JOSEPH TUCKER
Arizona Silver Belt
December 31, 1892

A distressing accident happened in the Old Dominion Copper 
Mine on Tuesday last, resulting in the almost instant death 
of Joseph Tucker.  The deceased had been working in the 
large stope on the 2nd level and had returned after 
shooting, the smoke having cleared away.  Chauncy Gunn, 
shift boss, on the upper levels was with tucker and only 
three or four feet distant when the accident occurred.

although tucker had warned his partner, Walter Shanley, 
of the danger he braved it himself and when in the act of 
picking up a staging plank, a large piece of rock, weighing 
about 800 pounds fell from above and struck Tucker in the 
back bearing him headlong down the sloping ground on which 
he stood and his skull was fractured by the fall.  The 
tremendous weight of the rock cut open the back and ground 
the spinal column almost to a pulp.  The injury to the 
back or fracture of the skull, were either of them 
sufficient to cause death.  The unfortunate man breathed 
for a few minutes but never spoke or regained consciousness 
after the accident.

Acting Coroner George C. Strong held an inquest on the body, 
at which the above facts were elicited and the jury rendered 
a verdict of accidental death.  Dr. T.S. Collins examined the 
body and testified as to the nature ofhte wounds.  Neither the 
company nor any of its employees are to blame for the accident.  
The ground overhead had previously been supported and made 
safe by a stull which was removed (shot out) to make the 
blast more effective--loosened a greater amount of rock.

The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon from the family 
residence in west Globe and was largely attended by the 
miners and the friends of the family.  The Old Dominion 
Company suspended work as a mark of respect for the deceased 
and in order that his companion's might attend the funeral.  
Services at the house and grave were conducted by Rev. L.H. 
Trimble.  There was scarcely a dry eye in the assembly.

The deceased was an upright man, kindly in disposition and an 
affectionate husband and father.  Profound sympathy is felt 
for the bereaved widow and children.

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