Marie Moentmann
Marie Moentmann (1900–1974) was a 15-year-old girl who lost her hands and full use of both arms in a factory accident in 1915 in St. Louis, Missouri.
She retained consciousness, although every one of the thirty girls who were working in the second floor factory room with her became hysterical, [and] several fainted.
[8] Police officer Frederick Proehl escorted the girl to the hospital, and on the way she refused to look at her mangled, bandaged hands in her lap, stating, "Do not talk about the accident.
"[1] Proehl said Marie had been working at the factory for a year, "and because of her sweet, sunny disposition and blonde prettiness [she] is a great favorite.
One of the first was an invitation to a play at the Shenandoah Theater, "Little Lord Fauntleroy," which she attended via ambulance on November 25 with her sister, Mrs. Theresa Wilenauer.
[18] At the insistence of State Factory Inspector A. Sidney Johnston, assistant City Prosecuting Attorney Wilson on December 16 issued four charges against E.W.
[21] Marie Moentmann filed suit against Fulton Bag and Cotton Mills of Atlanta, Georgia,[8] on January 21, 1916, asking $100,000 in damages.
She alleged the "managers of the factory should not have employed a girl under 16 years old to work at the machine" and that "safety appliances were removed, increasing the hazard of operation.
"[10] On May 20, 1916, the case was settled, with $21,000 paid by the company, $16,000 to the girl and $5,000 to her parents, who were to pay all outstanding debts for Marie's medical care and legal expenses.
[4] Superintendent Hummert pleaded guilty to two charges of violating the state labor law and on June 9 was fined $25 and costs on each.
Inspector Johnson advised leniency because the company had paid a "large sum" to the victim and was "taking precautions" to act within the law from then on.
"[25] Marie Moentmann herself said three years later:[4] If the accident which deprived me of my hands and parts of my arms has resulted in throwing all the safety devices possible around the dangerous machinery in factories which employ boys and girls, and has brought about the passage of just compensation laws for the care of those who are maimed for life in such employments, then I am happy that my misfortune has accomplished some benefit for others.
It is good to realize that the sacrifice was not in vain.In the first months of her recovery, suggestions were made that she be trained as a singer to earn her living.
[9][26] In May 1916, she said she had considered studying for the law so she could "fight for people who became unfortunate like myself, but ... it would take such a long time, and I haven't had much school work.
The player piano, which depends upon the exercise of the feet rather than the hands, is my most popular musical instrument, and I keep up with the good rolls.
And there is my typewriter with its double keyboard, which does not require so much shifting.By 1931, with the help of a friend, contractor H. Hinrichs Jr., Moentmann had become "saleswoman, manager and nominal owner of an electrical refrigerator sales business at 5542 South Grand boulevard."
[28][30] In October 1941, a marriage license was issued in St. Louis to Marie E. Moentmann of 8404 Michigan Avenue and Frank A. Wayt of 8106-A South Broadway.
