Beckham County, OK - Deaths: George W. Blocker, 1913 30 Aug 2007 Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ************************************************ BLOCKER, GEORGE W. (29 May 1913, Thursday, Elk City Record, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): LIFE OF BOY DRAGGED OUT BY RUNAWAY TEAM OF MULES. The Ural Community was shocked by the tragic death of George, the nine year old son of D. W. Blocker, who was dragged to death by a team of runaway mules, Friday evening. George had led the mules to the creek, near the house to water. The mules were tied together with a rope, probably twelve or fifteen feet long, one at either end. While they were drinking one the animals pulled back, almost pulling the rope from his head. When the boy attempted to adjust the rope the mule became frightened and turn to run. The loose rope became entangled in the boys feet throwing him down. This scared the animals more, and they began to kick the boy, who was at the mercy of the infuriated beasts. They ran toward the house, and when Mrs. Blocker first saw them she thought they were running with a plow, and ran out and opened the lot gate. They came into the lot still dragging the almost lifeless form of the boy at their heels. Mr. Blocker who was at another part of the place was attracted by their cries for help and ran home and soon had the frightened animals stopped, and the child released. The scene was witnessed by the mother, the children, and Mrs. Culp. They think the child was kicked a deadly blow at the outset of the run. He only gasped a few times after he was released. The childs head and body were horribly bruised and mangled. His limbs seem to have been protected and were not badly marred. Funeral services were held at the Ural cemetery, Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Crumpton of Carter, attended by a large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors. The many beautiful floral tributes showed the esteem and love of the neighbors for the heart broken family. The Record joins the entire community in sympathy to the bereaved family. (30 May 1913, The Carter Express, Carter, Beckham Co, OK): The 8 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Blocker, of Ural, was drug to death by a span of mules last Saturday. He was leading the mules to water when they took fright and ran off. The boy became tangled in the rope and was dragged several hundred yards. When found both arms and his neck were broken, besides many bruises found upon his body.