Rock on His Ranch.
Remains are Brought to Princeton for
Burial and Funeral is Held
on Tuesday Afternoon.

friend of the family, came here on the
same train as the body. The two
last named are residents of San
Diego, California. At the Princeton
depot delegation from the local
Masonic lodge took charge Of the
body and it was conveyed to the
residence of Mrs. E. F. Griffith, sister
of Mr.. Cater.
Funeral services, under the direction
of the Masonic order, were conducted
by Rev. George A. Swertfager at the
Congregational church on Tuesday
afternoon at2 O'Clock and the remains
we're inferred in the family lot at Oak
Kn oil cemetery. Many of Mr.. Caters
old friends were present at the grave,
where the Masons conducted the burial
service, and numerous floral tributes
were placed upon the casket which
contained all that was mortal of this
highly honored gentleman.
The pallbearers were DR.. McRae,
Fred Keith, L. S. Libby, J. G.
Borden, Geo. E. Rice and Guy Ewing.
Mr.. Cater met death on July 10, and
the best account obtainable of the
accident is reproduced below from the
San Diego Evening Tribune:
~. W. Cater. one Of the wealthiest
and best known residents Of Ell Cajon
valley, whose circle of acquaintance
extended to San Diego and included
men of prominence and affairs, was so
badly injured about 6 O'Clock this
morning by the explosion of a belated
blast, that he died an hour later,
after walking about 300 feet to his
home, leaving a trail of blood to
mark his course. The scene Of the
accident resembled shambles from
the quantity of blood upon the ground.
Upon reaching his doorstep Mr.. Cater
fell unconscious, and died before
medical assistance could be secured.
''Just how the accident occurred
will probably never be known, as
no one witnessed it. It is thought,
however, that Mr.. Cater stood direct
ly over the blast when it went off.
"A short time ago MIR. Cater sold
one of his ranches. He was preparing
to build another home upon other
land that he owned when he met his
tragic death. The man had employed
several workmen to assist him in
.excav ating for the foundation. Hard
pan was encountered, and it was
found necessary to do considerable
blasting.
''Mr. Cater arose about daylight
this morning, and shortly afterwards
visited the scene of his labor to pre-
pare for the days work. He shot off
two or three blasts before he was in
jured. These were followed few
minutes later by another. It is
thought that Mr.. Cater miscounted the
blasts that had gone off and did not
know there was another one not dis
charged. Ignorant of the danger that
existed, Mr.. Cater, it is presumed,
entered the excavation after what he
thought was the last blast had gone
off, and was standing or bending
over the hole that had not exploded,
when it blew up.
"From the appearance of the
ground surrounding the hole it is
evident that he must have been thrown
up into the air, for there was blood
scattered around over a wide area
with large pool near where the
belated charge exploded.
'From the excavation it was easy
to trace the steps of Mr.. Cater as he
walked and staggered towards his
house by the trail of blood which he
left behind him. Upon reaching his
doorstep the man fell to the ground
unconscious. He never regained his
senses, passing away about an hour
Ilater, before medical assistance could
reach him.
''Mr. Cater was about so years OF
age, and leaves wife. He had been
: resident of Ell Cajon valley for
about 20 years. He became we'll
known in San Diego a few years ago
as member of the railroad committee
which became quite active in an effort
to have the belt line extend its tracks
to Ell Cajon valley"
An inquest was held over the re-
mains and short funeral services were
conducted at the home.
John W. Cater was born in the
township of Princeton on September
"a, 1858, and was consequently 81