>From the Steubenville (Ohio) Herald Star, Wed., June 28, 1922: "Fatal Shooting at Parlett Mine. Deputy Sheriff Killed. Athur McClain is fatally wounded at Parlett Mine when riot gun in hands of Deputy R.R. Cunningham was accidentally discharged last night. Arthur McClain, aged 33 years, was shot and fatally wounded by the accidental discharge of a riot gun in the hands of R.R. (Rook) Cunningham at Parlett Mine No. 3 of the Wayne Coal Company near the Harrison County line Tuesday night." "Both men were special deputy sheriffs in the employ of the coal company and were engaged in guarding the company's property. According to information received by Sheriff Edward Lucas, who investigated the shooting, the two men were "buddies" and were sitting on the porch of a bunk house on the Wayne property during the severe storm of last night. Cunningham was armed with a riot gun and was handling it while talking with McClain. In some way he accidentally discharged the weapon and the charge struck McClain in the right side, inflicting a fatal wound. The shot tore a gaping hole in his side and penetrated vital organs." "McClain was given first aid at the mine camp and as soon as the storm and condition of the roads would permit, he was brought to the Ohio Valley hospital in this city. He was unconscious when he arrived at the institution and never regained consciousness." "Shortly after the accident however, McClain is said to have made a statement to mine officials, absolving Cunningham from all blame and making it clear that the shooting was an accident." "McClain died at the Ohio Valley hospital at 1:15 p.m. His remains were taken to Mettenberger's funeral home and prepared for burial." "The victim of the accident had been serving as a deputy sheriff at the Wayne Coal Company's property since May 27th. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Plummer McClain of this city and is survived by two children and several brothers and sisters." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- [editorial note from David McClain] Actually, Arthur was survived by 4 children, one of them being my father, Charles McClain, who was 7 at the time.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- >From the Steubenville Herald Star, July 1, 1922: "Services for the late Arthur McLain were held Friday afternoon from the Mettenberger funeral home at 2:30 o-clock. Rev. Johnson of the Christian Church officiated. The pall bearers were George McLeish, James McLeish, Ross Stone, Arch L. Bell, Ben Crawford, Frank Maple. Interment in Union cemetery." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Does anyone have any more information pertaining to this accident or about any of the individuals mentioned in the articles? David C. McClain dmcclain@bbc.edu