The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-07-17
Obliterating a Group of Miners
Standing About
ALL TORN. TO ATOMS.
Their Remains Brought From
the Mine in Boxes,
In a Horrible and Unrecogniz-
able Condition.

HAzLEToS, Pa, July 1.-Two hun
dred sticks of giant powder exploded in
the midst Of a gang of miners at the
Stockton colIiery No. g. and not enough
of the mems bodies was left for identifi-
cation.
On account Of the distance of the
Stockton colliery from the main breaker,
it has been customary to send the dyna-
mite and other explosives in boxes to No.
s, and distribute them to the workmen at
the bottom Of the second shaft as they
appear in the morning on their way to
work.
1t was Charles O'Donnepls duty to dis
tribute the dynamite and caps. The first
men tO 20 down into the shaft today
were the drivers, and these are the only
ones to return alive from the opening
How many men, or who they are who
followed in the next box, viii not be
known until list of the living is taken.
The drivers went into the stables to
harness their mules and while they were
thus engaged the explosion took place.
Charles Shugert says he saw about a
dozen men standing about O'Donneu re-
ceiving their powder moment before
the explosion took place.
The drivers were hurled about prOmis-
cuously and the men we're paralyzed
with fright Fearing an explosion of
gas had taken place and that a collapse
OF the entire mine was about to follow.
they waited for death as though para
lyzed
1t was in this position that they were
found by some miners from No. , who
haStened through the subterraneau pas
sage. AS soon as lights were seen the
demOralized drivers hurried to the bot
tom -of the shaft There the terrible
sight met their gaze. Strewn over the
twisted and torn timbers were fragments
of fpch m ber-
on the unfortunate miners. The men
were TOO much affected to attempt to re-
move the remains Of the dead.
Rescuing parties were quickly formed
and headed by superintendent Roderick,
q corps of miners descended in the mine.
The work Of recovering the bodies was
at once begun, but it was difficult task.
Fragments Of human flesh were found
some distance up the slope, clinging to
the rails and ties and sticking to the
roof, while everywhere were bones and
limbs; not enough could be found of the
bodies to make recognition possible. 1t
il believed that at least a dozen men
were blown to pieces
After surveying the work of destruc-
tion. Foreman Shugart emerged from the
pit and instituted preparations for bring
ing the remains of the victims to the
surface. After all had been arranged
the hosting to the surface commenced.
In order that the feelings of the relatives
of the men might be spared, 1t was ar
ranged TO hoist each box to the top and
from there take them to their several
homes As each box appeared on the
surface an agOnizing wall went up from
the multitude in waiting Women tore
their hair and shrieks of agony rent the
air.
Names of Victims.
The names Of the victims as far as
known are.
CHARLES O'DONNELI, aged %, mar
ried-
ANDREW JABEOI, aged 3S. married.
JOHN PRIMBONE aged %, single.
JOHN hoEHLE, aged %. single.
ANTHONY MORcAvITz, aged 25. single.
JOHN KRINOCK. aged %, married
JOHN MOrEFEsKT, aged "A, married.
john BRIzzON. aged 25, single