IS KILLED BY A BLAST

SAD DEATH OF JAMES VERNON YESTERDAY

ENGAGED ON ROAD WORK

No Witness to the Accident-Dead Man Well Known and Highly Esteemed

James Vernon, of Hatwai, road supervisor of district No. 26, was instantly killed yesterday morning at 5 o'clock
by an explosion of dynamite used in the road improvement work. There were no witnesses to the accident but the mangled body of Mr. Vernon was found in the road a few minutes after the explosion was heard by the residents.

Mr. Vernon had been engaged in road improvement work near the Frye place on the north bank of the Clearwater River two miles above the city. It had been his custom to begin his work shortly after daylight and for this reason there were no witnesses to the accident. Shortly after the explosion was heard John Frye discovered Mr. Vernon's horse and buggy in the road. He took the horse and drove to the point where he had heard the explosion and there found the dead body of Mr. Vernon. Coroner Vassar was notified at once and brought the remains to the city to be prepared for shipment to Madison, Wisconsin.

The cause of the accident is entirely speculation, but from the nature of the wound it is believed Mr. Vernon was in an upright position and engaged in setting a cap in the dynamite when the charge was set off. The lower part of his body was badly mangled and a considerable portion of the right hand was blown away. The left hand was badly burned and considerable powder was blown in his face. The wounds extended on the thighs about one-half way to the knees and upward to the lower part of the breast. Death undoubtedly instantly followed such injuries.

James Vernon was born in Middleton, Wis., about 47 years ago and came to Lewiston when but 28 years of age. He was unmarried and resided about one mile north of Hatwai Creek where he conducted a stock ranch. For many years he has held the position of road supervisor of his district, being the oldest employ of the county in this department.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Vernon, who resides at Madison, Wis. He was a brother to the late John Vernon of Lewiston, and has five broher and three sisters living. They are: D.E. Vernon of Spokane; Lige Vernon, of Colorado; Joseph Vernon, of Kansas City; George Vernon of St. Paul; Enoch Vernon of Wisconsin; Miss Sadle Vernon, of Madison, Wis.; Mrs. Mary Waterhouse, of Glaveston, Texas; Mrs. Florence Steensland, of Syracuse, New York; and Mrs. Zelphs Showerman, of Madison, Wis.

The funeral in Lewiston will be conducted this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Vassar Chapel by the Rev. Flynn. Mr. Vernon was a member of the Woodmen of the World and this order will attend the services. The remains will be shipped to Madison at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon for burial.

D.E. Vernon, brother of the deceased who resides in Spokane, arrived in the city last night.

The deceased was a man of splendid character and his death will be mourned by hundreds of friends throughout the county.

Lewiston Morning Tribune Friday, August 20, 1909
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Died while working on county road in Hatwai canyon, using dynamite and working alone. The entire reserve of powder blew up, and Mr. Vernon's body was badly torn and scattered.

"Whispers From Old Genesee And Echoes Of The Salmon River" Memorial Edition, Dedicated to the pioneers of Latah, Nez Perce, Idaho & Lewis Counties

by John A. Platt
Pages 46-49
1975