John Larson

ACCIDENT NO . 22 — March 22 , 1904 . — John Larson was killed at the 47th level , south of No. 5 shaft, Calumet Branch of the Calumet & Hecla Mine by being struck by a fall of vein rock.

An inquest was held before Coroner Fisher.

Eris Wahlgren, a partner of the deceased, testified as follows: “We were working today at the 47th level, No. 5 shaft, Calumet Mine. We blasted four holes and went back into the stope. One hole did not break. It cracked the vein rock above, which caused the rock to fall. We charged the hole again, also a dry hole, and were ready to set a match to the fuse when the rock behind us fell and scared us. I ran away from the place, but my partner was caught beneath the rock. If we had stood where we were we would have been safe, but not knowing what was coming, we started to run. John was behind me and was caught under the falling rock. As soon as it was safe I went back and tried to get him out, but he was too heavy. I called for help. He never spoke after the rock fell.”

William P. Phillips testified as follows: “I am a timber boss for the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company. I was one of the first to get to the deceased after the accident. We were eating dinner when we heard his partner calling for help. I helped to take him out. I was there when the rock fell.”

John Manser testified as follows: “I am a miner in the employ of the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company; was working forty feet behind this party. They blasted four holes, and we blasted one. We got the report all right. The holes that went off must have cracked the ground that fell. If these men had run south instead of north they would not have been hurt, neither if they had stood still after they had charged the holes they would have both been all right. I would not consider the place dangerous to work in.”

Verdict of the Jury: “We find that the said John Larson came to his death on the 22nd day of March, 1904, at the 47th level, south of No. 5 shaft, Calumet Branch of the Calumet & Hecla Mine, by being struck by a fall of vein rock. We find that it was purely accidental.”