“The immediate needs of the resident families are amply met by the company and a committee of women from Fairmont and Monongah.” (DASB 12.25.07 pg. 5)
Bisbee Daily Review in Arizona:
Manchester Democrat in Iowa:
Albuquerque Morning Journal in New Mexico:
The Manning Times in South Carolina:
TMT 12.25.07 – pg 6
Evening
At the Darr mines in PA:
“Rescuers found a great mass of victims…for which they have searched incessantly for six days and if all goes well a great number of them will either be in the blacksmith shop morgue or the big identification tent nearby by evening.” (TRCC 12.27.07 pg. 2)
“Only sixty bodies have been brought to the surface, but scores of others have been located in entry 27 and there was evidence that many more were in entries 28 and 29.” (TRCC 12.27.07 pg. 2)
“The mine was in much better condition and the progress of the rescuers was satisfactory in every respect. It is believed most of the victims will have been brought out by tonight.” (TRCC 12.27.07 pg. 2)
“Eight unidentified bodies were buried. All clothing checks and other means of identification were preserved and where relatives appear, they were disinterred. If unidentified, they were buried at Connellsville.” (TRCC 12.27.07 pg. 2)
In Fairmont:
The First M.P. Church performs “Santa has the Grippe” cantata. “The performers all did splendid work and the evening’s entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by the large audience present.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 2)
7:30 pm
In Fairmont:
Diamond St. M.E. Church holds its Sunday school program “Bethlehem Chimes”, consisting of beautiful Christmas songs and recitations which “…was attended by a large audience. The program was an excellent one.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1) (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 2)
“A chorus of young girls rendered splendid music. The appropriate anthems of the choir were greatly enjoyed.” (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 2)
Two prizes have been offered: one for the best Christmas recitation given by a child under 10 years of age and the other for the best recitation given by a person over 10. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 2)
Winner of under 10 = Elizabeth Kiger, Winner of over 10 = Ila Bent. The judges were Judge E.F. Morgan, Frank Reeves and Mrs. W.W. Brown. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 2)
Night
At the Darr Mines in PA:
“There were only 18 bodies recovered in the 24 hours, making a total of 68 brought out. Of these, 47 have been identified and 12 had to be buried unidentified because of decomposition. Nine unclaimed bodies still remain in the morgue.” (PPG 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“The work of recovering the bodies is slow, and, although a week has elapsed since the explosion, the rescue work is lagging more each day, not because of lack of willing workers, but because of the condition of the mine, which the district inspectors say is worse than that encountered at Monongah.” (PPG 12.26.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
M.E. Church South holds their Christmas program. Recitations and songs will be rendered and a treat will be distributed to the children. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“Christmas in Monongah! What a mockery it was!” (TEP 12.26.07 pg. ?)
“It was the women as usual who bore the brunt of it all; the mothers with their helpless little flocks tugging alike at skirts and heart strings, the little ones who cannot understand. To them Christmas brought neither gladness nor hope; to them the Christmas spirit was as Dead Sea fruit.” (TEP 12.26.07 pg. ?)
“Then there were toys in plenty for the children. That was cheer for the moment for them. There was warm clothing for them, too, and also for all the women who needed it.” (TEP 12.26.07 pg. ?
“But over all, throughout the long bleak day, was the silent weeping of the women and the utter despair on their weary faces.” (TEP 12.26.07 pg. ?)
“And in little graveyards up yonder on the barren yellow hills nearly 100 fathers in unidentified graves. Christmas in Monongah!” (TEP 12.26.07 pg. ?)
OTC 12.21.07 – pg 1
Midnight
In Farmington:
Mrs. Ephriam Ashcraft dies at her home from her burns. (FWV 12.26.07 pg. 1)
Stonco Goyac, the 29 year old Hungarian miner stabbed and shot in Farmington, dies at Cook’s Hospital. He leaves behind a brother in Pennsylvania. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
7:30 am
In Fairmont:
Christ P.E. Church – Holy Eucharist (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
9:30 am
In Fairmont:
M.P. Temple Sunday School meets; “a full turn out of the school is desired so that the plans for the ‘Old Fashioned Christmas Tree’ service to be held on Christmas Eve may be completed.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Diamond St M.E. Church Sunday School meets in charge of Mr. E.A. Wilson. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 2)
Presbyterian church Sabbath School meets – J. Walter Barnes, superintendent. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
First M.P. Church Sunday School meets – J.A. Swiger superintendent. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 2)
Palatine Baptist Church Bible School meets with Supt. W.A. Hustead in charge, the subject being, “Christmas lessons” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 2)
M.E. Church South Sunday School meets – Dr. L.N. Yost superintendent (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Grace Lutheran Church Sunday School meets – Home-coming day. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
First M.E. Church Sunday School meets– C.W. Evans in charge. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
First Baptist Church Sunday School meets. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Christ P.E. Church Sunday School meets. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Central Christian Church Sunday School – McIntire, superintendent (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
9:45 am
In Clarksburg:
First Presbyterian Church, Wm. M. Hudson, Minister – Sabbath school meets. “Tuesday night the Sabbath school will have a tree to which the children and others are to bring presents and these presents are to be sent to the Rev. W.O. David at Monongah for distribution Christmas night to the Monongah children.”(CDT 12.21.07 pg. 3)
10:00 am
In Fairmont:
Cook Hospital informs Coroner Amos of Goyac’s death. This is the first any official has heard about the incident. Coroner Amos attends the postmortem examination. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
10:30 am
In Fairmont:
M.E. Church South service – R.T. Webb, pastor. “Both the music and the sermon…will be appropriate to the Christmas occasion.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Grace Lutheran Church service. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Subject, “No Room for Jesus”
“Reception of members at 10:45”
“Sacrament of the Lord’s supper will be administered immediately after the sermon.”
“Congregational meeting after morning services.”
10:45 am
Christ P.E. Church – morning prayer and litany (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Presbyterian Church service – H.G. Stoetzer, Pastor (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
First Baptist Church service – W.J. Eddy, Pastor (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Subject of sermon, addressed to the boys and girls, “Jesus, our Great Christmas Gift.”
“Some special music will be rendered by some folks as well as by the choir.”
M.P. Temple service – J.C. Broomfield, pastor. Sermon, “The Birth of Christ”; text, “And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Central Christian Church service – W.H. Willison, Pastor. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
First M.P. Church service – Rev. U.W. Morrison, pastor. Subject of sermon, “Christmas” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 2)
Palatine Baptist Church service – T.B. Lawler, Pastor. Subject, “The Guiding Star” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 2)
First M.E. Church service – G.D. Smith, pastor (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 5)
Diamond St M.E. Church services – Rev. G.W. Bent, Pastor; subject of sermon, “Christmas themes” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 2)
11:00 am
In Clarksburg:
First Presbyterian, Wm. M. Hudson, pastor; Divine worship and sermon, “The sermons at both services will be held in the spirit of Christmas, the morning sermon dealing with ‘Blessedness of Giving’…” (CDT 12.21.07 pg. 3)
“Strangers are cordially invited to all these services.” (CDT 12.21.07 pg. 3)
11:45 am
In Fairmont:
Diamond Street M.E. Church class (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 2)
“Sunday was expected to be one of the most important days of Cumberland’s response to Monongah’s call for aid. Despite the fact that there were unusually large congregations in all of the churches, owing to the special call by the Anti-Saloon League, a large number of the ministers failed to pay attention to this GREAT CALL FOR HELP FROM A STRICKEN CITY.” (CET 12.16.07 pg. 1)
Presbyterian Church – Senior Society (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Topic, “Confident Testimony for Christ” Luke 12:11-12, Acts 4:13-33
First M.E. Church – Epworth League, leader P.B. Henry (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Topic, “The Straight Gate”
M.E. Church South – Epworth League service led by Miss Jessie Ice (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject, “Grounds of our Missionary Obligation” Rom 1:14-17
First Baptist Church – B.Y.P.U (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject, “The Magnificat: A Christmas Song”
Palatine Baptist Church – B.Y.P.U (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Subject, “Confident Testimony for Christ”
First M.P. Church – Christian Endeavor, led by Mrs. S.A. Shuttlesworth (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Diamond St. M.E. Church – Epworth League prayer meeting, led by Mrs. Cordelia Harden (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Subject, “The Straight Gate”
7:30 pm
Goff Methodist Episcopal – public worship with sermon by J.E. Bird, pastor. “Collections for the mine sufferers at Monongah will be taken both morning and evening. All are cordially invited to attend all of these services. You will be welcome.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 3)
M.P. Temple Church senior service.
Subject of sermon, “The Problem of Disasters” with special reference to the bright side of the Monongah disaster. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Presbyterian Church service – Rev. H.G. Stoetzer, pastor
Subject of sermon, “Some of the By Products of Coal…(unclear)…may Come out Great Calamities.”
First M.E. Church service – G.D. Smith, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject of sermon, “Some Reflections on the Mine Disaster.”
M.E. Church South service – R.T. Webb, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Grace Lutheran Church service – A.G. Null, pastor(FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject of sermon, “Prevailing Prayer”
Central Christian Church services – W.H. Willison, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject of sermon, “The Best Time to Save Men.”
First Baptist Church services – W.J. Eddy, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Subject of Sermon, “A Great Personal Question”
Christ P.E. Church – evensong (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Catholic services at St. Peter’s – Evening devotions consisting of Rosary and benediction. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Palatine Baptist Church – evening service – T.B. Lawler, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Special sermon by Rev. G.D. Griffin of Morgantown (FWV 12.16.07 pg. )
“Rev. Griffin is an able speaker and his sermons were greatly enjoyed by all present.” (FWV 12.16.07 pg. )
First M.P. Church – Rev. U.W. Morrison, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Subject of Sermon, “Utility of Desire”
Diamond St. M.E. Church – Rev G.W. Bent, pastor. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Subject of sermon, “The Interruption of the Plans of Men.”
Night
In Fairmont:
“Collections were taken in several of the churches Sunday for the Monongah mine sufferers, with good success notwithstanding the inclement weather conditions kept a good many persons away from the services.” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
“At the Catholic church the handsome sum of $150 was raised for the sufferers. The congregation of Italians who gathered at the hall contributed through the efforts of the Rev. Father P.M. Schoenen $12.40 and a large box of wearing apparel and other articles.” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
“At the Park avenue Lutheran church the congregation was small but $7.50 was raised.” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
“At the morning and evening services at Goff Methodist Episcopal church $100 was raised for the sufferers.” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“Since press time Saturday the bodies of 9 miners…have been recovered, making 334 in all.” 12 bodies in all during Saturday and Sunday. (FWV 12.16.07 pg. 1)
“Bodies were recovered as follows Saturday night and Sunday, bringing the number of recovered bodies up to 334 Sunday night:
CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1
“All of the above were taken from No. 6. These bodies were all found either under falls or in the water and the majority of them were in a bad state of decomposition.” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
Note: Many churches which were present in 1907 have either moved location, merged with other churches, or are simply not in the area anymore. For research and educational purposes, I have included snapshots from a Vintage map of Fairmont and Palentine from 1897 which is available online for view and/or purchase and I highly suggest referencing this map with this Timeline, rather than using modern maps. If there is a modern counterpart to this map image, it will be included though accuracy is not guaranteed for various reasons.
Note: Many churches which were present in 1907 have either moved location, merged with other churches, or are simply not in the area anymore. For research and educational purposes, I have included snapshots from a Vintage map of Fairmont and Palentine from 1897 which is available online for view and/or purchase and I highly suggest referencing this map with this Timeline, rather than using modern maps. If there is a modern counterpart to this map image, it will be included though accuracy is not guaranteed for various reasons. (Ex: First Baptist Church in the vintage map versus its location today. The current First Baptist is on what was once Fairmont Farms, owned by the Watsons in 1907. According to the 1897 map, First Baptist was closer to downtown around the turn of the century.)
In Fairmont:
2:00 pm
Presbyterian Church – Junior Christian Endeavor Society (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Diamond St. M.E. Church Junior League (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Building “J” is designated as the M.E. Church on Diamond Street in 1897
First Baptist Church Sunday School meets (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Building “F” is the location of First Baptist according to the 1897 map.Current location of First Baptist Church on what used to be Fairmont Farms, beside Watson’s Highgate mansion.
2:30 pm
M.P. Temple Church Junior endeavor with Mrs. R.C. Jones in charge (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Building “C” is the MP People’s Temple
First M.E. Church Junior League meets, Miss Nettie Bartlett, Superintendent (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
First Baptist Church Sunday School meets (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
3:00 pm
Presbyterian Church – Intermediate Society (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Diamond St. M.E. Church holds class (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Palatine Baptist Church – service at Calvary (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
During the afternoon
In Grafton:
Ed. Rankin, a “tramp” from Kaneville, OH is riding in a freight car when he gets caught between some lumber and crushed to death. (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 7)
“Lumber was stacked up in the car in two separate piles and when the train reached West Union it came to a rather sudden stop with the result that the lumber piles, between which Rankin was riding, were thrown together with a force that instantly crushed the life out of the unfortunate traveler.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 7)
“Benjamin English, another tramp of Glocester, OH who was riding with Rankin, narrowly escaped with his life. It is he who identified Rankin. Rankin’s remains were lifted from the car and taken to an undertaking establishment at West Union where they were prepared for burial and the interment was made at West Union in the potter’s field.” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 7)
At the mines in Monongah:
At some point, John Graham Smyth sends notes to the surface asking for more rubber boots; the leather boots of the workers are not lasting. Smyth also requests more lye for sprinkling on stock as it is taking more than 5 pounds per head. Smyth argues with those on the surface that the cotton gloves supplied are inadequate and rescuers need rubber gloves and a solution to wash with after handling each body. Ultimately, E. Scott declines his request – citing the cost of rubber gloves. (McAteer)
You can purchase a copy of this map, as well as view it in high detail, here.Modern map of Fairmont with marked locations from the 1897 map. Churches “A”, “C”, “E”, “G”, and “J” still exist in their original locations.
“The weather was disagreeable…” (FWV 12.16.07 pg. 4)
7:30 am
In Monongah:
“No bodies have been found…since last night, when the total reached 322.” (ODB 12.15.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
Religious services dominate the day throughout the area. Last Sunday, services around the area were short and light due to massive amounts of people flooding into Monongah. This Sunday, even the rescuers have the opportunity to step away from rescue work and attend services if so desired.
Christ P.E. Church – Eucharist, Rev. M.A. Barnes (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
8:00 am
Catholic services at St. Peter’s – Rev. A. Boutlou, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
9:00 am
Goff Methodist Episcopal, class meeting, M.S. Riley, leader – J.E. Bird, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 3)
Presbyterian Church Sunday School meets – Prof. J. Walter Barnes, superintendent (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Christ P.E. Church Sunday School meets (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Palatine Baptist Church Bible School meets with Supt. W.A. Hustead in charge and the subject: “The Boy Samuel” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Diamond St. M.E. Church Sunday School meets in charge of Supt. E.A. Willison. “Willison requests that the patents of the children in the primary department of the M.E. Sunday school make an effort to have all of the children present Sunday morning.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
First M.E. Church Sunday School meets, C.W. Evans, superintendent. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
M.E. Church South Sunday School meets, Dr. L.N. Yost, superintendent (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
First Baptist Church Sunday School meets (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Central Christian Church Sunday School meets (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
First M.P. Church Sunday School meets, J.A. Swiger – superintendent (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
9:45 am
Grace Lutheran Church Sunday School meets, the hour will be utilized for a rehearsal of Christmas service. Also a rehearsal will be had in the afternoon. (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Catholic services at St. Peter’s – Rev. A Boutlou, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
10:30 am
M.E. Church South service – R.T. Webb, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
10:45 am
Presbyterian Church service – Rev. H.G. Stoetzer, pastor
Text: Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Subject of Sermon, “The Right Idea of Life” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Goff Methodist Episcopal – sermon by pastor J.E. Bird – “The Gentleness of God” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 3)
First M.E. Church services – G.D. Smith, pastor
Subject of sermon, “The Delays of God” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
M.P. Temple Church services – J.C. Broomfield, pastor
Subject of sermon, “Sustained Shining or the Secret of a Faithful Life.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Christ P.E. Church – morning prayer and litany (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
First Baptist Church services – W.J. Eddy, pastor
Subject of sermon, “Some Lessons From a Missionary Standpoint from the Monongah Mine Disaster.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Diamond St. M.E. Church – Rev G.W. Bent, pastor.
Subject of sermon, “A National Bereavement” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Central Christian Church services – W.H. Willison, pastor
Subject of sermon, “Some Conditions upon which God Answers Prayer.” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 8)
Palatine Baptist Church – morning service – T.B. Lawler, pastor (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
Special sermon by Rev. G.D. Griffin of Morgantown. “Rev. Griffin is an able speaker and his sermons were greatly enjoyed by all present.” (FWV 12.16.07 pg. )
First M.P. Church – Rev. U.W. Morrison, pastor.
Subject of Sermon, “Necessary Things” (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
11:45 am
Diamond St. M.E. Church holds class (FWV 12.14.07 pg. 2)
In Monongah:
Public services are also held in the cemeteries “in memory of many victims interred before being identified.” (McAteer)
The last resting places of many are designated only by stakes inscribed with the number of the funeral. However, for several days cemetery workers have been dealing with a special issue of their own:
“Identifications at the cemetery were greatly hindered by the ignorance of some of the bereaved. Several of these people, thinking to save funeral expenses, would allow relatives to be buried ‘unknown’. This was discovered by sticks and other marks found nearly every morning beside newly made graves. Many of these markers were destroyed by the workmen, but in every case the next morning another mark appeared such as notches cut in fence posts, or another stick or cross beside the grave. It was also found, that among the foreigners some would claim as their own a body which had been full identified otherwise by relatives, insisting that they be buried in a certain grave, and when this request was not granted, these graves would also be marked with a name other than the occupant.” (Haas)
At the mines:
“…not much work was done in No. 8 owing to the condition of the air…” (CDT 12.16.07 pg. 1)
As passing time made removal of bodies more difficult, rescuers turned to lye to destroy decomposing animals and, no doubt, some men’s bodies. (McAteer)
“No accident in the entire history of coal mining in America compares with this holocaust. It would be hard to picture a more complete scene of sorrow and desolation than that about the pit mouth. Everywhere are the blown and broken timbers, everywhere the blackened wreckage, showing the fearful force of the explosion. And over the wailing, desolate women and the gaunt, hard featured men working about the ruins, the black smoke hangs like a pall.” (TLA 12.12.07 pg. 1)
~Noon
“Governor Dawson today announced that he will personally attend the inquiry…” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)
“Two hundred and eighty-five bodies were recovered at noon from the Monongah mines and twenty-five more were ready to be brought to the surface.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)
“Up to noon today 285 bodies had been recovered from the Monongah mines. They are being brought out more rapidly now and many more will have been recovered by night.” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2)
“More than 400 bodies, it is expected, will have been recovered by Saturday night, by which time the rescuers hope to have found every body.” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2)
2:22 pm
In Monongah:
The body of Timothy Lyden was taken from the morgue “to his home at Monongah to remain three hours and at 2:22 this afternoon accompanied by relatives and friends it was shipped to [Clarksburg] for burial.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 4)
“Mr. Lyden’s body will be at the home of his mother, Mrs. Ellen Lyden, on Jackson street tonight and until 10 o’clock tomorrow morning, when it will be taken to the Catholic church where funeral services will be held and interment will be in Holy Cross cemetery.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 4)
During the Afternoon
In Pittsburgh:
“Officials of the coal company were in Pittsburgh this afternoon, conferring with those familiar with hospital maintenance, and it is understood that $50,000 will be spent by the coal company in erecting a suitable orphan asylum building. After it is finished, the children will be taken care of and educated. It is understood that certain wealthy men have expressed a desire to assist in endowing such an asylum, making it permanent for use of orphans of those who lose their lives in the mines of the company.” (WH 12.13.07 pg. 1)
“A woman’s sympathetic heart coupled with her ability to accomplish her purposes has solved the distressing problem of the thousand children who have been made orphans by the mine explosion at Monongah, in which several hundred lives went out. The woman is Mrs. Clarence W. Watson [Minnie Owings Watson], wife of the president of the Fairmont Coal Company which owns the property in which the calamity happened. She is a social leader in Baltimore and New York, but since the explosion she has demonstrated that she can be notable for other things besides driving fine horses for prizes in show rings and planning cotillons. Acting on Mrs. Watson’s suggestion her husband came to Pittsburg today to make contracts for the erection of a $50,000 asylum for the homeless little ones at Monongah. Mr. Watson said that it was the one practical suggestion which had come to him or any of the members of the Fairmont Company.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
“Mrs. Watson took a prominent part at this season’s horse show in New York. She was a prize winner, carrying off ribbons with her famous Lord Baltimore and My Maryland. Lord Baltimore is considered one of the finest harness horses in America. Mrs. Watson and her millionaire husband carried off several prizes with them in the international show in London.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
“Bishop Donoghue, of the Wheeling district has been at Monongah leading in the relief work, and Mrs. Watson has been, perhaps, his most able assistant.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
“The day of the explosion Mrs. Watson hurried to Monongah with her husband. She plunged into the work of relief with her heart open for the suffering and destitute. In a few hours she was recognized as good spirit of the place. Wherever she goes in the stricken town she carried light with her.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
“It was the children who made a special plea to her sympathy. Their helplessness, their absolute dependence overwhelmed her. After the first couple of days she went to her husband and demanded that he do something. He was at a loss and asked her for her suggestions. She said that the one thing for him and his company to do was build and asylum for the little ones.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
“How to care for the children of the explosion victims has been and will be a problem until Mrs. Watson’s home for them is built.” (RP 12.14.07 pg. 4)
In Fairmont:
“The body of Charles Wise of Fairmont, one of the best known men, was…brought here for interment this afternoon.” (ES 12.12.07 pg. 2)
Frank A. Wilmot and George A. Campsey from the Carnegie Hero Commission arrive in Fairmont. “After looking over the ground a while Mr. Wilmot decided to go to the Fairmont Coal Company offices at Monongah and make known his mission. Before going, however, he met Col. A.H Fleming of Fairmont whom he knew personally…” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1 – extra)
Mr. Harry H Stock, E.M. editor of “Mines and Minerals” of Scranton PA is visitor in the city. He procured copies of the West Virginian for every day since the mine disaster. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 5)
In Monongah:
“The ladies of the relief corps are continuing their noble work and much food is being dispensed to the workers. Soups, meats, sandwiches, vegetables pie and coffee constitute the mean which is served night and day in a little building near the company office. Hundreds are thus fed every day.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)
C.W. Watson will not give a statement about the number of victims to the press until the “total number of miners is known…census of miners had not yet been completed. Three or four miners lived in the country and their families would have to be seen before the statement could be made. Mr. Watson said that the number would be between 328 and 334.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1) (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 1)
He provides this statement instead:
“The work of removing bodies from the mines progressed very rapidly today and at the rate that the dead are brought out now the search work will be completed sooner than it was thought. The work in mine No 6 is practically done. The searchers have explored all the rooms of that mine.” (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 1)
Rumors of epidemic begin to surface and are attributed to the many maimed and decomposing bodies and carcasses about the town and still inside the mines. (McAteer) (News)
Mr. Fleming and Wilmot arrive in Monongah and go to the office where Wilmot is introduced to General Manager Lee. L Malone. “Mr. Malone at once placed the records of the company relative to the census of miners being taken at Mr. Wilmot’s disposal and after verifying the newspaper reports he hunted Mayor Moore to take some active steps for relief work.”
“Mr. Wilmot found Mayor Moore surrounded by a crowd of about 50 people engaged in relief work, but he gave Mr. Wilmot a hearing and very kindly consented to do whatever was thought best in the matter of organizing the committees.” (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1 & 4 – extra)
At the mines:
The removal of livestock begins.
Marion County Board of Health issues a 2nd order: “…imminent danger of epidemic of disease breaking out…scores of men working in recovering dead are prostrated…so urgent…all of the streets of Monongah were heavily sprinkled with lime…odors emanating…unbearable.” (McAteer)
At #8:
1st full search is completed in #8 and a second search immediately begins. (McAteer) (Inquiry)
“Patrick Louchney’s remains were found in mines No. 8 and taken to the morgue this afternoon. His body was terribly mangled and mutilated. It will be taken to Clarksburg for burial.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)
~3:30 pm
CDT 12.12.07 pg 1
“A great many bodies remain unidentified as yet and probably most of these will never be identified or claimed by relatives. The number of the unidentified reached fully sixty so far and doubtless many of those yet to be recovered will be in the same class.” (CDT 12.12.07 pg. 1)
~4:00 pm
In Fairmont:
The 24 members and 2 guests of the Ladies Aid Society of the Diamond Street M.E. Church complete “40 pieces of clothing” and enjoy a dinner “for the small sum of $.15”, the proceeds intended to go to the relief fund. (FWV 12.12.07 pg. 2) (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 2)
~4:30 pm
In Wheeling:
The Wheeling Board of Trade holds special meeting of directors about the Monongah relief fund. Labor Commissioner I.V. Barton (who went to Monongah shortly after the disaster and stated he would bring a report of conditions to Board of Trade) “spoke at some length”.
“There are, Mr. Barton stated, from a thousand to twelve hundred orphans and at least 350 widows it has been estimated. The children have been born since the disaster and there are 60 expectant mothers among the widows. The Fairmont Coal Co. and the local relief committees are doing nobly, and are caring for the situation.” Mr. Barton stated that if the Board of Trade was to contribute, now is the time to do it. “The aid is not necessary now but in the future relief will be needed.”
The Board of Trade contributes $1,000.00 to the relief fund. (FWV 12.13.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
In the earliest days after the disaster, various relief committees were formed by well-meaning individuals and groups but there is no representation for the immigrants and their various nationalities among them. Bishop Donahue was added to the initial general relief committee when he pointed out a lack of representation for the Italian and Polish-Slavic Catholic churches and the committee expanded to incorporate immigrant representation. (McAteer) (News)
Manager/Secretary of Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Frank M Wilmot combines the majority of these relief committees into one: the Monongah Mine Relief Committee. (McAteer)
The Carnegie Hero Fund donates $35,000 to this relief committee and takes charge of the organizing. (McAteer) (News)
Wilmot then has a meeting with Watson, Fleming, and other company officials to discuss their role in the relief efforts. Watson and Fleming are cautious about endorsing notion of public appeal for funds. They are concerned about the effect such an appeal would have politically, particularly on the general public. Wilmot convinces them the response would be well received. Following the meetings with Wilmot and others they soon became supportive of the relief committees and assigned “various employees in the offices of FCC & others to work nights, Sundays, and other extra time helping the Subscription Committee to address envelopes and send out appeals”. Eventually, officials of mine, like Cunningham, serve as members of committee. (McAteer)
The Union Relief Association Committee, made up entirely of women from Fairmont and surrounding areas, is the only one not included into the MMRC.
~5:00 pm
Cunningham sends Watson a list of names along with morgue numbers. Bossilo Pillelo and Petro Frediro are listed with a note: “Italians were in #8. Selecting place to work. Chief Paul found their order copy x of mine laws.” (McAteer)
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)
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 1st 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)
“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)
The Monongah Disaster 