Hatfield, Paul H. – 1897-1935

HATFIELD

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/8/2026 at 08:26:20

Fall Fatal To Newton Building Foreman
Paul Hatfield Dies After Drop Down Open Shaft
Dr. John Faust, acting Jasper county coroner, said today that there probably will be no inquest into the death of Paul H. Hatfield of Highland, Ind., 38, who died Tuesday afternoon following an accident at the new Maytag company office building.
Hatfield construction foreman at work on a scaffold at the top of the building was struck by a guy rope that broke loose from a hoist derrick, it was said.
He fell three stories down a shaft into the basement.
Skull Fractured
His skull fractured, he died at Skiff Memorial hospital between 20 and 30 minutes later. The accident occurred at about 3 p.m.
Dr. Faust said that Dr. E. A. McMurray, Jasper county coroner, will decide whether or not to hold an inquest. Dr. McMurray is out of the city.
Hatfield’s widow and his father, Dr. J. S. Hatfield of Rossville, Ind., came after the body this morning. They planned to leave by automobile at 12:30 p.m. today, going first to Highland and then on to Rossville. Burial will be made at Rossville.
Few Details
Few details could be learned of the accident. It was reported that a cable broke, letting the derrick fall. According to reports, the cable had been stretched across the street and was snapped when a transfer truck hit it. This story could not be substantiated however.
Hatfield was knocked backwards by the derrick and fell through the elevator shaft to the basement. H. Boley, Newton, who was standing on the ledge near Hatfield was also injured.
Boley was thrown forward and struck the scaffolding before falling on a pile of sand. He fell two stories. His injuries included bruises and a skinned leg.
Source: Jasper County Record (Newton, IA); Thursday, September 5th, 1935, page 1, col 8