Alvah H. Gibson, 14, assembler, helped to save Howard C. Warren, 15, assembler, from an impending fatal fall following an electric shock, Kalamazoo, Michigan, April 16, 1912. Disregarding a warning sign at the base of a steel tower, Alvah and Howard climbed the open framework of the tower to the top, 70 feet above the ground. The tower supported six uninsulated wires, and each wire carried a current of 40,000 volts of electricity. While descending, at dusk, Howard came in contact with a wire and, in a semiconscious condition, fell upon the framework, being supported 60 feet above the ground. He lay on his back within a few feet of a wire. Alvah called for help, climbed a short distance to Howard, and then grasped Howard’s ankles. Although Howard struggled a little and Alvah was fearful that Howard would fall to the ground, Alvah held him 15 minutes before a man climbed up and aided him. A second man followed the first man, but he came in contact with a wire and was killed. Alvah and the man held Howard 20 minutes, then another man climbed up with a rope, and Howard was lowered to the ground. He died five days later from his injuries. Alvah reached the ground in safety. 8352-752
8352 – 752
8352-752