Marion Esther Stevenson

Other Events:

• Name: Marion Esther McKnight
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-182129
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Marion married Cecil Seymour McKnight 4 May 1935, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Cecil (son of John James McKnight and Grace Catherine Rossell) was born 9 Sep 1915, Rockton, Beverly Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; died 21 Jun 1995, St. Catharines, Welland, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

1. David McKnight was born 1936; died 17 Jan 2023, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

Other Events:

• Military: WW1 - 242nd Battalion of Forestry
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-182112
• Occupation: 1916, Verdun, Ile de Montreal, Quebec; stableman
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1930, 440 Courtland Ave., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Heavy Quality Of Gas May Have Been Cause Of Disaster

City Engineer Shupe At Lose To Account For Horrible Accident In Which Three Men Lost Lives; Gas Was Hydrogen Sulphide

TANK IN OPERATION SINCE 1901 WITHOUT ACCIDENT

While theories and suppositions appear to be abundant,an official expression of opinion as to the cause of the disaster at the Mill street sewer farm yesterday was not available today. Three men lost their lives in the tragedy as vaporous sewer gas, deadly in its action, seeped into one of the four large tanks where men were engaged in cleaning operations.

The gas, commonly known as sewer gas, is technically known as hydrogen sulphide, or as it is known to chemistry students by its symbols, H2S. It is particularly repellent to the nostrils and is usually swift and effective in reaction.

A certain amount of this gas is found in sewers. City Engineer Shupe stated today, altho it is unusual that it should be present in sufficient quantities to asphyxiate men so quickly.

Asked for his opinion as to the cause of the disaster, Mr. Shupe said that he finds it difficult to explain. He believes, however, that the gas, heavier than air, collected in the bottom of the tank and
gradually ove rcame the workmen. The fact that it is heavier than air would permit it to collect in the cavity particularly in view of the humid nature of the air.

He also believes that the absence of a breeze outside may have permitted the formation of this "gas pocket" in which the three lives were lost. The lid was off the tank and had a stir been present in the air, the heavy gas cloud might have been dispelled.

The tank in which the triple fatality occurred has done service since 1901 and this is the first mishap of its kind to occur in connection with this piece of equipment. Afterall these years, the engineer stated, the fatalities occurred with a new sewage disposal system in course of preparation. The tank was one of rather an ancient vintage which had to be cleaned by hand. In tanks on the new sewer property, the cleaning is done automatically.

Former Chairman Speaks

Dr. J. F. Honsberger, first chairman of the sewer committee, today outlined the events leading up to the construction of the plant at which the disaster occurred. It was built, the former chairman said, only after Dr. Nasmith and Dr. Arnyot, had spent an entire summer in this city, surveying sites and conducting experiments. The provincial department of health approved the plant on the recommendation of the experts. In view of this approval, it is likely that the attention of the department will be called to the disaster. Crown Attorney Bowlby today intimated his intention of summoning an inspector from the department to look into the mishap.

Benefit By Compensation

Survivors of the three gas victims will receive remittance from the Workmen's Compensation Board, City Engineer Shupe said today. At the preliminary inquest yesterday, September 9 was set for the hearing of evidence before Coroner Dr. J. E. Hett. The inquest will be held at the city hall at 7.30 o'clock in the evening.

Three Beyond Aid

Replying to a statement by Dr. C. Belyea who went to the scene in the ambulance and revived ,Alex Mayer thru artificial respiratory methods, Deputy Fire Chief Kern, today said that no amount of artificial respirationwould have saved the other three men. Dr. Belyea had said yesterday that, in his, opinion, the three victims might have rallied, had someone capable of administering artificial respiration been on the scene.

The deputy chief added that he applied the Schaefer method on the two men whom he dragged from the tank without avail. One of them, he said, was breathing when brought to the outer air but died while he was attempting to revive him. The other died before means of inducing respiration could he resorted to.

Moreover,Mr. Kern said, Mayer, the man whom Dr. Belyea revived, was the only one of the four men in the tank to show any outward signs of life. He was moving while the other three were lying quite still.

Determined To Investigate

"I am determined to investigate this disaster to the fullest possible extent," Coroner Dr. Hett said today. He added that the post mortem did not reveal the nature of the gas which caused death.

Explosion - The Daily Record 3 Sep 1930 pg 1

_____________________


William Stevenson, 440 Courtland avenue, city, who came to his death yesterday by gas poisoning at the Kitchener sewage disposal plant, was born in Glasgow,Scotland, January 22, 1879. He immigrated to Canada 25years ago, coming to Kitchener in 1919. He was in his 52nd year and was a member of the Canadian Legion. He is survived by his wife, two sons, John and Williamat home and two daughters, Violet and Marion, also at home. One sister, Mrs. H. Diamond of Montreal also survives. The remains will rest at the Schreiter Funeral Home until Friday morning, when they will be taken tohis residence. The funeral will be held on Friday at 3.30 o'clock from the home to Mount Hope Cemetery. The deceased enlisted with the 242nd Battalion of Forestry in June, 1917 and went overseas in November of the same year. He served there until be was injured when he returned to this country.

The Daily Record 3 Sep 1930 pg 15

William — Margaret Sellers. Margaret was born 23 Jan 1884, Coatbridge, , Lanark, Scotland; died 14 Jan 1958, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Margaret Stevenson
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-182117
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada