children – Page 6 – The Monongah Disaster

Thursday, December 12, 1907 Midnight – Morning

CDT 12.12.07 - pg 1 - Monongah 5 — CDT 12.12.07 pg 1

In the early hours of the morning

12.12.07 - pg 6 - Monongah — TMDM 12.12.07 pg 6

In Hendricks, WV:

Roy Yaeger, 28 year old engineer for Western Maryland railroad, detects an odor of gas in his home and starts to investigate. He quickly finds that a rubber hose has come loose from a stove and “just as he was in the act of turning the gas off the gas was ignited from an oil lamp in another part of the house and the explosion followed.” (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 2)

“Yaeger was ablaze in an instant and jumping out of a window he rushed up street, his clothes burning fiercely. Before he could be succored his clothes were all burned off and was a mass of charred flesh.” (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 2)

Yeager “met with a terrible death”. His wife and little child were severely burned and the home in where they lived was practically blown to pieces. (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 2)

~3:00 am

“The body of Timothy Lyden was found in mine No. 6 at Monongah at 3 o’clock this morning, taken to the morgue and prepared for burial.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 4)

“Relatives identified the body by his clothes and the back of his head. The body was well preserved but the face was badly mutilated.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 4)

“Mr. Lyden was 38 years of age and leaves a widow and five children. He was a brother of Patrick J., Michael and Margaret Lyden and Mrs. P.F. Tiernery.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 4)

~3:30 am

“Henry Martin’s body was found in mine No. 6 at Monongah at 3:30 o’clock this morning and identified by his brother, Patrick Martin, of this city. Mr. Martin has another brother here, too, Thomas Martin.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)

“Mr. Martin was 42 years of age.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)

“Mr. Martin leaves a wife and five children making his death particularly sad, as they were dependent upon him for support.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)

“Accompanied by relatives and friends, the body will leave Monongah at 8:22 o’clock tomorrow morning for Clarksburg, and will be taken to the Catholic church, where at 10 o’clock funeral services will be held at the same time that the Timothy Lyden obsequies are held. It will be a double funeral at the church—all at the same mass. Interment will be in Holy Cross cemetery.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)

At some point during the early morning hours

The body of John T. McGraw, pitt boss at Monongah mine No. 8, “was recovered from the mine early Thursday morning”. (CDT 12.13.07 pg. 1)

~4:30 am

“The body of Charles Wise of Fairmont, one of the best known men, was recovered at 4:30 o’clock…” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2)

Wise was personal surveyor for Senator J.N. Camden. He surveyed inside of mines to ensure Camden and others were properly paid by Consolidated Coal Company. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

The 37 year old Chief Engineer “went into the ill-fated mine only a short time before the explosion.” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2) (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

Despite early reports announcing that only his jack and shoes had been found, leading people to believe Charles had been “blown to atoms”: “The body was in a good state of preservation and easily recognized. Besides in his pockets were his B&O mileage book, street car book, watch, ring and pipe, which were means to identify him.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

Wise was found in #6 near the main heading, in a sitting position ½ mile away from his jacket. He had wrapped his waistcoat around his head indicating that he had survived the explosion and attempted to find his way out but got lost in the darkness and was eventually overcome by afterdamp. (FWV 12.12.07 pg.1)

Charles becomes body #258 to pass through the morgue. (Amos)

He leaves a widow, Pearl Reed Wise, and 2 sons: Thomas Reuben, 2 years, and Lorin Turney, 2 months old. (McAteer) (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

~6:00

In Fairmont:

All mines in the Fairmont Coal Field are up and running to almost full capacity except those in Monongah. (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1)

The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: Partly cloudy tonight and Friday, nearly stationary temperature (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

In Monongah:

The remains of Charles D. Wise are taken to Musgrave’s undertaking parlors “just as they were taken from the mine” on 6:15 street car. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

At the mines:

“Officials…feel hopeful that the large force of rescuers, entering the mines at Monongah this morning will be the last necessary to send into the workings to recover the bodies…” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2)

~8:00 am

In Clarksburg:

“The body of Thomas Killeen was brought here Thursday morning from the Monongah mine horror. The funeral was held in the Catholic church and burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 5)

In Fairmont:

Tom Donlin’s funeral is held at St. Peter’s Catholic church under the direction of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Services are largely attended by friends and relatives following with interment at Holy Cross cemetery. Pallbearers were: Messrs. M.J. O’Neil, Anthony McDonough, John Kelley, John D Barry, Michael Ford and Jas. Erwin. (FWV 12/12/07 pg. 5)

In Monongah:

Women and children are still standing guard by the morgue.

At the mines:

Ventilation is restored to 8 miles of room headings, 550 rooms have been explored and tracks in 5.5 miles of main headings are cleaned up enough to allow hauling of bodies and materials. (McAteer)

1st full search completed in #6. The search parties have explored all the rooms of the mine and 20 searchers transfer from No 6 to No 8. “…the work in No 8 will be practically completed tonight when all the men will have been removed except those under falls.” (McAteer) (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

The bodies taken out this morning are in “pretty good condition” so as George Gibbon, who has been able to identify most of the miners, was very successful. (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1) (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

Among them is body #287—Ellis V. Herndon, this author’s great-great grandfather. Ellis’s son, Ira Herndon, was unable to go to work Friday morning due to his wet boots, and has had no need to take part in the rescue efforts as “they had other people who did that”. Ira is able to stay with his family throughout the whole ordeal and mourn their elder. Ellis was found in excellent condition and buried in the cemetery “on the back of Tower Hill, in the hollow.” (Loss)

cemeteries — The mass grave donated earlier this week due to inclement weather is by the Catholic cemetery. However, the original potter’s field, which was used and became full within the first few days after the disaster, is currently unknown/lost. This author has quite the theory as to its potential location and this will be discussed later in an “Issues” post.

~9:00 am

In Belle Vernon, PA:

Coroner Hagan commences the official inquiry into the December 1^st Naomi mine explosion. A number of officials testified and it was heavily discussed whether or not electricity should be used in mines.

In Fairmont:

Ladies Aid Society of the Diamond Street M.E. Church meets at the home of Mrs. Priscilla Merrifield on Wilson St. between 9am-4pm. 24 members and 2 visitors spend the day “sewing or doing any other work that may be done for the Monongah sufferers. Clothing or anything which will be donated for the cause will be gladly received by the ladies.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 2) (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 2)

“A Pittsburgh man said this morning that he was surprised at the small contributions being sent in for the Monongah relief fund. He thought the big cities were taking too little interest in the matter and that the papers ought to take the question up with a view to creating a larger fund. He thinks there ought to be a fund of at least $200,000 to properly care for 300 widows and 1,000 orphans.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. )

In Monongah:

2 men try the same trick from day before of posing as workmen to get food and goods. They are caught, arrested, and put in the Monongah jail. (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1)

“About 100 men are digging graves for the dead and as fast as the bodies are prepared and identified they are taken to the cemeteries or shipped to the places designated by friends.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1)

Messrs. S.E. Jenkins and J.A.C. Prickett, representatives of the Setting Sun Tribe of the Improved Order of Red Men, accompanied the body of one of the Monongah victims to the home at Connellsville, PA. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 2)

~10:00 am

“Two hundred and eighty-five bodies were recovered at 10 o’clock today, and 25 more were ready for removal to the surface.” (LET 12.12.07 pg. 1)

~11:00 am

In Pittsburgh, PA:

“C.W. Watson…will, in the name of his wife, erect an orphan asylum at Monongah in which will be cared for and educated the children of the men who lost their lives in the disaster. Today representatives of Mr. Watson visited this city, where they inspected various orphan asylums, and announced that work on the new asylum at Monongah will be started at once.” (NYTb 12.13.07 pg. 5)

In Charleston, WV:

“President Craigo called at the office of the Mail, where a relief fund is being collected and was advised that it would be better to have the contribution from the Wellston miners sent direct from that point to Mayor Moore, at Monongah, rather than have it come to Charleston and then be remitted from here to Monongah. Mr. Craigo adopted the suggestion and wired the convention to the that effect.” (TA 12.12.07 pg. 1)

In Monongah:

“R.H. Spahr went to Monongah this morning and spent a few hours viewing the mine horror.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 8)

“At 11 0’clock this morning 256 bodies have been waiting for transportation. It is estimated that there are still 145 bodies in the mines. Eighty-five bodies are unidentified. The greater number of these have already been buried.” (WT 12.12.07 pg. 3)

More on How Death Gloated!

Wednesday, December 11, 1907 – Afternoon

“Although rain is increasing the work of the rescue parties, it brought a merciful relief from the pitiful scenes at the exits in the last few days. It drove indoors many of the grief-stricken relatives and friends of the victims who crowded about the mouths of the shafts waiting for the bodies of the loved ones to be restored to them. All the soft earth about the mines was turned into a thin mud by the downpour, and although some of the stronger of the watchers remained through the forenoon, nearly all sought shelter later and awaited in their homes the summons to come and claim their own.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~12:00 pm

At the mines:

Recovery is becoming more horrific and tedious as bodies now have to be carried a distance of a mile or more underground just to get to mine mouth. As recovery of bodies gets swifter, the system of identifying and counting the deceased leads to more confusion over the total number of bodies “found” and those actually “recovered” and when. (McAteer)

Between 170-180 bodies total have been taken out by noon, “…all of them except thirteen having been recognized and were either buried immediately after coming out or turned over to relatives where the corpse was in shape to be seen.” (CET 12.11.07 pg. 1) (News)

“…with large additions to the rescuing force it is hoped to have the mines cleared very soon.” (ES 12.11.07 pg. 1)

“It is stated today that there is every reason to believe the number of the dead will reach four hundred.” (CET 12.11.07 pg. 1)

In an interview, the head of a rescue crew tells the Fairmont West Virginian: “#8 main from the opening to the bottom, a distance of about 1 mile in the mine, is absolutely clear of wreckage or falls. About the only obstruction of any amount in this mine is quite an extensive fall in the first left of the second south main working. This fall is about 100’ in length and about 4’ deep. Quite a few rooms were discovered with falls.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1)

In Fairmont:

Tom Donlin’s mother (who lives on Gaston Ave between 3rd and 4th street) knows nothing of the disaster. Her friends have kept her at home and kept all news from her “but in spite of all of this care Mrs. Donlin knew there was something wrong.” Her son usually came to visit every few days and was due for his visit on Friday. Since he didn’t show up, she was suspicious that something was not right. Father Boutlou informed her of the death of her son at noon. 2 years ago, another of her sons, John, was killed in a railroad wreck near Buckhannon. (FWV 12.12.07 pg.1)

At some point during the afternoon

In Monongah:

5 men showed up in town and “represented that they were workmen; they were supplied with rubber boots…and some other things that they needed to make up a fair disguise. These men then started to see how much good victuals they could consume. They were so successful with their scheme they began to boast about it. They did not stay long in Monongah after they were found out. They were given the grand bounce.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg.1)

Francesco A Cirmo, clerk at the local post office in Fairmont, is at Monongah participating “…in taking the census…” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. )

“Fifty-seven more bodies were taken out of the ill-fated Monongah mines 6 and 8 today; the larger number of these having been recovered from No. 8. This brings the total number recovered up to 184.” (CDT 12.11.07 pg. 1)

“These bodies many of which are badly burned and some mangled, have not all been identified as yet. The undertakers are working hard in preparing the corpses for burial and placing them in caskets. Those not identified are placed in the rooms provided for unidentified bodies where they are viewed.” (CDT 12.11.07 pg. 1)

In Fairmont:

“It is now quite apparent that a large amount of money will be sent to Fairmont for the relief of the Monongah sufferers. Many thousands of dollars have already been deposited for this purpose and word comes from various cities of donations in large and small amounts.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. )

“The Union Relief Association, an organization of Fairmont women from the various churches of the city, is doing noble work in providing for immediate needs of the wives and children of the victims and the General Relief Committee will use the larger sums of money in making provision for the families in a more comprehensive manner a little later on.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. )

“This is a great work and ought not be done in a hurry. Needs not now thought of will probably develop a little later and then it will be a good thing to have some money to meet them. Let the gifts continue to be made for remember the needs of 300 widows and 1,000 orphans are great.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. )

Dr. D.C. Duncan of Cameron informs Mayor Arnett of Fairmont that he offers 2 houses, rent free, to Monongah sufferers: “I have two small houses of two and three bedrooms that I will let some poor woman that has one or two children have to live in two or three months free of rent to help them along till spring. If they are able and willing to work they can get lots of common work such as washing to do to help them along. You will please let me hear from you if there is that would accept the offer.” (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 1)

In the next town south of Monongah:

South east on the state border:

The Watson school in Pendleton County donates the proceeds from a box dinner they held Friday evening. “The proceeds though needed for the school’s new library was given to the Monongah sufferers by a unanimous vote of the pupils. An openhearted, willingness to relieve want and help the distressed has become a prominent characteristic of our civilization. No better place to teach the brotherhood of man than in the public schools.” (12.11.07 pg. 2)

Further south in Charleston, WV:

The Children’s Home Society of WV, located at Charleston, announce they “will care for all homeless children and orphans that may be committed to their care.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. )

~2:00 pm

“At 2 o’clock, 212 bodies had been recovered.” (ETR 12.11.07 pg. 1)

“Of forty-four bodies taken to the morgue about 2 o’clock this afternoon, none have been identified.” (CDT 12.11.07 pg. 1)

~3:30 pm

In Fairmont:

“The cash contributions up to this time total $40,000.” (ES 12.11.07 pg. 1)

At the mines:

At Press time today there were 197 bodies that had been brought to the morgue and 25 bodies were ready at the mouth of the mines to be brought over. This makes 222 bodies that have been taken out of #6 & #8. (McAteer)

“Of the fifty bodies taken from the mines in the past twenty-four hours a majority are so mangled and decomposed as to render preparations for immediate burial imperative and many were sent direct from the mines to the graveyard in compliance with the order of the county board of health to prevent disease.” (BDP 12.11.07 pg. 4)

Rescue teams have not yet made any extensive efforts to clear the many roof falls in the mines and many bodies still remain trapped underneath. (McAteer)

Inspectors sent from Ohio, George Harrison and Ebenezer Jones, go into the mines for the first time. (McAteer, Inquiry)

Inside #6:

The bottom of #6 slope has been mostly cleared of debris from the wrecked coal cars and repeatedly examined. The line to the left of the main heading has also been cleared but men are still working on cleaning up wreckage in other areas of the mine. (McAteer) (News)

~5:00 pm

“A steady rain has been falling here all day, adding to the discomfort of the rescuers and making the recovery of the bodies more difficult.” (BDP 12.11.07 pg. 4)

Inside #8:

The body of John M. McGraw, pit boss in #8, is found in F Face, where the mines connected – “evidently going from one mine to the other.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg.1)

~5:30 pm

At the morgue:

John McGraw’s identity is confirmed by friends and by papers in his pocket. “Body was in fairly good state of preservation. Remains taken to Clarksburg for interment.” McGraw was well known and the president of First Regiment Band and had been a member since its organization. (FWV 12.12.07 pg.1)

~6:00 pm

In Monongah:

Bishop Donahue has “instructed the various priests ordered to the scene to remain on the ground until all the bodies have been recovered.” He returns to Wheeling where he will begin working on plans to assist placing the children in orphanages if necessary. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1) (News)

Donahue makes a statement that he is still uncertain how many orphans will be put into his care “owing to the grief and prostration of so many widowed mothers and his reluctance to as if they will part with them. He thinks however the number will be large.” Should there be more children in need than the current facilities can handle, Donahue says he “will lease a separate home for them and later build.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)

More on How Death Gloated!

Tuesday, December 10, 1907, Evening – Night

“Death came suddenly to the Monongah miners, and it is probable that many of them were taken off without bodily pain. The greatest sufferers were and are the women who are left behind. The anguish of their hearts as they waited in awful suspense between hope and dread, only to realize at the last that their loved ones had perished, is known only to themselves and to the pitying God, who alone can give consolation. And they must suffer on haunted forever by the recollection of the terrible ordeal. This case is not exceptional. When the men are in peril, the women must agonize. Theirs but to wait and mourn…‘For men must work and women must weep.’” (TD 12.10.07 pg. 6)

Evening

At the mines:

Both mines are sufficiently cleared of foul gasses that recovery work progresses at a faster rate.

“Until Tuesday evening 142 bodies of the victims of the Monongah, W. Va., mine explosion had been rescued.” (CC 12.12.07 pg. 2)

In Monongah:

Several different parties of inspectors are formed to begin determining the cause of the explosion. One of the inspectors from Pennsylvania spends an entire week surveying and examining the mines. (McAteer)

“The various lodges and churches of Monongah have sustained heavy loss.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 6)

During the night:

In Iowa:

In Morgantown:

Mayor I.N. Lucas holds meeting for the citizens of Morgantown to render assistance to Monongah victims. (FWV 12.9.07 pg. ?)

N.C. Prickett, Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of West Virginia is in Monongah making arrangements for the relief of the distressed families of the order. The local lodges are working to relieve the sufferers. (FWV 12.11.07 pg. 8)

In Fairmont:

“There was a rumor about Fairmont last night to the effect that some of the miners might be alive in the mines. The gossip was that a workman had heard rapping noises on a pipe. J.H. Wheelwright, who has been at the mines since the explosion, declared he had heard none of the supposed rappings and that it was ridiculous to suppose that anyone within the mines could be alive.” (CET 12.11.07 pg. 1)

At the mines:

“When darkness fell tonight 141 bodies had been brought to the surface while many more were located with every prospect of the rapid work of recovery of the past twenty-four hours continuing throughout the night.” (News)

23 bodies are removed tonight. (FWV 12.11.07 pg.1)

“Owing to the inclement weather it was impossible to bury bodies in the regular Potter’s Field, on the top of a steep hill, and when this became known the Fairmont Coal Company turned over an acre of ground just behind the Polish church of Monongah and this is being used as a Potter’s Field.” (NYTb 12.11.07 pg. 11)

“The crowds of idlers who surged about the pit entrances…have been dwindling ever since the rainstorm last night until tonight there only remained the forces employed in the rescue work, the newspaper workers and the inconsolable near relatives of victims who have remained faithful in the vigil during the downpour all night and all day, still shivering and enduring the physical discomfort in the wet snow that succeeded the rain.” (AR 12.11.07 pg. 1) (LAH 12.11.07 pg. 7)

“The bad weather did not stop the grave-diggers for they toiled from morning until night. It was found that the wagons could not make the trips up the steep hills to the regular Potter’s Field, so the company donated an acre of ground near the Polish and Italian Catholic cemetery. Several of the unknowns were buried there but the first body interred was that of John A. Ringer, an American. His widow brought her child to the morgue and identified the body. She said she had no money to pay the burial expenses and that the body would have to be placed in the Potter’s Field.” (CET 12.11.07 pg. 1)

“Another pathetic incident was the saving of the remains of Tom Donlin from the potter’s field by Mrs. A.J. Ruckman. The body was found on Tuesday night and passed by unidentified; his own little girl had looked at almost every body brought out, saying, ‘That’s not my papa.’” Luckily, Mrs. Ruckman manages to somehow recognize and identify Tom’s body, despite it being “mutilated”, before he is sent off with the others. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. )

“Mr. Wheelwright said the rescuing squads were working close to the underground passageway which connects the two mines and that the men hope to be working in the passageway and will work toward each other.” (CET 12.11.07 pg. 1)

More on How Death Gloated!

Tuesday, December 10, 1907, Afternoon & News Hour

“The moment it is announced in town that bodies have been brought from the mines there is a renewed stir of expectancy and anxiety until the bodies have been viewed in the bank building. Relatives and friends press forward to get the first glimpse of the features of the dead, eye them closely and turn away in deeper sadness and depression, if they recognize them not. Recognition is followed by outburst of grief and distraction, which with some impends upon the very brink of insanity.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~12:00 pm

At the mines:

“At noon today the bodies of 146 of the men…had been taken out and it was said at that time that by the night a majority of those not buried under the debris would be removed.” (TMDM 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Snow and sleet fall all day long and “…miserable conditions prevail throughout this section.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Rescuing parties are able today to reach all parts of the mine.” (TMDM 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The work of rescue is being pushed along rapidly and by night it is expected most of the bodies will have been taken out.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“At noon today the company announced that at least three or four more days would be required to get all the bodies out, unless the work of recovery becomes still more rapid. There is every reason to believe that the bodies will be taken out even faster as all the brattices have now been installed and the air currents amply furnish opportunity to get into all the side headings and rooms.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The wide scope of territory to be searched, however, will prolong the search even beyond the next three or four days and the same may even extend into next week for scattering bodies.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Floyd Parsons leaves Grafton to return to Monongah “where he will continue his investigation until tonight, and he will then go to Pittsburg.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 2)

During the Afternoon

At the mines:

“…rescuers…in a sorry plight this afternoon. In a driving rain, which is more unpleasant and discouraging even than last night, the workers are, nevertheless, able to do more than yesterday as the smoldering fires have practically been put out…” (PP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“One young woman on Tuesday viewed the charred remains of the man she was to marry that day as they were brought from the fatal hill.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. )

In Monongah:

The Union Relief Association completes its own survey of the community.

“A canvas by women workers of Fairmont, completed today, develops the fact that practically 100 women who were made widows…are soon to be mothers. As a consequence of the fearful strain of the past few days, at least 20 of these women are seriously ill. 10 of the babies are said to have died unborn and into 30 or 40 of the little cottages physicians have been called within the last 24 hours. Four of the afflicted widows are at the point of death today…48 of the men killed were widowers with small children. There are 19 brides of 3 months. This feature of the disaster appealed to the women of Fairmont, who organized yesterday for relief. They called it the ‘Mother’s Work’ and enlisted the sympathies of woman friends and relatives in Fairmont and nearby towns. Some of the prominent women, known throughout this section of the state, volunteered to assist financially at least, personally if possible.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“A count by the women has said to have developed nearly 900 fatherless children.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Out of 30 houses on Camden Ave., 27 didn’t have a man left in them.

“Deeper and more hopeless depression now seems to have seized the town of Monongah.” (TMDM 12.10.07 pg. 1)

The Monongah Verdi Brass Band suffers greatest loss from the disaster. “This was a very proficient musical organization of the mining town and had gained a reputation for the discoursing of high-grade music.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 6)

Professor Verdi disbands the group and will be returning to Italy. (McAteer)

“Undertaker R.C. Jones came down from Monongah today to attend to business matters. Mr Jones stated that he had found it necessary to send for three extra men to aid in the embalming the bodies from the Monongah mine. Two men are expected from Wheeling and one from Parkersburg.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 5)

“Many bodies are being buried direct from the mine entrance, while others were buried yesterday either from the residences or from Catholic churches.” (TMDM 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~3:30 pm

“Up to press time there were no official statements given out. The search work is being done with all possible dispatch. There is no one in destitution. All are being cared for and the relief organizations are doing effective work.” (FWV 12.10.09 pg. 1)

“Special guards are still on duty, while physicians under the direction of the Marion County Guards are looking after the injured.” (WT 12.10.07 pg. 11)

“There is not much change in the situation at Monongah today except that the mines are yielding up more of their dead. Of the 114 bodies that had been found up to 3:30 today, 13 bodies were unidentified, having nothing on them to indicate who they were.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The work of relief is becoming better systemized and is performed with much more ease on account of the crowds of curious having departed.” (WT 12.10.07 pg. 11)

~6:00 pm

Newspapers

The Fairmont West Virginian publishes a list those who have already contributed to the various relief funds and a rather unclear picture of #8 on the first page:

Floyd Parsons publishes his theories in FWV and Grafton papers. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 2)

C.W. Watson’s theory is also published. It is apparent he wrote it over the course of a few days and that Watson is utterly exhausted and overwhelmed. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 7)

Clarksburg Daily Telegram:

“Among the bad effects of the terrible mine disaster is the continuance of premature births. It is estimated that there has been more than forty of these since last Friday morning, when the explosion occurred. In some instances, the mothers have died.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 7)

Waterbury Evening Democrat:

“Chief State Mine Inspector J. W. Paul is quoted as saying he believes the explosion was started by an electric spark from runaway cars in the main entry. A string of these cars was piled up in the entry at the bottom of a slope.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1)

The Pittsburg Press:

The D.C. Evening Star:

“Many of the rescuers have been stricken with illness and it was found necessary to bring a number of recruits here from the George Creek district.” (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“…considerable suffering is likely to occur during the winter months and for such a contingency assistance should be available. Mayor W.H. Moore of Monongah has telegraphed to the headquarters of the organization here that contributions would be gratefully received.” (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1)

The Evening Journal in Deleware:

“During the great anthracite coal strike of 1903, George Baer, president of the Reading Railroad Company, said there were no particular dangers attached to the mining of coal. As a matter of course he gave out this piece of information to offset the claim of the miners, and when he uttered the words he either falsified or exhibited his ignorance. The terrible calamity at Monongah, West Virginia, is the answer to his statement. How long will God’s children permit such men as George Baer to fool them is the question I would like someone to answer. Sincerely yours, William John Hogan. Wilmington, December 8” (EJ 12.10.07 pg. 4)

The Hawaiian Star, page 3:

Lake County Times in Indiana prints:

“The coal company officials have adopted a scheme of news suppression. The men in the rescue shifts were given explicit orders not to talk to any outsiders, and the policemen around the temporary morgue were told to allow no newspaper men to enter. The explosion, therefore, takes on a propriety air—it belongs exclusively to the Fairmont Coal Company.” (LCT 12.10.07 pg. 8)

“There is no doubt that there is a serious fire in No. 8 and that the work of rescue in that mine has been hampered. The smoke of it was visible over the mouth of the shaft on Sunday and all miners were ordered out.” (LCT 12.10.07 pg. 8)

“The people were driven away from the mouth of the mines by the authorities because they feared another explosion. The miners themselves confessed that the smoke inside the shaft was practically unbearable.” (LCT 12.10.07 pg. 8)

“’I don’t know why they should deny it,’ said one of the miners this morning. ‘It does not do any harm and we have it under control right now. Neither do I understand why they will not allow us to take the bodies out as fast as we find them. Yesterday we found and dug out thirty bodies. We placed them all in a row, according to the company’s orders. Then the fire drove us out and the bodies are there yet. Many of them are so torn up that they cannot be recognized. But I’m pretty sure I recognized Tom Duval and John Bloner. Somebody else said that Nick Sandy was there, too, but I did not see anything that looked like him. Several of the ones we dug out were trapper boys.’” (LCT 12.10.07 pg. 8)

Albuquerque Citizen publishes 2 pictures:

“Who is guilty? Is a question newspaper men and others are asking. The only answer obtainable is the echo, ‘guilty’.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Theory follows theory regarding the cause.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“A possible explanation which old miners give is that a string of coal cars, breaking loose, plunged down the tunnel and probably crashed into a lot of dynamite, which is taken into the mines in 50-pound lots. This, it is thought, caused an explosion which in turn exploded the first collection of deadly coal dust, wrecking both mines.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Another story, and one that is given credence despite the fact that every effort to hush it has been made, is that a connection was made between the two mines, and that the gases rushing together exploded.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“This is West Virginia’s fourth mine horror in 10 months and the governor has promised swift punishment if negligence has been shown.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“A New York correspondent, who was hurried to the scene of the recent big disaster by his paper, wrote a short description—a word picture of the flight of the women and children left to shift for themselves by the sudden taking off of their husbands and fathers and sons and brothers.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“The men who died in the mine met a merciful fate as compared to the ones they left behind.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“A flash and it was all over, so far as they were concerned. They were stricken down in nearly every instance without a minute’s warning and with no time in which to suffer.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“But up above, in the little mining town, were women and children whose sufferings will only be cured by time.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“Writing of these—the ones who bore real suffering, the New York correspondent in his paper said:

‘The tragedy of the wives, mothers, the sisters and sweethearts of the victims of this awful mine horror is the tragedy of the mine women the world over.

‘Her whole life is one of apprehension. And when at last the blow falls, her lot is to wait and suffer, to hope against hope, to meet the worst with such courage as God has given her, to take up the miserable battle of life again single handed and to retain her faith in Omnipotence if she may.

‘There is a grewsome sameness in these mine horrors which differ only in detail, the number of dead, the periods of heart wringing uncertainty, the waiting women must endure, the pitiable harvest of widows and orphans that is left. There is always the same agonizing despair, the same utter hopelessness.

‘The surmounting of it all centers about the newly made orphans who do not understand. They follow their mothers to the pit mouth, where the rope cordon keeps back the swaying crowd and upon the strange shifting scene of woe with inexplicable tearless wonder written in every line of their little faces. Perhaps it is their common fate in the years to come, but mercifully they do not know.

‘For hours, long, agonizing, almost never-ending hours, the women weep and wait before the first return party of rescuers, smoke-blackened and dirt-begrimed, emerges from the yawning mouth of this subterranean hell. The first revolution of the throbbing engine starts a quiver of alternating hope and fear in every heart, there is the distracted babble of many tongues, but above and over and through it all the woman’s cry of heartbreak.

‘Perhaps they bring only a comrade who has been overcome by the dread black damp in his heroic effort to rescue. Mayhap they bring a body, burned and blackened, the arms crooked over the scorched, coal-pitted face in a last pitiable effort at protection. Be it the one or the other, the first sight of the inanimate body opens the long pent-up floodgate of that awful terror which has held them in its thrall. Here is all the horror of the inferno itself; here seems the concentrated agony of the universe.

‘And so it is until the bodies are all removed. Perhaps some are still missing after a week, but haunting the pit-mouth, even as the myriad tolling of the bells tells its own mute story, are the women of the dead, faithful to the last, waiting and weeping and suffering as is their fate.

‘And the real tragedy of it all is only begun. The woman has lived and obeyed and suffered. Now does her real trials begin. She has children, perhaps; boys big enough to be door-tenders and oilers, who to help her in her fight to keep the wolf from the door, must go into the pit where their father went down to death. If there be babies, only so much the worse.” (AC 12.10.07 pg. 4)

The Stark County Democrat in Ohio attempts to correct rumors:

“The force of the explosion was awful. Fifty bodies, at least, have been blown to atoms. One motorman had his head cut off at the neck.”

“Charles D. Wise’s body was blown to atoms. His overcoat and shoes alone were recovered. Wise represented Senator J.N. Camden of Parkersburg, who owned the mines, and the Fairmont coal company paid him five cents a thousand royalty as the coal was mined.” (SCD 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Advices from Monongah, W. Va., last night were to the effect that the body of Charles Wise, civil engineer and brother of Lorin C Wise, the local attorney, had not been removed from the mine in which he was making an inspection at the time of his supposed death. There were contradictory reports out, some to the effect that the body had been found and others that it had not. The latter statement proved to be the truth.” (SCD 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Attorney Wise left for Monongah the night he heard of the mine accident and of his brother’s probable death. Since that time numerous messages have been received from him.” (SCD 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“At the mine, waiting for the searchers to find the engineer, either dead or alive, are, besides Attorney Wise, the wife and two children of the missing man. The wife had not given up hope of her husband’s safety yesterday afternoon and had their home prepared for his coming. She said, however, that if he is found dead she wants the body taken home as soon as [text missing] where the funeral will be held is not yet known but it is thought it will be in West Virginia at the home of the engineer.” (SCD 12.10.07 pg. 1)

The Salt Lake Herald:

“The hearts of the people of Utah will go out to the stricken ones, for the disaster of May 1, 1900, at Scofield, is still fresh in the minds of this people. And there is a striking similarity in the causes.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“The Scofield catastrophe was caused by an explosion of coal dust. That at Monongah seems to have come from the same cause.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“The great different between the two is in the rescuing of the bodies of the unfortunates who lost their lives. At Scofield, where 299 perished, it was possible to go into the mine almost immediately. At Monongah the deadly after-damp is seriously hampering the work of the rescuers. It is in connection with this rescue work that a bright light is cast over the gloom.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“According to the dispatches the men who form the rescue parties, though thoroughly cognizant of the danger of suffocation, are valiantly battling to bring forth the bodies of their comrades. There has been no hesitation, no halting, no falling back. Ten men are said to be dying as a result of their attempts at rescuing bodies. Every one, if he lives, should be given a medal for bravery and the families of those that die should be cared for.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“Another bright feature of these situation is the prompt relief that is being given to the families of the men who were lost. Every case of distress and there must have been many, have been relieved, and all that is humanly possible is being done for the afflicted. This was done also in Utah. The public remembers that we took care of our own without help from outside sources.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

“There will be time enough later for investigations with a view to fixing the responsibility for the disaster. And, if the responsibility can be fixed, the guilty party should be made to suffer the extreme penalty of the law.” (SLH 12.10.07 pg. 4)

Times Dispatch in Virginia:

“It is distressing beyond the power of words to express that several hundred men who had the hardihood and industry to dig the coal from the bowels of the earth for the world’s benefit should have been caught in the mine, like so many rats in a hole, and smothered to death.” (TD 12.10.07 pg. 6)

“There is necessarily some risk in mining, but the public and the legislative bodies should demand that this risk be reduced to the minimum by the use of scientific agencies of prevention.” (TD 12.10.07 pg. 6)

The Evansville Press in Indiana:

Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska:

New Castle Herald in Pennsylvania:

More on How Death Gloated!

Tuesday, December 10, 1907, Morning

“This is the day of ‘little mothers’ in Monongah. The little girls tend the babies, wait on the sick and get what bits of food there are.” (NCH 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~7:30 am

The Fairmont West Virginian predicts even more rain for today and tonight, followed by snow and slightly cooler weather (12.10.07 pg. 1)

“It has been raining here steadily since last evening and wretched conditions prevail throughout this section today.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1) (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1)

At the mines:

“The stench from decomposed bodies in the mines is becoming almost unbearable to rescuers. The stench is made worse because thirty-six horses were also killed in the mines.” (GWA 12.12.07 pg. 7)

“Many rescuers have become sick. One hundred and fifty miners from the mines in George Creek district have been summoned here to assist in the rescue work.” (GWA 12.12.07 pg. 7)

“The health officers fear an epidemic of fever, due to the decaying bodies of the men and the animals caught in the mine, and have prepared to enforce heroic measures if it becomes necessary. Quicklime will be taken into the mine and scattered over the bodies if conditions become much worse.” (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The crowds of idlers who surged about the pit entrances…have been dwindling ever since the rainstorm last night…” (AR pg. 1) (LAH 12.11.07 pg. 2) (SFC 12.11.07 pg. 1)

“The mud at the opening of the mines is several inches deep and has been trodden by the great crowds into a perfect quagmire, through which the men with the stretchers have to carry the dead. In conveying one of the recovered bodies down to the railroad tracks this morning a stretcher bearer slipped and the inanimate burden, which was wrapped in a blanket, was thrown into the mud. The sight of it gave the crowd a convulsion.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

At the morgues:

“Bodies brought from mines Nos 6 and 8 …during last night carried the list of victims beyond the hundred mark, and others are being carried into the morgue in intervals.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1)

2 men taken out this morning had some money on them: #101 – Salvadore Lobbs had $150 in a belt strapped around his leg and #110 – Andy Morris had $23.19 in his pocket-book. This brings the total amount of money found on the miners to $200.19. Money is in the hands of the coroner as are all other things that are found. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 1)

In Fairmont:

J.E. Sands, cashier of First National Bank, receives a check for $500.00 from the City Bank of Wheeling and a check for $100.00 from the Second National Bank of Cumberland, MD and $100 through Mr. Zack Robertson from a friend in Wheeling. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 1)

In Grafton:

Floyd Parsons “came up from Fairmont” and gives the Grafton Republican newspaper his statement “concerning the horror…”. Floyd was employed as chief engineer in the mines that exploded at Rush Run some months ago and in which he narrowly escaped death. Later he entered into special examinations of mine disasters for the journal he now represents. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 2)

~8:00 am

“Carrying out orders from officials of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, a force of between forty and fifty trackmen that have been working on the railroad between this city and Parkersburg, left Clarksburg Tuesday morning on the interurban trolley line for Monongah to assist in digging graves for the dead that are taken from Monongah mines Nos 6 and 8. The men took picks, shovels and other tools with them and as soon as they arrived at Monongah they proceeded to the cemeteries and began work digging graves. The men were called to this city from various points along the railroad between Parkersburg and this city where they had been working.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

In Monongah:

Milroy “Toy” Watkins is taken from Monongah to Montana for burial. The brother of Will Watkins, “…hearing that his brother was in No 6 mine went to work to help find him and he did not give up until he had found him and recognized him by a pair of black patent leather shoes and a black sateen shirt.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 2)

The Marion County Board of Health issues an order to advance the burial procedures. Viewing and ID opportunities for families and friends are limited to 4 hours maximum, no matter the condition of the body. The new accelerated ID and burial process cause many burials to occur immediately, without funeral masses. Catholic parishes hold whatever services they can at graveyards. (McAteer)

~9:00 am

On the far east side of Fairmont:

“Impressive were the services conducted by Rev. Hess” for Toy Watkins which takes place at the United Brethren church at Montana. He was the son of Mr. Willis Watkins and was a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Freeman, “an aged and respected couple residing at Montana and was related to many people living in and around Hoult and Montana.” Toy is survived by “4 brothers and 2 sisters; his mother having died about one year ago.” He is also survived by wife, Gettie Hyson Watkins, of Simpson, “who is very poorly in Cook Hospital, she being almost prostrated by the awful shock and untimely end of her husband.” (FWV 12.11.07 pg. 2)

In Monongah:

“Shock and grief have already destroyed many of the little unborn lives. Many women are so distraught with suffering that they forget all about their children.” (NCH 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Funeral after funeral is being held at the churches in Monongah. The funeral cars are on the move most of the time. The unknown dead are being buried in the potter’s field near the Polish Catholic church.” (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Over 70 bodies are interred throughout the day. Some of them get funerals at the church, particularly those who could be preserved, but due to the condition of so many of the bodies brought out in the past hours, more frequently they are simply taken to one of the cemeteries. If identified, a small prayer is said; if not they are just buried. (McAteer) (news)

“The relief work is well under way and will soon be systemized. There is now plenty of food but there is urgent need of clothing in many families. Cash funds are being raised in many places and installments have already been forwarded from some points. The coal companies of this district have contributed $20,000 cash.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Thirty-seven funerals were held Monday and a number today. One body was sent to the cemetery followed by one lone woman, the widow, who had stood for days at the mines waiting for it.” (GWA 12.12.07 pg. 7)

At the mines:

“Every day since the explosion, hands, legs and arms have been removed. The stench from the decomposed bodies in the mines is becoming almost unbearable. This is one of the greatest difficulties which the rescuers have to overcome.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Up to nine o’clock this morning one hundred and one bodies have been removed from the Monongah mines, thirty-one having been taken out since midnight.” (CET 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~10:00 am

In Clarksburg:

“Charles McKane, aged 28 years, one of the Monongah mine victims, was buried in Holy Cross cemetery here at 10 ‘clock Tuesday forenoon. McKain’s body was found in one of the rooms of No. 8 mine and was taken from the mine shortly after midnight. With others it was conveyed to the morgue at Monongah and prepared for burial. It was then sent to his late home in that town arriving there at 2:30 o’clock, and Tuesday morning it was brought up on the interurban and buried. Relatives and friends accompanied the body. Mr. McKain’s body was not mutilated. It is evident he smothered to death. He leaves a wife and one child.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 3)

“Mayor L.C. Crile announced Tuesday morning that all moneys received at the council chamber in response to his proclamation calling for donations for the relief of the Monongah mine suffered, would be turned over to the Telegram relief fund, and due credit will be given to each donor. The donations will be published in the Telegram daily. A list of all the donors who leave supplies, provisions, clothing, etc., at the mayor’s office for the Monongah mine sufferers will be published each evening in the Telegram also. Donations are coming in freely and they should continue so for there are many unfortunate women and children left in destitute circumstances by the awful disaster.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

In Monongah:

“Quite a number of Bridgeport people today went to the scene of the great mine disaster at Monongah. Some went for the mere sake of seeing, while others went with the hope of getting tidings from relatives and friends who were employed at the ill-fated mines.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 7)

“There is no change in the demeanor of the people of the stricken town except that the gloom of sadness and sorrow deepens all the time. Funeral after funeral was held today, mostly at the Catholic cemeteries, where scenes are most sad. After loved ones have been identified at the morgue and prepared for burial, hundreds of women and children gather at the cemeteries on the hill instead of going to the churches and await the arrival of the dead.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Women were found today weak from pain, who are also suffering from lack of proper nourishment. Some of the Fairmont women have depleted their own stores of winter supply food in relieving the distress.” (RP 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Ever since the explosion the most heroic action has been displayed on all sides by the women who despite their great stress and suffering, clung to their children. From the start they realized that the little tots were to becomes a serious burden, but on all sides could be heard the same sentiment, they would rather die than give up their children.” (CET 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“Some of the widows have no relations in America, for many came to Monongah with their husbands from the old country. Others came as sweethearts, years ago, after the lovers had made enough money to send for them. And while their married lives began here, they apparently prefer, in their distress, the old homes far away.” (CET 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“There are not many of the women who can now find any charms about Monongah, and although foreigners, most of them want to return to their native country, feeling that the few short years of the country of liberty has brought them nothing but grief and suffering.” (CET 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Special correspondent for the United Press, Dorothy Dale, and her photographer are approached by “the brightest Italian girl in the settlement”, Faustina Davia (last name reported as “Daria”).

Faustina close up Wilkes-Barre Times - 12.14.07 pg 1 — Faustina Davia

Faustina is the oldest child and only daughter of Victor and Catherina Davia (DaVia). Victor was a “day man” working in #6 at the time of the explosion and was recorded as the 15th body recovered from the mines and to go through the morgue. He was identified by George Gibbons at the Italian Catholic church in Monongah sometime on Monday, though it is generally known that none of the family got to actually view and confirm that the body which was buried in Row A Grave 9 of the Italian Catholic cemetery contained Victor’s actual remains. (Tropea) (News) (McAteer) (Loss) (Amos)

“’Please you get something for me, I can do.’ A little hand touched my arm. A curl-framed face of a girl of 10 looked into my face. ‘You know mans all dead. Boys all dead. Only girls left to work.’ Do you know the half apologetic half appealing look of the trembling old man who shoved out of his life’s track by younger men—the man who begs you to buy matches or shoestrings? Well, that was the expression in the old young eyes of little ten-year-old Faustina Daria. Faustina was in the sixth grade the day before the explosion. That is ages ago to her.” (NCH 12.10.07 pg. 1)

At the mines:

“With 112 bodies on the surface at 10 o’clock today, 25 more ready to be brought out of Mine No 6 and 4 awaiting removal from Mine No 8. It was expected that the total number of bodies recovered from the wrecked mines by noon would be 140.” (CDT 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The rescuers are working the right side of mine No. 8, where, it is thought, a majority of the bodies yet in the mine will be found.” (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1) (RIA 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“The rescue work is being pushed and before night it is expected that most of the bodies will have been taken out.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1) (ES 12.10.07 pg. 1)

~11:00 am

In East Monongah:

The General Relief Committee holds a meeting at the First National bank, which is currently operating as the primary morgue, and passes an order that the receipts and disbursements of the committee be published in the Fairmont papers from day to day. (McAteer)

Bishop Donahue of Wheeling and Judge Mason are added to the General Relief Committee. (FWV 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Donahue has “visited many of the homes of miners and found so many children made orphans by the disaster that he immediately took up the work of providing homes for them. He will arrange to have as many as can be accommodated sent to the orphanages maintained by the church at Huntington and Wheeling.” (WED 12.10.07 pg. 1)

In West Monongah:

Faustina Davia has taken Dorothy Dale and her photographer to her family’s three-room house on Walnut Avenue.

“‘See my Ma, Resta, Kipling, Georda and Ojgenia to work for,’ as she pointed at the group on the steps. ‘My pa make $2 a day,’ she explained. ‘And wasn’t it awful; three days he was home with a hurt on his back, and Friday he went in again and—and—’. But even the brave lips of strong hearted women of ten sometimes give way. The little figure crouched against the wall and quivered with sobs. ‘You know we paid $5 rent and had lard and cheese and bologna,’ she said with pride. The child spoke as rich people spoke of automobiles and theatre parties. And there was little Faustinas in almost every house in Monongah.” (NCH 12.10.07 pg. 1)

“I tell you there is nothing that makes one’s heart go out more to that stricken people than the way tiny girls put their little shoulders to the burdens that their mothers can not bear.” (NCH 12.10.07 pg. 1)

Wilkes-Barre Times - 12.14.07 pg 1 — Photo taken of the Davia family on the porch of their home.

1909 ID photo — Photo of Davia family at Ellis Island. Catherina and her family is the focus of this author’s historic fiction, therefore, there will soon be areas of this site which will be dedicated solely to her story.

~11:30 am

“At eleven thirty, one hundred and thirteen bodies have been taken from the mine by rescuers. The bodies of those taken out since daylight are in good condition, and many were identified.” (CET 12.10.07 pg. 1)

More on How Death Gloated!