Working at the mill was difficult and dangerous work.
On September 6th, 1834, The Southern Banner reported a serious accident at the mill. According to the newspaper, Mr. McDonald, “an elderly man in low circumstances” had his hand “torn off at the wrist” while attempting to remove loose cotton from a machine. The newspaper let their readers know that he would be “worthy of kindness.”
Though the paper reported on few accidents, workers did discuss their work as dangerous and uncomfortable. Writing to the newspaper in December 1914, young workers described their working conditions. Ben Boles, a 5th grader wrote that his work was risky “if you are not careful.”
And his 4th grade classmate Oscar Cannell, let us know that the mill was cold.
