Evening
In Fairmont:
“The box supper and social given at Industrial Saturday evening for the benefit for the Monongah sufferers was a decided success, $11.85 being raised.” (CDT 12.23.07 pg. 1)
“Owing to the nearness of Christmas it was impossible for quite a number of the people to attend as they had to come to the city to see Santa Claus, and order Christmas presents for their girls and boys.” (CDT 2.23.07 pg. 1)
“The boxes brought and sold were artistically trimmed and the contents were the very best that money could by the eating of which was greatly enjoyed by all.” (CDT 1223.07 pg. 1)
At the Darr Mines in PA:
“Several gangs of workmen are boarding up the abandoned rooms of the old entries as to forge ahead and try to recover the bodies.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. Schluderberg denied strongly the rumor current here this evening that 100 bodies had been located and would be brought out early tomorrow morning. He said each body would be brought out as soon as it was discovered. Mr. Schluderberg went to his home in Pittsburgh this evening but will return some time tomorrow.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The rescue work progressed steadily and systematically all day but was slow on account of a heavy accumulation of gas, which necessitated more precaution in the work of exploration. The mine has been penetrated about 10,000 feet, but the slope is an old one and the workings are nearly three miles from the surface.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“After reaching the end of the main head the relief parties will explore the rooms and butt entries where they expect to find bodies in great numbers. In anticipation of this the number of undertakers was increased today and work on an addition to the improvised morgue commenced. The building will be made 40 feet longer.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The 13 bodies thus recovered here have been identified and will be buried tomorrow. All are badly mutilated and their identification was obtained only by clothing. The legs of another victim are at the temporary morgue.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Men and women have haunted the mines for day. They appear stunned by the awfulness of the disaster, but it is expected that they will grow frantic when they get the bodies. The company has ordered white coffins for the trapper boys killed in the mine.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“One of the particularly sad cases was brought to light by the relief workers today was that of Mrs. Michael McNamora, who came to Jacobs Creek one week ago. Immediately upon the family’s arrival her husband and her uncle, Edward A Schein, went to work in the mine and are among the dead. Mrs. McNamora is prostrated.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“A general relief committee will be organized early next week. It will be composed of officials of the mine workers’ unions, a representative of the coal company and citizens outside of this community.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Many applications have been received by the postmaster of Jacobs Creek from people who wish to adopt orphan children. A prominent Pittsburgh business man wishes to procure two healthy boys.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
Night
In Monongah:
One body is found in Monongah the mines (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
At Darr mine in PA:
“But 13 bodies had been recovered from the Darr mine when darkness came tonight, and all hope of reaching the others before tomorrow was abandoned.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The bodies brought out today were in a horrible condition. Some bodies found were minus a leg, an arm, or a head. The rescue parties declared the sights were sickening in the extreme. It is the opinion of State mine inspectors that many bodes will never be found.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The company officials are satisfied that there will be large number of unidentified bodies. They have purchased an addition to the Smithton cemetery for the interment of the bodies unclaimed.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“With the exception of the unidentified all bodies were removed from the morgue tonight to the homes of the victims. They were first viewed by Deputy Coroner H.A. McMurray, of Youngwood. Coroner C.A. Wynne was not here today but sent word he would get in early tomorrow and remain in charge of the morgue.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Thousands of persons are expected to visit the scene of the disaster tomorrow. The squad of Pennsylvania state police will be reinforced by coroner’s deputies to guard against disorder.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“It is expected that more than 25,000 visitors will flock to the village tomorrow. There will be nothing for them see see however as cordons of constabulary will keep the crowds outside the lines and far from where they could catch any sight of the dead, as they are brought from the mine. It is said that the railroad companies have been asked to reduce the number of trains to Jacobs Creek in the hop of keeping the crowds away.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Relief funds have been started in towns surrounding this place and in a few days a permanent organization will be perfected to take care of the widows and children.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
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