HARRY NICKELS
(1879 - 1910)
A FATAL ACCIDENT
Harry Nickels, an employee of the Dry Dock company, while at work in the plate room Wednesday afternoon, in some way got caught in the shafting and was instantly killed. The accident happened about 4 o'clock and was not seen by anyone. He was adjusting something on the machine when he got caught in the shafting and was dashed to eternity. He was formerly employed as a teamster by Plumb & Nelson.
Mr. Nickels leaves a wife and four children.
He was 32 years of age. The family reside on North 8th street.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
MAN IS GROUND TO BITS BODY IS TORN LIMB FROM LIMB
Harry Nichols Meets a Terrible Death At Dry Dock Shops
CAUGHT IN SHAFTING, WHIRLED TO DEATH
Caught by a belt which he was repairing, pulled onto the shafting to be whirled to instant death and his body ground to small bits was the terrible end which overtook Harry Nichols, an employe of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Company at the yards of the company late Wednesday afternoon, the accident being one of the most distressing in character ever occurring in the city. Nichols was killed instantly and his body was so torn and mangled as to be unrecognizable and only small particles could be recovered for burial. The accident occurred at 4 o'clock and so affected other workmen in the shops that it was necessary to close down for the day.
Nichols, with a fellow workman named Henrichs, was engaged in work upon the shafting and belts in the plate shops of the yards at the time of the terrible accident. Henrichs left his work to secure some more material, Nichols being on a step ladder at work on the shafting at the time, and when he returned to the scene a few minutes later it was to discover Nichols' body hanging in the shafting, badly mangled and entirely nude, every stitch of clothing having been torn from the body. As Henrichs approached the body feel from its position in the shafting to the floor at his feet.
Details as to the exact manner in which Nichols became caught in the shafting and lost his life will probably never be known as no one witnessed the accident. Nichols was on a step ladder working on the belt and shafting when Henrichs left him and it is supposed that his clothing became caught in the belt and he was drawn onto the shafting which was revolving at a speed of 120 revolutions a minute. Nichols' body was thrown against the ceiling and timbers of the shafting and literally torn limb from limb. The machinery is operated by electric motors and before Henrichs, who discovered the plight of Nichols, could stop the motor, the unfortunate man had been ground to bits.
Other men in the shop, of whom there were a number, heard no cry from Nichols and the first intimation they had of the tragedy was when one of Nichols' legs, torn from the body in the rapidly revolving shafting, was thrown across the floor at the feet of one of the men. Nichols must have been killed instantly, it is believed, and when the employes of the shops turned to go to his assistance, it was found that the body had fell from the shaft and the mangled form was on the floor. The sight was one which unnerved the workmen and at their request the shop was closed immediately after the accident for the day.
Nichols who was 35 years of age, was a carpenter by trade and had been employed by the Dry Dock Co. for two years. Formerly he was employed as a teamster of the Plumb & Nelson Co., leaving the company three years ago to engage in his trade. His parents reside near Kings Bridge and only recently his father, Henry Nichols suffered a severe injury, having both his hands frozen while on his way home from this city. Nichols' brother, George Nichols succeeded him in the position with the Plumb & Nelson Co. and is still employed by the company. The unfortunate man was industrious, bore an excellent reputation and had a wide circle of friends. When a boy his family resided in the city, on Huron street.
Married nine years ago to Miss Mary Blanek, of Antigo, in that city, Nichols, with his wife came here, and had since resided in the city. The family resided on North Eight street, near New York avenue, where Nichols had recently purchased a home. News of the tragedy was carried to the little family of widow and four children by neighbors and Mrs. Nichols is completely overcome and is under care of physicians. Besides his wife and children Nichols is survive by his parents at Kings Bridge, four brothers and five sisters.
The accident is the first fatality to occur in the plant of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Co. under present management. Several accidents have occurred in the yards and on boats but none of which claimed emloyes of the Dry Dock Co. Nichols was an expert in his line and was a trusted and valued employe. He was a nephew of Patrolman Edward Ladwig of the police department.
Funeral services will be held from the late home Sunday afternoon.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
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HARRY NICKELS MEETS DEATH
Is Caught on a Rapidly Revolving Shaft and Torn to Pieces
Harry Nickels, one of the employes of the Dry Dock Co. is suddenly whirled into eternity while employed at his daily task at the shipyard.
Out of the quiet of the daily grind at the ship yard there came late yesterday, the awful tale of a soul hurled suddenly into eternity. There was no warning, no thought of danger, probably, on the part of the man who was killed, only the sudden grip of a whirling shaft as it seized its victim, whirled him with lightning speed around itself scattering the dismembered torn and bleeding parts of its victim in all directions, and then all was as it was before.
Not entirely as it had been because overhead, near the fatal shaft hung a leg and a part of the entrails, on the ground about lay parts of the body, a leg, the arms, the trunk cut diagonally in two and all about stood the horny handed sons of toil paralyzed into inaction by the horrors of a moment.
Harry Nickels was the victim and so badly was his body torn that it was gathered together in a basket. The head was cut in two, both arms and both legs were torn off, and all those who witnessed the accident saw at the time was flying parts of the body as they were hurled thru the air and bits of cloth and large pieces of clothing as they sailed about.
Harry Nickels, a carpenter, had just placed a pulley on the shaft in the loft of the machine shed at the ship yard and the accident happened as he was placing the belt onto the pulley. In some manner he slipped and was caught on the shaft and his body hurled around until it was entirely dismembered, and torn to shreds. Mr. Nichols was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only six months of age, who were dependent on his labor for their support.
Just how the accident happened is not known at this writing, at 9:30. This morning Dr. Falge, coroner, said that an inquest had not been decided on, he having been told by Mr. Christ Hendricks that in his opinion no inquest would be necessary as the man came to his death by an accident pure and simple. Hendricks also had talked with his wife, Nichols aunt, about the matter and she also had given it as her opinion that no inquest would be necessary.
Dr. Falge was then told that there is considerable talk about projecting set-screws and keys on the shafting in the machine shed and that an inquest should be held, if only to satisfy the people that there is no likelihood that the employing company was criminally negligent, or that the State Factory Inspector was negligent of his duty.
Dr. Falge, when called up later in the day said that a brother of the deceased had asked that no inquest be held as death was purely accidental and no blame could be attached to anyone. There were no projections on the shaft and the man was caught by his jumper becoming wrapped around the shaft, an accident against which no safeguard except caution on the part of the man himself could have safe guarded him.
Mr. West, when asked this afternoon, said that it was an accident pure and simple and that could not in any way have been avoided, but said that he could not give details of the accident as he was not present.
The shaft on which Nickels was caught is near the roof against which his body was hurled as it was whirled swiftly around the shaft.
The accident happened in the east end of the shed, immediately above the big roller on which the large sheets of steel are bent rolled to form.
The Daily Herald, Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
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FELLOW WORKERS ESCORT BODY
Funeral For Harry Nichols One of Largest Ever Known in City
A funeral cortege more than six blocks in length followed the remains of Harry Nichols to their last resting place in Evergreen cemetery Sunday afternoon and hundreds of friends assembled at the Lutheran church to pay a tribute of respect to the dead and sympathy for the living. Fellow employes of the shipyards marched as escort to the body. Many beautiful floral offerings crowned the casket, among the number being a large anchor from fellow employes, a broken wheel from the Dry Dock Co. and many others. Rev. Machmiller spoke in both English and German. The funeral was one of the largest ever known in the city.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Monday, January 17, 1910
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(Order to Hear Petition for Administration.)
STATE OF WISCONSIN, Manitowoc County Court, In Probate.
In the matter of the estate of Herman (sic) Nickels, Deceased, intestate.
On reading and filing the petition of Mary Nickels, of the city of Manitowoc, in said county, representing among other things that Herman Nickels, an inhabitant of said county, on the 12th day of January, A.D. 1910, at the city of died intestate, leaving estate to be administered, and that the said petitioner is the widow of said deceased, and praying that administration of said estate be to her, said Mary Nickels granted.
It is Ordered, that said petition be heard at a special term of said County Court to be held on Tuesday, the 12th day of September, A.D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A.M., at the office of the County Judge in the city of Manitowoc, in said county.
Ordered Further, that notice of the time and place so appointed, be given to all person interested, by publication hereof for three weeks successively, prior to said day of hearing, in the Manitowoc Pilot, a weekly newspaper published at the city of Manitowoc, in said County.
Dated at Manitowoc, the 15th day of August A.D. 1911.
By the Court,
John Chloupek, County Judge.
Hougen & Brady, Attys.
Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., August 31, 1911 P. 4
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(1879 - 1910)
A FATAL ACCIDENT
Harry Nickels, an employee of the Dry Dock company, while at work in the plate room Wednesday afternoon, in some way got caught in the shafting and was instantly killed. The accident happened about 4 o'clock and was not seen by anyone. He was adjusting something on the machine when he got caught in the shafting and was dashed to eternity. He was formerly employed as a teamster by Plumb & Nelson.
Mr. Nickels leaves a wife and four children.
He was 32 years of age. The family reside on North 8th street.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
MAN IS GROUND TO BITS BODY IS TORN LIMB FROM LIMB
Harry Nichols Meets a Terrible Death At Dry Dock Shops
CAUGHT IN SHAFTING, WHIRLED TO DEATH
Caught by a belt which he was repairing, pulled onto the shafting to be whirled to instant death and his body ground to small bits was the terrible end which overtook Harry Nichols, an employe of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Company at the yards of the company late Wednesday afternoon, the accident being one of the most distressing in character ever occurring in the city. Nichols was killed instantly and his body was so torn and mangled as to be unrecognizable and only small particles could be recovered for burial. The accident occurred at 4 o'clock and so affected other workmen in the shops that it was necessary to close down for the day.
Nichols, with a fellow workman named Henrichs, was engaged in work upon the shafting and belts in the plate shops of the yards at the time of the terrible accident. Henrichs left his work to secure some more material, Nichols being on a step ladder at work on the shafting at the time, and when he returned to the scene a few minutes later it was to discover Nichols' body hanging in the shafting, badly mangled and entirely nude, every stitch of clothing having been torn from the body. As Henrichs approached the body feel from its position in the shafting to the floor at his feet.
Details as to the exact manner in which Nichols became caught in the shafting and lost his life will probably never be known as no one witnessed the accident. Nichols was on a step ladder working on the belt and shafting when Henrichs left him and it is supposed that his clothing became caught in the belt and he was drawn onto the shafting which was revolving at a speed of 120 revolutions a minute. Nichols' body was thrown against the ceiling and timbers of the shafting and literally torn limb from limb. The machinery is operated by electric motors and before Henrichs, who discovered the plight of Nichols, could stop the motor, the unfortunate man had been ground to bits.
Other men in the shop, of whom there were a number, heard no cry from Nichols and the first intimation they had of the tragedy was when one of Nichols' legs, torn from the body in the rapidly revolving shafting, was thrown across the floor at the feet of one of the men. Nichols must have been killed instantly, it is believed, and when the employes of the shops turned to go to his assistance, it was found that the body had fell from the shaft and the mangled form was on the floor. The sight was one which unnerved the workmen and at their request the shop was closed immediately after the accident for the day.
Nichols who was 35 years of age, was a carpenter by trade and had been employed by the Dry Dock Co. for two years. Formerly he was employed as a teamster of the Plumb & Nelson Co., leaving the company three years ago to engage in his trade. His parents reside near Kings Bridge and only recently his father, Henry Nichols suffered a severe injury, having both his hands frozen while on his way home from this city. Nichols' brother, George Nichols succeeded him in the position with the Plumb & Nelson Co. and is still employed by the company. The unfortunate man was industrious, bore an excellent reputation and had a wide circle of friends. When a boy his family resided in the city, on Huron street.
Married nine years ago to Miss Mary Blanek, of Antigo, in that city, Nichols, with his wife came here, and had since resided in the city. The family resided on North Eight street, near New York avenue, where Nichols had recently purchased a home. News of the tragedy was carried to the little family of widow and four children by neighbors and Mrs. Nichols is completely overcome and is under care of physicians. Besides his wife and children Nichols is survive by his parents at Kings Bridge, four brothers and five sisters.
The accident is the first fatality to occur in the plant of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Co. under present management. Several accidents have occurred in the yards and on boats but none of which claimed emloyes of the Dry Dock Co. Nichols was an expert in his line and was a trusted and valued employe. He was a nephew of Patrolman Edward Ladwig of the police department.
Funeral services will be held from the late home Sunday afternoon.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
HARRY NICKELS MEETS DEATH
Is Caught on a Rapidly Revolving Shaft and Torn to Pieces
Harry Nickels, one of the employes of the Dry Dock Co. is suddenly whirled into eternity while employed at his daily task at the shipyard.
Out of the quiet of the daily grind at the ship yard there came late yesterday, the awful tale of a soul hurled suddenly into eternity. There was no warning, no thought of danger, probably, on the part of the man who was killed, only the sudden grip of a whirling shaft as it seized its victim, whirled him with lightning speed around itself scattering the dismembered torn and bleeding parts of its victim in all directions, and then all was as it was before.
Not entirely as it had been because overhead, near the fatal shaft hung a leg and a part of the entrails, on the ground about lay parts of the body, a leg, the arms, the trunk cut diagonally in two and all about stood the horny handed sons of toil paralyzed into inaction by the horrors of a moment.
Harry Nickels was the victim and so badly was his body torn that it was gathered together in a basket. The head was cut in two, both arms and both legs were torn off, and all those who witnessed the accident saw at the time was flying parts of the body as they were hurled thru the air and bits of cloth and large pieces of clothing as they sailed about.
Harry Nickels, a carpenter, had just placed a pulley on the shaft in the loft of the machine shed at the ship yard and the accident happened as he was placing the belt onto the pulley. In some manner he slipped and was caught on the shaft and his body hurled around until it was entirely dismembered, and torn to shreds. Mr. Nichols was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only six months of age, who were dependent on his labor for their support.
Just how the accident happened is not known at this writing, at 9:30. This morning Dr. Falge, coroner, said that an inquest had not been decided on, he having been told by Mr. Christ Hendricks that in his opinion no inquest would be necessary as the man came to his death by an accident pure and simple. Hendricks also had talked with his wife, Nichols aunt, about the matter and she also had given it as her opinion that no inquest would be necessary.
Dr. Falge was then told that there is considerable talk about projecting set-screws and keys on the shafting in the machine shed and that an inquest should be held, if only to satisfy the people that there is no likelihood that the employing company was criminally negligent, or that the State Factory Inspector was negligent of his duty.
Dr. Falge, when called up later in the day said that a brother of the deceased had asked that no inquest be held as death was purely accidental and no blame could be attached to anyone. There were no projections on the shaft and the man was caught by his jumper becoming wrapped around the shaft, an accident against which no safeguard except caution on the part of the man himself could have safe guarded him.
Mr. West, when asked this afternoon, said that it was an accident pure and simple and that could not in any way have been avoided, but said that he could not give details of the accident as he was not present.
The shaft on which Nickels was caught is near the roof against which his body was hurled as it was whirled swiftly around the shaft.
The accident happened in the east end of the shed, immediately above the big roller on which the large sheets of steel are bent rolled to form.
The Daily Herald, Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
FELLOW WORKERS ESCORT BODY
Funeral For Harry Nichols One of Largest Ever Known in City
A funeral cortege more than six blocks in length followed the remains of Harry Nichols to their last resting place in Evergreen cemetery Sunday afternoon and hundreds of friends assembled at the Lutheran church to pay a tribute of respect to the dead and sympathy for the living. Fellow employes of the shipyards marched as escort to the body. Many beautiful floral offerings crowned the casket, among the number being a large anchor from fellow employes, a broken wheel from the Dry Dock Co. and many others. Rev. Machmiller spoke in both English and German. The funeral was one of the largest ever known in the city.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Monday, January 17, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
(Order to Hear Petition for Administration.)
STATE OF WISCONSIN, Manitowoc County Court, In Probate.
In the matter of the estate of Herman (sic) Nickels, Deceased, intestate.
On reading and filing the petition of Mary Nickels, of the city of Manitowoc, in said county, representing among other things that Herman Nickels, an inhabitant of said county, on the 12th day of January, A.D. 1910, at the city of died intestate, leaving estate to be administered, and that the said petitioner is the widow of said deceased, and praying that administration of said estate be to her, said Mary Nickels granted.
It is Ordered, that said petition be heard at a special term of said County Court to be held on Tuesday, the 12th day of September, A.D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A.M., at the office of the County Judge in the city of Manitowoc, in said county.
Ordered Further, that notice of the time and place so appointed, be given to all person interested, by publication hereof for three weeks successively, prior to said day of hearing, in the Manitowoc Pilot, a weekly newspaper published at the city of Manitowoc, in said County.
Dated at Manitowoc, the 15th day of August A.D. 1911.
By the Court,
John Chloupek, County Judge.
Hougen & Brady, Attys.
Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., August 31, 1911 P. 4
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HARRY NICKELS
(1879 - 1910)
A FATAL ACCIDENT
Harry Nickels, an employee of the Dry Dock company, while at work in the plate room Wednesday afternoon, in some way got caught in the shafting and was instantly killed. The accident happened about 4 o'clock and was not seen by anyone. He was adjusting something on the machine when he got caught in the shafting and was dashed to eternity. He was formerly employed as a teamster by Plumb & Nelson.
Mr. Nickels leaves a wife and four children.
He was 32 years of age. The family reside on North 8th street.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
MAN IS GROUND TO BITS BODY IS TORN LIMB FROM LIMB
Harry Nichols Meets a Terrible Death At Dry Dock Shops
CAUGHT IN SHAFTING, WHIRLED TO DEATH
Caught by a belt which he was repairing, pulled onto the shafting to be whirled to instant death and his body ground to small bits was the terrible end which overtook Harry Nichols, an employe of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Company at the yards of the company late Wednesday afternoon, the accident being one of the most distressing in character ever occurring in the city. Nichols was killed instantly and his body was so torn and mangled as to be unrecognizable and only small particles could be recovered for burial. The accident occurred at 4 o'clock and so affected other workmen in the shops that it was necessary to close down for the day.
Nichols, with a fellow workman named Henrichs, was engaged in work upon the shafting and belts in the plate shops of the yards at the time of the terrible accident. Henrichs left his work to secure some more material, Nichols being on a step ladder at work on the shafting at the time, and when he returned to the scene a few minutes later it was to discover Nichols' body hanging in the shafting, badly mangled and entirely nude, every stitch of clothing having been torn from the body. As Henrichs approached the body feel from its position in the shafting to the floor at his feet.
Details as to the exact manner in which Nichols became caught in the shafting and lost his life will probably never be known as no one witnessed the accident. Nichols was on a step ladder working on the belt and shafting when Henrichs left him and it is supposed that his clothing became caught in the belt and he was drawn onto the shafting which was revolving at a speed of 120 revolutions a minute. Nichols' body was thrown against the ceiling and timbers of the shafting and literally torn limb from limb. The machinery is operated by electric motors and before Henrichs, who discovered the plight of Nichols, could stop the motor, the unfortunate man had been ground to bits.
Other men in the shop, of whom there were a number, heard no cry from Nichols and the first intimation they had of the tragedy was when one of Nichols' legs, torn from the body in the rapidly revolving shafting, was thrown across the floor at the feet of one of the men. Nichols must have been killed instantly, it is believed, and when the employes of the shops turned to go to his assistance, it was found that the body had fell from the shaft and the mangled form was on the floor. The sight was one which unnerved the workmen and at their request the shop was closed immediately after the accident for the day.
Nichols who was 35 years of age, was a carpenter by trade and had been employed by the Dry Dock Co. for two years. Formerly he was employed as a teamster of the Plumb & Nelson Co., leaving the company three years ago to engage in his trade. His parents reside near Kings Bridge and only recently his father, Henry Nichols suffered a severe injury, having both his hands frozen while on his way home from this city. Nichols' brother, George Nichols succeeded him in the position with the Plumb & Nelson Co. and is still employed by the company. The unfortunate man was industrious, bore an excellent reputation and had a wide circle of friends. When a boy his family resided in the city, on Huron street.
Married nine years ago to Miss Mary Blanek, of Antigo, in that city, Nichols, with his wife came here, and had since resided in the city. The family resided on North Eight street, near New York avenue, where Nichols had recently purchased a home. News of the tragedy was carried to the little family of widow and four children by neighbors and Mrs. Nichols is completely overcome and is under care of physicians. Besides his wife and children Nichols is survive by his parents at Kings Bridge, four brothers and five sisters.
The accident is the first fatality to occur in the plant of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Co. under present management. Several accidents have occurred in the yards and on boats but none of which claimed emloyes of the Dry Dock Co. Nichols was an expert in his line and was a trusted and valued employe. He was a nephew of Patrolman Edward Ladwig of the police department.
Funeral services will be held from the late home Sunday afternoon.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
HARRY NICKELS MEETS DEATH
Is Caught on a Rapidly Revolving Shaft and Torn to Pieces
Harry Nickels, one of the employes of the Dry Dock Co. is suddenly whirled into eternity while employed at his daily task at the shipyard.
Out of the quiet of the daily grind at the ship yard there came late yesterday, the awful tale of a soul hurled suddenly into eternity. There was no warning, no thought of danger, probably, on the part of the man who was killed, only the sudden grip of a whirling shaft as it seized its victim, whirled him with lightning speed around itself scattering the dismembered torn and bleeding parts of its victim in all directions, and then all was as it was before.
Not entirely as it had been because overhead, near the fatal shaft hung a leg and a part of the entrails, on the ground about lay parts of the body, a leg, the arms, the trunk cut diagonally in two and all about stood the horny handed sons of toil paralyzed into inaction by the horrors of a moment.
Harry Nickels was the victim and so badly was his body torn that it was gathered together in a basket. The head was cut in two, both arms and both legs were torn off, and all those who witnessed the accident saw at the time was flying parts of the body as they were hurled thru the air and bits of cloth and large pieces of clothing as they sailed about.
Harry Nickels, a carpenter, had just placed a pulley on the shaft in the loft of the machine shed at the ship yard and the accident happened as he was placing the belt onto the pulley. In some manner he slipped and was caught on the shaft and his body hurled around until it was entirely dismembered, and torn to shreds. Mr. Nichols was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only six months of age, who were dependent on his labor for their support.
Just how the accident happened is not known at this writing, at 9:30. This morning Dr. Falge, coroner, said that an inquest had not been decided on, he having been told by Mr. Christ Hendricks that in his opinion no inquest would be necessary as the man came to his death by an accident pure and simple. Hendricks also had talked with his wife, Nichols aunt, about the matter and she also had given it as her opinion that no inquest would be necessary.
Dr. Falge was then told that there is considerable talk about projecting set-screws and keys on the shafting in the machine shed and that an inquest should be held, if only to satisfy the people that there is no likelihood that the employing company was criminally negligent, or that the State Factory Inspector was negligent of his duty.
Dr. Falge, when called up later in the day said that a brother of the deceased had asked that no inquest be held as death was purely accidental and no blame could be attached to anyone. There were no projections on the shaft and the man was caught by his jumper becoming wrapped around the shaft, an accident against which no safeguard except caution on the part of the man himself could have safe guarded him.
Mr. West, when asked this afternoon, said that it was an accident pure and simple and that could not in any way have been avoided, but said that he could not give details of the accident as he was not present.
The shaft on which Nickels was caught is near the roof against which his body was hurled as it was whirled swiftly around the shaft.
The accident happened in the east end of the shed, immediately above the big roller on which the large sheets of steel are bent rolled to form.
The Daily Herald, Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
FELLOW WORKERS ESCORT BODY
Funeral For Harry Nichols One of Largest Ever Known in City
A funeral cortege more than six blocks in length followed the remains of Harry Nichols to their last resting place in Evergreen cemetery Sunday afternoon and hundreds of friends assembled at the Lutheran church to pay a tribute of respect to the dead and sympathy for the living. Fellow employes of the shipyards marched as escort to the body. Many beautiful floral offerings crowned the casket, among the number being a large anchor from fellow employes, a broken wheel from the Dry Dock Co. and many others. Rev. Machmiller spoke in both English and German. The funeral was one of the largest ever known in the city.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Monday, January 17, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
(Order to Hear Petition for Administration.)
STATE OF WISCONSIN, Manitowoc County Court, In Probate.
In the matter of the estate of Herman (sic) Nickels, Deceased, intestate.
On reading and filing the petition of Mary Nickels, of the city of Manitowoc, in said county, representing among other things that Herman Nickels, an inhabitant of said county, on the 12th day of January, A.D. 1910, at the city of died intestate, leaving estate to be administered, and that the said petitioner is the widow of said deceased, and praying that administration of said estate be to her, said Mary Nickels granted.
It is Ordered, that said petition be heard at a special term of said County Court to be held on Tuesday, the 12th day of September, A.D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A.M., at the office of the County Judge in the city of Manitowoc, in said county.
Ordered Further, that notice of the time and place so appointed, be given to all person interested, by publication hereof for three weeks successively, prior to said day of hearing, in the Manitowoc Pilot, a weekly newspaper published at the city of Manitowoc, in said County.
Dated at Manitowoc, the 15th day of August A.D. 1911.
By the Court,
John Chloupek, County Judge.
Hougen & Brady, Attys.
Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., August 31, 1911 P. 4
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
(1879 - 1910)
A FATAL ACCIDENT
Harry Nickels, an employee of the Dry Dock company, while at work in the plate room Wednesday afternoon, in some way got caught in the shafting and was instantly killed. The accident happened about 4 o'clock and was not seen by anyone. He was adjusting something on the machine when he got caught in the shafting and was dashed to eternity. He was formerly employed as a teamster by Plumb & Nelson.
Mr. Nickels leaves a wife and four children.
He was 32 years of age. The family reside on North 8th street.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
★☆♥══════════════♥★♥══════════════♥☆★
MAN IS GROUND TO BITS BODY IS TORN LIMB FROM LIMB
Harry Nichols Meets a Terrible Death At Dry Dock Shops
CAUGHT IN SHAFTING, WHIRLED TO DEATH
Caught by a belt which he was repairing, pulled onto the shafting to be whirled to instant death and his body ground to small bits was the terrible end which overtook Harry Nichols, an employe of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Company at the yards of the company late Wednesday afternoon, the accident being one of the most distressing in character ever occurring in the city. Nichols was killed instantly and his body was so torn and mangled as to be unrecognizable and only small particles could be recovered for burial. The accident occurred at 4 o'clock and so affected other workmen in the shops that it was necessary to close down for the day.
Nichols, with a fellow workman named Henrichs, was engaged in work upon the shafting and belts in the plate shops of the yards at the time of the terrible accident. Henrichs left his work to secure some more material, Nichols being on a step ladder at work on the shafting at the time, and when he returned to the scene a few minutes later it was to discover Nichols' body hanging in the shafting, badly mangled and entirely nude, every stitch of clothing having been torn from the body. As Henrichs approached the body feel from its position in the shafting to the floor at his feet.
Details as to the exact manner in which Nichols became caught in the shafting and lost his life will probably never be known as no one witnessed the accident. Nichols was on a step ladder working on the belt and shafting when Henrichs left him and it is supposed that his clothing became caught in the belt and he was drawn onto the shafting which was revolving at a speed of 120 revolutions a minute. Nichols' body was thrown against the ceiling and timbers of the shafting and literally torn limb from limb. The machinery is operated by electric motors and before Henrichs, who discovered the plight of Nichols, could stop the motor, the unfortunate man had been ground to bits.
Other men in the shop, of whom there were a number, heard no cry from Nichols and the first intimation they had of the tragedy was when one of Nichols' legs, torn from the body in the rapidly revolving shafting, was thrown across the floor at the feet of one of the men. Nichols must have been killed instantly, it is believed, and when the employes of the shops turned to go to his assistance, it was found that the body had fell from the shaft and the mangled form was on the floor. The sight was one which unnerved the workmen and at their request the shop was closed immediately after the accident for the day.
Nichols who was 35 years of age, was a carpenter by trade and had been employed by the Dry Dock Co. for two years. Formerly he was employed as a teamster of the Plumb & Nelson Co., leaving the company three years ago to engage in his trade. His parents reside near Kings Bridge and only recently his father, Henry Nichols suffered a severe injury, having both his hands frozen while on his way home from this city. Nichols' brother, George Nichols succeeded him in the position with the Plumb & Nelson Co. and is still employed by the company. The unfortunate man was industrious, bore an excellent reputation and had a wide circle of friends. When a boy his family resided in the city, on Huron street.
Married nine years ago to Miss Mary Blanek, of Antigo, in that city, Nichols, with his wife came here, and had since resided in the city. The family resided on North Eight street, near New York avenue, where Nichols had recently purchased a home. News of the tragedy was carried to the little family of widow and four children by neighbors and Mrs. Nichols is completely overcome and is under care of physicians. Besides his wife and children Nichols is survive by his parents at Kings Bridge, four brothers and five sisters.
The accident is the first fatality to occur in the plant of the Manitowoc Dry Dock Co. under present management. Several accidents have occurred in the yards and on boats but none of which claimed emloyes of the Dry Dock Co. Nichols was an expert in his line and was a trusted and valued employe. He was a nephew of Patrolman Edward Ladwig of the police department.
Funeral services will be held from the late home Sunday afternoon.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
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HARRY NICKELS MEETS DEATH
Is Caught on a Rapidly Revolving Shaft and Torn to Pieces
Harry Nickels, one of the employes of the Dry Dock Co. is suddenly whirled into eternity while employed at his daily task at the shipyard.
Out of the quiet of the daily grind at the ship yard there came late yesterday, the awful tale of a soul hurled suddenly into eternity. There was no warning, no thought of danger, probably, on the part of the man who was killed, only the sudden grip of a whirling shaft as it seized its victim, whirled him with lightning speed around itself scattering the dismembered torn and bleeding parts of its victim in all directions, and then all was as it was before.
Not entirely as it had been because overhead, near the fatal shaft hung a leg and a part of the entrails, on the ground about lay parts of the body, a leg, the arms, the trunk cut diagonally in two and all about stood the horny handed sons of toil paralyzed into inaction by the horrors of a moment.
Harry Nickels was the victim and so badly was his body torn that it was gathered together in a basket. The head was cut in two, both arms and both legs were torn off, and all those who witnessed the accident saw at the time was flying parts of the body as they were hurled thru the air and bits of cloth and large pieces of clothing as they sailed about.
Harry Nickels, a carpenter, had just placed a pulley on the shaft in the loft of the machine shed at the ship yard and the accident happened as he was placing the belt onto the pulley. In some manner he slipped and was caught on the shaft and his body hurled around until it was entirely dismembered, and torn to shreds. Mr. Nichols was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and four children, the youngest of whom is only six months of age, who were dependent on his labor for their support.
Just how the accident happened is not known at this writing, at 9:30. This morning Dr. Falge, coroner, said that an inquest had not been decided on, he having been told by Mr. Christ Hendricks that in his opinion no inquest would be necessary as the man came to his death by an accident pure and simple. Hendricks also had talked with his wife, Nichols aunt, about the matter and she also had given it as her opinion that no inquest would be necessary.
Dr. Falge was then told that there is considerable talk about projecting set-screws and keys on the shafting in the machine shed and that an inquest should be held, if only to satisfy the people that there is no likelihood that the employing company was criminally negligent, or that the State Factory Inspector was negligent of his duty.
Dr. Falge, when called up later in the day said that a brother of the deceased had asked that no inquest be held as death was purely accidental and no blame could be attached to anyone. There were no projections on the shaft and the man was caught by his jumper becoming wrapped around the shaft, an accident against which no safeguard except caution on the part of the man himself could have safe guarded him.
Mr. West, when asked this afternoon, said that it was an accident pure and simple and that could not in any way have been avoided, but said that he could not give details of the accident as he was not present.
The shaft on which Nickels was caught is near the roof against which his body was hurled as it was whirled swiftly around the shaft.
The accident happened in the east end of the shed, immediately above the big roller on which the large sheets of steel are bent rolled to form.
The Daily Herald, Manitowoc, Wis., Thursday, January 13, 1910
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FELLOW WORKERS ESCORT BODY
Funeral For Harry Nichols One of Largest Ever Known in City
A funeral cortege more than six blocks in length followed the remains of Harry Nichols to their last resting place in Evergreen cemetery Sunday afternoon and hundreds of friends assembled at the Lutheran church to pay a tribute of respect to the dead and sympathy for the living. Fellow employes of the shipyards marched as escort to the body. Many beautiful floral offerings crowned the casket, among the number being a large anchor from fellow employes, a broken wheel from the Dry Dock Co. and many others. Rev. Machmiller spoke in both English and German. The funeral was one of the largest ever known in the city.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wis., Monday, January 17, 1910
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(Order to Hear Petition for Administration.)
STATE OF WISCONSIN, Manitowoc County Court, In Probate.
In the matter of the estate of Herman (sic) Nickels, Deceased, intestate.
On reading and filing the petition of Mary Nickels, of the city of Manitowoc, in said county, representing among other things that Herman Nickels, an inhabitant of said county, on the 12th day of January, A.D. 1910, at the city of died intestate, leaving estate to be administered, and that the said petitioner is the widow of said deceased, and praying that administration of said estate be to her, said Mary Nickels granted.
It is Ordered, that said petition be heard at a special term of said County Court to be held on Tuesday, the 12th day of September, A.D. 1911, at 10 o'clock A.M., at the office of the County Judge in the city of Manitowoc, in said county.
Ordered Further, that notice of the time and place so appointed, be given to all person interested, by publication hereof for three weeks successively, prior to said day of hearing, in the Manitowoc Pilot, a weekly newspaper published at the city of Manitowoc, in said County.
Dated at Manitowoc, the 15th day of August A.D. 1911.
By the Court,
John Chloupek, County Judge.
Hougen & Brady, Attys.
Manitowoc Pilot, Wis., August 31, 1911 P. 4
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