Burton Henry Matthews
Paris Post, Friday, 10 September 1909, page 1
FATAL ACCIDENT
A shocking accident took place at Liberty last Friday morning in
which Burton Matthews lost his life. He was driving the team for a hay ricker
and was walking near one of the horses. Suddenly the iron clip flew off of the
end of one of the singletrees and struck the boy with great force in the back of
the head. He fell to the ground and expired in a few minutes.
No one saw the accident although a workman at a distance saw him fall. It was a most peculiar accident and but for the fact that the impression of the clip was found on the back of the head, the cause of his death would have remained a mystery, as it seemed almost impossible that the tug holder would fly off with such force as to inflict such fatal injuries.
The funeral service was held in Liberty meeting house Saturday, Bishop Austin presiding. the speakers were Presidents Joseph R Shepherd and William L Rich, Bishop Austin and Elder David R Morgan all of whom spoke consolingly to the bereaved relatives.
Burton Matthews was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W Matthews, old time residents of Liberty. He was aged seven years and was a bright and lovable little fellow. His parents have had other bereavements in recent years and this added shock has prostrated them with grief.