FOREMAN MATTHEWS
January 19, 1898

Regarding the caving in of the tunnel at Fairview at Johnson's 
Canyon, east of Ash Fork, a telegram from Williams which was 
received at this office yesterday morning says:
The roofing in the tunnel caught fire from the sparks of an 
engine on Sunday afternoon.  Several gangs were quickly dispatched 
from here under Foremen Matthews and Parker.  The men fought 
the flames like tigers all night and not until afternoon 
could thay say they had gained any advantage. About 2 o'clock 
as unforeseen accident occurred.  Without warning a mass of 
charred timbers and rocks fell among the men from above.  
Everyone rushed for his life.  When the entrance of the tunnel 
was reached it was at once seen that several of the party were 
missing.  Among the number were roadmaster Lyons and Foreman 
Matthews.

The men started back through the dense smoke and soon came 
onto several of the laborers somewhat bruised but not seriously 
hurt.  As they continued, Roadmaster Lyons was found among 
the debris. He was extricated as qiuckly as possible and 
taken to the entrance, seen at once that he was seriously 
hurt.  General foreman Matthews was found also seriously 
injured and died yesterday.

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