Coal Miners – The Heroes of Appalachia
Everyone talks of a mother’s love but not of a father’s sacrifice. The job of an underground coal miner has always been hard and dangerous. It was especially so during the early years of coal mining. Every working day coal miners risked their lives to provide for their families. That’s why they’ll always be our heroes.
Those of us who grew up in Appalachia during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s and were the sons and daughters of coal miners will always remember how afraid we were for our fathers.
Donated by the United Mine Workers of America Logan County Commission, State of West Virginia
October 29, 1999
On Friday, December 6, 1907, an explosion at the Number 8 mine at Monongah, WV killed over 360 coal miners. That’s why December 6th was selected as National Miners Day. And it was this tragedy that gave birth to Father’s Day.
The 2nd worst WV mine disaster was on April 29, 1914, at Eccles, WV where 183 were killed.
On May 12, 1942, an explosion at Christopher No. #3 mine in Monongalia County killed 56 men. On July 9th another explosion at the nearby Pursglove #2 mine killed 20 more.
“The deadliest year in U.S. coal mining history was 1907 when an estimated 3,242 deaths occurred. While annual coal mining deaths numbered more than 1,000 a year in the early part of the 20th century, they decreased to an average of about 451 annual fatalities in the 1950s, and to 141 in the 1970s. From 2006-2010, the yearly average number of fatalities in coal mining decreased to 35.”[1]
Getting killed on the job wasn’t the only occupational hazard for coal miners. If they managed to survive a couple of decades or so working underground, many had their lives cut short by black lung and other lung diseases related to their occupation. This is the price many paid to provide for their families.
“Coal: An Appalachian Treasure” by Clara Maynard. – A video essay by a Marshall University student about coal mining and her Dehue, coal-miner grandfather.
Anyone who wants to add a photo of a coal miner killed in the mines or from black lung is more than welcome to do so. To share a photo, please email it to the admin at loganwv.us@gmail.com.
Coal Miners – Our Heroes Photo Gallery
Eccles Mine Explosions, WV Historical Marker courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk. Image 14142.
Eccles Mine Explosions, WV Historical Marker courtesy of Brandon Ray Kirk. Image 14142.
Three Killed at Island Creek Mine No. 28 at Mud Fork. Killed were Howard Hicks, Arthur J. Finley and Charley Marcum. Clipping courtesy of Dwight Williamson. Image 14679.
Three Killed at Island Creek Mine No. 28 at Mud Fork. Killed were Howard Hicks, Arthur J. Finley and Charley Marcum. Clipping courtesy of Dwight Williamson. Image 14679.
1947 Newspaper clipping showing the widow of Naaman Jackson Butcher of Shively who died June 26 following a mine accident. Courtesy of Mark Edward Jones.
1947 Newspaper clipping showing the widow of Naaman Jackson Butcher of Shively who died June 26 following a mine accident. Courtesy of Mark Edward Jones.
Why December 6th was selected as Miners Day.
On Friday, December 6, 1907 an explosion at the Number 8 mine at Monongah, WV killed over 360 miners. The 2nd worse WV mine disaster was on April 29, 1914 at Eccles, WV where 183 were killed. It was this tragedy that gave birth to Father's Day.Why December 6th was selected as Miners Day.
On Friday, December 6, 1907 an explosion at the Number 8 mine at Monongah, WV killed over 360 miners. The 2nd worse WV mine disaster was on April 29, 1914 at Eccles, WV where 183 were killed. It was this tragedy that gave birth to Father's Day.
John B. Marcum of Verdunville killed. 1948 Logan Banner clipping courtesy of Dwight Williamson. Ref. image 16979.
John B. Marcum of Verdunville killed. 1948 Logan Banner clipping courtesy of Dwight Williamson. Ref. image 16979.
On March 2, 1915, 112 miners were killed at the Layland Mine in Fayette County, WV. Courtesy of Bonnie Bennett Pishner.
On March 2, 1915, 112 miners were killed at the Layland Mine in Fayette County, WV. Courtesy of Bonnie Bennett Pishner.
Terry Morgan - Prayer of the Coal Miner
Terry Morgan - Prayer of the Coal Miner
1978 Chaffin Coal Mine Number 6, Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Brad Johnson. If you know the name of this miner, please leave a comment and reference photo 5134697.
1978 Chaffin Coal Mine Number 6, Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Brad Johnson. If you know the name of this miner, please leave a comment and reference photo 5134697.
1978 Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. L-R: 1. Darrell Toler, 2. Junior Hensley, 3. Ernie Hensley, 4. Thomas Hensley, 5. Tommy Adkins, 6. Boyd Vance, 7. Gary Brown, 8. James T. Smith, 9. Carl Hall, and 10. Lamuel Ward. Photo courtesy of Brad Johnson. 511671
1978 Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. L-R: 1. Darrell Toler, 2. Junior Hensley, 3. Ernie Hensley, 4. Thomas Hensley, 5. Tommy Adkins, 6. Boyd Vance, 7. Gary Brown, 8. James T. Smith, 9. Carl Hall, and 10. Lamuel Ward. Photo courtesy of Brad Johnson. 511671
1978 Odell Hensley, Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County. Photo courtesy of Brad Johnson. 511672
1978 Odell Hensley, Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County. Photo courtesy of Brad Johnson. 511672
Paul Toler, 1978 Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Brad Johnson. 615667
Paul Toler, 1978 Chaffin Coal Mine No. 6 at Rich Creek, Logan County, WV. Courtesy of Brad Johnson. 615667
Fred Hartman from Taplin, WV courtesy of Brad Johnson. 516479
Fred Hartman from Taplin, WV courtesy of Brad Johnson. 516479
Powellton Coal Company mine at Mallory, WV. Photo from the 1952 Centennial Program Booklet published by the city of Logan, WV. 15691
Powellton Coal Company mine at Mallory, WV. Photo from the 1952 Centennial Program Booklet published by the city of Logan, WV. 15691
Courtesy of Beverly Albert. She writes. My grandfather George Albert. He died of black lung disease. My grandfather, great grandfather and great uncles were all miners in Dehue. 116871
Courtesy of Beverly Albert. She writes. My grandfather George Albert. He died of black lung disease. My grandfather, great grandfather and great uncles were all miners in Dehue. 116871
Courtesy of Beverly Albert. She writes. My great grandfather, Steve Sepessy, front row, 3rd from right, died from coal car leg injury. 71681
Courtesy of Beverly Albert. She writes. My great grandfather, Steve Sepessy, front row, 3rd from right, died from coal car leg injury. 71681
Courtesy of Bill Mowery. He writes. My grandfather´s (Albert Mowery) pay statement from February 1928. He cleared a whopping $18.86 for 48 hours of work - 57 cents an hour. Note that they didn’t even bother to spell his name correctly.
Courtesy of Bill Mowery. He writes. My grandfather´s (Albert Mowery) pay statement from February 1928. He cleared a whopping $18.86 for 48 hours of work - 57 cents an hour. Note that they didn’t even bother to spell his name correctly.
Logan County, WV coal miners
Logan County, WV coal miners
Chester McRoberts, Delbarton, WV
Chester McRoberts, Delbarton, WV
The Hard Working Miner song lyrics courtesy of the Library of Congress via Brandon Ray Kirk.
The Hard Working Miner song lyrics courtesy of the Library of Congress via Brandon Ray Kirk.
John Marcum about 1939 at Whitman courtesy of his daughter, Joan Nored. 911647
John Marcum about 1939 at Whitman courtesy of his daughter, Joan Nored. 911647
Jimmy Bevino, Slagle, WV 1957
Jimmy Bevino, Slagle, WV 1957
Jack Shannon, Rossmore Tipple Foreman courtesy of Ralph Mcneely.
Jack Shannon, Rossmore Tipple Foreman courtesy of Ralph Mcneely.
Miners at Blair giving up their guns at Blair after the Battle of Blair Mt.
Photo courtesy of Kenny King via Emmett Ray Adkins.
Photo courtesy of Kenny King via Emmett Ray Adkins.
Miners at Blair giving up their guns at Blair after the Battle of Blair Mt.
Photo courtesy of Kenny King via Emmett Ray Adkins.
Photo courtesy of Kenny King via Emmett Ray Adkins.
Omar Miners courtesy of Anne Musick-Briody
Omar Miners courtesy of Anne Musick-Briody
Amherst Miners 1956 courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith. Please leave a comment if you can recognize any of them.
Amherst Miners 1956 courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith. Please leave a comment if you can recognize any of them.
Jimmy Bevino and other unknown miners at Slagle, WV Mine Office.
The miner in the middle has been identified as Paulus Marcum courtesy of Herb Harvey.
The miner in the middle has been identified as Paulus Marcum courtesy of Herb Harvey.
Jimmy Bevino and other unknown miners at Slagle, WV Mine Office.
The miner in the middle has been identified as Paulus Marcum courtesy of Herb Harvey.
The miner in the middle has been identified as Paulus Marcum courtesy of Herb Harvey.
The Logan Banner, Thursday, July 24, 1993.
The Logan Banner, Thursday, July 24, 1993.
AP Photo March 11, 1937 Macbeth Mine rescuers getting coffee and sandwiches. This photo was purchased for our website hoping we’ll be able to identify these miners. Read the article by Dolores Riggs Davis.
AP Photo March 11, 1937 Macbeth Mine rescuers getting coffee and sandwiches. This photo was purchased for our website hoping we’ll be able to identify these miners. Read the article by Dolores Riggs Davis.
Dehue, WV miners at the Dabney Portal. Courtesy of Frank and Maggie Mariano.
Dehue, WV miners at the Dabney Portal. Courtesy of Frank and Maggie Mariano.
Miners in front of the lamp house at Dehue, Samuel Blevins, Arnold ?, Wesley Cladwell. Courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith
Miners in front of the lamp house at Dehue, Samuel Blevins, Arnold ?, Wesley Cladwell. Courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith
Dehue, WV miners courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith. Front Row: George Whitt, H.F. Gallion, Tom Davis, Jim Buskirk, Uncle Bill Griffith, George Lewis. F.F. Adams , Okey Brooks John Polo. Back Row: Albert Robinson, Sam Moore, Ferris Jayjohn, Frank Vidovich, C.A. Abbott, Toba Cline, Charley Stewart, Henry Adkins, Raymond Simmons, Alex Gilmore, Leslie Sexton, R.H. Harold, Mines Elliott, Lester Cline, Alfred Ferguson, Jake Fields, Charley York, Sammy, Lepetrone.
Dehue, WV miners courtesy of Lillian Porter-Smith. Front Row: George Whitt, H.F. Gallion, Tom Davis, Jim Buskirk, Uncle Bill Griffith, George Lewis. F.F. Adams , Okey Brooks John Polo. Back Row: Albert Robinson, Sam Moore, Ferris Jayjohn, Frank Vidovich, C.A. Abbott, Toba Cline, Charley Stewart, Henry Adkins, Raymond Simmons, Alex Gilmore, Leslie Sexton, R.H. Harold, Mines Elliott, Lester Cline, Alfred Ferguson, Jake Fields, Charley York, Sammy, Lepetrone.
On Friday, December 6, 1907 an explosion at the Number 8 mine at Monongah, WV killed over 360 miners. It has been described as the worst mining disaster in American History
On Friday, December 6, 1907 an explosion at the Number 8 mine at Monongah, WV killed over 360 miners. It has been described as the worst mining disaster in American History
Miner, Freeze Fork WV Oct 1935. Identified as Clyde Hood courtesy of Rhonda Schwendeman. Image 11164.
Miner, Freeze Fork WV Oct 1935. Identified as Clyde Hood courtesy of Rhonda Schwendeman. Image 11164.
My grandfather Bill Thompson coming home from the mine, Monaville, WV. Photo courtesy of G. B. Berry.
My grandfather Bill Thompson coming home from the mine, Monaville, WV. Photo courtesy of G. B. Berry.
Beecher Thompson coming home from the mines, Monaville, WV. Photo courtesy of G. B. Berry.
Beecher Thompson coming home from the mines, Monaville, WV. Photo courtesy of G. B. Berry.
Elmer McNeely (right) at north Mitchell Heights home from Omar No. 5 Mine. Courtesy of Ralph McNeely
Elmer McNeely (right) at north Mitchell Heights home from Omar No. 5 Mine. Courtesy of Ralph McNeely
Coal Miners, Larado, WV. If you know any of their names, please leave a comment and reference photo 443384.
Coal Miners, Larado, WV. If you know any of their names, please leave a comment and reference photo 443384.
Logan County coal mining. Photographer, Mrs. A. T. Elkins.
Logan County coal mining. Photographer, Mrs. A. T. Elkins.
Courtesy of Michael Taylor. Dad´s brother Clifford who died in 1934 from complications from a mining accident. Clifford, his wife Kathleen Ramsey Taylor, Hazel Ramsey (Hannigan), and Cliff´s daughter Evelyn in her mother’s arms, right Janet Gilkerson. (881671)
Courtesy of Michael Taylor. Dad´s brother Clifford who died in 1934 from complications from a mining accident. Clifford, his wife Kathleen Ramsey Taylor, Hazel Ramsey (Hannigan), and Cliff´s daughter Evelyn in her mother’s arms, right Janet Gilkerson. (881671)
Whites Addition 1955 George Thompson coming home from the Gay Coal mine.
Whites Addition 1955 George Thompson coming home from the Gay Coal mine.
George Thompson working in the Mount Gay Coal Mine. Died in 1959 from black lung.
George Thompson working in the Mount Gay Coal Mine. Died in 1959 from black lung.
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Freeze Fork, Logan County, WV Oct. 1935 Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Photo courtesy of Craig Headley. "1956 inside one of the Amherst Coal Company's Paragon Mines, Mine #3 I think. My Grandpa Hugh Dingess is the man in the top right of the picture sort of sitting on the scoop. I have no idea who anyone else is in the picture. I thought I would share to see if some of these men's families might know whom they are, or a chance some of the men are still living. My Grandpa passed away in 1982 from heart attacks brought on by Black Lung. He worked around 40 years in the mines.”
Photo courtesy of Craig Headley. "1956 inside one of the Amherst Coal Company's Paragon Mines, Mine #3 I think. My Grandpa Hugh Dingess is the man in the top right of the picture sort of sitting on the scoop. I have no idea who anyone else is in the picture. I thought I would share to see if some of these men's families might know whom they are, or a chance some of the men are still living. My Grandpa passed away in 1982 from heart attacks brought on by Black Lung. He worked around 40 years in the mines.”
1955 Brady Thompson (1921-2003) coming home from the mine with hot dogs from Morrison's Drive Inn.
1955 Brady Thompson (1921-2003) coming home from the mine with hot dogs from Morrison's Drive Inn.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV. The expression on this coal miner’s face clearly shows how tired he was. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV. The expression on this coal miner’s face clearly shows how tired he was. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
1935 Omar, WV courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Coal miners waiting along road for bus to take them home. In Welch, Bluefield section, West Virginia. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF34-050027-E.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF34-050027-E.
Coal miners waiting along road for bus to take them home. In Welch, Bluefield section, West Virginia. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF34-050027-E.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF34-050027-E.
West Virginia Coal & Coke Corp., Mine # 4, Omar, WV. Courtesy of James Harrison. "This crew broke the record for coal mined on one shift. My dad, Richard Harrison, is in bottom roll on the left end. I think the man in the middle, back roll is Richard Harrison."
West Virginia Coal & Coke Corp., Mine # 4, Omar, WV. Courtesy of James Harrison. "This crew broke the record for coal mined on one shift. My dad, Richard Harrison, is in bottom roll on the left end. I think the man in the middle, back roll is Richard Harrison."
Joe Ozanic, President of the Progressive Mine Workers of America, an AF of L union, testifies before the Smith Committee to Investigate the National Labor Relations Board. He is shown here with Tom Halger, of Logan, West Virginia, who attended the hearings dressed in his working clothes. Dec. 13. 1939. Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Joe Ozanic, President of the Progressive Mine Workers of America, an AF of L union, testifies before the Smith Committee to Investigate the National Labor Relations Board. He is shown here with Tom Halger, of Logan, West Virginia, who attended the hearings dressed in his working clothes. Dec. 13. 1939. Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Rossmore Mine Portal 3-26-2014
Rossmore Mine Portal 3-26-2014
Drivers going home, 5:30 P.M. from the coal mine.
MacDonald, WV. Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23738.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23738.
Drivers going home, 5:30 P.M. from the coal mine.
MacDonald, WV. Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23738.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23738.
Tipple Crew, Turkey Knob Mine, Macdonald, WV Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23739.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23739.
Tipple Crew, Turkey Knob Mine, Macdonald, WV Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23739.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-23739.
Tipple Boy and Drivers. Maryland Coal Co. Mine, near Sand Lick, Grafton, W. Va. Oct. 1908. Boy with mule was afraid at first to be in the picture: another boy said he feared we might make him go to school.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01073.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01073.
Tipple Boy and Drivers. Maryland Coal Co. Mine, near Sand Lick, Grafton, W. Va. Oct. 1908. Boy with mule was afraid at first to be in the picture: another boy said he feared we might make him go to school.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01073.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01073.
Main entrance, Gary W. Va. Mine. Trapper boy in center. Going to work 7 A.M. will be underground until 5:30 P.M. Trappers are paid $1. per day. Sept. 1908
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01053.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01053.
Main entrance, Gary W. Va. Mine. Trapper boy in center. Going to work 7 A.M. will be underground until 5:30 P.M. Trappers are paid $1. per day. Sept. 1908
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01053.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01053.
Drift Mouth, San Lick Mine, near Grafton, W. Va. Oct. 1908.
Bank Boss in centre: driver on his right: trapper boy outside. Alfred, about 14. He trapped several years during vacation: said he is going to school this year: asked if it were because school is more fun he said. "This yere hain't no fun!".
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01063.
Bank Boss in centre: driver on his right: trapper boy outside. Alfred, about 14. He trapped several years during vacation: said he is going to school this year: asked if it were because school is more fun he said. "This yere hain't no fun!".
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01063.
Drift Mouth, San Lick Mine, near Grafton, W. Va. Oct. 1908.
Bank Boss in centre: driver on his right: trapper boy outside. Alfred, about 14. He trapped several years during vacation: said he is going to school this year: asked if it were because school is more fun he said. "This yere hain't no fun!".
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01063.
Bank Boss in centre: driver on his right: trapper boy outside. Alfred, about 14. He trapped several years during vacation: said he is going to school this year: asked if it were because school is more fun he said. "This yere hain't no fun!".
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01063.
Drivers and Trappers going home from the Barnesville Coal Mine Fairmont, WV. Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01082.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01082.
Drivers and Trappers going home from the Barnesville Coal Mine Fairmont, WV. Oct. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01082.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01082.
Entrance to a W. Va. coal mine: a "drift" mine. The live-wire was only shoulder -high in places inside, and unprotected. Sept. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01055.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01055.
Entrance to a W. Va. coal mine: a "drift" mine. The live-wire was only shoulder -high in places inside, and unprotected. Sept. 1908.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01055.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-nclc-01055.
Miners starting home after work. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Miners starting home after work. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Williamson, West Virginia. Oct. 1935.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF33- 006195-M5.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF33- 006195-M5.
Williamson, West Virginia. Oct. 1935.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF33- 006195-M5.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-USF33- 006195-M5.
Wives of coal miners talking over the fence. Capels, West Virginia. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Wives of coal miners talking over the fence. Capels, West Virginia. Sept. 1938.
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Tipple Crew, West Virginia Coal & Coke Corp., Mine # 4, Omar, WV 9-11-1939 courtesy of James Harrison. My grandfather, Estill Wilbum shown in the center. Others are unknown.
Tipple Crew, West Virginia Coal & Coke Corp., Mine # 4, Omar, WV 9-11-1939 courtesy of James Harrison. My grandfather, Estill Wilbum shown in the center. Others are unknown.
Chester McRoberts, Island Creek Coal Co., No. 22 Mine Victim. He was the 39th mine victim that year which clearly shows how dangerous a coal miner's job was then. The Logan Banner, Friday, Nov. 24, 1944.
Chester McRoberts, Island Creek Coal Co., No. 22 Mine Victim. He was the 39th mine victim that year which clearly shows how dangerous a coal miner's job was then. The Logan Banner, Friday, Nov. 24, 1944.
1938 Caples, WV.
1938 Caples, WV.
Frank Mullins, 1944 37th Mine Fatality. Banner clipping courtesy of Ken Moore.
Frank Mullins, 1944 37th Mine Fatality. Banner clipping courtesy of Ken Moore.
Merrill Coal Mine pay slip for Emery Killen. He cut timber for the coal company and his photo is in the lobby of the museum at the park.. Courtesy of his grandson, Ralph H. McNeely.
Merrill Coal Mine pay slip for Emery Killen. He cut timber for the coal company and his photo is in the lobby of the museum at the park.. Courtesy of his grandson, Ralph H. McNeely.
1917 Miners Pay,, Ethel Coal Company.
1917 Miners Pay,, Ethel Coal Company.
1939 Coal Miner Delmer Evans Pay stub courtesy of his daugher Linda Evans Hill.
1939 Coal Miner Delmer Evans Pay stub courtesy of his daugher Linda Evans Hill.
Logan Banner newspaper clipping courtesy of Connie Woods.
Logan Banner newspaper clipping courtesy of Connie Woods.
Ethel Scrip
Ethel Scrip
Sprinkle Coal Dust On My Grave sung by Orville J. Jenks. Recorded by George Korson in Welch, WV 1940. MP3 courtesy of the LOC.
Sprinkle Coal Dust On My Grave sung by Orville J. Jenks. Recorded by George Korson in Welch, WV 1940. MP3 courtesy of the LOC.
The Men of the Deeps - Coal Tattoo
The Men of the Deeps - Coal Tattoo
Whitman Cemetery, Enoch Huchok, miner killed in slate fall Photo courtesy of Bob Piros.
Whitman Cemetery, Enoch Huchok, miner killed in slate fall Photo courtesy of Bob Piros.
Whitman Cemetery, miner killed in slate fall. Photo courtesy of Bob Piros
Whitman Cemetery, miner killed in slate fall. Photo courtesy of Bob Piros
Poem by son of Lloyd Castle courtesy of Carla Haslam Herkner.
Poem by son of Lloyd Castle courtesy of Carla Haslam Herkner.
Lloyd Castle obit courtesy of Carla Haslam Herkner.
Lloyd Castle obit courtesy of Carla Haslam Herkner.
Layland Mile Disaster Marker, Fayette County, WV
Layland Mile Disaster Marker, Fayette County, WV
Bill Bachtel killed in slatefall courtesy of Dwight Williams.
Bill Bachtel killed in slatefall courtesy of Dwight Williams.
*Header image courtesy of the Library of Congress.
[1] Source: United States Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration
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charles carver, my grandfather and father was a coal miner up rum creek in 40’s thru the 70’s and a[[ of my uncles dave carver, bill carver, claude carver, anthony carver. my father did not want me to work in a mine so right out of high school he and my mother brough me to ny to live with my uncle and aunt……
Charles, Your Uncles, Dave, Bill, Anthony and Claude are all buried in Chambers Cemetery. There is a photo of your Uncle Claude in a Memorial for him on the Findagrave site when he served in the Army in WWII. Would you consider posting it and any other family photos to this Logan website to honor them.
Are their records of employees for the various coal mine companies. If so, where could I start looking.
If a recent company write them a letter.
Put your question in an online search.
My grandfather, John Bryant Atkins, worked in the mines at Logan. I would love to find out about him and how long he worked there. I am not sure of the exact years. Sorry to say I did not know him since he died in 1939 and I was born 1943.
Elizabeth, you can do research at
familysearch.org for him.
Shows a John B. born in 1889 in KY,.
in the 1920 census in Fayette County
town of Powellton. He worked in a
sawmill. Maybe later he worked in
the coal mines in Logan County.
My dad Homer Jeffrey a retired coal miner in Kopperston wv
My father Mack Wimmer was a coal miner who worked at the No.5 mine in Omar Wv.
My Great Uncles,George(1873-1911) &
Mike Tarkany(1889-1914) both died of
Typhoid Fever while working for
Island Creek Coal Company in Holden,WV.
They both arrived in the USA in 1903 from
Hungary to work in the coal mines for a
better life.
My grandfather Rolland Esque was killed in a West Virginia coal mine. I would have like to have met him.
I am looking for information about an alleged coal mine owner in Logan, WV named Joseph E. Barlow. If anyone has information they could share I would appreciate the help.
Ken, please go to familysearch.org,
you will find Joseph listed in the 1910
census as working for a coal company.
I remember my dad Rowe Chafin, who was working at mine in Peach Creek. His job was to take care of all the miners lights, charging them, testing. He also ran the hoist up a very steep embankment every day. As a special treat to me and my brothers Terry Chafin, Ralph Chafin, and of course me, Larry Chafin, he ran the hoist all way up the hill with us on it enjoying a very exciting ride. It was a hillbilly roller coasrer ride that was an unforgettable experience.