Giuseppe Agostino Luigi Picchiottino

ACCIDENT No. 29. — June 22nd. An accident occurred at the 43rd level, north of No. 6 shaft of the Calumet & Hecla Mine, which resulted in the death of Vincent Vago and Joseph Picchiottino, by a fall of vein rock. An inquest was held before Coroner Fisher.

Charles Gallassero, a witness produced, sworn and examined upon said inquest, upon his oath says: “I work in the mine as timberman for the Calumet & Hecla Mining company. This afternoon was working at the 43rd level, north of No. 6 shaft, Hecla Mine. Was there at the time of the accident. I am boss of the gang. Was standing right alongside when the rock fell. Accident happened about half - past two this afternoon. I examined the ground about a quarter to one, and sounded it with a bar, and it sounded good. We started to work and put in one set, and were getting ready to put in the second set when the rock fell and caught these two men. The rock was about six feet long, two and one - half feet thick, and three and one - half feet wide. Always examine the ground and sound it before we go to work under it, and if there is any loose or likely to fall, we pry it down or blast it. Considered the place where the accident happened safe; was working there myself."

Peter Coppo, a witness produced, sworn and examined upon said inquest, upon his oath says: “I work with timbermen; Charles Callassero is boss. We were working today picking down dirt when the rock fell; a piece of the rock struck me in the leg. There was no time to get away. Was not afraid to work there, everything seemed safe. The men never spoke after the rock fell. I was there when they took the rock off of them.”

Peter Grindatti, a witness, produced, sworn and examined upon said inquest, upon his oath says: “I can add nothing to what has been told by the other two witnesses. I thought the place was safe. The boss examined and sounded the ground about a quarter to one, before we went to work. The rock dropped some time after two o'clock.

Paul Moretto, a witness, produced, sworn and examined upon said inquest, upon his oath says: “I work with Charles Gallassero's gang. This afternoon worked at the 43rd level, north of No. 6 shaft, Hecla; was there when these men were killed. The ground was examined before we went to work, right after dinner. I considered it safe enough for anyone to work under.”

The jury brought in the following verdict: “We, the jury, find that the deceased, Vincent Vago and Joseph Picchiottino, came to their deaths on the 22nd day of June, 1901, by accidental fall of vein rock at the 43rd level, north of No. 6 shaft, of Hecla branch of the Calumet & Hecla Mine.”