Bio: Vogel, Tom (Killed in Creamery Explosion – 14 Feb 1919)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Jenks, Vogel

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 2/20/1919

Vogel, Tom (Killed in Creamery Explosion – 14 Feb 1919)

Early Friday morning a terrible accident occurred at the creamery at Loyal and the victims were Art Jenks and Tom Vogel. About 6 o’clock Friday morning, Jenks, the owner of the creamery, attempted to fill the boiler with water, being assisted by Vogel. It is very evident that the boiler was nearly empty and when the cold water was turned into the hot boiler, it exploded with terrific force.

Jenks was blown completely out of the building and across a fence into the yard of his home adjoining the creamery. He was terribly mangled and instantly killed. Vogel was found beneath the brick and debris of the boiler and was hurried to the Marshfield Hospital, but died before arrival there. Portions of the boiler and building were blown a distance of 500 feet and it is said that the force of the explosions was felt all over the village.

Both Jenks and Vogel were married men and leave families. Jenks owned the creamery and Vogel was employed there. It was a sad accident and one which has cast a pall of gloom over the entire village of Loyal.