Thomas Rigsbee Electrocuted While Working on Transformer on Halloway Street, June 18, 1919

From the Wilson Daily Times, Wednesday, June 18, 1919

Durham Man Is Electrocuted

By the Associated Press

Durham, N.C., June 17—Thomas Rigsbee, aged 28, employee of the Durham Traction Company, was electrocuted this afternoon when his hand came in contact with a live wire, while he was working on a transformer a mile out of the city on the lower end of Halloway street.

Dr. W.W. Olive of Durham was summoned immediately, and for 30 minutes or more the physician worked to revive the man, but it was impossible.

According to Earl Dameron, fellow workman, who was with Rigsbee when he met his death, Rigsbee had climbed the pole to check a transformer. He reached out his hand to catch a steel beam when his hand came into contact with one wire and his leg another. A complete circuit was formed and it is estimated that 2,300 volts passed through his body. He plunged to the ground. His left hand and side were badly burned.