“Farmington was well represented at Monongah during the days when that unfortunate city needed so much assistance in rescuing the ill-fated miners from that death trap. No one thought of pay for his services, but boldly faced the rescuing of those who were buried under the hills. Several of our men were there for four days and at work every day and sometimes all night. They tell some gruesome tales of the things they saw and did.” (FWV 12.16.07 pg. )
Evening
In Brooklyn, WV (a suburb of New Martinsville):
An overheated stove causes a fire in the Wetzel Cigar company factory and burns it to the ground. “The New Martinsville and Brooklyn fire departments did good work in preventing the spread of the fire.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 8)
Luckily, no one is injured but 75 workers are now out of a job. The company promises it will rebuild at once. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 8)
In Clarksburg:
The West Virginia Joint Legislative Committee is called to meet at the Hotel Waldo by its chairman, Thomas Gartlan for the purpose of collectively visiting the scene of the disaster. (Inquiry)
Those in attendance are: Chairman Gartlan, Senator R.F. Kidd, Senator A.J. Mitchell, and John Marshall (Sargent at Arms). (Inquiry)
These committee members spend the night at the Hotel Waldo and plan to visit Monongah tomorrow, once more members have arrived. (Inquiry)
In Fairmont:
A group that has been significantly active in the relief work, the Isabella Davis Circle of King’s Daughters, meets at M.E. Church. “This is the last meeting of this year and a large attendance is urged.” (FWV 12.16.07 pg. 5)
~7:30 pm
In Clarksburg:
A joint meeting of Executive and Subscription committees of MMRC is held at the Hotel Waldo. (FWV 12.16.07 pg. 1)
At the mines in Monongah:
The 2nd search still on going as workers continue to clean up roof falls in #8. (McAteer)
Night
In Yolande, AL:
Rescue work continues slowly because of the debris in the mines and large crowd of women and children at the opening. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 1)
“The scenes at the mines are descried as being pathetic in the extreme. All the horrors familiar in old mine explosions are being reenacted at Yolande, and the members of miners’ families are almost paralyzed with grief.” (JVC 12.19.07 pg. 1)
“Men from mines all over Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties, especially those in the vicinity of the disaster, have rushed to aid their fellow unfortunates and a gallant fight will be made for the life of every living man.” (JVC 12.19.07 pg. 1)
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 