The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-10-02
HEAOLONG TO. HIS DEATH
Aged Michael Shea Pitches Down
q Flight Of Stairs.
LIVED ONLY A FEW HOURS
Conclusion Of tho Brain Declared to Be
the Cause OF His Death-Was
q Pioneer in This
State.

Poor old Michael Shea, pioneer and
well loved resident of Anaconda, who
was rounding out his allotted span of
three score years and ten, met sudden
and terrible death early yesterday
morning.
Saturday night Shea was for several
hours seated with group of friends in
the rear portion of the Barney McGin-
ley saloon, in the Petritz block, on Main
street. About 1880 o'clock yesterday
morning he arose and went back a few
PAGES to the head Of the steep stairs
leading to the cellar He stepped down
one step. lost his balance and plunged
to the bottom, distance of 10 feet.
Friends heard him fall, rushed down
stairs and raised him, but he was in
sensible. DIR. Evans was called. He
qfckly discovered the old mans condi-
ton was critical and ordered him taken
to st. AIMS hospital. At the hospital,
although everything possible was done,
Shea failed to rally. He died at 4
o'clock, never having recovered con-
seriousness. Conclusion of the brain was
pronounced the cause of death. The
body was removed to Ehret's undertake
ing rooms.
Coroner Hardenbrook Investigated The
circumstances yesterday and decided
an inquest was not necessary.
A coincidence connected with Shea s
death is related by Theodore Ehret as
follows:
About is years ago Shea and I were
talking together and the conversation
drifted to Shea's financial affairs. He
complained Of his small income and
large expenses. Finally he said: Why,
II died don't know how I would be
buried. Would my credit be good with
you for a funeral?'
Don't you worry about that said
/. When you die, you will get a good
funeral and there will be no passing the
hat to pay for It, either
THE matter was never mentioned
again until few days ago when Shea
brought 1t up. How about that flu
neral?' he asked. will you give me a
$3.50 coffin when 1t comes OFF,
mo said I, a $50 coffin will be none
too good for you
Last night at 1890 o'clock saw him
again and once more he spoke about the
funeral. That is all settled | told
him. Fifteen years ago l told you
there would be no collection taken up to
bury you, and that stands
This morning I came down to find
him laid out in my undertaking rooms"
For the last is years Shea had been
a resident of Anaconda, living in lit
tie cabin on Front street. Compare
lively little was known of his family
connections despite his long residence
here. 1t is known that he had been a
resident of Montana for more than pa
years. Previous to coming to Ana
conda he lived in Philipsburg and Deer
Lodge. He left the latter place to come
here. All his life he had worked about
livery stables and while In Anaconda
he picked up a precarious living. doing
this and other work of like character.
The deceased was an uncle of Miss
Alice McAndrews. formerly Of this city,
who recently went East. 1t Is reported
that Shea's sister, who Is married, lives
in Great Falls and that other relatives
live in Butte, but their names could not
be learned yesterday. AS soon as Mr.
Ehret hears from them arrangements
for the funeral will be made.