- SWITZ CITY, IND., Dec. 15, 1886.
Quite a serious accident occurred here today about 12:30 p.m. The boiler in the sawmill owned by Adam H. SHOPTAW, in the west part of town, exploded, wrecking everything in reach. Pieces of the boiler weighing from 20 to 1,000 pounds were thrown with terrific violence in every direction. On piece of the boiler, which will weigh at least 800 pounds was blown some 500 yards, and pieces of the engine were found several hundred yards away. William SHOPTAW's head was blown off from the eyes up, and his legs were terribly mangled. James SHOPTAW, the youngest son of A. H. SHOPTAW, had his head terribly mangled and his body blown at least one hundred feet. The old gentleman was struck on the head by some flying missile and his skull fractured. He only spoke once after the explosion and asked where Jim was; that was the name of his boy, who attended the engine. The cause of the explosion is not fully understood. They went to dinner and left all well, as they supposed, and on returning found that the safety valve had been shut down so that they would have steam when they came back to work. As the engine leaked steam they thought by so doing to economize steam. The engine and boiler had been pronounced unsafe for some time, but he thought he had it repaired until there was no danger. But alas! to late to grieve over disaster when done.
The house of the deceased is a sorrowful one; three corpses lying there at the same time, and caused by accident. All well and hearty and in one second all three hurled into eternity without warning.
This sad affair has cast a gloom over our village, business being nearly suspended.
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1866 - 1886 (20 years)
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