Robert POINSETT loses his hand

POINSETT, GIBBONS

Posted By: Joey Stark - Jefferson Co. Volunteer
Date: 5/3/2006 at 17:30:12

"Fairfield Tribune", Thurs., Feb. 26, 1880, Pg. 3, Col. 6

ACCIDENT TO A FAIRFIELD MAN. Last Friday Mr. Robert M. POINSETT, of this city, met with a painful accident eleven miles southwest of Chariton. He was with a company of men repairing bridges on the branch road of the C.B. & Q. leading to Mt. Ayr. When the accident occurred Mr. POINSETT was working on the pile driver machine, and by stepping on an iron bar, which was not observed, he lost his balance and, falling forward, grasped the top of the pile driver with his right hand. At this instant the heavy iron, weighing hundreds of pounds, fell and smashed his hand to a shapeless mass. The man was immediately taken to Chariton where Dr. GIBBONS amputated what there was left of the member. Mr. POINSETT is still in that city and is getting along well.

[Also posted to the Jefferson County Documents board]

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.