Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1874 — Thrilling Adventures in a Coal Mine. [ARTICLE]

Thrilling Adventures in a Coal Mine.

A few days since four men, strangers, desiring to "see the interior workings of a coal mine, entered the Columbia tunnel, near Rough and Ready mine, at this place. Some distance from the entrance the passage-way diverges, leading in one direction into the working part of the mine, and to a large unused chamber in the other. This chamber has been abandoned some time, and, as a consequence, has become filled with fire-damp and other noxious gases arising in a coal mine. The visitors, being without a guide, found their way along the dark and slimy passage by means of a lantern carried by one of the party, and took the tunnel leading into this infested chamber. Entering it, they walked about until they began to feel the 'effect of the poisonous gases. Aware of thfi prevalence of fire-damp in mines, they knew at once the cause of the peculiar sensation, and endeayored to find the way by which they entered the chamber, in order that they might escape. Before the entrance could be found three of the party were obliged to succumb to the influence of the fire-damp, and fell to the ground. The fourth, carrying the lantern, found the passage, and succeeded in reaching the outside gallery, but in a weak condition. He soon recovered after coming in contact with the purer air, and at opce set himself about the rescuing, if possible, of his companions. lie was tearful that if he left the mine tor aid they would be dead or beyond the hope of resuscitation before he could return, so lie determined to re-enter the noxious chamber and drag liis friends forth into the air himself. Hastening, he discovered by the dim light cast by his lantern the bodies of his three companions. Hanging the lantern on one of his arms by the large carrying ring he grasped two of the senseless men by their collars, and being a powerful man, and nerved to still greater strength by the circumstances, he pulled them out Into the main passage. Pausing a second for a breath of fresh air he again rushed into the chamber and drew the remaining man out. Losing no time he dragged his senseless friends toward the mouth of the entrance to the mine, taking one several feet forward, then going back and bringing the others, one at a time, until he brought them to the fresh air at the entrance. Before he got them out he was rejoiced to notice signs of returning consciousness in them all. It was some time after reaching the mouth of the .mine before the three men were able to comprehend their situation, and to realize that their escape from the very jaws of death was almost miraculous, 4|d was procured for them, and they were taken to one of the hotels in the place; and their remarkable adventure made quite & sensation in Pittston. In the same chamber was enacted a fearful tragedy on Friday. Westlev Willis, a young man who had just hired out to work in the mines, while awaiting orders, thought to take a look at thiners inside. Unfortunately, he was not aware of the fire-damp chamber, and followed the passage directly into it. No sooner had he entered the foul place when the gas was exploded by Willis’ mine-lamp on his hat, and the young man was hurled out of the chamber against the jagged side of the gallery The report was heard for a great distance round, and the passage was soon tilled with startled miners. Willis’ body was found mangled and mutilated so as to be almost unrecognizable; His face was burned black, and nearly every boue in his body was broken. He was the only support of a widowed mdther and crippled brother.— PitMon (Pa.) Cor. N. Y. Republic.