FARMER, James - Putnam

In another column we make note of the sad death of Mr. James Farmer; since it was written we have further particulars as follows: When the engine turned over Mr. Farmer was caught by the machine and pinioned in such manner that he could not get away and the steam and scalding water overwhelmed him.  His struggles for freedom were almost super human and his sufferings most intense. William Kuhns, who was assisting him, escaped without injury but he found it impossible to save or help Mr. Farmer while the scalding water and steam surrounded him.  The deceased leaves a wife, daughter of Mr. CG Raines of this township and four children to mourn the loss of a good and kind husband and father

Source: Greencastle Star Press 16 July 1892 p 3

On last Saturday afternoon a very sad accident took place in Washington Township just south of the bridge over Mill Creek. The particulars of the sad affair as they reach us are as follows: Mr. James Farmer was taking a new traction engine to Poland and after crossing the Mill Creek Bridge started up the hill.  When part of the way up the steam in the engine became too low to mount the grade and Mr. Farmer stopped to get up more steam.  Report has it that the engine stopped on “the centre,” and in attempting to start it up the hill again, it moved backward instead of forward and the grade being steep Mr. Farmer lost control of it. He stuck to his post, however and endeavored to pilot the machine on to the bridge as it rushed down the grade. His efforts were futile. The machine went over the bank of the approach to the bridge, carrying Mr. Farmer with it. As it went over it turned on its side and the steam pipe was broken; the escaping steam struck Mr. Farmer with full force and he was scalded so severely that he lived only a few hours  after the accident occurred. His sudden death met in so terrible a manner is very widely mourned, and the stricken family has the sympathy of our people generally. Deceased was a native of Putnam County where he lived until a few years ago when he moved to Poland. He had been engaged largely in the agricultural implement business and was so thoroughly conversant with it that no thought was ever had that accident would happen in that line. May He who only can, console and comfort the bereaved wife and family.

Source: Greencastle Star Press 16 July 1892 p 5

Reelsville news” – Our people were much shocked to hear that James Farmer was scalded to death by the overturning of a traction engine near Mill Creek Bridge. - -kbz x 3