In the middle of the night
In Morgantown:
Fire breaks out in the home of O.P Corbin at Sturgisson on Decker’s Creek. “Mr. Corbin, his wife, and the youngest child, who were sleeping on the first floor of the home, were awakened by the roaring flames which before their discovery had made such headway that access to the second floor by the stairway was impossible.” 4 children were sleeping on second floor, Russel, aged 17, the oldest son, made his escape but was unable to rescue the other children. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. Corbin climbed to second story and tried to make entrance by a window but in each instance the fury of the flames would not permit entrance.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
The Corbin house was entirely consumed as well as a house next door. “A brother of Mrs. Corbin, James McGregor, escaped from the second floor but was badly burned in his effort to rescue the children.” 3 of the children died: Rachel, 15; James, 7; Susie, 5. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
By Morning
~9:30 am
In Clarksburg:
“The remains of Patrick Louchney, who was killed in No. 8 mine at Monongah when the terrible explosion occurred, were buried in Holy Cross cemetery in this city Saturday morning. The remains were brought here on the interurban trolley car arriving at 9:30 o’clock and from the car they were taken to the Church of the Immaculate Conception…” (CDT 1214.07 pg. 1)
~10:00 am
Funeral services are held for Patrick Louchney at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and are “attended by a large number of sorrowing friends. Mr. Louchney was 69 years old, single and formerly resided in Clarksburg. He was well known and a favorite among many friends in this section. His remains were found badly mangled, Thursday afternoon.” (CDT 1214.07 pg. 1)
At some point during the morning
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: rain in the south, heavy snow in the north tonight (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
Mayor Arnett receives a card from his nephew, Olney Boaz Stuart, telling him of charity concert in Chicago. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
Chester Williamson of Morgantown (formerly of Fairmont) stops in Fairmont on his way home. “Mr. Williamson has been employed in the morgue at Monongah since last week.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
“W.C. Parker, county health officer, has returned from Monongah and reports that the sanitary conditions there are very good. The clothing taken from the dead miners’ bodies was hauled out and burned. Mr. Parker says that there were some 15 wagon loads of clothes of the victims hauled out and destroyed.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
“The miners have already started subscription papers and the money that is raised will be turned over to the general relief committee. Papers are being circulated at every mine operated by the Fairmont Coal Company and at many of the mines operated by the companies that are closely allied with FCC.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
“Several of the mines of the George’s Creek Coal and Iron Company are circulating subscription papers. The miners are responding very liberally to the fund.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
In Monongah:
Despite speculation over the past week, the date of the inquest into the Monongah disaster is “still not determined.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
“Preparations are being made for commencing the inquest by Coroner Amos at Monongah. The date as yet, however, has not been definitely decided upon, and will not be until Chief Mine Inspector Paul returns from Fayette City, Pa., where he went to investigate conditions at the ill-fated Naomi mine. Mr. Paul is expected to return this evening, and a conference will be held upon the arrival of his train.” (CDT 12.14.07 pg. 3)
“It was first believed that the inquest would start on Wednesday, Dec. 18, but Mr. Paul desired the coroner to wait until he returned before the day is named.” (CDT 12.14.07 pg. 3)
“The relief corps was again active today in distributing food and supplies to the needy. Food was dispensed as before from the building opposite the company offices and the good work is progressing nicely.” (CDT 12.14.07 pg. 4)
At the mines:
“All is very quiet in Monongah today. The two forces of 45 men each were at work today clearing up the falls.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
“This work of moving the falls is being carried along as fast as it is possible and before it is done other bodies are expected to be found.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 1)
“Forces of men are still at work in both mines, clearing away falls and debris and trying to locate more bodies.” (CDT 12.14.07 pg. 1)
The bodies of 3 men are taken out of #6. “This brings the total up to 325.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
A few miles south of Monongah:
Officials and clerks at the Gypsy mines and store contribute 40 pairs of shoes to the Monongah relief efforts. (FWV 12.14.07 pg.1)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 