THOMAS SPENCER

Bonne Terre Star, Bonne Terre, Missouri
August 1897

FATAL ACCIDENT
Thomas Spencer Scalded to Death
While Plugging a Leaking Flue
In Engine No. 3

HOURS OF AGONIZING TORTURE.

     The clicking of the telegraph Tuesday afternoon brought the sad news of a frightful accident that occurred at Flat River about 1 o'clock. Thomas Spencer, in charge of engine No. 3, was fatally scalded and the fireman slightly burned.

     The engine got out of repair and Mr. Spencer was trying to plug a leaking line when the accident occurred. While working at the flue the plug blew out and he was horribly burned by the escaping steam. The hot water struck him on the breast, almost literally roasting him from his neck to his feet. The burnt skin peeled off, leaving his body raw and bleeding. Dr. C. P. Poston was sent down on a special train and did all that was possible to relieve the unfortunate man. A little later he was brought to the hospital at this place where every effort was made to allay the excruciating pain, But all in vain. A little before 6 o'clock that afternoon death ended the terrible torture that he had endured for, at least, five long and burning hours.

     Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Smith, county coroner, came over from Farmington,  summoned a jury, and held an inquest.  A number of witnesses were examined and the jury made the following report:

"He came to his death from burns received from escaping steam while in the act of plugging a leaking flue on Engine No. 3, at Flat River, St. Francois County. Mo. on August 3, 1897, and while in the employ of the M. R. & B.T. Railway."

(Signed)
R . F. MITCHELL, Foreman.
J. W.  Hunt
Ed C.  Long.
J. D.  Berliew.
John P. Spence
T. P. Sprott

     Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, South at 2 p. m. yesterday by Rev. V. B. Cunningham. A large concourse of friends and relatives followed the remains to the cemetery and witnessed the interment, according to the beautiful burial rites of the Knights of Pythias.

     The deceased brother leaves a wife (daughter of Mr. Sid Rudy) and two children, and brother, Mr. Linn Spencer, and a host of friends to mourn his sudden and untimely death.

     He was a member of Cosmos Lodge, No. 319, K. of P. and was loved and honored by all who knew him. He carried an accident insurance policy for $1000.00 and it is hoped that Mrs Spencer will have no trouble in collecting the same.

Note:  The above article was contributed by Charles Green who found it in the family Bible which belonged to his grandfather, John A. Green.