The Ottawa Free Trader

HAMMERED TO DEATH

George Arthur Killed in the Tower at Factory A.

George Arthur, employed at the works of the Fireproof Construction Company, met his death at 11 o'clock Monday morning under peculiar circumstances.

He, with three other men, one of whom acts as foreman of the gang, was employed at the drying pans. A part of the work consisted in keeping the elevator in order, i.e., clearing it of chunks of clay whenever necessary.

At about five minutes of 11 George concluded that the elevator was not acting just right, and started up the several flights of stairs to see what was the matter. The foreman, knowing that George had never been up in the tower before, was somewhat uncertain as to his knowledge of the elevator, and, about three minutes later, went up to assist him. When he reached the top of the last flight of stairs, what was his horror to see the apparently lifeless body of his late comrade swiftly revolving with the elevator shaft, around which his clothing was firmly wrapped. He immediately called for help, and, the machinery being stopped, Superintendent Holland, assisted by others, cut poor Arthur down. His clothing had been torn from his body down to the thighs, and it was found necessary to cut the clothing from the body and then remove it from the shafting with a chisel.

Arthur, who was insensible, was removed to the office, and Dr. Dyer called to attend him. Nothing could be done for him, however, and he died in a few minutes. Indeed, in twenty minutes from the time he left the dry pan he was a corpse. His head was not crushed, but exhibited several ugly bruises, and a cut about an inch long, while his hands and arms were bruised and broken in a horrible manner.

Deputy Coroner Weeks impaneled a jury at noon, which, after viewing the body, rendered a verdict of accidental death. No blame is attached to the company, as it was unnecessary for anyone to go to the side of the elevator for the purpose of cleaning. The shafting, which is seven feet above the floor, a trap being placed at the top, and there was no need for Arthur to have climbed up to the top for cleaning.

The body was removed to Zimmermann's undertaking rooms to await the orders of relatives, who live at Williamsport, Pa., and Woodstown, N. J. The funeral took place on Wednesday morning.