Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Brandt, Fred December 29, 1891
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Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net June 13, 2010, 7:04 pm

The Ionia Daily Standard, December 30, 1891
Yesterday afternoon occurred one of the most distressing accidents that ever 
shocked the residents of this community.  Fred Brandt, an employee of Ph. 
Endres’ brewery, was engaged in wedging up a pump which conveys the sweet beer 
into the hop vat.  The pump is located directly over the edge of vat, and 
Brandt had hold of pump with one hand, and was driving the wedge with the 
other.  John Endres was assisting from below, by holding a large sledge 
against pipe to resist the blows given by Brandt.  In some way not clearly 
explained, the fastening of the pump was loosened, Brandt was swung from his 
footing and fell backward into the vat, striking on his side.  There was about 
two feet in depth of boiling hot beer in the vat, enough to cover nearly all 
of Brandt’s body in its recumbent position, except his head and one arm. Had 
he struck on his feet he would have been uninjured, as he had on heavy, high-
legged boots.

Young Endres instantly sprang to the rescue and immediately pulled out the 
unfortunate man by main strength.  He was at once conveyed to a room upstairs, 
and Doctors H. B. Barnes and E. F. Beckwith summoned by telephone.  Although 
in the scalding bath but a very few seconds, it was evident that the injuries 
were of a most serious nature.  Large patches of skin came off in removing his 
clothes.

Dr. Beckwith stated to Mr. Endres that he thought the injury would result 
fatally, not on account of the depth of the burns, but from the large amount 
of surface covered, and the severe shock.  The patient lingered in great 
suffering, alleviated by opiates, until 11 p.m. when death came to his relief.

Mr. Brandt was 27 years of age, and a most estimable young man, sober, 
industrious, and faithful to duty; he had been employed in the brewery three 
years, and was regarded as a competent and careful workman.  Young Brandt was 
to have been married on New Years day to Miss Bertha Woodrich of this city, 
and the scene of their meeting after the accident is described as most 
affecting.  

The funeral will be held from the Lutheran church at 2 p.m. tomorrow.


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