The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-04-03
TOM BRENNAN DEAD
An Upper Works Fireman Fatally
Burned in an Ash Heap
MR.. SMITH BADLY INJURED
While In a Pit the Mass Of Hot Re-
fuse Fell on the Men, Who
Had Just Entered to Elk
tinguish the Fire.

Death lurked in one of those places
where danger was least suspected yes
terday morning, and claimed as his
victim Tom Brennan, one of the best
known and most popular employees at
the Anaconda smelters, and Tom
Smith, the head watchman, Is danger
ously burned and lies upon bed OF
suffering at st. AIMS hospital.
The accident happened at about
o'clock yesterday morning. For some
days past there had been a fire in the
big fiume which carries away the
waste from the smelter at the upper
works. The blaze was caused by hot
ashes from the furnaces dumped on
top of the fiume. The upper end OF
the tunnel is partially closed by over
hanging timbers, but once inside there
is ample space for men to stand erect
Head Waterman Smith summoned
party consisting of W. A. Nolan, Con
O'Donnell. John Russell Thoma:
Burke. Jack Haley and Joe Lavasina
and Brennan, who was at the head
the fire department, to attend and en-
deavor to put out the fire. The onl!
way of getting at 1t seemed to be f
enter the tunnel and therefore a lin
of hose was laid and Brennan anC
Smith, taking the nozzle. advance
about two lengths of the pipe, which
would make the distance from tht
mouth of the tunnel about rs or s.
feet. The water was turned on and
had played on the timbering but few
seconds when, either the structure
gave way or there was an explosion,
breaking them down, precipitating q
mass of ashes into the fiume where the
men stood. w. A. Nolan who was
passing the hose in to them, was also
In the tunnel and saw the mass fall.
enveloping them in a cloud of ashes
a ~ OF . Anlt \. -
were buried. He ran out and had only
reached the open air when the two
men staggered after him. The flesh OF
their hands and arms was burned SO
that IL hung in shreds, and their bodies
are scalded as by steam on almost
every part. They were taken TO the
hospital, where Brennan died in a few
hours. He had inhaled flame or tn,
hot air, which burned his mouth anC
throat Smith is also terribly burned
but may recover
The deceased was 80 years of age anC
leaves wife and three daughters, all
under years of age He resided at g.
Chestnut street and was a member o
the National Union, which will have
charge OF the funeral services, to be
held Saturday morning at o'clock
from st. Paurs church His brother.
Terrence Brennan of Butte came over
yesterday, and Deputy Sheriff Pat
brennan is his cousin There are also
other relations residing in this city, be-
side three sisters and two brothers who
live in Pennsylvania
Tom Brennan came to Anaconda
about eight years ago and has been
connected with the fire department at
the works Of the Anaconda company
for the most of that time. About 10
years ago he was famous as a sprinter
and held the worlds record for 200
yards, which he established In running
against time at Allentown, Pa He was
at that time matched to run the cham
pion of Canada, Ed Tisdale The match
was declared off, the Canadians paying
to Brennan and his hackers the forfeit.
after learning of his speed. He ran and
beat, Gibson. Bethune, Slattery and
others of that time.
Afterward, unable to make matches
he came west and. after a stay in Da-
kota, a visit to California and coast
cities. where he trained fire department
hose teams and won many trophies, he
settled in Anaconda. Repeated efforts
were made to induce him to go TO Aus
tralia, which he declined and remained
In this city where he had a happy and
comfortable home He was an expert
fireman. and was a genial. warm-heart-
ed man, respected by all who knew him.
A special meeting or the Anaconda
city fire department was held last even
ing and the department will attend the
funeral Committees on resolutions,
decorations and flowers were appointed.
Coroner Hardenbrook has the matter
of holding an inquest under advise
ment