On This Date in Minnesota History: December 29

December 29, 1913 – One man is dead and three are seriously injured as the result of a premature explosion in the Virginia Mine near Eveleth today around noon. The dead man is Stephen Urinch, 27. The injured are: Dan Markovitch, 30, one foot badly torn and body bruised; John Papich, 30, severely bruised about the head and body; and Daniel Egan, 31, injured about the head and body and may lose an eye. All of the men are married. The injured are at the More Hospital in Eveleth.

The exact nature of the accident is unknown as there were no witnesses. It is believed to have been the result of an overcharge of electricity on a charge of dynamite used in blasting.

Papich and two of the others were preparing the blast when one of them, believed to be Urinch, stepped forward to set it off when the explosion occurred. The men were hurled about 20 feet, Urinch killed instantly. The others were picked up unconscious by workmen who quickly transported them to the hospital. The Virginia mine is owned in fee by the Alworth estate of Duluth.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “One Dead, 3 Hurt on Range. Accident is Result of Premature Explosion in Virginia Mine.” Dec. 30, 1913; p. 1.

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain July 16, 2016,
as long as acknowledgement included.

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com