OBIT: Lorenzo HELSEL, 1923, Taylor Township, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Michael S. Caldwell Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ WORKMAN'S DEATH DUE TO INJURIES Lorenzo M. Helsel, well known Taylor township man, former Pennsy shopman and more recently a lumberman in the employ of the Kensinger interests on Dunning mountain, answered the final summons Sunday morning at 2.40 o'clock at the Nason hospital. Death was caused by blood poisoning and followed two weeks of intense suffering. Blood poisoning developed following an injury of a rather minor nature sustained on April 2, while engaged in cutting mine props on Dunning mountain. Felling a tree which lodged against a smaller one Helsel in attempting to dislodge it with his axe sustained a painful cut across the knuckle of the index finger of the left hand. The injury caused considerable pain and bled profusely. Mr. Helsel hurried to Roaring Spring where the injury was dressed by Dr. W. H. Robinson. Several days later blood poisoning developed and rapidly spread through his entire body. His condition, however, was not regarded as serious until last Friday when, on the advice of Dr. C. O. Johnston of Claysburg, he was removed to the Nason hospital. At the hospital it was found that the poison had so permeated his system that it was next to impossible to save his life. An abscess formed on the back by the poison was opened and everything possible was done to relieve his suffering but to no avail. Prior to the time he was injured, Helsel was in good health. Helsel was born in Greenfield township, near Claysburg, on March 1, 1871, being aged 51 years, 1 month and 21 days. He located in Taylor township on the property owned by him more than twenty-five years ago and in that period was one of the township's most substantial citizens. He was a son of George, deceased, and Sarah Helsel. About thirty-five years ago he was married to Miss Laura Albright of Roaring Spring, the widow and four sons, Plummer, William, Allen and Homer, all of Roaring Spring, surviving. He is also survived by an adopted daughter, Mary, a foster son, Walter, who resided at home, his mother, Mrs. Sarah Helsel of Taylor township, and the following brothers and sisters: Irvin Helsel of Brooks Mills, Austin and Mrs. Della Heuston of Roaring Spring, Calvin and John, both of Claysburg, Mrs. Elizabeth Bush of Hollidaysburg, Mrs. Pearl Bechtel of Hollidaysburg and Mrs. Laura Hess of Salemville, Bedford county. He was a faithful member of the Albright Church of the Brethren for many years. The funeral will be conducted on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the cortege to leave the Helsel home at that time and proceed to the church where the services will be conducted by the Rev. Jacob Kinsel of Altoona, pastor of the Albright Church of the Brethren. Interment will be made in the cemetery adjoining the church yard. The widow is seriously ill with heart disease and dropsy at her home, her condition growing worse yesterday with the shock caused by the death of her husband, who she faithfully believed would ultimately recover. Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Monday, April 23, 1923