Tragic Death of Fred Prosser - July 16 1897 Vol VI #29, Fairfield News-Herald, pg 5

At about 5 o'clock Monday evening by some unaccountable means Fred Prosser, an employee of the railroad, fell into the large scale hopper of the west elevator from which they were loading a car of corn and when found half hour later was completely buried except the tips of his hands. So great was the pressure of the corn that the bottom had to be knocked out of the hopper to let the corn out before he could be rescued, his feet having got down to the funnel and stopped the flow of corn through its proper channel. He went to the elevator to seal the loaded cars, and is presumed he climbed to the top of the hopper and accidentally fell in. The noise and groaning was heard by Mr. Woodon but could not be located for some time, and it was only after a thorough search he was discovered. When taken out life was extinct. No blame can be attached anyone, as the death was in every appearance accidental. The funeral occurred Wednesday morning, and this body taken to Edgar for interment. The family have the sympathy of the entire community in their severe trouble.