Bonne Terre STAR,  August 13, 1897

DEADLY DYNAMITE
Over Three Hundred Pounds Explode Underground
in Mine No. 1. Near Shaft No. 3.

W. H. MADDERN INSTANTLY KILLED
Six Other Miners Hurt, One Fatally, Two Desperately Wounded,
While Three Are Only Slightly Injured.

DOTSON DIES FROM HIS WOUNDS.
Albert Morris and Joe Miller In a Critical Condition
and Death May Occur at Any Time.

     The people of Bonne Terre were thrown into a state of wild excitement Tuesday evening when it was learned a terrible dynamite explosion had occurred underground near shaft No. 3.  Word was passed from house to house that Billy Maddern had been killed and six other men badly injured. By the time the men had been removed from the shaft and carried to Dr. Poston & Smith’s office a large crowd had gathered there, and many were the expressions of sympathy uttered for the unfortunate men.

     The explosion occured at 7 o’clock, the men having just gone on shift. There were over three hundred pounds of dynamite exploded and the shock was plainly felt by many citizens of the town. The mine was filled with poisonous smoke from the explosion and it was with some difficulty that the wounded men were rescued from their perilous position.

      William  H. Maddern was instantly killed, and, as there were no cuts or bruises on his body, it is supposed that death was caused by the force of the concussion.

     Taylor Dotson was cut on the back of the head and injured internally, dying at 1:30 Wednesday morning, six hours after the explosion occurred.

     Joe S. Miller is also cut about the head and face and is doubtless hurt internally. His condition in considered critical but some hope is entertained for his recovery.

     Albert Morris is badly injured. having a large gash cut in the back part of the head. His wounds are extremely serious, but it is thought that with proper care he may survive. Ed Forshee was some sixty feet from where the explosion occured but was thrown down and his right shoulder dislocated, He is not dangerously hurt.

      Cal. A. Gibson, the man who has charge of the powder and superintends the blasting, was only slighty injured.

     Dave Dotson, brother of Taylor Dotson, was overcome by the smoke while trying to find his brother, whom he believed killed, and was almost suffocated.  He revived soon after reaching the fresh air and was able to attend his brother’s funeral yesterday.

     This is, perhaps, the worst accident that ever occured in the mines of the St. Joseph Lead Co. and is universally deplored. It cast a shadow of gloom over the entire community. Stout hearts, touched by the horrible sight, breathed prayers of hope for the suffering ones and eyes used to painful scenes were dimmed by sympathizing tears, The physicians dressed the wounds of the injured men, the attendants hurried to and fro and the anxious throng of sympathizing men and women crowded about the doctor’s office, anxious to assist in caring for the unfortunates.

     Dr. Smith, county coroner, was notified and came over from Farmington Wednesday morning. A jury of six of the leading citizens was impaneled and several witnesses examined. The verdict of the jury was, in substance, as follows: "We, the jury, after being duly sworn, and hearing the evidence, find that the deceased, Wm.H. Maddern and Taylor Dotson, came to their death by an explosion of dynamite in Mine No. 1. by fire igniting the glycerine on the shelf of powder box and being conveyed to the caps and fuse from a lamp in the hands of Albert Morris.”
(Signed)
W. H. Norwine, Foreman.
John A. Bryan.
Jeff D Mitchell.
Dan Williams.
M. L. Keith.
George W. Crump.

     There is a diversity of opinion as to how the accident occured, but from the best information available it seems that the men had gone to the powder box for supplies. While Albert Morris was stooping to pick up something the lighted lamp on his cap came in contact with the glycerine on the powder box and ignited it. The men undertook to extinguish the fire, but were unable to do so. Realizing the great danger and seeing that their efforts were futile, the men threw the fuse and caps to one side and ran away. After waiting a few minutes, there seeming to be no sign of fire, some of the men returned and the explosion occurred with the result as above stated.

     The remains of Wm. H. Maddern were carried to P. A. Benham's undertaking establishment where they were embalmed. Funeral services were held by Rev. Edw. Koeth at the Congregational Church yesterday afternoon and a large concourse of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed friend. The funeral procession, as well as the exercises at the grave, was in charge of the Odd Fellows, he being a worthy and respected member of that order. He was also a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities and had many friends both in and out of the orders. He carried a $2000 policy in the Mutual Reserve Fund Life Association of New York. He was a good citizen and universally liked by all who knew him, His family have the heartfelt sympathy of all our people in this their great sorrow.

     The funeral of Taylor Dotson was conducted yesterday morning at the church at Hopewell, 13 miles south of this place, by Rev. V. B. Cunningham and a minister from Potosi. A large number of friends and relatives gathered there to witness the last sad rites and the remains were interred in the cemetery near the church. Mr. Dotson, was a nephew of our townsman, W. S. Dotson, and had many friends who sincerely regret his untimely death. The STAR joins the community at large in extending condolence to the bereaved relatives and friends.

Note:  The above article was contributed by Charles Green who found the newspaper clipping in an old family Bible which belonged to his paternal grandfather.