Mangled by Machinery. A Woman's Horrible Death
Published St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 25 1889
 

Mrs. Matthew FRANCES (sic) of this place, while visiting the works of the St. Joe Lead Co. [Bonne Terre, Missouri] about 8 o'clock last night, was caught in the rapidly revolving machinery and literally torn to pieces. About one-half of the head and face remained intact, but the entire body was crushed and torn into atoms and scattered about the machinery, which was making 120 revolutions per minute. The heart, which was thrown several feet, continued to pulsate for some time.

Additional Information:  According to letter written by Emily Conover and published in "Bonne Terre the First Hundred Years and More" by Robert M. Blackwell, the victim's name was Barbara Caroline House Francis.  She was the sister-in-law of Mrs. James H. Francis, daughter of Rev. Doane who was a school teacher and pastor in Bonne Terre.  She was touring the new St. Joe Mill during an open house celebration for townspeople when her long full dress became caught in a running belt and machinery.  She was the wife of Matthew Francis, Sr., and mother of five children, Arch, Herbert, Bessie, Matthew, Jr., and Richard, ages then, 13 years to 13 months.