A Can of Powder
Columbus Bruce Fatally Injured by Explosion
Was Opening Can With Pocket Knife
Louis Gilreath Painfully But Not Seriously Hurt.

The igniting of a can of blasting powder at the iron mine of the Etowah Development Company, four miles from the city, on the Etowah river, last Thursday, caused the death of one man and the severe burning of another.

Columbus Bruce was opening a can of powder with a pocket knife, when the powder in some unknown way ignited and with a great flash and a volume of smoke and flame enveloped Bruce.  His clothing was instantly a solid flame. He immediately ran to a pond of water near by and completely immersed himself, extinguishing entirely the flames in which he was wrapped.  Though his flesh had burned badly wherever exposed and ugly raw places were left about his face and body, he seemed to be all right and likely to stand his injuries.  He took charge of his engine on the little branch road and came in to Cartersville, his home.  It was not long before he took a turn for the worse and had to take his bed.  He died on Friday.

Louis Gilreath, who stood near Bruce at the time of the accident, himself became a victim, receiving burns about the face and arms.  These proved quite painful, but with proper care, are now healing and no serious results were at any time feared in this case.  Bruce was a faithful employee of the Etowah Development Company and was popular with his fellow workmen.  He was a native of Bartow county, being raised in the Stamp Creek community.  He leaves a wife and four children.  Four brothers also survive him.

The funeral took place Saturday, the interment being at Stamp Creek church.