The worst accident that has ever been our lot to chronicle, happened on Tuesday of last week four miles northeast of town at the bridge across Otter Creek, south of the Lybarger school house. Henry Kolp, the engineer of Roses & Harris steam threshing outfit, were returning home from Jesse Cox’s place, where they had been hulling clover. The crew, when they reached the bridge, placed a plank on it as the law requires before starting the engine across. When the engine and Kolp had reached the center of the bridge it gave way precipitating the engine and Kolp to the bed of the creek, a distance of seven or eight feet. The flues of the boiler gave way enveloping Kolp in the hot steam and boiling water. Mr. Kolp succeeded in extricating himself and climbed out on the creek bank. A buggy was secured and he was taken to the home of his parents 1-1/2 miles southeast of Table Grove and a doctor was sent for. On his arrival Kolp assisted the doctor in removing his own clothes, the skin and flesh dropping from off his body and limbs. He was terribly burned from the waist down; also his hands and arms. Kolp suffered much during Tuesday night; Wednesday morning he became delirious and about noon became unconscious, remaining in that condition till Thursday afternoon, when death relieved him. Henry was about 25 years old and a man of correct habits, and as such was respected by everyone. It is said that Henry protested about crossing the bridge and wanted to go around by another road, and that Mr. Harris told him it was safe. Henry was a member of the Vermont Lodge of the K.P.’s, who took charge of the funeral which occurred Sunday. The remains were taken to the Dunkard cemetery east of Astoria. The funeral procession was large. Mr. and Mrs. Kolp and his brothers and sisters have the sympathy of the entire community.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus