“There are no new developments at Monongah today. A rescue party worked last night but found no more bodies, the total remaining at 337.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
Morning
In Yolande, AL:
“The Yolande mines were among the model collieries of the Birmingham region. Non-union men were employed exclusively, but everything possible had been done to insure the contentment of employees. Yolande is situated on a beautiful hill and all the houses are painted white with green trimmings, giving it an air of picturesqueness and healthfulness unusual in mining quarters.” (TFR 12.18.07 pg. 1)
In Clarksburg:
Manager of Clarksburg Amusement Company, George A Murray, turns over to Rev. Father Reynolds a check for the sum of $25 to go to Monongah relief. “It will be remembered that the company volunteered to give the net proceeds of the Odeon and the Bijou Family Theater during last week to this worthy cause.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 2)
“By reason of the inclement weather which prevailed last week the proceeds of the popular play houses were not nearly so much as the company hoped to tender for this worthy cause.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 2)
A meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee has been called to gather at the Hotel Waldo in Clarksburg by Senator Thomas C. Gartlan of Parkersburg for the purpose of making an investigation into the Monongah disaster. The Joint Legislative Committee “made a tour of the coal fields of the State and visited the Monongah mine in October and were seemingly impressed with the good and favorable conditions that obtained there.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
This Committee, appointed by Sen. McDermott, is composed of Senators Gartlan and Kidd, Delegates Duty, Strickling and Mitchell as well as John Marshall, Sargent at Arms, and John T Harris, secretary and stenographer. (Inquiry) (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
However, Harris as well as Delegates Duty and Strickling have not arrived and, therefore, do not attend. (Inquiry) (CDT 12.19.07 pg. 1)
Committee members Gartlan, Kidd, Marshall, and Mitchell depart Clarksburg for Fairmont on the interurban line. (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports that the weather will be: Light snow, colder; Thursday, fair.
“John Neary, a miner of Uniontown, Pa., who helped with the rescuing parties at Monongah after the mine disaster died in Cook’s hospital here this forenoon.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“He contracted pneumonia while working with the rescuers and this caused his death.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“Neary went to Monongah as a volunteer to help in the rescue work and assisted at both mines No 6 and 8. He was a middle-aged man.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. Neary’s home was Latrobe, PA, and relatives will arrive from here today to take the remains home for burial.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
Monongah Mines Relief Association begins operation in the Masonic Temple under direction of Frank P. Hall. Postmaster A. Howard Fleming is secretary of the Association and will have oversight in the work. 4 stenographers are employed to send out 50,000 copies of an appeal for aid for the miners’ widows and orphans; “The stenographers are Misses Walsh, Gaskins, Leora Abbott and Elizabeth Stone.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“Conditions at the mines are becoming normal.” (CET 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“The mine inspectors spent another day in their investigation.” (WT 12.18.07 pg. 11)
“Chief Paul and his force of investigators are continuing their work of gathering data to present before the coroner’s jury.” (FWV 12.18.07 pg. 1)
“The slowness with which the work is proceeding makes it likely that the coroner’s inquest, which will take the added importance of a State investigation, will not begin until after Christmas.” (WT 12.18.07 pg. 11)
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The Monongah Disaster 