Died in custody
John Barkful
John Barkful was working at a saw-mill near Huntsville, Texas, while held in custody, when a boiler attached to the mill exploded in July 1883. The Gloucester County Democrat reported that he was killed instantly, along with the fireman and two other men held at the mill. The paper described the explosion as an accident. Other details of the death and of the people responsible for the men at the mill are not recorded in this account.
Cause of death, as reported: Died in an accident. A boiler at the saw-mill near Huntsville, Texas exploded, killing him instantly along with the fireman and two other convicts.
Reported by: news reports.