St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-10-02
THE FIRST VICTIM.
Charles w. Mitchell Dies From
Injuries Received at the Ele-

Charles w. Mitchell Dies From
Injuries Received at the EIe-
VatOr Fire.
Despite the strong hopes to the con-
trary which have recently been devel-
oped, the great fire of Thursday week
has been attended by loss of life as well
as destruction of property. Charles w.
Mitchell, one of the brave fellows
who remained upon the roof of the
burning elevator sheds until the roo
itself fall in, and only jumped to save
themselves from being precipitated into
the raging furnace beneath, has paid
the penalty Of his temerity with his life.
Mitchel's death at this time is all the
greater shock to his friends, as only
Wednesday night DR.. Quinby, his
physician, stated that he would
recover. When Mitchell was first
taken to st. Barnabas hospital,
on the day that he was injured,
physicians who examined him stated he
could not live, os his back was broken.
but that night he rallied, and during
the next day faint hopes of his recovery
were entertained. Since that time he
has apparently been improving steadily,
and Wednesday night DR.. Quinby stat
ed that he would recover. Wednesday
evening Chief Runge and his
wife called, and found him
apparently confident of his recovery.
Yesterday morning at 7:2S the injured
man complained to his brother Tom
and Charlie Cragier, who were watch
ing with him, that he felt considerable
difficulty in breathing, and within two
minutes he had breathed his last. The
body was removed to Warmers
undertaking establishment, and All
autopsy held yesterday afternoon
by Drs. Cary and Jones developed
the fact that death resulted from clot
of blood on the brain. Chief Runge has
telegraphed to Mitchell's widowed
mother at Calais, Me-. for instructions
regarding the disposition of the re-
trary wishes, the interment will be in
the lot of the Firemen's Relief associa-
ton at Lakewood cemetery. Mitchell
carried policy in the relief association
in the name OF his sister Charlotte.
In accordance with the regulations of
the association, all the engine houses in
the city have been draped in black and
all flags have been hung at half mast.
At headquarters these demonstrations
of mourning will be continued for thirty
days. and at all of the houses until after
the funeral.
Charles w. Mitchell, or ''Mitch.'' as
everybody called him. belonged to Hook
and Ladder Truck No. l, stationed at
department headquarters, Third avenue
north and Second street. He was COM
paratively new man in the department.
having been appointed only last Deem
Der. Previous to his regular appoint
ment he had served at various sta
lions as substitute. Mitchell was thir-
ty-three years of age, unmarried and a
native of Calais, Me. His residence in
Minneapolis dates back about ten years.
Before entering the fire department he
was employed about the lumber mills,
generally as lath sawyer. He also
worked driving logs on the river and in
the woods. Mitchell was a powerful
man and an athlete. He was large,
heavy, but exceptionally quick in his
movements, and he never shirked his
duty, no matter how dangerous. He
was popular among his associates, and
his death will be severe blow to the
entire department.