The Anaconda Standard, 3 August 1899
(Montana)

UNEXPLAINED ACCIDENT
A Mystery Surrounding the Death of John J. Harris
Concerning the accidental death at Bingham, Utah, of John J. Harris of Butte, the Salt Lake Tribune has the following:
“John J. Harris, who was killed in the shaft of the Showell placer mine at Bingham on Saturday, was the victim of an unexplained accident. In company with another man he was engaged at the bottom of the 230-foot shaft, when about 50 feet of three-inch exhaust pipe running down the inside of the shaft became detached and fell to the bottom. The section that fell was from the top of the pipe and broke in falling, a piece about six feet long striking Harris fairly on top of the head, killing him instantly. The other man was not injured. Thus far no satisfactory reason for the breaking of the pipe can be found. It was securely fastened to the shaft and the part not broken is still firm. It is supposed that the difference in temperature at various depths in the shaft might have caused the breaking by unequal expansion. The pipe was used as a steam exhaust from a pump in the mine. The pump was not running at the time of the accident.
“David Schenck and C. O Whittemore went to Bingham yesterday and investigated the affair. The body was brought to Salt Lake last night and turned over to Undertaker O’Donnell. Among the effects of the deceased was a letter written by his wife from Cornwall, England, under date of April 23?, in which reference to children was made. Harris had worked at the Showell placer only a shift and a half when he was killed. Previous to that time he had been employed at various mining camps in the state.”

Contributed by Bob Bolitho