Steve Duma and Mike Hazugo were arranging to fill the powder flasks for the days work, when a spark from the miner’s lamp held by Duma was dropped into the keg of powder. Powder explosion wrecked 2 houses. “Both men were lacerated and burned…brought to hospital in serious condition.” (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 4)
In Fairmont:
Earl Fluharty, the 15 year old son of Jefferson Fluharty of Monongah, dies in Cook’s Hospital after an illness of typhoid fever. “He came to the hospital on Saturday of last week and at that time his condition was serious.” His remains are taken to Cunningham’s morgue. (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 4)
~11:50 am
In Carthage, New Mexico:
“Carthage is a small town on a branch line, twenty miles from San Antonio, on the Santa Fe railroad…” in Socorro county New Mexico. (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1) (TSJ 01.01.08 pg. 1)
It’s time for lunch break at the Bernal coal mine in Carthage, New Mexico which is owned and operated by the Carthage Fuel Company. “The greater part of a force of fifty men” begin to leave the mine for lunch while several others stay behind and continue to work. (AC 12.31.07 pg. 1)
The Bernal mine is about to become #5 on Bloody December’s list.
A simple frame dwelling occupied by two families at Bryant street catches fire. Leopold Wollack is “aroused by the cries of the children, hurried to the room and found it a mass of flames.” Wallack, “seized the children and carried them down the stairs safely, despite the fact that both were suffering from measles. All were cared for by neighbors.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
Early Morning
In Clarington, OH:
Edward Hutchinson, B&O railroad agent, is overpowered, robbed, murdered, and the train station burnt to the ground. “Hutchinson was overpowered, bound and gagged and valuables taken from his person, then the money drawer was broken and the contents taken. Hutchinson was left on the floor and fire was set to the station. He was left helpless.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
“The murderers escaped with a considerable sum of money.” “No clue has been obtained to the perpetrators of the triple crime.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
Morning
Near Monongahela, PA:
At the Ellsworth Mine, a young Slav, John Omillian, is released from being trapped underground and comes out “a raving maniac”. He is taken to the county home in Arden. Omillian last Thursday, Dec. 26, set off a blast which “blocked effectively all exit from the room where he was working.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
“Yesterday a number of mine officials who were inspecting the mine accidentally found Omillian and dug him out. They were astonished to find him completely mad with hunger and thirst. He knocked two men down but was overpowered and cared for.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 8)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
In Fairmont:
Frank Higginbotham is at James Higginbotham’s house. The coal fire is “being replenished with a fresh bucket of fuel when an explosion occurred driving a short tack into the eye” of Frank Higginbotham. Frank was taken to Cook’s Hospital where an operation was performed in which the eye was removed. (FWV 12.31.07 pg. 3)
Fairmont West Virginian:
The Col. A. Howard Fleming Lodge No. 595, B. of R.T., donates to Darr mine sufferers (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
Philip Biglioni (14 years), Angelo Talmeiri (16 years), and Peter Falconi (17 years) are skating on a pond near Bangor when the ice gives way. All 3 boys are drowned but the bodies are recovered. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
In Stroudsburg, PA:
Mrs. Geo. Hoonshilt is talking to a friend over the telephone while her 8-year-old son, Lewis, had been “shooting at a mark with a flobert rifle”. At one point, her son “came into the room and pointing the weapon at her pulled the trigger. The bullet struck Mrs. Moonshilt in a vital spot and she lived but a short time.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 1)
In Pittsburg, PA:
Miss May Messmer, a school friend of Stella Hartzell, calls and spends a pleasant afternoon with Stella and her husband George. George was “27 years old and for a number of years had been employed as a brakeman…at the Piticarn yards of the PA Railroad Co.” Stella was “15 years old May 23, 1907, and was married to Hartzell August 14, last.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
“After their marriage Mrs. Hartzell complained of being lonely and afraid to remain alone at nights” while her husband worked. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
“On several occasions she went during the night to the office in the railroad yards and sought her husband with tears in her eyes, declaring she was afraid to remain alone.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
Her husband was unable to secure a position which kept him home at nights, “so she gradually grew despondent and often declared she hated to see the approach of night.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
Ms. Messmer remained for supper and after the meal was over Mrs. Hartzell asked her friend to remain and keep her company so she would not be lonesome but Ms. Messmer was unable to stay longer and left for home. (FWV 12.30.07 pg. 5)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
The Tombstone Epitaph in Arizona:
“Phoenix is raising funds for the sufferers of the Monongah mine disaster.” (TE 12.29.07 pg. 2)
Los Angeles Herald in California:
“LURAY—The mass meeting of citizens of Luray held in the Main Street Baptist church to raise a fund for the relief of the Monongah mine sufferers resulted in securing about $100. A committee was appointed to get further subscriptions from the citizens of Luray and it is thought about $200 will be realized. A resolution was passed directing that the money be forwarded to the Red Cross society.” (LAH 12.29.07 pg. 11)
Omaha Daily Bee in Nebraska:
ODB 12.29.07 – pg 2
“The rescuers believe they are within reach of all of the bodies that will be recovered and as air is now being forced to the most remote workings it is hoped to have the work practically completed early tomorrow.” (ODB 12.29.07 pg. 2)
ODB 12.29.07 – pg 2
Salt Lake Herald in Utah:
SLH 12.29.07 – pg 2
The Boston Globe in Massachusetts:
BG 12.29.07 pg 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
PPG 12.29.07 pg 7
“The question of undercutting coal in mines before blasting it is an important one just now between the coal operators and mine inspectors of this region; and is, therefore of interest everywhere in the bituminous districts of this state. Particularly in this case since the recent great mine catastrophes have raised into prominence the matter of making such provisions as will insure the miner’s safety.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“The law says the coal shall be ‘properly’ undercut before blasting. But nothing is said about the reach of the undercut. Mine owners insist that the extent of the undercutting is thus left to the discretion of the mine boss.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“The effect of blasting after deep undercutting is that the coal comes away in large blocks. In this region, where the coal is soft, the more it is broken up by the blast the better it is for coking.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Undercutting is done by miners both with picks and by machines. The miner cuts away about a foot thickness of coal at the bottom of the vein. The distance of this cut must be the same as that of the hole bored higher up into the body of the coal in which the explosive is placed, usually about six feet. When the blast is effectively set off it dislodges the entire six feet of coal that has been undercut. This mass comes away in blocks. And it is this fact which is said to have been potential in securing the enactment of the undercutting law for the benefit of owners of river mines, where the coal is hard. These owners want their coal in lumps.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Owners of coking coal mines want their coal crushed and this is better accomplished by abolishing undercutting.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Coal mine owners do not want the undercutting law strictly enforced in this region. They say it adds nothing to the safety of the mine, and that it is burdensome to them in its application. But mine inspectors and mining engineers think differently. They insist that it tends to the safety of the miner and should be enforced by law.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“What is regarded by some as an objectionable feature of the coal mining business in the bituminous region is the facility with which mine owners can get rid of mine foreman who, for any reason whatever, may become obnoxious to them. Such a foreman is an officer of the state. He has to pass an examination by the state and get his certificate from the state. Yet when appointed to the foremanship of a mine he is subject to dismissal at any moment, without knowing why, by the superintendent of the mine, who may or may not be a practical foreman, and who is responsible only to his employer.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“A well-known and thoroughly capable local mining engineer is authority for the statement that the mining laws in Pennsylvania are largely farcical, and ineffective in practical application, and have been moulded and managed for years, in some localities, with the express purpose of putting moral responsibility for disasters upon the state, so far as possible.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“Experts regard the most dangerous active mines in the gas coal region as really the safest in which to work, because knowledge of the danger has made both miners and operators very cautious. An expert said yesterday that it had been so long since there had been an explosion in a so-called dangerous mine that he could not recall it. But he could recall many, and all of the later ones in mines accounted safe—so safe that it was not thought much worth while either by miners or operators to take any particular pains against disasters. The Naomi, Monongah, and Darr mines were all known as ‘safe’ mines.” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
“One of the great mines near Uniontown is known as ‘dangerous’ yet there never has been a serious accident in it. Great fans are not alone relied upon for ventilation. Holes or wells have been drilled at eight widely separated spots over the surface of the mine down into its heart and cased with iron tubing, like oil wells. An additional well is sunk whenever its need has become apparent. The tube reaches up about 10 feet into the air and through this vent an immense quantity of gas escapes unassisted from the mine. The natural draft thus created is very strong. A man with a torch passing within 50 feet of one of the tubes recently ignited the gas flowing from it. This indicates the volume coming from a single vent. What must it be from all?” (PPG 12.29.07 pg. 7)
Mrs. Messmer has left the Hartzell home and Mrs. Hartzell packs her husband’s dinner bucket. She again asks him not to go to work. “He explained that he must be at work, and his wife grew despondent because he insisted, he must leave her.” Stella hands George his packed dinner bucket then, “shot herself behind the right ear with her husband’s revolver…She died instantly.” (FWV 12.30.07 pg.5)
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)
Miss Belle Jeanette and her party arrive as scheduled on train No. 14. It was planned that “immediately after the arrival…she will be brought to the Times office in the Franklin car of Mr. Daniel Annan, Jr., kindly driven by Mr. William Wilson.” Rather, she met up with these men at her hotel. (CET 12.24.07 pg. 8) (CET 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“Loading the papers and accompanied by the circulation manager of the Times, Mr. Hill, and one of the Times newsies, a quick run will be made to the Windsor Hotel, where a light lunch will be taken. After this Miss Jeanette will be her best to make up for lost time.” (CET 12.24.07 pg. 8)
“The party, which included Miss Jeanette, Mr. Wilson, Miss Jeanette’s manager, and Mr. R. Mason Hill, of the Times, started out at once and produced down Baltimore street, all along being given and ovation, as far as the Times office. Here Mr. William Wilson obligingly relieved his father as chauffeur, and a run was made to South Cumberland, where the party was enthusiastically received. After canvassing Virginia avenue, the parry then returned uptown and a little later finished the run in front of the Maryland Theatre…” where she and the company will play to crowded houses both matinee and night performances on Christmas day in the play, “A Child Shall Lead Them”. (CET 12.26.07 pg. 1)
“She will not work long time, but tomorrow will devote from 12 to 1 to meeting the people on the Baltimore street and selling her papers for the needy.” (CET 12.24.07 pg. 8)
Illustrated Monthly West Virginian offers subscription books “for one month are the property of the people of Monongah.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 2)
“We ask, however, the privilege of retaining 35 cents on each yearly $1.00 subscription to partly cover the cost of mailing, preparation, etc.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 2)
“Subscriptions will be received by the Red Cross Society of America, 500 Fifth Ave, New York City, also the local committee at Monongah.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 2)
“The next issue of the Monthly West Virginian will be the Fairmont number and will contain a complete and finished write up of the disaster, fully illustrated.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 2)
The joke column was one of the first spaces sacrificed for the Monongah disaster. They return for Christmas: (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 2)
FWV 12.24.07 – pg 2FWV 12.24.07 – pg 3
“How different the feeling when a philanthropist like Mr. Carnegie passes off the stage of action from that felt when a miser like Russell Sage crosses over. The one uses his large means in helping mankind and thereby adds to his own happiness, while the other selfishly tried to appropriate his riches to his own use and only added to his misery.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“The West Virginian has adopted the rule of issuing no paper on the great national holiday, July 4, and on Christmas day, therefore no paper will be issued tomorrow. We wish all our patrons a Merry Christmas.” (FWV 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Mr. Sturgiss is deeply impressed with the Monongah mine disaster and he is desirous of preventing future disasters by endowing the colleges sufficiently that they can give scientific training make mine investigations and report to the bureau.” (CDT 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“In addition to this Governor Dawson is urging the United States senators from West Virginia to take steps for government inspection of coal mines.” (CDT 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Such a plan as is suggested by Congressman Sturgiss and Governor Dawson would bring to the country a new department of government and there would be constant search and research and examination and re-examination until the protection of miners and mines would be an active science.” (CDT 12.24.07 pg. 4)
Evening Star in D.C.:
ES 12.24.07 – pg 5
Washington Herald in D.C.:
WH 12.24.07 – pg 3
Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier in Iowa:
“The relief committee has been formed by prominent citizens headed by Governor Dawson, to solicit subscriptions to aid the stricken families…” (OTC 12.24.07 pg. 3)
Twice a Week Plain Dealer in Iowa:
TWPD 12.24.07 – pg 2
“State Mine Inspector Paul of West Virginia made a thorough examination of Mines Nos. 6 and 8 Friday. Until Mr. Paul concludes his investigation all other work at the mines has been suspended.” (TWPD 12.24.07 pg. 2)
Topeka State Journal in Kansas:
“Gasps of horror fill the air throughout the land over the terrible slaughter that has been wrought during the past few weeks because of explosions in coal mines in various parts of the country, and especially in the twin tragedies at Monongah and Jacobs Creek.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Slaughter it surely was for neither of these disasters were mere casualty. They are crimes and can be called nothing else.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“But there is no question in these two latest disasters of the mysterious laws of nature. The laws whose neglect fell thus upon the innocent are known laws and the price of obedience is small.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Yet such is the greed and callous indifference of man that even that small price was begrudged. Grim death has collected a debt at a terrible price and one bringing sorrow and distress into countless homes.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Both the Monongah and the Jacobs Creek explosions followed shut downs. They were the result of accumulations of gas and dust, and these accumulations, as mining experts know, can be avoided by the simplest means. That is, a watchman passing regularly and at reasonably frequent intervals through the mine, opening the doors and allowing some movement of air, will prevent the accumulation of gas in pockets sufficiently large to create dangerous explosions. The simple and comparatively inexpensive device of a perforated pipe, from which a very fine spray issues, disposes of the danger from dust.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Murder by the wholesale, and that is the only designation that may be applied to these two recent disasters and many others which have occurred in times past, challenges the conscience of a nation.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“These frightful calamities should teach us what crimes a cynical indifference and parsimony are guilty of.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
“Society is vitally concerned in the safety of these workers upon whose daily toll we all rely, whose conditions of labor at best are of the worst, who are in every sense society’s sacrifice to her own good. Justice, not mercy, demands of the state the protection of these men.” (TSJ 12.24.07 pg. 4)
Bemidji Daily Pioneer in Minnesota:
BDP 12.24.07 – pg 2
New York Tribune:
NYTb 12.24.07 – pg 7
“The executive committee of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, meeting at Pittsburg, voted $35,000 for the sufferers from the Monongah mine disaster.” (NYTb 12.24.07 pg. 6)
“The number of bodies recovered at Monongah thus far is 344.” (NYTb 12.24.07 pg. 7)
The Sun in New York:
TS 12.24.07 – pg 10
Palestine Daily Herald in Texas:
PDH 12.24.07 – pg 3
Daily Press in Virginia:
DP 12.24.07 – pg 1
Times Dispatch in Virginia:
TD 12.24.07 – pg 1
Bluefield Evening Leader in West Virginia:
BEL 12.24.07 – pg 2
“On account of the many recent mine disasters the Pittsburg Dispatch employed J.L. Dixon, a mining engineer, whose reputation as an expert stands high, to locate, if possible, the cause of the disasters in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia coal district.” (BEL 12.24.07 pg. 2)
Cumberland Evening Times in Maryland:
CET 12.24.07 – pg 3CET 12.24.07 – pg 8
Detroit Free Press in Michigan:
DFP 12.24.07 pg – 6
Dayton Herald in Ohio:
DH 12.24.07 pg 2DH 12.24.07 pg 4
“Readers of the Herald who aided in the collection of Christmas presents and cash for the Christmas of the widows and orphans in the horrible mining disaster may eat their Christmas dinner with an added zest tomorrow. Their thoughtful Christmas spirit has aided in relieving the distresses of nearly fifteen hundred people and they have been Sant Claus to over one thousand fatherless and practically homeless children. Others aided in the laudable enterprise, and for the day the Christ says to you, ‘In as much as ye have done it unto the least of thee ye have done it unto me.’” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“The same spirit which in the people of Dayton and vicinity prompted the general Santa Claus car load of toys and clothing for the Monongah Christmas, also prompted the hearts of many thousands of other, and many cars of necessities and many thousands of dollars are on the way to ill fated, but remembered, Monongah.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“The kind hearted relief committee at Fairmont and Monongah will have a busy Christmas, but they can afford to postpone their Christmas for a day or two and enjoy the pleasure of relieving the necessities of the poor Monongans and giving them a little Christmas cheer.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“But Christmas is not the only day that is coming to these sorrowing ones. The future is full of days—dark, gloomy days that will appear more gloomy perhaps for the little brightness of the one day.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“We are glad to see formulating a plan for the permanent relief and assistance of these unfortunates. About fifty thousand dollars as been raised and is on the way to the treasurer of the committee. But this, it can be seen, will not be much in the distribution, only about thirty dollars to each person.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“The coal company will permit them to stay in their homes until they are provided for in some manner, and the people who are looking after their welfare now will continue their efforts.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“Some of the families desire to return to Europe where they can be with relatives. Others wish to go to some other section of this country where they can make a living. Non, of course, can stay in Monongah, for none can mine, and what few there are needed to sew and mend and wash for Monongah people are already there and were there before the disaster.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“Plans are also afoot to aid the Jacobs Creek victims, who, however, are not so many, but whose needs are fully as great.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
“In the meantime, lawmakers should go to work to frame a law preventing recurrence of such disasters, if that be possible. That would, indeed, be a Christmas gift to the country equal to the country’s gift to Monongah.” DH 12.24.07 pg. 4
The Boston Globe in Massachusetts:
BG 12.24.07 – pg 7
“Reports that disorder occurred yesterday necessitating the drawing of firearms by the squad of state police were without foundation.” (BG 12.24.07 pg. 7)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania:
PPG 12.24.07 pg 1PPG 12.24.07 pg 1
“Among the victims of the latest mine explosion at Jacobs Creek are 12 or 13 miners who had been employed at the Naomi mine previous to the explosion there on the night of December 1, when 34 poor unfortunates were suddenly hurried into eternity. Within a few days after the explosion here the men began to leave, numbers going to their old homes in Europe. But a wagon load of men drove across country to Darr, besides a number who made their way on foot. There are now added to the number of widows and orphans here who will for a time have to depend on charity for a living many more as a result of this latest catastrophe beneath the ground.” PPG 12.24.07 pg. 1
“The families of the victims of the Naomi explosion are wanting for nothing, however, notwithstanding the fact that so far as known not a penny of the money raised for their benefit at various places has ever been turned over to them. The United Coal Company is seeing that they get everything that is needed, and will also provide for their future toa certain extent. Those who desire will be sent back to their native land. But few want to leave here. One widow is soon to become a bride, and another has already started a boarding house.” PPG 12.24.07 pg. 1
“Unlike the coal company at Monongah, the owners of the Naomi mine have made no appeal for the aid to outsiders. The order of Superintendent J.D. O’Neil are that no one is to be permitted to want for anything. The company is not merely supplying those whose support is gone with food and clothing, but the money is given tot hem that they may do their own purchasing. It is, in fact, discouraging outside aid, preferring to do all this work itself in an effort to make what reparation it can for the awful loss of life. A collection is being taken here today to give the orphans of the dead miners a merry Christmas.” PPG 12.24.07 pg. 1
“Henry Hobek, who is connected with the Austro-Hungarian consulate at Pittsburgh, has spent several days in this vicinity looking after the interests of his fellow countrymen. Twenty-five of the entire number of victims were natives of that country. Mr. Hobek found that some shark had already been among the people, getting the women and other relaives to sign powers of attorney or claim papers giving him the right to collect whatever money could be got from the company.” PPG 12.24.07 pg. 1
Baltimore Sun in Maryland:
BS 12.24.07 pg 2
Pittsburgh Daily Post in Pennsylvania:
PDP 12.24.07 – pg 1
“Secretary Wilmot’s first move on going to Jacobs Creek probably will be to perfect the organization of relief committees, getting them in working order for investigations and for the handling of funds. He will then return to make his report to the commission when another special meeting will be held.” (PDP 12.24.07 pg. 1)
The Monongah Disaster 