A Boiler Bursts
The Fireman Scalded and Others Badly Frightened

Considerable excitement was created last Tuesday afternoon just before closing time by the bursting of the boiler of Leach & Son’s saw mill, in the western portion of the town.  The noise was heard and crowds started in the direction of the mill from all parts of the town, and as they neared the mill the excitement was intensified by the screaming and hollering of the negro women in the vicinity of the accident, who, believing some of their people hurt, became very demonstrative and noisy. 

After the smoke and dust had cleared away so that the amount of the damage could be ascrtained it was found that only one man had received any injuries.  Jim NULL, colored, the fireman, was considerably scalded about the head and hands.  He wore heavy clothes which protected his body and it is believed that the injury will not prove very serious.  J.F. LEACH, Ed LEACH, James OZIER and one or two others were under and near the shed but escaped without a scratch. 

The cause of the bursting is not known.  The boiler was turned over, reversing ends, and the shed was very much dilapidated.  Messrs.  Leach & Son say they will not attempt to have the boiler repaired but will buy a new one.  The damage will be about $500. 

Source: Carroll County Democrat, 19 Feb 1897, pg. 1