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Author: hmatlock_1
Surnames: Doyle, Saxon, Wood, Culberson
Classification: death
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
The Warren Tribune, Friday, March 11, 1904
Terrible Explosion.
Can of Nitro-Glycerine on the farm of William Doyle, three miles south of Van Buren on
Tuesday afternoon resulted in the death of Spencer Saxon, an oil contractor, and the
serious injury of Edward Wood, a shooter. Sandy Culberson was also painfully hurt.
Wood's condition is such that it is thought he can not recover.
A shot of nitro-glycerine had been lowered into the well, but when the go-devil was
dropped no explosion occurred. The men decided to remove the shot to find out the cause
of the trouble. In removing the last can the men had trouble on account of the hole being
crooked. When the can was brought to the top of the hole it was jarred too much and
exploded. The shock was so great that the derrick was demolished and the men were struck
by the flying timbers. Heavy beams fell upon Wood and Saxon. Culberson, who was farther
away, was hit by some of the fragments but his injuries are trifling when compared with
those of his companions. He was thrown several feet but soon recovered sufficiently to go
to the aid of Saxon and Wood who were lying under heavy timbers. In a short time a number
of people were upon the scene and physicians were summoned from Van Buren. The doctors
found Saxon unconscious and his death occurred in a few minutes after he had been taken to
his home in!
Van Buren. Wood, though suffering greatly, told the doctors to leave him and give their
attention to Saxon who needed their assistance more than he did. Wood retained the use of
his faculties for several hours after the accident. He was removed to his home in Van
Buren and shortly afterwards became unconscious. The physicians have grave doubts about
his recovery. He was employed by the St. Mary's Torpedo company and it well known
among the oil men here.
The force of the explosion was great enough to tear a great hole in ground. Windows in
nearby houses were shattered and the shock was felt by several persons in Warren.
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