Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2016 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Alpena Weekly Argus June 26, 1878 The Death of Charles H. Rice It was a heavy blow to the people of Alpena when they heard the news, last Friday afternoon, that CHARLES H. RICE, of the firm of A. F. Fletcher & Co., had been caught by a shaft and killed. Few persons could at first realize the terrible news, thinking that there was some mistake, but when the sad intelligence was established beyond a doubt, it cast a deep gloom over the citizens. It seemed as if every one had lost a dear friend or rela- tive, and expressions of sorrow and regret were heard on all sides. It appears that a little after dinner, Friday, MR. RICE entered the firm mill and observing a small boy, by the name of CAMPBELL, engaged in putting a belt on a pulley, went to his assistance. MR. RICE was standing in a sort of alley, about two feet wide and the same in height, formed by two small fixed frames, the alley be- ing crossed by a small iron shaft, which when in opera- tion, is said to revolve at the rate of 500 revolutions per minute. On the shaft, near one of the frames, was what is termed a set screw, the sharp square head of which protruded about an inch from the shaft. As near as we can ascertain, MR. RICE was standing with his back to the shaft, and as he stooped to put the belt on the pulley, his coat tail was caught by the screw and he was instantly drawn around the shaft, which was about eighteen inches from the floor, and in that nar- row space, about two feet by a foot and a half, he was revolved by the shaft at an immense velocity. The boy, who was standing close by MR. RICE, when he was caught, states that he gave a slight lurch, as if he was con- scious of being caught, and expected to get loose, but the next moment he was dashed into eternity. The alarm was at once given, and the machinery stopped, when it was ascertained that the shaft had torn all his clothes off - even to his boots and socks, and he was found to be torn in a fearful manner - his head being nearly severed from his body, and most of his bones broken. The death must have been almost instantaneous, and expecting that one terrible feeling of knowing that he was going into eternity, he could not have suffered much pain. The funeral took place last Sunday, and was the largest and most imposing that has ever takne place in Alpena. Funeral services were held in the Congre- gational Church, which was crowded, and at least two or three hundred people were obliged to stay out of doors, being unable to get in. The sermon was delivered by the REV. MR. DONNELLY, and the prayer by the REV. MR. RAFTER. The church was beautifully decorated with flowers - the gifts of friends, and on the coffin were some very pretty floral crosses, and a trowel formed principally of pansies. MR. RICE being a member of the Masonic order, and an honorary member of the Alpena Guards, was buried with Masonic and military honors. The procession con- sisted of the Guards Band, Alpena Guards, the masonic order, hearse, and one hundred and thirteen carriages, containing the relatives and friends of the deceased, making a procession over half a mile long. During the day, the flags in the city and on the vessels in the river, were displayed at half mast. In the death of MR. RICE, Alpena has suffered a great loss -- one not easily repaired. His business qualities, his integrity and sterling worth, had en- deared him to his many friends, and made his loss a public calamity. MR. RICE is an old settler of Alpena - one of the pioneers that have helped to build the place from a wilderness to its present flourishing position, and the citizens did honor to themselves by honoring his remains. At the time of his death he was aged 42 years, 3 months and 24 days, and had been a citizen of Alpena for about nineteen years, during which time he has been actively engaged in the lumber busi- ness. In 1868, in conjunction with MR. KIMBALL and MR. A. F. FLETCHER, he built the mill that is known as the A. F. FLETCHER & Co. mill, and became a mem- ber of that firm. In April, 1876, he was elected Alderman, on the Republican ticket, to represent the First ward, and for two years he acted as Alderman, with honor to himself and the city. He leaves behind him a wife and four children who carry with them the deep sympathy and best wishes of the Alpena people. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================