Accident

Accidents were the leading cause of death in the CSI:D sample, and drowning was the leading cause of death among mortal accidents. There are myriad reasons why. Broad swaths of the American public did not know how to swim. Primary modes of transportation, especially early in the century, involved river routes. Mill ponds were prevalent. Children played outside—generally a good thing but occasionally a sad one. Perhaps the saddest of these incidents involved a mass May Day drowning at Boykin Mill Pond in 1860. Twenty-eight teenagers set off on a raft that hit a snag and more than twenty-five drowned, including all five children from one family. Sadder still may be the case of Noah Wesley Dawkins. In mid-June 1888, Dawkins and his friends, all African Americans, set off for a local watering hole where they ran into three white boys, one of whom offered Dawkins fifty cents if he would walk into a particular area in the creek, assuring him it wasn’t deep. It was deep, and Dawkins drowned. It is tempting to classify this as a homicide, but it is clear from testimony that the white children thought they were playing a cruel trick, not a deadly one.


In the South Carolina sample, which skews antebellum, the most common accident was a failure to learn how to swim.

Alcohol was such a critical indirect cause in so many of the accidental drownings, shootings, fires, and falls in CSI:D that it really ought to be regarded the deadliest force in nineteenth century South Carolina. In addition to these indirect roles, alcohol was the direct cause of accidental death in more than sixty cases. It was probably also a direct cause in many of the ‘exposure’ cases—bodies that were discovered outside and were thought to have died from exposure to the elements.

Nineteenth century law enforcement had no recourse to blood-alcohol tests. Even today, determining precise BACs postmortem, and working back from those to levels of inebriation at time of death, is fraught with difficulty. This meant that nineteenth-century coroners had to rely exclusively on witness testimony and the known habits of the deceased to determine alcohol’s role in producing death. Standing around a dead man, jurors found themselves passing judgment on just how drunk he had been the night before. According to witnesses, John Goodlett “seemed to be drunk.” John Agner was “sorry he was drunk.” Abe Waganan was “very funny & lively”—very drunk as [was] his custom.” Is ‘very drunk’ drop-dead drunk? It is hard to know. On the night of January 15, 1816, Angus McQueen drank more than half a gallon of spirits. “The dec’d was very much intoxicated,” noted one witness, “and fell down four times during which time he vomited upon the carpet.” Because McQueen kept getting up and falling down, the jurors determined that the falls (and the winter cold) contributed to his demise, though it is equally possible that McQueen died of alcohol poisoning. Juries were more likely to fix upon ‘intemperance’ as a clear cause of death if the deceased was a notorious addict. In December 1842, H. P. Church was discovered by his land-lady sprawled half on and half off of his bed. A “habitual drunkard” who had been continuously drinking for two weeks, she did not even bother to try and shake him awake. The inquest did not hesitate in finding that Church had died of intoxication.

The third leading cause of accidental deaths were ‘vehicular’ accidents, a catch-all category that includes drunken falls from a train and sober buckings from a horse. Further complicating this picture is the fact that many of the drownings probably belong in this category. There is little difference between falling unwitnessed off of a train and off of a boat, except that in one case you land on tracks and are quickly found where in the other you wash downstream, far from the site of the accident.

Bartholomew Darby was thrown from the saddle and hit his head on a stump, his wagon then “running over his head ... & breaking his neck & deeply cutting him under the right ear.” Steve Yeldell fell out of his cart and broke his neck.

All such accidents pale in comparison to the staggering mortality brought to South Carolina by train. Richard Springs was “run over by a train.” Fannie Ford was “run over by a train.”A slave named Sam was “Run over by [a] train.” Almost as soon as trains arrived in these counties, there were sots to fall off of them, laborers to be crushed by them, and depressives to jump in front of them. Indeed, it is hard to imagine a technological innovation responsible for a sharper uptick in the per capita death rate. It is also clear that coroners and inquest juries were unprepared for the level of bodily violence meted out by train. The body of a slave named Berry was “very much mashed and limbs and bones severed.” William Abbott’s body was “mangled, bruised, cut and crushed.” Even so coroners and their juries were often at pains to absolve the railroad itself of any wrong-doing. Hosea Jackson “came to his death by his own carelessness and from no carelessness whatever on the part of the engineer.” The crushing of William Roberts was likewise “not caused by any dereliction of duty on the part of the rail-road employees.” With train accidents we see for the first time the question of corporate responsibility, and potential corporate liability, creeping into the inquest process.

The larger point, however, is a physical one. Moving the body at a faster speed than the body was designed to go is an enormous convenience that has to be paid for. Today vehicular accidents (car, motorcycle, and all-terrain-vehicle) are the fourth-leading cause of death among Americans after heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The nineteenth century was not particularly different, except that families moved by horse, wagon, and train—and died less often of cancer.

Fourteen-year old George Nettles sought to break up the dogs by bashing one of them with the butt of his gun. Instead the gun discharged into Spradley’s face.

The fourth leading cause of accidental death in the CSI:D sample involved the discharge of firearms. Some were simple cases of men who were cleaning or handling weapons that suddenly went off. The vast majority of cases, however, involve an unfortunate bystander. In 1849, Tilman Attaway was mistaken for a turkey by his hunting buddy. In 1808, James Spradley was leaning in to watch two dogs fight over a dead deer. Fourteen-year old George Nettles sought to break up the dogs by bashing one of them with the butt of his gun. Instead the gun discharged into Spradley’s face. As this case attests, guns and children made as disastrous a pairing then as they do now. In 1820 ten-year old Mancel King accidentally shot and killed his brother. In 1899 ten-year old John McManus shot and killed his friend. “I was fooling with the pistol and it went off,” he told the inquest.

Undoubtedly some of these gun-related ‘accidents’ were not accidents at all. A dead man alone in a room might have been cleaning his gun, or he might have harbored hidden miseries. Similarly some of the accidental misfires on bystanders were probably intentional homicides. Unless new evidence emerges at this late date, however, such cases will have to remain categorized as accidents.

The fifth leading cause of death by accident in the CSI:D sample was death by suffocation—another category that speaks more to what a coroner was called to investigate than to what people actually died from. A majority of the ‘smothering’ deaths were probably SIDS victims. In white households such cases would not have been investigated—infant mortality was relatively high in the period and a white family’s ‘dear pledges’ were often ‘recalled to God.’ But in a society where every enslaved child was as potentially valuable as a Lexus, infant death in the quarter was more rigorously investigated. Coupled with deep prejudices against enslaved mothers, inquests typically found that an unnamed “negro Child” was “negligently Smothered” by its mother, or that the enslaved child Lora was “accidentally smothered” in the family bed, or that the enslaved children Henry and Alcy were crushed in the night, having being “overlaid” by their parents. It is possible that such ‘negligence’ did occur among overworked and overtired slaves, and such findings were far preferable to those cases where enslaved parents were charged with infanticide.

The sixth leading cause of death by accident in the CSI:D sample was death by fire. Most homes in the period were made of wood. Most had fireplaces. None had a fire extinguisher. Fire was light and life, but it was also occasionally death. In 1866 a freedman named Sloan was burnt to death in a gin house. In 1890 a child named Julia Hightower wandered too close to the family fireplace. Her younger sister tried to dowse her with water to no avail.

These six types of accidental death—drowning, alcohol abuse, transportation mishaps, gun miscues, suffocations, and fires—account for 75% of the accidental deaths in the CSI:D sample. Other relatively common accidents involved falling trees and limbs, industrial accidents, and poisonings and overdoses. Rounding out the sample were accidents that were more unique. Home alone, Medora Williams had an epileptic seizure and fell into her own fireplace. Traveling with the Bailey & Company circus, George West was gored by his own elephant. (Some might not consider this an ‘accident’ since the elephant had ‘cause’; and acted with ‘intent.’)

NEXT: Natural Causes

 

Accident Inquests

Displaying 201 - 250 of 1096
Name Deceased Description Date Inquest Location Death Methodsort ascending Inquest Finding
James Gregory August 28, 1880 at Geo. W. Turner's, Spartanburg County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that James Gregory came to his death by the fall from his Horse caused by the Horse falling down near George W. Hurner's farm

Starling Kingsland single man November 15, 1810 Union County, SC horse

do upon their oaths . . .that the above Starling Kingston Came to his Death by [?] a fall from his horse

John Vandiver March 28, 1845 at residence of Daniel Gentry, Anderson County, SC horse

do say that the Deceased came to his death by accidentaly falling from his horse which produced an extensive fracture of skull about an inch and a half above the year [ear] on the left side and copious affusion on the same side within the cranium thereby producing fatal compressions of the brain.

Wilson Stanley December 19, 1853 at Peter Gosnels[?], Greenville County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the said Wilson B. Stanley came to his death by a fall from his horse into the branch [?] the road near Hodges Mills

William Butler stage driver August 2, 1842 at the house of Joseph Hughes, Union County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say . . .do believe the said William Butler did come to his death by a fall from his seat on the back which he was driving near the dwelling house of Joseph Hughs . . .by misfortune or accident

Jeremiah Morgan January 12, 1881 at or near the residence of, Spartanburg County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the said Jerry Morgan came to his death ... by a fall from his horse

John Scott May 10, 1851 at Vaucluse[?] Factory, Edgefield County, SC horse

came to his death by being accidentally thrown from his horse

Edward Whitt March 1, 1846 near John Baurman's, Anderson County, SC horse

do say from the evidence and circumstances that they believe he came to his death by an accidental fall from his horse which dislocated his neck joint and they suppose he was intoxicated.

Edward Simpson January 9, 1836 at William Simpson's, Spartanburg County, SC horse

do say uppon [sic] there [sic] oaths that he was riding a horse at full speed. . .on the wagon road [and[ was thrown against a tree which gave him one mortal wound from his hip on the right side extruding to his shoulder on the same right side

Louisa Jane Low minor child November 3, 1842 Union County, SC horse

the Decd came to her death . . .by accidently falling from a horse

Thomas Robinson December 23, 1847 at the house of William Clyburn, Kershaw County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the deceased Thos. Robinson came to his death by a fall from his horse

William Arledge December 1, 1813 near Sander's[?] Creek, Kershaw County, SC horse

do say upon their oaths that they found William Arledge . . . lying . . . in the middle of the road and upon examination believe his neck to be broken and from other marks and evidence suppose it arose from his having fallen from his horse

Sherod Holms October 10, 1884 at Sherod Holms House, Edgefield County, SC horse

upon there oaths do say that the deceased Mr S Homs Came to his death by accidentally by Mr Eddie Talbert horse knocking down Mr S Holms horse

William Clifton March 4, 1838 at the house of the Deceasd of Will Clifton, Union County, SC horse

do say upon their oaths. . . that he died by the Visitation of god by being thrown by his horse

William Penny March 5, 1839 at Mr. Thomas A. Rabbs, Fairfield County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that from all testimony and Every Circumstance Connected therewith they are of the opinion that the deceased came to his death on the public high way by a fall from his horse

Joseph Jay October 4, 1860 at Joseph Jays, Edgefield County, SC horse

upon there oaths do say the deceased was seized with a fainting fitt and in that condition fell from the horse

Ben Culbreath July 24, 1895 at Jno A Corleys plantation, Edgefield County, SC horse

Upon their oaths do say, That he died from the rupture of the left auricle of the heart. . .caused from a tussel with a young horse

William Lindsey January 10, 1840 at Isaac Lindsey's, Spartanburg County, SC horse

that Wm. Lindsey came to his death by a fall from a horse

Pickens M. Brown February 10, 1882 at Cheraw, Chesterfield County, SC horse

upon their oaths do Say, that the said Pickens M. Brown came to his death by injuries received, from being accidently thrown from a horse while running a race near Cheraw, Chesterfield Co. S.C. February 9th 1882.

Lewis Glanton September 8, 1846 near the church of Antioch, Edgefield County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the said Lewis Glanton came to his death by being thrown from his horse against a pine tree in a small[?] near Scotts road

Auson Peeler July 25, 1868 near Kalmia[?] Mills, Edgefield County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the deceased came to his death by an accidental fall from his horse

William Bonner Jr. August 20, 1832 at the house late the Residence of William Bonner Jr., Fairfield County, SC horse

do say upon their oaths, that according to the evidence adduced to them they believe, that on the vening of the 11th day of August instant, in sight, of the said Williams House, the said William Bonner Jr. came to his death by his Horse running against a tree. The Gig in which he was being suddenly stopped therewith, and he either against the tree or by a kick from his horse as he fell from his Gig or afterwards, they cannot tell how, received a mortal wound on his head thereby breaking his scull, which cause his death about ten hours afterward, without violence of any kind from the hand of man.

Wilson Harris February 12, 1876 at Gaffney City, Spartanburg County, SC horse

upon their oaths do say that the said Wilson Harris came to his death by accident caused by being run over or against by a horse ridden by John W. Wright in a race being run on the old race track at Gaffney City ... said accident being caused by his (the deceased's) own carelessness

Nicholas Lowery December 28, 1820 on the Ridge Road near John Lowrey's, Kershaw County, SC horse

do say upon their oaths that the aforesaid Nicholas Lowrey came to his death by being run against a tree by the Horse he rode

Joseph Mulligan February 27, 1835 below Doct[?] Dogans[?] near the branch near this Village, Union County, SC freezing

do say upon their oaths that the said Joseph Mulligan . . .died by the visitation of God by freezing

George Watts December 2, 1811 Kershaw County, SC ferry

[do say] the said George Watts came to his death . . .by falling out of the flat of Camden Ferry. . . on the evening of Friday, the twenty-second day of November last past while intoxicated

George West August 26, 1855 at the plantation of William Jesse Taylor, Kershaw County, SC elephant

do say that the aforesaid George West came to his death by wounds inflicted by the tusks of an Elephant

Berry slave October 8, 1859 near the Residence of Richard Hay on the Greenville & Columbia Railroad, Greenville County, SC cart

upon their oaths say, that the boy Berry a slave . . . came to his death from injuries received from the cart[?] of the down train . . . the cart[?] in their opinion having passed over his body

Steve Yeldell October 28, 1894 at Edgefield, Edgefield County, SC cart

upon their oaths do say that the said Steve Yeldell came to his death by accidently falling out of his cart and breaking his neck

Andrew Hunter August 26, 1827 Kershaw County, SC cart

do say upon their oaths that he was going from mill and his cart wheel struck on a shim and overset and caught him under the cart. . . on his right shoulder and across his neck and the fore gate across his right arm about the elbow

Balus Harrison November 14, 1893 at Edgefield CH, Edgefield County, SC cart

upon their oaths do say that the said Balus Harris aforesaid came to his death by an accident by being kicked by a horse from a cart in which he was sitting there by breaking his neck

J. B. Benson June 21, 1857 at John Benson's, Greenville County, SC cart

upon their oaths do say the said John B Benson came to his death by the running away of a yoke of oxen and the wheel of the cart running[?] over the head

Betty Jo Edgeworth February 18, 1948 at Pageland, S.C., Chesterfield County, SC bus

upon their oaths do say that Betty Jo Edgeworth received in Chesterfield County a mortal wound by a tree falling on school Bus. . . & recommend that Mr. Jessie McManus & crew be held not responsible -- Unavoidable

Bare Sikes November 24, 1943 at Pageland, Chesterfield County, SC bus

upon their oaths do say that Bare Sikes received in Chesterfield County a mortal wound by Green City Bus in the hands of H. M. Smith, driver

Maston Quick January 17, 1883 at Cheraw, Chesterfield County, SC buggy

upon there oaths do Say That the Said Maston Quick came to his death came to his death by being thrown from his Buggy while his Horse was Running away from Market street in the Town of Chereaw S. C.

W. H. Gordon March 5, 1855 at the house of Alex.r Hampton, Horry County, SC buggy

upon their Oaths do say. That by an unjury caused by a fall from his Buggy on the side of the road

John Seigler February 13, 1856 at J.H. Christians, Edgefield County, SC buggy

upon their oaths do say, that John Seigler came to his death by fall or jump, from his buggy, while his horse was running away

Oliver Neely March 5, 1821 at Thomas Hughs Senors[?], Union County, SC boat

came to his death by act of God

slave slave March 12, 1824 on the river bank at the plantation of Edward Brevard, Kershaw County, SC boat

do say upon their oaths that the said Negro man came to his death by (as we suppose) from the evidence profused the falling out of a Batteaux accidently and drowning

Gilbert Grissett December 20, 1867 at Snow Hill, Horry County, SC boat

upon there oaths do Say. That he the Said Grissett came to his death on the 20.th day of December A. D. 1867 by accidental drowning

Louisa slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

Dave negro man Slave March 16, 1849 at Kilcrease's Ferry, Edgefield County, SC boat

Upon their Oaths do say, that the said Dave came to his death by being drowned. . .by accidently falling out of a boat used for carrying and other produce to Market

Simon slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

Ellen slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

Liz slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

Peter slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

James Walters October 21, 1947 at Cheraw, Chesterfield County, SC boat

Came to his death by accidental drowning

Betsey slaves March 4, 1860 at the mill Pond of W. Glover on mill Creek, Edgefield County, SC boat

upon there oaths do say that the said Peter Betty Liz Ellen Louisa and Simon came to there deaths. . .by the accidental sinking of a battoe which they were in by which they there were drowned

Tom slave, boy February 5, 1861 brawd River Makes[?] Mill, Union County, SC boat

have come to the decision that the boy with others was washed from a small boat in the early part of the night of the fouth in attempting to cross the river . . .got gast[?] in a [?] trap and perished from cold

Will Williams July 8, 1907 at H. M. Spencers, Chesterfield County, SC boat

upon their oaths, do say: Wil Williams came to his Death By strangltion

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