Sad Blow to Anaconda

The Anaconda Standard, Friday April 28, 1899

MARTYR TO HIS COUNTRY

James A. Callahan

Falls A Victim of Filipino Bullets

CUT OFF IN HIS PRIME

James A. Callahan of Company K, who is reported in yesterday's Manilla dispatches, as having been killed while fighting in Manilla, was a well known and highly esteemed citizen of this city, and the news of his death was a sad blow to his numerous friends in Anaconda.

Callahan had resided in Anaconda for 5 years and had been employed at the converters and in several of the departments at the works. He came to this city in 1894 from Boise, Idaho, where he had been employed for more than 2 years as head clerk of the Grand Central Hotel. He was a well educated man, polite and sober, and one who makes friends in an instant.

When the Governor issued the call for volunteers, Callahan, went to the Lieut. J.M. Kennedy and begged him to try and have him go with the regiment. Mr. Kennedy told Callahan that he did not believe he would be capable of passing the examination as he was not of requisite height. Callahan passed the Doctors examinations and he was elated over the fact that he would go to the front. He went with the Anaconda Company.

Callahan had the reputation of being the most competent fellow in Company K, and he acted as the clerk of the Company.

Callahan was about 40 years of age and a widower. The only relatives he was known to have had was a married sister who resides in Michigan, and another sister, who is a Sister of Charity. It is not known what community she now is in.

Callahan often wrote letters to the Standard, in which he gave interesting news about the doings of our boys at the front. His last letter to this paper was written March 1. In it he mentioned that the Anaconda men were doing some very hot fighting and that they were anxious to get home.