Obituaries: J. L. Cook, 1917, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: August 11, 1917 Monroe News-Star

Mill Man's Body Severed By Wheel

Winnfield, La., Aug. 11 - Just a few minutes before 12 o'clock Friday a sad
and tragic accident occurred at the sawmill plant of the Mansfield Hardwood
Lumber Company, situated just east of the Tremont and Gulf depot.  It seems
that the main driving belt broke without warning and the governor on the
engine failing to work, the engine attained a terrific speed causing the fly
wheel to explode from the centrifugal force.

T. J. Dalby, sawyer, and J. L. Cook, oiler, were attempting to shut off the
throttle valve when the fly wheel let go, which resulted in the death of Mr.
Cook and serious injury to Mr. Dalby.  M. T. Hogarthen, sawfiler, had a very
narrow escape as parts of the fly wheel were hurried through the floor and
roof, tearing great holes through the filing room which is situated directly
over the engine room.  Outside of a bad shaking up Mr. Hogarthen was
uninjured.  Mr. Dalby's injuries consist of a broken and lacerated arm,
bruises about the body.  Mr. Cook was evidently struck by a large piece of the
fly wheel as his body was severed in two, the heads, arms, and shoulders being
found some distance from the rest of the body.

Winnfield is shocked over the horrible affair.  The mill was badly damaged and
it will take some time to get it in running condition again.