Thomas Fitzgerald, general manager of the B&O Railroad company has resigned his position to take effect the first of the year. Fitzgerald was born and raised in Fairmont “and was considered one of Fairmont’s greatest sons.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“He was an able official, having attained his position by merit working up from the bottom of the ladder.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“When asked the significance of General Manager Fitzgerald’s resignation, MR. C.W. Watson said that for a long time there had been considerable friction in the operating department of the B&O and his resignation was no unexpected by his friends.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Hon. A.B. Fleming said: ‘I am personally very fond of Tom Fitzgerald. If he leaves the B&O it will be a loss to the community.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Mr. J.E. Watson said: “I have known Fitzgerald ever since he has been connected with B&O, nearly 40 years, and believe his resignation will be a greater loss to the B&O than to him.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
Clarksburg Daily Telegram:
CDT 12.28.07 pg 1CDT 12.28.07 pg 1
Daily Arizona Silver Belt:
DASB 12.28.07 – pg 1
Williams News in Arizona:
“This office is in receipt of a circular letter from the Monongah Relief Committee, which is asking financial aid for the widows and children of the 350 miners whom were killed in the recent Monongah mine horror. The officers of the committee are some of the most prominent men in West Virginia, Governor Dawson himself being chairman, and there is no doubt but what all money sent them will be properly used. The people in the neighbor where the accident occurred have subscribed $50,000, and fell justified in asking the remainder of the country to assist. All remittances should be made to J.E. Sands, Post office box 306, Fairmont, West Virginia.”
Washington Times in D.C.:
WT 12.28.07 – pg 10
Richmond Palladium in Indiana:
RP 12.28.07 – pg 2
The Marion Daily Mirror in Ohio:
TMDM 12.28.07 – pg 2
Pittsburgh Daily Post in Pennsylvania:
PDP 12.28.07 pg 3
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
PPG 12.28.07 pg 5PPG 12.28.07 pg 5
“The Darr mine disaster completely wiped out an organization among the miners, known as St. Mary’s Beneficial lodge, of Jacobs Creek, which had more than 100 members, every one of whom as in the mine when the explosion occurred. Not a member was left to administer the affairs of the lodge and the Rev. Father Kalmon Kovatz, of McKeesport and the Austro-Hungarian consul at Pittsburgh have taken charge.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
“The body was formerly affiliated with the McKeesport organization of the same name. Difficulty over the paying of assessments arose and the Jacobs Creek members organized independently. It had just succeeded in establishing itself on a new basis when it was wiped out.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
PPG 12.28.07 pg 5
“The work of the inspectors has been resumed after the Christmas rest and today two French experts were with the party. They are M. Jaques Caffauel and M. Dumaine, who came direct from France to look into the situation. M. Caffauel says it is probably dust caused the explosion. They will remain here several days.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
Night
At the Darr Mines in PA:
“It is the belief of many workers that a number of victims will yet be found under piles of slate and earth which fell at various points.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“There may be from 12-30 bodies thus buried in the mine.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“The dead are being buried fast and on Sunday it is expected the temporary morgue at the mine will be cleared. The last of the unidentified dead will be buried Sunday afternoon.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“The graves cannot be prepared as fast as the bodies are being shipped here. Thirty-two bodies arrived today. More came in tonight and still more will arrive tomorrow for burial in the foreign cemeteries.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“…a loud explosion at the home of R. Frediani tore out the front of his house but luckily none of the family were injured. The cause of the explosion is attributed to the Black Hand, as Frediani received several demands and letters for money but paid no attention to them. The police found a large quantity of dynamite. So far no arrests have been made.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
Morning
In New York City:
FWV 12.28.07 – pg 1
“Happy that her children, for whom she had sacrificed everything, even the last scraps of food, had at last found friends, Mrs. Phyllis Prisco died at a Brooklyn hospital today of starvation. Mrs. Prisco’s husband has been dead for some months and four little ones, the eldest four years, the youngest four months old, to care for, she labored day and night until she was taken ill.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 5)
“Her pride prevented her from asking for aid so she saved what bits of food she could obtain for her little ones, while she gradually grew weaker and weaker from the lack of food. The last bits of crusts went for the children’s Christmas dinner and the next morning neighbors heard the crying of the little ones in the unfurnished room in which the mother and children lived. They entered and found Mrs. Prisco dying the children weak from the lack of food and from the cold. The police removed the mother to a hospital and the Children’s society took care of the little ones.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 5)
“When the physicians found that all hope for the mother was gone, the little ones were sent for and Mrs. Prisco was assured that they would be cared for. They were happy again for they had had plenty of food and toys. Rosie and Katherine cooed over pretty dolls. Sam’s eyes glistened at a furry horse and baby Angeline clutched in her chubby hands a wooly lamb.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 5)
“Their troubles were forgotten in their new found happiness and as they played with their treasures on the floor beside the hospital cot the tired woman realized that their sufferings were over. And as she watched them playing there, the mother smile faded out of her eyes, the mother heart was stilled and the mother’s sacrifice was complete.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 5)
At the Darr Mines in PA:
“During the work last night the removing of corpses from the fatal entry No. 27, which held 74 bodies, was accomplished and the total death list was swollen to 220.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“The excact number of victims will not be known until the last vestige of wreckage is removed, but developments show the estimate of 225 dead was nearly correct.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“Some of the bodies last removed were in better shape than those taken out earlier. They had fewer burns and were less mutilated.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
The “task of clearing up the workings” begins. “The dead horses, of which there are 20 in the mine, will first be hauled out. This will be a difficult task because of the limited space and the numerous falls which are encountered.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
Afternoon
In Baltimore, MD:
BS 12.28.07 pg 7
In Parkersburg, WV:
Charles Huffman is dead, Orland Bennett will lose his eye sight and Ruday Backman will lose a leg as the result of hunting accidents near Wadesville over Christmas. (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Huffman was killed by a discharge from a shotgun when he had been holding on his lap while sitting on a fence. The gun fell from his grasp and the hammer struck the fence and the content of the shell entered the stomach of Huffman. His funeral will be held this afternoon…” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
At the Darr mines in PA:
“Workmen this afternoon removed the carcasses of 20 horses and mules.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“Attention will now be directed toward clearing away the piles of debris. Under this, according to the company officials, probably six or eight more bodies will be found, but others think 20 to 30 corpses will be located beneath the masses of wreckage.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“Coroner Wynn has set the date of the inquest for January ninth and he will hold it at Smithton at two p.m.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“By that time all the bodies will have been recovered.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“George A. Campsey, representing the Carnegie Hero Fund commission, which gave $35,000 to the Monongah sufferers, was at Jacobs Creek yesterday investigating the conditions of stricken families. It is expected that the commission at its January meeting will take action similar to that in the Monongah disaster.” (PDP 12.29.07 pg. 4)
“The Darr death pit gave up its dead more rapidly today than at any other time since the explosion…” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“The work of getting bodies out of the Darr mine goes on without delay, and at dusk today a total of 218 had been recovered. It is possible that 30 more will be taken out during the night.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
“Seventy or more bodies have been brought to the surface during the past 24 hours. The bodies with those already brought out total over 200. It is hoped to have the work practically completed early tomorrow.” (DASB 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Fresh air is now being circulated through every nook of the immense mine and by noon tomorrow every corpse out to be above ground. Tomorrow the task of clearing up the workings will be started.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
PDP 12.28.07 pg 3
In Fairmont:
High School Alumni Basketball game (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“The mines at Monongah still give up victims of the explosion which occurred three weeks ago. One body was taken out of mine No. 6 this morning and another tonight from No. 8. Neither was identified. The total death list is now 352. The bodies last night and today were taken out in sections, in some cases only an arm and a leg being recovered.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
C.W. Watson hosts “an informal dinner” at his home, Fairmont Farms, “…given in honor of President B.F. Bush of Western Maryland Railroad Company…” and “…the two French experts, M. Jaques Caffauel and M. Dumaine, who are there examining the Monongah mines. Covers were laid for about twelve and elegant menu was served.” (CDT 12.28.07 pg. 5 & 8) (FWV 12.28.08 pg. 5)
“Pray God that your footsteps may never, so long as you live, lead you to the pit mouth of an exploded mine.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Death we all have with us from the cradle to the grave, but death as I saw it here had added to its terrors a frightful gruesomeness, a crushing nightmare of grief on grief, and a repulsive atmosphere of indifference to the sorrowing ones that told you plainly of the cheapness in which human life is held where men go below the surface to labor.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“I need not describe the awful effect of the explosion on those bodies. The news dispatches have told how these 200 men were torn limb from limb, their flesh lacerated and blackened and charred.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Only those who have been through such a catastrophe can begin to appreciate the gigantic, irresistible force generated by the explosion of gas or dust in the narrow confines of a mine.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“First there is the tiny spark which in a bewilderingly short time is an explosion. The gas lying close to the roof of the tunnel breaks into a flame. It is blue but almost instantly turns white, like the flame that leaps from ovens of giant steel mills.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“It rushes along the leads, sweeping everything in its path with the fury which only it possesses. In the wake of the constantly increasing tongue of fire sweeps the vacuum known as black death and firedamp.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Occasionally a man is left alive by the flame in its lightning like passage. But he never escapes the crushing power of the vacuum which rends him and crushed his heart until it bursts.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“The Monongah mines relief committee…has issued a circular setting forth the horrors imposed by the recent mine disaster and appealing for aid to take care of the widows and orphans left penniless.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“The proposition is too big for the state to handle, and hasty action is needed as the company in whose service the miners met death is impatient to secure the houses that now shelter the stricken families for other families that can furnish and resume production. “(TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“The company owns all the houses and is apparently suffering for the surfeit of widows and orphans it has created. The idea of building more houses seems to be outside consideration.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
While the noon shift is working in entry 27 they locate 23 bodies. Mostly all are in a mutilated state. “The bodies will be brought out immediately, making the total 175.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Expert miners say the damage wrought inside the Darr mine is small, compared with the other mine disasters in history and claim that two months will be ample time to put the mine in its former good working order.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“Despite the fact that scores of bodies have been identified and taken away, the crowd in the morgue tent does not seem to diminish. There was the usual crush today when relatives were admitted to look for the bodies of husbands, fathers, and brothers.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“Wilmuth Schneider, a trapper boy, who was taken out last night, would have been 14 years old July 6 next. Coroner Wynn asked the boy’s father, Henry Schneider, if he did not know it was against the law for children of that age to be working. ‘Didn’t you have to certify his age?’ queried the coroner. ‘I didn’t want my boy to work,’ answered the old German, evading the question.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
In Monongah:
“Two more bodies were recovered from the Monongah mines today, making the total recovered 351 of a death list that will probably total 400. It is practically certain that a number of bodies will never be found.” (DASB 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“It is said that the mines will be opened for work just as soon as the investigation is completed.” (SSV 12.27.07 pg. 3)
~3:30 pm, Press Time
At the Darr mines in PA:
“The total recovered is now 175.” (BG 12.27.07 pg. 5)
“George A. Campsey, representing the Carnegie hero fund commission, is here investigating conditions with a view to reporting the amount of a donation that likely will be made.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
“A number of bodies in the temporary morgue are in such condition as to menace the health of those who must frequent the place. A little trouble has occurred over the matter of funeral arrangements, but tomorrow it is expected everything will be cleared up.” (PPG 12.28.07 pg. 5)
An intermission was had at the Elks Ball and a “dainty lunch” was served from the club room kitchens. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
2:30 am
In Mannington:
The festivities closed at the Elks Ball with “Home Sweet Home”. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
During the early hours
At the Darr Mines in PA:
“But, as we stand close up to the pit mouth, we see coming up the black slope a dark, waving mass. They are bringing out a body. Back of us, behind the police lines, are the women, heaven help them! The rescuers, the police guards, the mine officials, take no notice of them—the women whose lives and hope are buried in the depths beneath their feet.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“I glance back at that line of faces, lighted fitfully by the torches imbedded into the hillside. No writer can describe, nor could any artist depict the grief, the anguish, the frenzy, the hopelessness, the dread that stared out at him from face and eyes that were fixed on that yawning, black pit mouth.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Slowly the dark, moving mass from down the mine comes into view. Three men are carrying their inert burden. Then from back of those police ropes rise wails and shrieks and cries of despair. It is so weird, so full of the agony of excruciating human suffering that men hardened to the horrors of the mines looked at one another with frightened eyes.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“A woman, crying aloud, stood again the rope. She asked no other privilege than to shed tears for him who had kissed her that morning. ‘Here, what the hell are you bawling about?’ demanded a tin badged policeman. ‘For my man,’ she sobbed, in her grief. ‘Well, get to hell out of here. Go home and do your blubbering,’ he growled.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Like a fury she sprang at him. Her language of the eloquence of superlative profanity. She was a tigress and it required several men to drag her away from the brutal policeman. ‘And she is one of the most modest, refined women in this locality,’ said Father Carroll, the miners’ friend. ‘She does not know what she is saying,’ he added, as sympathizing friends led the half-crazed woman away from the pit mouth.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
Morning
In Tomsonville, Conn.:
Theodore Krellman’s little son, who had been missing, is found in a pond near his home by a searching party. “He was sent on an errand by his mother yesterday and disappeared. The party searched all night.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1 ) (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“It is believed the boy tried to cross the rotten ice which broke and he was drowned.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
In Greensburg, PA:
The three month old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Dudeck is cremated in a house fire. “The origin of the fire is a mystery.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Dudeck was at church and his wife at a neighbor’s house. The child was asleep in an upstairs room.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“Mrs. Dudeck with difficulty was restrained from rushing into the burning building to rescue her baby.” (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 4)
In Gray’s Flats, WV:
Willie Upton and the 6 year old son of J. Sanford Upton are out hunting rabbits. Willie placed the boy “in a safe place and directed him to stay there while he went out to chase the game.” Willie had been gone “only a few minutes when the rabbit popped up and started off. When Upton thought the rabbit had passed the direct line between him and his boy he fired. The boy had changed his position and was in range of the gun and received part of the discharge.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Seven shot entered his legs, one shot entered his abdomen and one shot buried itself in his face.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
“Drs. Peters and Triplett were summoned and rendered surgical aid. It is not thought that the shooting will prove fatal.” (FWV 12.28.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather will be: rain, turning to snow tonight. Saturday snow and colder (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
General Manager Bush, of the Western Maryland Railroad Company, comes to the city in his private car, which was attached to train No. 17. Mr. Bush spent the day examining Monongah mines No. 6 & 8. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
152 bodies have been removed from Darr mine. 41 since yesterday afternoon. Workers report the air is now good all through the mine and expect to be able to get out all the dead by tomorrow afternoon. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“Another woman refused to leave. ‘I will stay till my man is brought out,’ she asserted. ‘You won’t bury him in the manure heap, like they did the men of Naomia mine,’ she screamed when the guards forced her to leave.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
“The reference to the Naomia mine was occasioned by the finding of a miner’s body in the refuse back of the stable, where it is claimed he had been thrown by a mine boss to save the cost of his burial. At any rate, it was in that horrible place his aged wife found him.” (TSP 12.27.07 pg. 4)
At some point during the morning
In Monongah:
Jaques Caffauel and M. Dumaine investigate mines with Chief Mine Inspector J.W. Paul, Clarence Hall, and Dr. W.O. Snelling. “The French experts will likely be able to form some conclusions after today’s work.” (FWV 12.27.07 – pg. 8)
At the Darr mines in PA:
“With the recovery of Steve Mihaley yesterday, the last of three brothers who met death in the mine was found. The others are Joseph, 26 years old, and Alexander, 20 years old. The three bodies were shipped to McKeesport today for burial. Steve Mihaley’s widow is in a serious condition, and she was not permitted to accompany her husband’s remains.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“Henry E Adams, of Pittsburgh, a brother of Clark Adams, the wealthy young man who met death in the mines, arrived at Jacob’s Creek this morning, accompanied by John Frick, of Shamokin, who married a sister of the dead young man.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“Adams had not seen his prodigal brother in years, and after viewing the blackened corpse said he could not have identified it. The body was buried this afternoon in Olive Branch cemetery.” (PDP 12.28.07 pg. 3)
“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)
Building “F” is the location of First baptist on the 1897 map.
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)
Jokes were not the only section of the paper to be sacrificed for the disaster and Christmas adverts. Ads for local spiritualists and psychics were also removed and it is only today that horoscopes have returned:
FWV 12.26.07 pg 5
Full page article from the Pittsburgh Dispatch on Mine disasters.
“Employed by the Dispatch to investigate the cause of the recent mine disasters in the Pittsburg district, J.L. Dixon, E.M., whose reputation as an expert is known throughout the country, has visited Naomi and the Monongah mines…has inspected the Darr mine…familiar with its workings, machinery and safety devices.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“Quite recently coal mine explosions sent a thrill or horror through the civilized world; nearly 400 men and boys lost their lives, hundreds of widows were made and more than a thousand children were fatherless.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“Already the intense excitement has died away, the adjoining mines are working as usual and the mines where the disasters occurred are being prepared to resume operations…” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“…there probably was no better (mines) in the country. If this is true, and I know it to be so, and it was considered one of the very safest of mines, it makes one contemplate with horror the unspeakable danger to which thousands of our fellow men are daily subjected, for if they are working where precautions for their safety are not so great and where the natural danger is greater, we may naturally expect that the past will prove prophetic of the future.”
“Now let us look this condition squarely in the face without any evasion; let us try to get at the truth of the matter, viz., whether it is necessary that so many victims should be offered up as sacrifices on the altar of the country’s industry and prosperity…” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“That coal dust will and does explode with the most disastrous result is no longer question by intelligent mining men. It’s explosive force, weight for weight, it is said to be four times greater than that of gunpowder.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“After the coal is shot down the dust and coarser coal are loaded into the mine cars and the cars are started outward on their journey. These cars are not by any means dust proof; they are built of oak planks, with spaces between, both in bottom and sides, consequently, as soon as the cars begin to move the coal dust commences to filter through these spaces and keeps on running through until it has all run out or until the cars have reached their destination. Keep in mind, there are a hundred tons of dust, carried in from 500 to 750 cars, depending on their size; these cars travel on an average from one to three miles at a rapid rate and every car constantly adding its quota to the explosive death-dealing train.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“As I write this the tragic news is wired from Alabama of another dust explosion, caused by a blown out shot; the present information places that death list at 60. This was also deemed a safe mine and I suppose it was until a long tongue of flame was projected into inflammable and explosive dust.” (FWV 12.26.07. pg. 6)
“In the case of Monongah mine with its splendid system of ventilation, no gas explosion could have wrought one-tenth of the havoc or caused one-tenth the loss of life as the dust explosion; it would have been continued to one portion of the one of the mines, to one of the portions ventilated by a split, but a coat dust explosion is a different thing. It is a devouring monster, traveling with incredible rapidity, transforming almost instantly with its fiery tongue the accumulations of coal dust into countless millions of cubic feet of deadly poisonous gas, which expands which such irresistible force that nothing built by human hands can withstand it.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“The plan I wish to suggest is that in every mine life-saving stations or chambers of refuge should be established.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“I will venture to say there is not on explosion proof telephone system in any mine in the United States. How invaluable this would be to those imprisoned below and to those frantic with grief about I need not say; just imagine what a blessing it would have been to many of the men entrapped in that large French mine making it the most disastrous mining accident in all history. There is evidences that hundreds of these men lived for days, some of them for over two weeks, even then still alive, living on the bark off props and off putrid horse flesh. When one reads of their awful sufferings the heart turns sick with the horror of it all.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“In order that the miners should have a guide to the safety station arrows pointing in this direction should be made on the side of the entries with luminous paint, beacons pointing the way to present safety and eventually to wife, home and children.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“At leach large mine there should be a corps of trained men conversant with methods of life saving after an explosion, who could act with intelligent and efficient promptness.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
“Let it be said that the deathless honor of coal miners everywhere that in case of an explosion there are always volunteers ready to rush into the very jaws of death and the history of coal mining is replete with deeds of the loftiest heroism before which the boasted exploits of chivalry pale into significance. Again and again rescue parties have descended into the yawning blackness of the pit, have met death in the noblest endeavor to save their comrades; often, I am sorry to say, acting with more bravery than judgment, unnecessarily and unavailingly sacrificing their valuable lives.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 6)
Clarksburg Daily Telegram:
“After Easter, 1908, members of the Roman Catholic Church cannot elope and marry and have union recognized by the church.” (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 1)
CDT 12.26.07 – pg 1
“Senator Sam Montgomery is displeased over the fact that some of the State papers recently said he was an expert coal miner. He himself says he was only a mule driver in a coke yard and a tippleman. The correction should be cheerfully made by all the papers who held him up in a false light. Even his own paper owns him an apology.” (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 4)
CDT 12.26.07 – pg 8
“At 13 o’clock on the night preceding Christmas the Greeks are expected to assemble at their churches where religious services are conducted by the priests until 5 o’clock in the morning when the people return to their homes.” (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“They celebrate December 25 simply by giving presents and resting.” (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 8)
The Advocate in West Virginia:
“With a committee in every ward organized for the purpose of making a systematic campaign for the relief of the destitute at Monongah, it is believed that Charleston can not fail to do her part. Although both the meetings held at the court house last Friday night and last night have been characterized by a lack of interest, there have been sufficient members of the committee present to formulate plans for the work.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
“On last Friday night Mayor Holley appointed a committee, consisting of one from each ward, to form the plans and make the main organization and allow these committeemen to appoint sub-committees. Last night four of the committeemen were present, but two sent reports, but owing to other employments could not attend. However, there was present last night some who were not in attendance at the previous meeting and several new ideas were advanced to collect money, food, and clothing for the destitute.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
“Secretary Swisher was present at the meeting last night and offered several valuable suggestions. With Recorder Shirley Ross he was appointed a committee to see the proprietors of the moving picture shows and have them contribute one days proceeds to the Monongah relief fund.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
“Mayor Holley reported that Mr. Floyd Payne had informed him that is Charleston desired to send a car load of provisions to Monongah, the Kanawha and Michigan railroad would furnish the car and deliver it to the Ohio River railroad without compensation.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
“Rev. Murrill was present and was appointed a committee of one to see the ministers of the city and have them appoint a lady from each church to form an organization to provide relief of some sort for the benefit of the suffering women and children at the stricken mining town.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
“A meeting will be held next Monday night for the purpose of hearing the reports of the various committees. It is believed that by that time the work will be progressing in an excellent manner.” (TA 12.26.07 pg. 5)
West Virginia Argus:
WVA 12.26.07 – pg 3
The Labor Argus in West Virginia:
TLA 12.26.07 – pg 1
“The national organization of the United Mine Workers of America has contributed $1,000 towards the relief fund for the Monongah sufferers.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“This donation was purely an act of charity on the part of the national organization, for the Monongah miners being unorganized, it was under no obligations to render assistance.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
TLA 12.26.07 – pg 1
“Editor Labor Argus: Since my letter last week I have been waiting for our daily papers to give some further particulars of the Monongah disaster. But there seems to be an unexplainable (*) upon the part of the daily press to make bare the facts.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“A State Senator has exonerated the company. The governor has requested the W.Va. U.S. Senators at Washington to ask Congress to investigate the cause of the record explosions in the coal mines of three states, W. Va., Ala., Pa.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“Human life and property must be protected at the cost of political ambition and the destruction of party machinery, and, if need be, of political parties.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“This little ‘Mountain State’ is fully awake to the honors, duties and privileges guaranteed by her constitution and epitomized in her motto: ‘Montani Semper Liberi.’” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“This is quoted from a veteran and scientific expert; I may say a life-long practical man. And if we could take and present the evidence of men who are familiar with the fact in the Monongah explosion and record of the mine as a fire damp producer, the public would be startled at the deliberate and willful disregard of the law and of the oppression of these men even unto DEATH.” (TLA 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“It is the intention in this way to test all powers and dynamites and set forth to the mine owners just what sort of explosives can be used with safety in the mines.” (TRH 12.26.07 pg.)
TRH 12.26.07 – pg
“So, the rule ought to be: No person other than the fire boss can fire a shot during the time that the mines are in operation, and only after an inspection of same.” (TRH 12.26.07 pg.)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
PPG 12.26.07 pg 1
“Inspector T.K. Adams of the Third district said that he had encountered falls in the left main entrance which were seven feet high, leaving but a few inches of space above for the passage of air. These piles of slate must be removed before the large number of bodies in the inner workings can be removed. Mr. Adams claims the ventilation is as good as could possibly be expected and that the air is being brought to the men by the fans as rapidly as possible.” (PPG 12.26.07 pg. 1)
R.L. Fleming, who was one of the rescuing party at Monongah, is confined to his home by an injured knee, having fallen across a loose wire in the mine. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 5)
In Monongah:
“Many letters bearing Christmas greetings were received by the leaders in the relief work at Monongah.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“Mrs. Ruckman has received several dozen letters and two from Michigan expressed much sympathy for little Faustina Davia, the ten-year-old girl who is turned housekeeper and guardian, since the loss of her father in the mines. Mrs. Ruckman was requested to turn the enclosures over to this little girl of whom the parties had read in the newspapers, provided others were not more in need of the relief.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
Faustina Davia
“Mrs. Ruckman said there are even worse cases, one of which she cited in Mrs. Kate Trode, an American woman, whose husband was lost in the mines and not yet found or if found has been buried with the unidentified. She has four little children, the oldest six years, the youngest a month old, and she has nothing at all to go on.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
At the mines in Monongah:
“M. Jaques Caffauel and M. Dumaine the French experts who are here examining the Monongah mines Nos 6 and 8, commenced their work…Assistant General Manager Frank Haas of the Fairmont Coal Company, and Chief Engineer John Gordon Smith, were with them and aided them in every possible way. “ (FWV 12.27.07 – pg. 8)
‘The main heading of No 8 was explored and places where gas would most likely accumulate were free from the substance.” (FWV 12.27.07 – pg. 8)
“Mr. Caffauel who made a thorough examination of the mine at Courriers where 1,100 miners met death on March 10, 1906, said that in all probability the explosion…was due to dust.” (FWV 12.27.07 – pg. 8)
In Grafton:
2 foreign miners are killed by a B&O freight train at Newburg. The men worked in the mine near Newburg and were walking along the track to their homes after work. They were run down by the train which came up behind them and which for some reason they failed to hear. The engine and several cars passed over the men before the train was brought to a stop and both bodies were ground to pieces when picked up by the crew. (FWV 12.27.07 pg. 5)
At the Darr mines in PA:
“The bodies of three McKeesport men who met death in the Darr mine disaster will be shipped to McKeesport for interment today or tomorrow. The names of the men have not been given. They are related to John Totli, of Pittsburgh, who, with Rev. Father Kalmon Kovatz of McKeesport, identified the bodies.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“A jury was sworn in today by Coroner C.A. Wynn to conduct an inquest into the disaster. It is composed of the following well-known residents of Smithton: (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
“The supposition that Clark Adams, the wealthy prodigal of Shamokin, was in the mine, has been proved to be correct by the finding of his dead body. Adams had wealthy parents but worked as a day laborer. There existed a strong friendship between him and Superintendent Kelvington. Word has been sent to his home in Shamokin.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
A shift of recovery workers enters the mine to resume the task of removing bodies. In number 29 entry, a distance of two miles in the mine they came across numerous bodies. Pit cars were blown to pieces and heavy timbers and iron were scattered about in the entry in confusion. The rescue party believed the explosion must have occurred at this particular entry. These corpses were decomposed and terribly mutilated, indicating that the seat of the explosion must have been somewhere in this vicinity. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1) (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
Morning
In New York:
A 6-story tenement house in the Bronx catches fire. Jeremiah Collins and his wife made “heroic efforts” to rescue an infant from the fire. “They were taken to Harlem hospital at the point of death, while their sacrifices will probably prove in vain as the baby girl, a year old, is reported dying.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as being: Fair tonight except rain along Lake Erie. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“Mayor Moore was at his office early this morning, but he had not the usual run of business after Christmas, only one or two mild offenders were taken in during the day. He said that Christmas was more like a Sunday in Monongah than any other day.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“The only trouble he has had with lawlessness since the mine disaster has been with tramps and people who come into Monongah and the home people have all been very orderly.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“He reports…that plenty of everything was provided for the people of his town for the Christmas festivities.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“Billy Herman [William Elmer Harriman], a bright eyed boy of 12, whose father was John Herman [Harriman], the boss driver, whose body was one of the first to be moved from number six was asked this morning, ‘How was Christmas?’ He replied, “All right, we had everything we needed, three chickens, one cooked for yesterday, one for today, and one for tomorrow, a box and a basket all filled with Christmas presents, toys, fruits, candies, etc. with three automobiles. We never had so much before.’ Billy’s mother has three other children to care for, two little girls and a baby boy.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1) (Shay)
“It was ascertained that it has been the custom to have a Christmas tree at this home each Christmas, but this formality was dispensed with this year. The hand that had cut the cedar from the hillside for the many previous Christmases was no longer able to perform this duty for his little ones, but was folded across his peaceful breast in the new village of the dead where he lies with the hundreds of his fellow laborers.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1)
At the mines:
The work of straightening up mine No 6 is still progressing. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
The head of an unknown man is found in a pool of water in No. 6. “The head was severed from the body close to the base of the skull as evenly as if cut with a huge knife. The top of the skull and brain are missing and the remainder is mashed into an unrecognizable mass of putrid flesh, the only evidence showing that the flesh is human is the mouth and one ear. The trunk of the body may yet be found or it may have been buried heretofore as one of the many unidentified persons, some of whom were beheaded.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
9:00 am
At Darr mine in PA:
“None of the works about Jacobs Creek are in operation. An employee at Banning No. 1 remarked that if they resumed, only a few would report for work outside and none inside.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
CDT 12.26.07 – pg 1
Pit cars brought out of the mine contain 32 bodies. 105 have so far been recovered with 13 additional identifications made this morning. “Numerous bodies were found in entry 29, which it is believed was the scene of the explosion.” The Coroner’s jury will be selected later today for the inquest. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1) (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 1)
11:00 am
At Darr mine in PA:
“Three State constables are believed to be sufficient to cope with the situation now. The other three have been recalled.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
108 bodies have been brought out. 36 of those brought out today alone. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“The rescuers report that the drivers were found 50 yards from their horses. Nothing remains of the wagons but their trucks. All the relief party found of a trapper boy was his headless trunk, attached to which was one leg.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
At some point during the morning
At the Darr mines in PA:
“Salvatore Exposito, who came last Monday from Butler county in quest of the body of his brother Luigi, narrowly escaped taking back the wrong corpse. Salvatore claimed body No. 27, because it looked like Luigi, but [today] a fellow driver identified body No. 53 as that of Luigi Exposito. He described the clothing worn by the latter to the satisfaction of Coroner Wynn, who rectified the error.” (PDP 12.27.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“The busiest place in Monongah today is the room where the clothing has been stored for those who need it. This store room is in charge of Mrs. J.W. Orr and Mrs. R.U. Myers, who perform the same services as the sales ladies in the department stores, that is in selecting the kind and size of clothing needed. The rush to a bargain counter during the Christmas rush in shopping is not to be compared with the eager way the wearing apparel is being grabbed up at Monongah.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“As an evidence of the demand this note was received at the storage room this morning: ‘Please send me a black dress and two or three calico dresses and some white flannel and some muslin and I want a black hat and a black coat, size 35, pair of shoes, size 4 ½, and some under clothes, send me some underskirts. Yours Truly, Gettie Watkins.’” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
“This is only one of a hundred such appeals as are made by letter and in person. The demand for black is very great. Most all the women on the streets are in mourning and in this way the widows can be distinguished from the rest of the people. Many of the foreign women have their heads wrapped in black shawls and wear fascinators or silk or sateen sashes.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 8)
Article from the Spokane Press, March 30, 1908 by Dorothy Dale about the “worst” spring fashion fad. “Directions: Lay a turkey platter on the lid of a pasteboard suit box; that is, if it has oval ends and can accommodate a 25 pound bird.”
In New York City:
“With half a thousand people watching him, Ernest G. Stedman, a lawyer, jumped in front of a subway train at Fourteenth street today and was ground to pieces. Six cars passed over his body.” (FWV 12.26.07 pf 1)
“Stedman was president of the Lyons Building & Operating Company which as forced into bankruptcy last week. The company owned $7,000,000 worth of office buildings, hotels, and apartments in various parts of the city.” (CDT 12.26.07 pg. 1)
