ROWLAND MORRIS WILLIAMS. WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
FATAL QUARRY ACCIDENTS.
Rowland M. Williams Crushed Yesterday Under a Six-Ton Rock While Working - Body Horribly Mutilated.Two fatalities is the mortuary record at the slate quarries in this vicinity the present week. Rowland M. Williams and three other persons were working in the pit of Norton's quarry, No. 7, yesterday afternoon a few minutes before 6 o'clock. They were menaced by an overhanging rock which weighed several tons. Indeed we understand that the men were consious of the danger, and that an effort had been made that afternoon to remove the rock, but it seemed to be fast. Still, there was an apprehension of danger, and a friend had advised Williams not to go into the pit until the rock was removed. But he ignored the warning and sacrificed his life.
Under a Six Ton Rock.
Ten minuted off 6 his friend again advised him to quit work as it was raining quite hard. Mr. Williams replied that as his clothing was already wet he might as well keep to work and get in a full day's time. Ah, fatal delay! A moment later the rock loosened by the rain, fell. The men in the pit were warned and attempted to get out of its way. They all succeeded but Mr. Williams, who stumbled over the dumping box and fell upon it. The rock dropped squarely upon him, and probably killed him instantly. It required a half hour's hard work to remove the rock from off the body. It had to be split up and removed in sections.Body Horribly Mangled.
Wehn the body was reached it was found to be terribly crushed. The head was nearly severed from the body, one foot was cut off and the other leg only hung by a bit of flesh. The body was otherwise mutilated. Dr. Monroe states that it was the worst mangled body that he had seen in years. Veteran employees of the slate quarries declare that they never witnessed such a shocking sight before in their lives.The deceased was a native of Festiniog, Wales, and had resided in this village for over twenty years. He was a respected citizen, and attended the Welsh Congregational church. A widow and four children survive. The latter are William, Lillie, Marie and Joseph. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon. The age of the deceased was 53 years.
Some twenty years ago Mr. Williams met with a painful and unfortunate accident, being injured by a blast while working in a quarry. One eye was blown out and the sight of the other nearly destroyed.
Granville Sentinel ~ July 30th, 1897.
ROWLAND MORRIS WILLIAMS. WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The funeral of the late Rowland M. Williams, who was killed in the quarry last week, was held Saturday afternoon from the Welsh Congregational Church, The Rev. Mr. Edwards, assisted by the Rev. Williams officiated.The internment was in Elmwood Cemetery, at Middle Granville. The funeral was one of the largest attended in years in this place, attesting the esteem in which the deceased was held by the community.