A Sawmill Owner's Terrible Day: The Buzz Saw That Took a Leg and Nearly Two

A shocking accident occurred at the Allison sawmill, at Clear Lake, yesterday, which may result in the death of James P. Allison, the owner of the mill. The physicians are hopeful, however, and with the aid of a vigorous constitution the victim may survive.

Brief telegraphic dispatches yesterday announced that J. P. Allison had both legs severed from his body at his sawmill. Further particulars in relation to the matter could not be learned, as the scene of the incident was cut off from telegraphic communication. Mr. Allison was sawing logs when his foot caught in a cant hook on the carriage, throwing him prostrate. As he fell his limbs came in contact with an immense buzz saw and lacerated them so badly that amputation of the left leg below the knee was necessary. The limb was almost severed by the saw, and was in such a condition that it was impossible to save it. The bone of the right leg, from the ankle to the knee joint, was laid bare by the ugly teeth of the saw, but the parts were carefully returned and stitched to their places.

The accident occurred yesterday morning at 9 o'clock, but owing to a misunderstanding among physicians no medical relief arrived until 3 o'clock, when only temporary relief could be afforded until the arrival of other physicians at 9:30 last night.

When Drs. Wyman and Watt were made aware of the case last evening they were driven immediately to the scene, 21 miles distant, which they reached in two and one-half hours. Frank Boberg also accompanied them. Here they found Dr. Meade, of Bucoda, who had arrived in the afternoon, and Drs. Francis and Dumond, of Centralia, who arrived at about the same hour as the Olympia physicians.

The drive was a quick one, and after the lake was reached it was necessary to row across three and a half miles in a little skiff.

Dr. Meade had afforded all the relief he could, but the injury was of such a nature that one man could afford but little relief. The four physicians held a hurried consultation and decided to immediately amputate the limb.

This morning Mr. Allison was resting quietly, and his recovery is hoped for. His wife and four sons are with him, and immediately upon the occurrence of the accident telegrams were sent in every direction for physicians. Drs. Wyman and Watt returned on the train this morning from Tenino. The unfortunate man is well known in Olympia, and was one of the owners of the Allison sawmill recently burned at Tumwater. He is 55 years of age, and a powerfully built man, weighing 280 pounds. His mill at Clear Lake employs nearly 40 men, and cuts from 80,000 to 100,000 feet per day.