LONDON FACULTY HARD HIT IN THE EXPLOSION




Henderson Times, March 25, 1937

The faculty of the London high school was struck a terrific blow, along with hundreds of families in the explosion that claimed about 445 lives last Thurs. at the London school.

The teachers that lost their lives are:
J. H. Propes, 49, born & reared in Rusk Co., and had been teaching some 20 or 25 years. Is survived by 3 children & his wife, who was formerly Miss Worley.

Mrs. Lena Hunt, 38, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. J. Jacobs. Graduated from Stephen F. Austin College in summer of 1936. Survived by husband, one son & other relatives.

Miss Katie Mae Watson, 36, daughter of Mrs. J. W. Watson of this city. Educated here at Austin College. Survived by her mother, one sister, Miss Lillian Watson; 3 brothers, Orian of Overton, Ralph & Stroud of Henderson, & other relatives.

Willie Tate, 30, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. M. Tate of Henderson. Math & Science teacher, held degree from Austin College. Had wife & 1 child.

Mrs. J. D. Nelson, 30, of Henderson, who was to have recieved her college degree this summer.

Miss Mary Ethel Neal, Overton, educated in Rusk Co. & at Nacogdoches. Age 27.

Miss Masel Hanna, 28, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Hanna, Nacogdoches, educated in that city.

Miss Lizzie Ella Thompson, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. A. Thompson, Oak Ridge, Nacogdoches county.

Miss Laura Beall, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Beall of ---son. Educated there & at Nacogdoches. Taught art & reading.

Miss Nellie Barnes, 24, daughter of Mrs. R. L. Barnes of Minden. Educated there & graduated at Nacogdoches in 1934. Also did some work at University of Texas.

Miss Laura Arnold, 28, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. J. D. Arnold of Arp, educated in Arp & graduated from Stephen F. Austin college in 1932.

Louis Waller, assistant coach who came from Commerce, and was teaching his first year at London.

R. L. Butler of Commerce, Manuel training instructor. Held M. A. degree from A & M college. Married, and his wife is a teacher in the primary school of London. His brother Clyde, is manus training instructor at Carlisle, and his brother Ligon holds the same position with a Fort Worth school.

Miss Mary Patterson, who was the first efficient secretery to the superintedent & principle.