Newspaper: George A. Barker, Killed, 1929 Franklin Parish, LA,
Submitted by:Glenda Warner Boyd
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The Franklin Sun     Winnsboro, LA    February 15, 1929
Submitted February 2009 by: Glenda Warner Boyd
 
Man Killed In Alto Fields On Last Thursday
Body is Hurled Thirty Feet from Spot of the Explosion
 
George A. Barker, aged 30 years, meter man for the Arkansas Natural 
Gas Corporation, was killed instantly early yesterday morning in an 
explosion at the Thomason No. 4 gas well, at Alto, which is an offset 
to the Alto crater well. Barker was hurled approximately 30 feet by the 
blast, his neck breaking and death resulting instantly.
The explosion occurred at about 5:30 o'clock, but nothing was known of the 
accident until sunrise, when Barker's body was found. He had been dead for 
some time, when found.
Inquest Held
Authorities say that the blast occurred when Barker turned on a "bleeder" valve, 
which is used to blow off excess water at frequent intervals. The valve was either 
frozen or the pressure had become so great that when Barker attempted to change meters, 
a terrific explosion ensued, throwing Barker some distance away.
Immediately after his body was found, Coroner Sartor, of Richland parish, held an inquest, 
the body afterwards being removed to an undertaking establishment.
Barker is survived by his wife and three children. His home in El Dorado, Ark.
The well where the explosion occured is near the Alto school house and only a short 
distance away from the crater well, of which it is an offset.