The Dickinson press., 1910-06-25
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KILLS T,Mn: ~! !

Instant Death From Dyna-
mite Explosion. Arms
and Legs Blown6 GOO FL.
A shocking accident occurred on
Monday on the Curtus ranch about nine
miles southeast Of New England when
Joseph and William Beaulieu,s brothers,
were killed by a dynamite explosion.
The tragic story Of the accident as
told by neighbors who visited the scene
shortly after the explosion occurred,
makes one shudder and many people
could not bear to listen to the details
Of the terrible catastrophe.
The Beaulieu brothers had their we'll
digging outfit set up at the Curtis place
and had started work for the day. It
seems that they had unloaded their tools
from the wagon, hitched the horses 10
the well sweep and were sharpening one
of the drills at the forge. They had 81
pounds of dynamite and about 125
dynamite caps near the forge and it is
the general supposition that piece of
iron cut from the drill flew into the box
of caps, causing an explosion that in
turn set off the 81 pounds of dynamite.
People living 20 miles distant heard the
explosion.
Chester Curtis was at work in the
field and was the first to arrive at the
scene. He found William still gaspine
but he died almost Immediately, most
likely without ever realizing what had
happened. The body was literally torn
to pieces. Joseph's body was blown
into fragments and scattered about the
prairie The trunk was found about $50
feet from where the forge had been
placed while the arms and le&a were
found in the field fully 600 feet in the
opposite direction. The head could not
be found. only a small piece of2 the
scalp being picked up in the. grass.
The clothing was completely torn from
beth bodies and a piece Of cloth six
inches square could not sfosnd. a
watch spfin9 was found on the sround
several hunlted feet away and some
notes aud letters were also picked up.
The WAGONS and tools. were blown. to-
pieces and scattered in ,eveEy direction.
Pieces of flesh and clothing were found
stuck in the hosting frame and on the
guy ropes. but stranae as it may seem,
the horses escaped, apparently without
scratch, and were still making the
circuit of the sweep when Mr.. Curtis
arrived. They seem to have been made
deaf by the explosion.
Joseph V. Beaulieu was Is years old
and had resided on his homestead near
Alden for over two years. He came to
this state from Wisconsin and when not
busy on his farm put in considerable
time boring wells. He was hard work
ing young man and always had good
reputation. He leaves wife and FIVE
small children. besides father, sister
and brother.
William Beaulieu was 18 year old and
unmarried. He came from Wisconsin
about three years ago and had worked
with his brother good share of the
time. He was young man of clean
habits and had many friends. It is re-
ported that Joseph carried several thou
sand dollars worth of insurance.
The bodies were taken to Dickinson
Wednesday morning and were accom-
panied by about twenty. FIVE of the
friends and neighbors of deceased be-
sides the wife and children. Interment
was made in St. Patrick's cemetery.
services at the grave being conducted
by Rev. Fr. Dignam.
Henry Beaulieu. the aged father,
arrived from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. on
Wednesday evening and returned on
Thursday. Mrs. Schachlieter of Chicago
also arrived and is with her sister, Mrs.
Joseph Beaulieu, who is in q precarious
condition from the effects Of the sudden
shock
It will be remembered that Miss
Agnes Beaulieu. sister. died in the
city over . year ago from complications
resulting from typhoid fever. Deepest
sympathy ID extended to the grief
stricken wife and relatives Of the un-
fortunate victims Of one of the most
horrible accidents ever chronicled in
this part Of the state, 5S:s.5 ssss
sS.- 7tsst n &
ENJoYAsLEs RECEPTION
Herman Gabbers Who iivsss. about 70
miles south Of the city was recently
4 married at Linton. N. D.. to Miss
Martha Weieland, who was, formerly, 4
school teacher ins THU alocalitS Ths
groom has fine farm and buildings
where : fine recaptioa oaswas given them
~, ll,oir ro11,py ,ayhiCh rvoa oftnnda1 fHsy