These pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other persons or organizations. They are for individual research ONLY. They will remain the property of the OHVINTON list serve and may NOT be FORWARDED on to any second party or group. Persons or organizations desiring to forward or use this material must obtain written consent from me or my legal representative and contact the archivist of the OHVINTON list serve with proof of consent. I have given permission for these files to be stored permanently for free access in the archives of the OHVINTON list serve. [This article was transcribed without making changes to spelling or grammar.] Athens Messenger August 26, 1880 VINTON While sitting near the instrument in the Hamden telegraph office during the thunder-storm, recently, W. S. Kelch was knocked down and partially stunned from the effects of a bolt of lightning which struck the wire and ran into the office. A young man aged about 16, named Searls, sustained, says the Hamden Enterprise, quite severe injuries while digging ore at Eagle Furnace last Saturday. About two tons of slate fell in, catching his foot and mashing it in a terrible manner. The Ohio and West Virginia railway telegraph line was put up as far as McArthur on Wednesday of last week, the workmen having commenced the building of the line at Logan on the Monday previous. There were eight men in the gang, three pole climbers being in the rear. The force were expected to complete the building of the line to Gallipolis, Tuesday. The Western Union Telegraph Company will soon put up a line on the same poles. Transcribed by Joyce Robinson