Joe Ellis Electrocuted at Acid Plant, July 25, 1924

Isabella Young Man Electrocuted While at Work in Plant

Isabella, Tenn., July 16—One of the saddest times our town has ever experienced was Friday evening of last week July 11th when word was spread over the town and community Joe Ellis had suddenly come to his death by an electric wire where he was employed in D.S.C. & L. Co., acid plant.

Mr. Ellis was thought to have been gone too long from the presence of other employees when a search was made by Mr. Willie McGee, who found him dead where he was finishing up his work and it’s supposed that while cleaning up he went to remove a wire that was down in his way. He was suddenly killed and the current still being on had almost roasted his body.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thad Ellis of Stuart Town, his father being dead for some years left him the only boy at home and his mother’s only help, he was the jewel of her heart and one of the best known and most respected citizens of his town. He was about the age of 22 and had been a member of the Baptist church for 10 years and also a member in good standing of the Junior Order.

Besides a host of friends, he is survived by his mother, three brothers and two sisters as follows: Horace, Luther and Elmer and Miss Virgie Ellis and Mrs. Hattie Loudermilk. His remains was carried to the Hopewell church by a large number of friends and Junior Order where funeral services were held. Rev. W.A. Revis of Copperhill conducted the service.

After which his body was quietly laid to rest by the Junior Order. There was quite a number of people present in spite of the hard showers of rain that fell all the morning. There were said to have been the largest number of cars present that had ever been on such an occasion at Hopewell.

The floral offering that was presented was especially noticeable and especially those of the good men and boys in the plant. Their beautiful wreath of flowers showed their token of friendship. The mother and entire family are heart broken and have the sympathy of the community.

From the front page of The Cherokee Scout, July 25, 1924:

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83004710/1924-07-25/ed-1/seq-1/#words=July+25%2C+1924