Johnstown Tribune, Wed., June 25, 1890, page 1, col. 6:

DEATH OF A VETERAN FURNACEMAN

John Champeno, One of Johnstown's Oldest Iron Workers, Dies from Injuries Received While at Work--A Soldier of Two Wars.

John Champeno died at twenty minutes past 1 o'clock this morning at his home, No. 77, Second street, Thirteenth Ward. His death was the result of an accident at No. 6 blast furnace of the Cambria Iron Company, of which he was night foreman. The accident happened last Friday morning at 4 o'clock. What is known as the "water box" was blown out, and about three car-loads of hot coke and limestone were scattered around. Some of it fell on Mr. Champeno's back and set fire to his clothing, which was almost entirely burned off his person. He was taken to his home, where he lay in an unconscious condition until death came to his relief. Mr. Champeno was born in Blair County in 1824, on the 22d day of April. In his early days he was a teamster. Some time after the outbreak of the Mexican War he enlisted and served until the close of the struggle, although participating in none of the battles. After his return he again resumed teaming at Allegheny Force. In 1858 he came to Johnstown and obtained employment at Rhey's furnace Later he entered the service of the Cambria Iron Company as helper at one of the furnaces. Subsequently he was keeper of the furnace, and still later--about sixteen years ago--night foreman, in which capacity he continued until his injury. His term of service with the Cambria Iron Company was interrupted in 1864 by his enlistment in the Union army, Company P (Captain William Munk), First Regiment, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. He was discharged in June following. Mr. Champeno was married on May 15, 1850, to Miss Harriet Spade at Maria Forge, Blair County. Eleven children were born of the union, nine of whom survive, as follows: Louise, wife of Michael Quirk, of Braddock; George W., of Homestead; Henry, of this city; Lizzie, wife of George Gore of this city; William, of Morrellville; Edward, of Braddock; Harriet, Jennie, and Maggie, unmarried and at home. Deceased also leaves thirty-four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Deceased was a charter member of Independent Castle, No. 51, Ancient Order Knights of the Mystic Chain, and of the Cambria Mutual Relief Association, having a policy for $1,000. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Services will be held at the house by Rev. H.L. Chapman, D.D. Interment will be made in Grand View. Although deceased was not a member of the Grand Army Post, it is likely that organization will turn out and accord his remains the honor of a soldier's burial. Mrs. Lizzie Champeno, mother of the subject of the above notice, is lying very low at her home in Altoona. She is about eighty-five years of age and very feeble.