The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
July 16, 1941
Page 1
Column 4Clay Reuck Instantly
Killed When Dynamite
Explodes at QuarryClay Reuck, 46, of Middle Creek was instantly killed Tuesday morning, July 14, about noon by a premature discharge of dynamite while working in the Tilghman Johnson quarry in St. Mary township. He was preparing the dynamite for use when it exploded from an unknown cause.
The crew of workmen had gone out of the pit to eat their lunch. Mr. Reuck was the last to leave and was preparing to join the others above ground when the charge of dynamite, located perhaps 150 feet away, exploded. The blast threw him across the excavation together with a mass of rocks, large and small, and the men found his lifeless body against the opposite wall in the midst of this debris.
Mr. Reuck is survived by his widow, and four children, Alden, who is married and lives in Keokuk; Rolland, Bobby and Irene. His mother, Mrs. Wm. Reuck also survives.
The body is at The Elms, where an inquest was conducted Tuesday at 1 p. m. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Oak Grove church.
The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
July 23, 1941
Page 8
Column 2LAST RITES HELD
FOR WILLIAM CLAY
REUCK THURSDAYWilliam Clay Reuck, only son of William (deceased) and Emma Thompson Reuck was born in Carthage township, September 28, 1894 and passed away July 15, 1941.
His only sister, Mrs. Edna Long preceded him in death eight years ago.
He was united in marriage to Miss Belva Mosley on September 28, 1914. To this union four children were born: Alden, Keokuk, Iowa, Rollin, Irene, and Robert at home. He lived his short span of life entirely in this community. It was the pleasure of the writer of this sketch to have been acquainted with Clay from his young boyhood up to and including the brief period of his manhood. The two occupied towards each other the respective capacities of teacher and pupil and if there is any one situated favorably to know the qualities of the rising generation with any degree of accuracy that one is the school teacher.
He was a bright and obedient pupil in school and always kind to his playmates. A trite saying "The boy is the man of smaller growth." Clay possessed a very quite disposition. His life was centered in his home. His happiest moments were with his wife, children and loving mother. He was an honest man and obliging neighbor. He never affiliated himself with any church but was a believer in God, often quoting passages of scripture in a conversation. He will be sadly missed.
His removal form this earth is one of the mysteries of this life. To his bereaved wife, children and grief stricken mother, a sympathizing friend would sincerely say, "I sorrow with you and wish for you all, every consolation that earthly friends may bring you and that resignation and peace possible only to Him who giveth and who taketh away.
The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at Oak Grove church with Rev. Wayne Newcum of the Carthage Christian church in charge. Wilford Nelson sang "In the Garden" and "Sometime We'll Understand" accompanied by Miss Dorothy Brierton. Burial was at Oak Grove cemetery. Pallbearers were Dexter Murphy, Vernon Smith, Lee Schumate, Merlin Smith, Cecil Smith, and Paul Powell.
Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisAE 1941
Page 24Clay Reuck Instantly Killed Tuesday
At Tighlman Johnson Rock QuarryMiddlecreek Farmer Killed Tuesday
When Dynamite Explodes At
Rock Quarry Near HereClay Reuck, 46, of Middle Creek was instantly killed on Tuesday morning, July 15, about noon by a premature discharge of dynamite while working in the Tilghman Johnson quarry in St. Marys township located west of Plymouth in the Providence neighborhood. He was preparing dynamite for use when it exploded from an unknown cause.
The crew of workmen had gone out of the pit to eat their lunch. Mr. Reuck was the last to leave and was preparing to join the others above ground when the charge of dynamite, located perhaps 150 feet away, exploded. The blast threw him across the excavation together with a mass of rocks, large and small, and the men found his lifeless body against the opposite wall in the midst of this debris.
Mr. Reuck is survived by his widow, the former Miss Belva Mosley, and four children, Alden, who is married and lives in Keokuk; Rolland, Bobby and Irene. His mother, Mrs. Wm. Reuck also survives. Rolland, better known as "Rusty" is employed by Frank Alexander and is especially well-known in Plymouth and nearby communities.
The body is at the Elms in Carthage. An inquest was conducted Tuesday at 1 p. m. Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Oak Grove church, located northwest of Plymouth.
Mr. Reuck was highly regarded by a host of friends in his home community and throughout various sections of Hancock county. News of his tragic death came as a distinct shock to everyone and it is a source of deep sorrow to his devoted family, a host of friends, his fellow workmen and employer. The Johnson quarry has been operated in recent years, this being the first accident or casualty of any consequence. It is some few miles west and north of the St. Marys township quarry.
Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisLawton 6
Page 7
Column 3Tri-County Scribe Files
July 17, 1941Clay Reuck, 46, of Middle Creek was instantly killed on Tuesday morning, July 15, about noon by a premature discharge of dynamite while working in the Tilgham Johnson quarry in St. Marys Township located west of Plymouth in the Providence neighborhood.
Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisLawton 6
Page 95
Column 2The Tri-County Scribe Files
July 17,1941Clay Reuck, 46, of Middle Creek, was instantly killed on Tuesday morning, July 15, about noon by a premature discharge of dynamite while working in the Tilghman Johnson quarry in St. Marys township located west of Plymouth in the Providence neighborhood. He was preparing dynamite for use when it exploded from an unknown cause.
