The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1874-11-19
Thrilling Adventures in Coal Nine.

A few days since four men, strangers,
desiring to see the interior workings of Il
coal mine, entered the Columbia tunnel,
near Rough and Ready mine, at this
place. Some distance from the entrance
the passage-way DIVORCES, leading in one
direction into the working part of the
mine, and to a large unused chamber in
the other. This chamber has been aban-
doned some time, and, as consequence,
has become filled with tire-damp and
other noXious gases arising in coal
mine.
The visitors, being without a guide,
found their way along the dark and
Shiny passage by means of Il lantern car
tunnel leading into this infested cham
Der. Entering it, they walked about un-
til they began to feel the effect of the
poisonous gases. Aware of the preva-
lencc of firc-damp in mines, they knew
at once the cause of the peculiar scnsa-
ton, and endeavorcd to find the way by
which they entered the chamber, in Or
der that they might escape. Before the
entrance could be found three of the
party were obliged to succumb to the in
tluencc of the fire damp, and fell to the
ground. The fourth, carrying the Ian
tern, found the passage, and succeeded
in reaching the outside gallery, but in
weak condition. He soon recovered af-
ter coming in contact with the purcr air,
and at once set himself about the rescu-
ing, ifpossible, of his companions.
He was fearful that if he left the mine
for aid they would be dead or beyond the
| hope of resustitation before he could re-
| turn, SO he determined to rc-cntcr the
| noxious chamber and drag his friends
>rtl, snf<, - L.
he discovered by the dim light cast by
panions. Hanging the lantern on one Of
graspcd two of the sensclcss men by
their collars, and being powerful man,
| and ncrvcd to still greater strength by
| the circumstances, he pulled them out
| into the main passage. Pausing sec
| ond for breath Of fresh air he again
| rushed into the chamber and drew the
remaining man out. Losing no time he
dragged his scnscless friends toward the
| mouth of the entrance to the mine, TAX
ing one several feet forward, then going
back and bringing the others, one at a
| time, until he brought them to the fresh
air at the entrance.
Before he got them cut he was rcjoiccd
to notice signs of returning conscious
| ness in them all. TWAS some time after
| reaching the mouth of the mine before
the three men were able to comprehend
| their situation, and to realize that their
escape from the very jaws of death was
almost miraculous. Aid was procured
| for them, and they were taken to one of
the hotels in tho place; land their remark
able adventure made quite a sensation in
Pittston.
In the same chamber was enacted
fearful tragedy on Friday. Westley
| Willis, a young man who had just hired
out to work in the mines, while awaiting
orders, thought to take a look at things
inside. Unfortunately, he was not
aware Of the tire-damp chamber, and
followed the passage directly into it.
No sooner had he entered the foul place
when the gas was exploded by Willis
minc-lamp OH his hat, and the young
man was hurled out of the chamber
against the jagged side of the gallery.
The report was heard for great dis
lance round, and the passage was soon
filled with startled miners. Willis body
was found mangled and mutilated so as
to be almost unacceptable. His face
was burned black, and nearly every bone
in his body was broken. He was the
only support of widowed mother and
crippled brother.-Putxton (Pa.) Cor. N.
Y. Republir.