"The Kansas City Times" (Missouri) Monday, July 6, 1896 HIS HAND BLOWN OFF. John SOMBALL, a Swede residing at 67 Riverbank avenue, in the Patch, was taken to Bethany hospital yesterday, with his right hand blown almost completely from his wrist, resulting from Fourth of July celebration. SOMBALL with a number of other Swedish-American patriots, were discharging fireworks at the rear of the patch. SOMBALL lighted a cannon firecracker of the largest size and attempted to throw it into a crowd of passersby. He let the fuse burn too long and the firecracker exploded in his hand. Three of his fingers were blown into the air, and his hand was literally torn into threads. The bones were visible in many places where large pieces of the flesh were torn away. SOMBALL's hand will have to be amputated, and it will require great caution to prevent blood poisoning. ====================================================== (I have no connection with this family but I'd appreciate knowing if you found this posting helpful.) johnobrien@kc.rr.com ====================================================== neirbo10