Beaverton Historical Society
Gladwin County Obituary/Death Notice
 
Aaron Corey

TERRIBLE EXPLOSION
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HUGH M. COREY AND SON AARON INSTANTLY KILLED
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BOILER AND FRAGMENTS THROWN 25 TO 30 RODS.

   During the noon hour Monday a terrible explosion took place at the mill of L. Ozmun in Tobacco township, about 10 miles south of this place, and H. M. Corey, engineer and sawyer, and his son Aaron, the fireman, were instantly killed. The other hands employed in the mill had fortunately not arrived from dinner. Mr. Corey's daugter, Mary, 12 years old, and sons Reuben, 9 years, and Timmie, 7 years, bright appearing children, had brought dinner to the mill for Mr. Corey and Aaron, who had just finished eating, and Mary was returning to the residence of the family, a half mile distance, when she heard the report, which came with a thud similiar to a large tree falling.
   The boys had lingered, and with Jimmie Fairchild, a playmate, 14 years old, were standing in the road near the mill, and were hit by flying missiles, but not seriously injured. The dome of the boiler was thrown some 25 rods, and brick and missiles were scattered the same distance about the mill. Windows in the school house, several rods away, were broken, and plaster jarred off, and windows in dwellings in the vicinity were also broken. School was not in session or more lives would have been lost.
   After the explosion the boys hastened to the scene, and were soon reinforced by neighbors. Mr. Corey was found near a saw which lie was filing a gash in the back of his head, and breathed a few times before he expired. Aaron was bruised and burned beyond recognition, and no doubt was killed on the spot. The bodies were taken in charge, and the next day brought to the county seat by friends, the G.A.R., of which Mr. Corey was a member, taking an active part in looking after the remains, and after the bereaved family.
   The direct cause of the explosion is unknown. One theory is that the boiler, which did not sit level, had been allowed to get dry in one end, while in the other seemingly having plenty of water. The bodies were viewed by many people at the undertaking rooms, and expressions of sympathy and sorrow were heard on all hands. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church yesterday afternoon. Rev. M. Stephens preaching impressively from II Timothy iv-7. Members of Noble post G.A.R. did honor to the remains, attending in uniform, and the church was filled by people form the village and surrounding country.

THE DECEASED

   Hugh M. Corey was born at Duck Lake, Muskegon county, March 29, 1846, and when two years old was taken to Ohio, where he was reared in the family of his grandparents. When 15 years of age he enlisted with the 123rd regiment of Ohio volunteers, and served from Sep. 24, 1862, until July 20, 1865. He was married at Martinsburgh, Va., Dec. 12, 1864, to Rachel Rankin, who survives him as his widow, with nine children, the youngest seven months old, and the eldest Anna, married 23 years old. After his discharge from the army they lived in Ohio five years and then removed to Michigan, residing at Chesaning a short time, and from there removing to Farwell, remaining until about 10 years ago, when they first removed to Gladwin, and have since resided in the village and county, Mr. Corey having been employed during the time in and about sawmills, being a practical sawyer and engineer.
   Mr. C. was a staunch upholder of his principles. At the time of his death he was a member of the M. E. church, and was an earnest worker in the cause of religion. In his early years he had experienced the evils of intemperance, but changed his course, and remained a faithful and zealous worker for temperance until his death, having been an active member of the I.O.G.T. for many years. Besides he was a leading member of the G.A.R. post at this place. His sudden death falls heavily upon his bereaved family, who have the heartfelt sympathy of many friends, of whom he had respect and esteem.
   Aaron was born in Ohio, and was in his 20th year. He was subject to fits, and was not a proper person to work about a mill, although he had been around mills more or less all his life. A frightful death for himself and father were no doubt the cost of his lack of knowledge in regard to his work. The scarred and bruised appearance of the poor boy as he rested in the arms of death was pitiful.
 
 
Personal Information
Death Date
Burial/Final Location
Service
April 1890
Highland Cem., Gladwin MI
PVT CO C 65 123 OH VOL INF
 
Publication Information
Pub. Date
Publication
Pub. Page
4/18/1890
Gladwin County Record, Gladwin, MI
P:5 C:4
 
Transcription Information
Date
Transcribed by
Source Media
January 2005
Tom Ladner
Microfilm
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