Evening
At the Darr mine in PA:
“Bodies taken from the mine now number 124, and six more, which have been located, will be brought out before morning.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The entire mine has now been searched with the exception of Entry No. 27 where it is believed 100 bodies will be found. Debris about this entry is being removed as rapidly as possible and it is expected to gain ingress tomorrow morning.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The work of getting the bodies, it is believed will be much easier from this time forth. The rescue parties are now in that section of the mine where they expect to find many under the few falls which have occurred at the time of the explosion. A dozen may have been caught in this manner, but this estimate is believed to be high.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Each rescue party is being accompanied by one or two State inspectors and their recommendations are being followed to the letter. Every precaution is being taken to protect the men engaged in rescue work.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
General Manager G.W. Schleudergerg, of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, is called to his home in Pittsburgh by the sudden death of his wife. “Mr. Schleuderberg assumes charge of the Darr mine the day following the explosion and had no intimation of his wife’s illness. He went to Pittsburgh on a special train sent out over the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie railroad.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
In Fairmont:
First Baptist Church holds a social; “…a tree will be a feature of the entertainment. An impromptu program will be rendered and treat distributed.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
Justice E.S. Amos, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tusca Morris and a newspaper representative visit Elijah Hannon, the man who was shot in the bowels at Grey’s Flats Tuesday night, in the hospital. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Authorities here thought that this would prove to be another case of homicide instead of suicide and for that reason the officers called on Hannon.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The only man that was with him at the time was Dennis Gilmore and he too says the shooting was accidental.” FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
As Amos, Morris and the reporter were coming up First Street on their way to the hospital “they met two colored men who proved to be Dennis Gilmore and C.H. Thackson. They were accosted by Attorney Tusca Morris who asked them if they were from Gray’s Flats. They stated that they were and that they had accompanied Hannon to the hospital. The men told of the shooting.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
Gilmore explained of the incident a few nights prior when Hannon had taken a few moments to admire Gilmore’s gun and accidentally discharged it as he was sliding it back across the table to Gilmore. “Both men said that the shot was accidental as the men were on most friendly terms.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
Hannon was interviewed next. “Hannon’s statement did not vary from the story of the other two men. He said that they were on friendly terms and that his presence in the hospital and his physical condition was due to his own carelessness in handling a dangerous weapon.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The assistant prosecuting attorney and justice left the institution thoroughly convinced that it was not a deed executed with malice forethought but the result of recklessness.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Hannon’s condition is serious but it is not thought that the wounds are necessarily fatal.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
8:00 pm
In Fairmont:
2nd of series of 3 basketball games between F.H.S and F.H.S. Alumni played at High School Gym (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 5)
9:30 pm
In Mannington:
The Mannington Elks host a Ball. “All Mannington’s dancing set were in attendance and a large number of out of town people participated in the festivities.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The ball opened with more than 40 dancing couples on the floor, while the card tables in the club rooms afforded amusement to a goodly number in addition” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Mannington’s favorite orchestra, Vincent’s from Grafton, furnished music for the occasion and more than sustained their high reputation in this city, their music being conceded to be the best ever played in this city. The orchestra consisted of 8 pieces.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
Late in the night
In Monongah:
More on How Death Gloated!
The Monongah Disaster 