It shows his death under "gas Explosion"
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A Gas Explosion
R. S. Cotton Instantly Killed and Clarence A. Morris Badly Burned.
A Frightful accident Sunday in Shaft No. 5 at Grape Creek. R.S. Cotton
was a fireman. Muddy water was coming though and he went the pump
to see what was the matter. Then he went to the entry, and upon
opening the door the gas exploded, killing him instantly crushing him to
almost jelly. He leaves a wife and three children in destitute
circumstances. He was a sober, industrious man, respected by all that
knew him. His funeral services took place from the Valley School House
Monday morning at 11o’clock. Rev Cotton officiated.
Clarence A Morris accompanied Mr. Cotton to see if he could go to
work this morning. The flames struck him about the waist and burned
his body badly. He is not hurt internally and will probably recover. Mr.
Morris is a young married man, and in his untimely affliction has the
sympathy of the community.
The explosion was of such terrific force that the hinges to the trap door
were blown off. Cars demolished and axles of the same twisted in all
shapes and the cage blown to pieces.
This is the first known instance of the forming and explosion of gas in a
(not sure of the word) coal mine. Such explosions have been of
frequent occurrence, however, in the (not sure of the word) elite coal
regions.