Benjamin Rule

ACCIDENT NO. 26-May 16, 1911-Benjamin Rule, Hecla Branch, C. & H.

Benjamin Rule, an Englishman, employed as timberman by the C. & H., met his death on this day by a fall of rook. An inquest over his body was held and the following testimony taken:

Peter Grindetta: "I am timber-boss in No. 2 Hecla. Deceased was one of my men. I was present today, right in level- 26th level. We had put two logs in place yesterday, one on each end and today we were putting another right in the center between those two. The log was leaning a little north and I told Rule to go on the other side and push it towards the south.. I then told the engine boy to hoist up a little. He hoisted the log about six inches and just then we heard something give and we all got out of the way excepting Rule. When he heard the noise he started to go under the timber toward the south, he got caught by the ground that came away. Had he gone the other way he would have been safe. About a couple of cars of hanging came on him, mostly fine dirt. This ground was all laced up before and we were putting in these logs to make sure. It was the old lacing that gave away. The ground fell only about four or five feet. There was a mark on the head showing; where he had received the blow that caused his death.

John Golta: "I corroborate the testimony given above." ,

Verdict: We, the jury, find that the said Benjamin Rule came to his death by a fall of rock on the 26th level of No. 2 Hecla Shaft, Calumet and Hecla Mine on the 16th day of May, 1911.