The Monroe News-Star - Explosion Kills Ensign Aiken
Submitted by: Lora Peppers  December 1999

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The Monroe News-Star
Tuesday, July 13, 1909
Page 4 Column 4

Ensign Aiken Killed
Accident Due to Explosion of Coal Gas on Cruiser North Carolina
New Orleans, July 13. - News of the killing at Naples, Italy, aboard the
cruiser North Carolina of Ensign Aiken of this city was a great shock to
his relatives and friends. It is stated that his death was due to an
explosion of coal gas in the bunkers of the vessel.
The intelligence came upon the heels of mail advices that Aiken was in
good health and spirits and of his recently entertaining with other
officers of the ship, a party of twelve at Smyrna, Asia Minor.
The deceased was 25 years of age, and the son of Dr. and Mrs. Gayle
Aiken of this city. He secured his early education here and entered
Annapolis and graduated in 1906. He was appointed ensign and assigned
to the North Carolina, with which vessel he had served ever since.
Ensign Aiken was with the vessel when it was ordered to Turkish waters,
and recently wrote home, giving a graphic description of the conditions
there. He was popular and had a promising career.
His parents, five brothers and one sister survive him.