News Article - Boiler Explosion, Greene County, Illinois This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Mary Hillman Three Killed and Several Injured by Boiler Explosion last Sunday Up in the pasture of Norman Maberry, west of Athensville at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 1919, the explosion of a steam boiler killed three children. There was a family reunion being held at Norman Mayberry's in honor of a boy who was expected home from the war. The boiler and engine were being used to force water out of a coal mine near Maberry's home. The steam was forced through pipes extending into the mine for the purpose of forcing the water through connecting pipes. The boiler and engine was an old threshing outfit. It is claimed there was only about 60 pounds of steam on when it exploded. Laurence E. Sanson, 12 years old was blown 30 to 40 yards in distance, was badly scalded and died allmost instantly. John E. Sanson, 8 years old, was blown 60 yards from the boiler,and had the top of his head blown off. He died instantly. Edward W. Maberry, 8 years old, was blown 100 yards from the boiler, had his left foot blown off above the ankle and was badly mangled. He also died instantly. The Sanson boys were sons of Jas. E. Sanson of Hettick and Edward W. Maberry was the son of Charles E. Maberry of Gillespie. Harry Alderson, Donald Maberry and Jesse Maberry, boys aged about 11 years old were bruised and scalded but not fatally. Coronor Carmondy was called and held an inquest on the remains of the boys. ***************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproducd in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ***************************************************************** Contributed by: Mary Hillman