The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-04-03
GALLAGHER FELL
DOWN AN AIR SHAFT
Way He Got Into II Is Shrouded 10 the
Deepest Mystery.
BODY WAS FRGHTFULLY MANGLED
In Falling Gallagher struck the Car
riage, Which Was Standing Midway
in the shaft over Night--Coroner
Longstrcct Has Empaneiled n Jury
and viii Endcavor to Ascertain the
Cause of GaiIagher's Death.

The body of c man, mangled and his
clothing and shoes torn to shreds was
found at O'Clock yesterday morning
half buried in the water at the foot
of the Manville air shaft.
The body was at first identified as
that of Benjamin Davis of Summit
avenue, but afterward the man proved
to be Martin Gallagher, whose home is
in PeCkville, but who boarded with
Charles Mdsechall of Eull's Head.
The discovery of tbe body was made
by James Henderson. an employ at the
mine. He first saw what appeared to
be a mans les raising from the water
which is invariably found in the bot
tom of the shaft known as the rump.
He summoned help and the body of
Gallagher horribly dishgured, was
hoisted from the depth. Coroner Long
street was summoned and on his order
the remains We're removed to the un-
dertaking establishment of u. ID. Jones,
of the North End.
THOUGHT 1T WAS DAVIS.
1t was not known until late i'm the
day who the dead man was. Several
people who viewed the remains pro-
nourced them to be those of Davis, and
wife. Upon a more careful investiga-
tion, however, n miners certificate
numbered 1884 and containing the name
OF Martin Gallagher upon it was found.
At about 6 O'Clock last evening, when
John Gallagher entered the establish
ment and identified the remains of his
brother, Martin. Charles Masechall,
with whom Martin Gallagher boarded.
e
never will be known just how Gallagher
met his death.
He was employed at the Manville
shaft and received his pay last Thurs
day. He was seen in Providence Thurs
day evening and at that time he did not
appear to be intoxicated Coroner
Longstreet did not detect any evidence
of alcohol in his examination yesterday.
1t is thought by some that Gallagher
walked into the shaft This theory is
| contradicted by the fact that the gates
at the top of the shaft were closed
Thursday night according to the state
ment of the fire boss, who went down at
B a. M, and to get into the shaft Gal
lagher must have climbed over the
gates. If he did that it would be a
plain case of suicide and there Is nc
reason at hand to suggest that he
wanted to end his life.
NO REASON FOR FOUL PLAY.
As far as known Gallagher had had
no quarrel with any one and wher
found he had over 50 in his pockets
Nothing at present known warrants the
theory of foul play.
The shaft is used as a supply open.
| ing to the mine and to lower and hoist
men. 1t is customary to leave the
| carriage midway in the shaft oVei
night. This was done Thursday night
Galagher's body in it's descent mus
have struck the carriage and rebound
| ing fell through the opening on tbs
sides His shoes were torn from hi,
feet by contact with the timbering il
the shaft.
The jury impanelled by Coroner
Longstreet consists of F. S. Rarrick +,
j. Rutledge, +. T. Ross, S. Williams, T
| Benjamin Griffiths, Thomas Williams
and Louis Evans. They adjourned Il
meet at o'clock Tuesday night at tn,
court house.
Gallagher's remains We're removed
last evening to the home of his brother
John Gallagher, Of 634 South Blakel!
street, Dunmore.