Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

Melancholy Occurrence--on Monday evening last, a truly melancholy and fatal accident occurred in this place: the circumstances of which are these: Preparations had been made for celebrating the coming anniversary, with every testimonial of joy, which the occasion was calculated to produce. As there was no piece of artillery in the vicinity, it was thought advisable to manufacture something for the occasion, which should serve as a substitute. Accordingly, about 75 pounds of bar iron was procured, and several blacksmiths employed, to forge a swivel. When finished, it was loaded, and taken out with a view to try its strength. On the second discharge, it burst, and the fragments flew in every direction, one of which hit Capt. WILLIAM LEVY, (who had touched the match) near the hip joint, and shattered it in a most shocking manner; his thigh bone was also broken about four inches below--beside which he was inwardly very badly hurt, so as to cause his death about 8 hours after the explosion. He was 28 years of age, and has left a disconsolate widow, to whom he had married about eight months, and a train of relatives and friends, to deplore his unhappy fate. On the following day, at five o'clock, his remains were conveyed to the narrow mansion appointed to all the living, accompanied by his masonic brethren, and followed by the members of the company whose commander he was, and a numerous train of sympathising friends.--Olive Branch