Alexander Johnston, 44, assistant master mechanic, died attempting to save Sylvester L. Hines, 23, rigger, and Frederick Meyer, 26, rigger helper, from suffocation, Etna, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1912. Hines and Meyer were overcome by gas at the bottom of a charging box over a blast furnace, which was in operation. Johnston, who was on top of the charging box, immediately slid down a rod to the bottom, a distance of 10 feet, and stooped over Meyer, who was gasping but apparently unconscious. He called to men above to let down a rope and then fell over unconscious. He was dead when taken out. The other men were taken out, and Meyer was revived. 8696-761
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