Holt, John

Mr. John Holt, one of the owners of the Port Huron Flouring Mills, was killed on Wednesday morning, 14th inst., under the following circumstances. Mr. Holt assisted by his son, Alfred, was engaged in removing an iron planer, which will probably weigh about 600 pounds, from the second story of their mill to the first floor, and had got it to the staircase, when the elder Holt went out to get a long plank, upon which to slide it down. The machine was thought to rest solidly on the floor but when Mr. Holt returned with the plank and dropped it on the stairs the jar set the planer in motion. His son seeing the danger, called to his father, but before he could arise from the stooping position he was in, the machine, after making one or two revolutions, struck him on the head, and knocking him down, passed completely over him, crushing his head in a terrible manner, and otherwise injuring him. He lived from 9:30 a.m., the time of the accident, until 12 o'clock, but was unconscious during the whole time. Mr. Holt was for many years a resident of Acton having built and carried on the woolen mill, formerly situated where the creek crosses Main street, which I believe was afterwards turned into a grist and saw mill, but now pulled down, so will be well known to many of the old residents of that place. I might also say that he was very highly respected in Port Huron as an upright business man, a kind neighbor and warm christian friend. His remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of sympathising friends and neighbors. -
Com.