BUCHANAN, Andrew F. “Andy”
Date of death: 9 Jan 1920 Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Source: Franklin Evening Star, Friday, January 9, 1920, page 1
LINEMAN ELECTROCUTED
––––––
Andy Buchanan Killed While Re-
pairing Telephone Wire.
Andrew Buchanan was electrocuted this morning about 9:45 o’clock while repairing a telephone wire leading to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house on North Forsythe street. Buchanan, who is familiarly known as “Andy”, was on a pole and was working with George Ferrell, wire chief for the telephone company. While splicing a phone wire, “Andy” apparently allowed the wire to slack back enough to touch a primary light wire which extends down Forsythe street. A direct contact was formed and 2300 volts of electricity shot though Buchanan’s body, killing him instantly.
“Andy didn’t say a word,” George Ferrell said in telling of the accident. “I heard a peculiar grunt and looked up. Andy was doubling back and I realized he had tied up to the ‘hot stuff’. I climbed up the pole and tried to get him loose from the wires but am sure he was dead even before I started up the pole.”
Farrell called for help and someone telephoned the Drs. Province. They arrived before Buchanan was gotten off the pole but he was dead. The doctors believe death came instantly.
The body was taken down from the pole by use of ropes and carried into the home of O. I. Demaree, where it remained until the coroner was summoned. Mr. and Mrs. Demaree extended every possible courtesy to the Buchanan family while Mr. Buchanan’s body was at their home.
Buchanan was an experienced lineman. He had been employed by the Interstate Traction company for several years and understood “hot stuff,” the term used by linemen for high voltage wires. He resigned his job with the traction company just last week to accept work with the Franklin Telephone company who secured him because of his experience in handling high voltage lines. He began working for the telephone company only Thursday.
Electric light and power lines were cut off at the plant immediately following the accident and service was off during most of the day in order that all wires which had been broken by the snow and sleet could be repaired in safety.
Mr. Buchanan was thirty years old. He was born in Virginia, Nov. 18. 1889 and with his mother, Mrs. Mary Buchanan, moved here several years ago. His father died in Virginia and Mrs. Buchanan has made her home with her son. Mr. Buchanan was married to Hazel Sosby, of Franklin, Oct 24, 1914. Besides his mother he is survived by his wife and two small daughters, Wilma, four years and Gertrude, two years old. Four brothers, Joseph and Homer of Franklin, Walter of Indianapolis and William of Washington, Va., and four sisters, Mrs. Salla Caldwell of Virginia; Mrs. Julia Wilson of Toledo; Mrs. Laura Hutton of Columbus and Mrs. Bessie Mullinix of Franklin also survive. The funeral services will be held at the North Baptist church at 10:30 o’clock Monday morning. Burial will be at Greenlawn.
Mr. Buchanan was protected by liability insurance carried by the Franklin Telephone company and his family will receive the benefit of this insurance.
Fred Borgstead, lineman for the Franklin light company, was almost overcome when he heard of the death of Andy Buchanan this morning. He had repaired the high voltage wire that caused the death of his friend just five minutes previous to the accident. In addition to being very close friends, Mr. Borgstead had taught line work to Buchanan and they had worked together for several years. Having faced danger so often together the accident came just a little closer to him than any other person outside the family of the victim.
Franklin Evening Star, Saturday, January 10, 1920, page 1
Funeral of Andy Buchanan.
Funeral services for Andy Buchanan who was electrocuted while repairing a telephone wire Friday morning, will be held at the North Baptist church Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock. The Red Men’s lodge of which Mr. Buchanan was an esteemed member will have full charge of the services.
Franklin Evening Star, Saturday, January 10, 1920, page 1
Notice to Red Men.
Red Men are notified that this lodge will have complete charge of the funeral services of Brother Andrew Buchanan, which will be held at the North Baptist church Monday morning at 10:30 o’clock. All brothers are requested to meet at the lodge hall promptly at 9:30 o’clock.
John R. Hoop, Sachem.
Link to Andrew F. “Andy” Buchanan’s grave
Submitted by Lois Johnson