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.
Here and there one or more may be found who had fallen during a vain attempt to reach the exit, but the almost universal belief is that nearly all will be found in the one remote section, three miles from the mouth of the mine, where they were working when the explosion occurred.” (WBR 12.21.07 pg. 5)
~6:00 pm, News Hour
Fairmont West Virginian:
“Old established Life Insurance company” in Philadelphia offers an “opportunity to boys and girls of Fairmont and vicinity.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
An “Educational contest” is opened to any scholar under the age of 19, in high school or grammar grade, including public, private, parochial and country schools. The reward will be 10 cash prizes for the best essay on the subject “Why Should A Father Insure His Life?” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
The Fairmont West Virginian apologizes for the cramped condition of their printings; “We have had a car of paper on the road since the 13th, but it has not yet arrived and have been forced to economize very closely with limited quantity of paper on hand which has preventing us from giving a twelve page paper.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 1)
German Beneficial Union publishes settled claims for Monongah (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 7)
Fred Rogers – $1,000 paid to Annie Wilson, his sister
Leslie Spragg, $1,000 paid to his widow, Betraze Spragg
Patrick J. Kearns, $500, paid to his widow Margaret Kearns
Thomas Killeen, $500, paid to his widow, Bridget Killeen
Patrick Hyland, $1,000, paid to his father John Hyland
Jesse Severe, $500, paid to his widow, Maggie Severe
Charles McKane, $500, paid to his widow, Vella McKane
Homer Pyles, $250, paid to his mother, Maggie Pyles
George Snodgrass, $250, paid to his widow, Maggie Snodgrass
Ellis V. Herndon, $15 paid to his daughter, Martha Lewellen
William Layne appointed administrator of the personal estate of Adam Layne, deceased. Bond given in the sum of $50 with A Wright as surety. (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 8)
Marion Lodge, No. 40, Knights of Pythias Committee publishes a letter of condolence. “Whereas, God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to call from our ranks our beloved brethren, Rev. K.D. Ryalls, Richard Farmer, and C.H. Johnakin.” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 8)
“Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to each of the bereaved families; that they be printed in the Fairmont daily and Advocate, and that they be spread upon the records of Marion Lodge, No 40, K. of P. – W.H. Fortune, C.C.; Seymore Scott; H.M. Bailey; N.B. Scott; E.L. Morton – Committee” (FWV 12.21.07 pg. 8)
Clarksburg Daily Telegram:
“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. Strangers are cordially invited to all of these services.” (CDT 12.21.07 pg. 3)
“If a small percentage of the money apportioned as dividends by the coal trust had been applied to perfecting the underground workings of its Pennsylvania and West Virginia mines the Monongah and Jacobs Creek catastrophes probably would not have occurred. In less than three weeks nearly 600 men have gone to a sudden and awful death as the result of criminal negligence on the part of somebody. When the responsible parties are identified the full penalties of the law should be inflicted upon them.” (LAH 12.21.07 pg. 4)
“The coal trust’s operations are peculiarly exasperating and onerous, and in view of the attitude of the ‘barons’ in control few will be found to sympathize with them if justice is meted out to them, if investigations disclose their culpability in connection with the two great tragedies of late occurrence.” (LAH 12.21.07 pg. 4)
Rock Island Argus in Illinois:
RIA 12.21.07 – pg 1
Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier in Iowa:
OTC 12.21.07 – pg 1
Frostburg Mining Journal in Maryland:
FMJ 12.21.07 – pg 2
“A prominent Fairmont gentleman wrote the Journal: ‘ Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon the operators for the liberal way in which everything has been managed in behalf of the many stricken ones.’” (FMJ 12.21.07 pg. 2)
Diamond Drill in Michigan:
DD 12.21.07 – pg 6
Bemidji Daily Pioneer in Minnesota:
BDP 12.21.07 – pg 2BDP 12.21.07 – pg 2
The Semi-Weekly Leader in Mississippi:
TSWL 12.21.07 pg. 2
Santa Fe New Mexican:
SFNM 12.21.07 – pg 1
The Spokane Press in Washington:
TSP 12.21.07 pg 1
Bluefield Evening Leader in West Virginia:
BEL 12.21.07 – pg 1
“As soon as the decision of the supreme court in the Wirt county case was announced Tuesday it was generally known that the extra session would be held.” (BEL 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“The governor at present will not give out the exact subjects which he intends to include in the call. On November 26, Governor Dawson announced that he had decided to call the legislature to convene in special session…” (BEL 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“The recent disaster at Monongah may lead to the consideration of the mining laws though the governor has not expressed himself on this matter. However, the call will be prepared in a few days and given to the public.” (BEL 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“I read about Tony McLuckie in the Harmony Club saying it was so hard to find a girl willing to become a feller’s wife, but I want to say to him right now his excuse aint no more good. He can go to Monongah, get a wife for the asking and a hundred dollars to boot! This is a fact, I am told, and I don’t want to hear no more of his trying to square himself with the community on the ground that not being a married man is not his fault. —Joe Duffy” (FMJ 12.21.07 pg. 2)
Afternoon
In Iquique, Chile – South America:
200 striking Nitrate workers are killed by government troops. 10,000 workmen from the interior refuse to disperse and the troops open fire with machine guns. A state of siege is declared. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
In Farmington:
Dr. Smith has arrived to examine the gunshot and stabbing victim, Stonco Goyac, and orders him straight to Cook’s Hospital. (FWV 12.23.07 pg. 1)
At the Darr mine in PA:
ETR 12.21.07 – pg 1
“A gruesome task has developed upon M.S. Shoppe, the proprietor of a store here. He was personally acquainted with almost all of the victims of the explosion and hourly he is being called upon to identify mangled forms of former customers. Fortunately he has a peculiar faculty for remembering faces and is of great assistance to the officials.” (PDP 12.21.07 pg. 2)
“Mr. Shoppe has completed a house-to-house canvass of one section of Van Meter, and in one row of 50 houses he finds 129 wage-earners missing. The census idea will be carried out, although company officials are not showing such a disposition to prosecute the enumeration and rescue work as was manifested by C.W. Watson and his assistants at Monongah.” (PDP 12.21.07 pg. 2)
“The first funerals of the mine victims were held today.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The body of Peter Linbaugh will be buried in the West Newton cemetery and that of Joe Sharpenberg in the Smithton cemetery.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“A special car will be attached to a Pittsburg & Lake Erie rain leaving Jacobs Creek tomorrow afternoon at 3:18 to convey the body of Linbaugh and his relatives to the cemetery. Services will be held at the homes of the two victims preceding the funerals. The Odd Fellows of Smithton will have charge of the Lingaugh funeral.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Many funerals will probably be held on Christmas day. Every effort was made to avoid Christmas funerals but there is now little chance of postponing them.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“It is estimated that there are at least 150 orphans newly-created and 175 widows and that there are not less than 50 mothers from whom has been snatched away the support of sons.” (PDP 12.21.07 pg. 2)
“The small business interests of Van Meter and of Jacobs Creek are already feeling the effects. It is said that to these small storekeepers alone accounts aggregating small fortunes will be unpaid as a result of the explosion.” (PDP 12.21.07 pg. 2)
~2:15 pm
At Darr mine in PA:
“At 2:15 pm, several physicians were hurriedly summoned to the Darr mine and sent inside. It was reported that some of the rescuers had been overcome by gas. No names are obtainable yet.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“The difficulty of rescue work is hourly increasing as the black damp is found in greater quantities as the men forge forward. It will not be possible that more bodies can be reached until this damp is eradicated. Indications tend to show that the force of the explosion was terrific, tearing large wooden support and thick planks like paper. A hundred and fifty caskets will arrive here to be stored in large houses until the bodies are recovered.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
During the Afternoon
At Darr mine in PA:
“In their endeavor to reach the victims several members of the rescuing party were overcome by black damp. Their condition became so grave that physicians were rushed into the mine. Later the sickened rescuers were brought to the surface and taken to their homes.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Another explosion of white damp or marsh gas momentarily is expected in the Swamp section of the ill-fated Darr mine No. 129. That this is true, is proven by the adoption of a new precaution in the rescue work which is so hampered by the presence of deadly gases that little progress is being made. Patent fume helmets are to be used by the rescuers in the mine this afternoon. Shifts of six English speaking miners only will use these helmets to go ahead of the air that is to penetrate beyond the brattices.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“A.E. Davidson, of New York, inventor of the helmets is here superintending the work. Men can work in deadly gases with them for five hours but for safety will only stay in the Darr mine two hours.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“Clarence Hall, the Government geological expert, of Washington, and S.M. Fowler, of Chicago, a United States mining engineer, arrived to make an investigation for the Government. Mine inspector from surrounding States are also present, and a thorough investigation of the explosion will be made, in the hope of reaching some plan where the danger of such occurrences can be lessened.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“Clarence Hall, expert connected with the geological department of the National Government, arrived here today from the Monongah mines of West Virginia, where he had investigated the explosion. He went into the Darr mine this afternoon and will make a thorough investigation.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“R.T. Chamberlain, a chemical expert of the geological department, will join Mr. Hall tomorrow.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“In getting back into the afterdamp laden section of the mine Mr. Hall used a smoke and fume helmet, an invention of J.E. Davidson, of New York. It is to provide pure air to the users in entering places where the atmosphere is poisonous. A tank of oxygen is strapped to the back of the user and fed to him through a helmet similar to that worn by divers.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Nick Brett, a miner, also used one successfully in the mine today.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The company will probably adopt this means of protection for members of the relief parties in going into the mine rooms for bodies. As a result of this and other mine accidents in Pennsylvania this year the State department of mines will, it is said, make recommendations for remedial laws to the next Legislature.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The work of recovery is going forward so slowly that relatives of those dead in the working are becoming impatient and frequent mutterings are heard.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“Miners say, however, that the work must necessarily be slow. It is proved that the Pittsburg Coal Company knew that deadly gases were in the Darr mine and that it was taking precautions to prevent such a disaster as occurred. Contracts had already been made with the National Helmet Company to furnish a quantity of these safety helmets.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“Coroner C.A. Winne and Deputy Coroner H.A. McMurray, of Youghwood, are here, but no bodies have been taken from the mine since daylight and they have had nothing to do so far.” (DH 12.21.07 pg. 1)
“The scenes about the mines are of a more pathetic nature today. Apparently a full realization of the calamity had finally come to the relatives and residents of the vicinity. Greater numbers congregated and gave full sway to their feelings.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Ambulance chasers” have been found at work among the foreign families. Irresponsible undertakers have attempted to procure $10 from the friends of each mine victim to look after the body. Attorneys have also canvassed the community trying to secure a retaining fee from the families. The attorney has promised all his clients thus secured big damages. The company attorneys have secured an interpreter and will advise the families as to what the concern proposes to do.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
PPG 12.21.07 pg 1
“In anticipation of large crowd of morbid spectators here tomorrow the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie railroad officials have ordered a squad of their officers to report at the Darr mines in the morning to assist the State constabulary in preserving order.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“The railroad has experienced great difficulty in dealing with crowds at their depot near the mines. As each train pulls into the station it is besieged by men and women who prevent passengers getting off and interfere with the express business.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“This afternoon the crowd practically took possession of a train. They clamored into the coaches through windows and fought with one another in getting into the baggage car. It was necessary to detain the train for 15 minutes before the coffins could be unloaded.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“While the State police have the situation well in hand it is though advisable to give them assistance tomorrow. The railroad police will probably be held here for several days as trouble is expected when the bodies are brought out in large numbers.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“James P. Roderick, chief of the department, visited the Darr mine today and made an investigation. He asked permission of the company to go into the mine with four district inspectors. This was refused on the ground that all the air possible was needed for the relief parties. After an explanation of conditions in the mine Chief Roderick consented to take only two with him.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“While Mr. Roderick would not discuss what he had seen in the mine, he admitted that new laws were needed. Officials of the Pittsburgh Coal Company declared that any fair mining law would be acceptable to them.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“D.R. Blower, deputy district mine inspector, began an inspection of the Darr mine on December 9, but was called away and never completed it. He refuses to say, however, in what condition he eft the mine. W.J. Neilson, inspector of this district, who has been ill for several weeks, came to the mine today. He left his bed contrary to the doctor’s orders.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“To provide quarters for the men engaged in the relief work, the company fitted up a vacant house adjoining the tipple. A large number of cots were put in the house.” (PDP 12.22.07 pg. 2)
In Pennsylvania:
“David Riggings, formerly of Lonaconing, where he worked some times ago, was one of the victims of the Monongah mine disaster. He was a brother of Mrs. Jeanie Robertson, of Lonaconing, and 10 years ago as employed at Lonaconing, later going to Newburg, W.Va., and from there to Monongah. He was 36 years of age.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Three other brothers were employed at the Monongah mines, but none of these was in the mine on the day of the explosion. One of them, who is a wire fitter, had been sent to repair wires in another mine on the day of the explosion, while another had recently been transferred to another mine, and the third did not go to work on the fatal day.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“At Lonaconing a vaudeville entertainment will be given at Evan’s Opera House on December 27 for the benefit of the Monongah sufferers. More than $100 has already been raised in Lonaconing for the benefit of the sufferers.” (BS 12.22.07 pg. 2)
“Foreign miners who escaped the disaster made the night hideous in the little village. They had suspended work because of a holiday and most of them followed the usual holiday custom of drinking to excess. All night long there was carousing and disorder at the mines bordering upon rioting.” (CDT 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“So far little trouble has been encountered on account of gas or lack of air by the rescuers. While the officials and rescuers have only the faintest of hope that any of the men may be living, all work is being carried on…the theory that some may be found in places of safety and every point of the workings will be exploited at the earliest moment.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 4)
5:30 am
In Grafton:
Rolly Grim, 47 year old boss driver for Hamilton Coal and Coke Co, goes into work to feed the mules in the mine. “He entered the cage and signaled that it should drop. The order was misunderstood and Grim in his efforts to get out fell down the shaft, a distance of 165 feet. Every bone in his body was broken.” He is survived by a wife and 7 children. (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
Morning
At the Darr Mine in PA:
“The blacksmith shop has been fitted up as a temporary morgue and a number of physicians are in waiting to tender any service that may be required of them.” (LAH 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Six members of the state constabulary arrived here this morning from Greensburg to assist in preserving order.” (CDT 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Fairmont:
The Fairmont West Virginian reports the weather as: Snow, slightly warmer tonight; Saturday snow or rain (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
Today is the last day of public school before closing for a two week vacation. “During the vacation all the buildings will be cleaned and renovated and put into good order for the remainder of the term.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“All of the teachers in the schools who do not reside in the city will go to their homes tomorrow where they will spend their holiday vacation in rest and recreation. Many of the home teachers will take advantage of the recess period to visit friends in other places and to take some recreation trips.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“This has been the best year so far in the history of the schools in point of enrollment, interest, and general work.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Most all of the different rooms are having Christmas programs and general exercises appropriate to the season.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“The 5th ward school there will be a general program in the auditorium of the building consisting of choruses and recitations of a Christmas character.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“At the Fleming school the boys and girls will be given a Christmas tree and present of a pleasing nature through the kindness of Miss Elizabeth Watson, whose custom it has been for a number of years to thus remember the pupils of this school.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“There is much interest in the series of basketball games that is to be played in the High School gymnasium during the holidays between the regular team and the alumni team.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“The foundation for the new Barnesville school building has been completed and work will be suspended until next spring, when the contract for the erection of the building will be let.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
Mrs. Annie Borduh, 80 years old, dies at her home in Monongah after an illness from a complication of diseases. “Funeral services will be held on Sunday, the hour having not been decided on. Interment will be made in the Shaver cemetery. Undertaker R.L. Cunningham in charge.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Washington D.C.:
FWV 12.20.07 pg. 8
Representative Lehahan, of Wilkes Barre, introduces a bill to the house for a tax of one cent per ton on all coal. The bill calls for $1,000 to be paid out of the fund to each family made dependent by the death of a miner or his injury. “There is a proposition for the establishment of a Bureau of Mines and Mining under the department of Commerce and Labor.” (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 8)
9:30 am
At the Darr mine in Pennsylvania:
6 bodies have been recovered from Darr mine. The fire boss and mine foreman were among the number. Fans are now going, the fire is out and the work of recovering the bodies is a matter of a few hours. 10 inspectors are on the scene. (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
6 members of Troop A of the State constabulary have arrived from Greensburg to take charge of the police arrangements immediately. (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 1)
~11:00 am
At the Darr mine in PA:
“Up to 11 o’clock today but six bodies had been recovered from the Darr mine. Many more had been located and as the work of the rescuers is progressing well and the fans working and with no fire in the mine, it is thought the recovery of all the bodies is merely a matter of hours.” (CDT 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“The exact number of men entombed is still uncertain, but there is no reason to change the earlier estimates of at least two hundred.” (CDT 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“J.A. Williams, a ‘dilly rider,’ is one of the men who escaped. His business was to haul the loaded cars out and into the mine. He was about seventy-five feet from the entrance to the slope when the explosion occurred. He has stepped around in front of the cars, which he had stopped. He was blown out through the entrance and landed about seventy-five feet outside of the mine. He rolled down the hill which faced the entry and was later picked up bruised and stunned.” (TS 12.20.07 pg. 1)
Early Afternoon
At the Darr mine in PA:
FWV 12.19.07 – pg 1
“An explosion of gas in the Darr coal mine of the Pittsburg Coal Company located here, today entombed between 200 and 250 miners. There is scarcely a ray of hope that a single one will be taken from the mines alive.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“William Kelvington, superintendent of the mine, was not in the mine when the explosion occurred. He quickly organized rescuing parties, starting one force of twenty-five men with reliefs at short intervals in the main entry and a similar force at a side entry. It is hoped to reach the greater part of the victims through the latter.” (SLH 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“The main office of the company is in Pittsburgh, and upon receipt of news of the accident and the officers hurried to the mine and are leading and directing the rescue work. Among the officers on the scene are J.M. Armstrong, manager of the Pittsburg Coal company; Lee Gluck, assistant to the president. John B. Byers, livestock manager; H.O Randolph, assistant to the general manager, and Benjamin Faraday, inspector.” (LAH 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Of the miners entombed, 100 are Americans the rest principally Italians.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
“The partially wrecked buildings in the vicinity of the mines and the condition of the few bodies found early in the rescue work indicate that the explosion was of such terrific force that it seems impossible that anyone could have survived it.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In Monongah:
“Three of the inspectors in the bituminous mine districts of Pennsylvania are at Monongah assisting the West Virginia State mine officials in their efforts to locate the cause of the recent disaster there.” (WBR 12.21.07 pg. 5)
NYTb 12.20.07 pg 4
“B.P. Ryalls, a substantial business man of Norfolk, Va., is in the city and Monongah, looking after the interest of his brother, K.D. Ryalls, who was killed in the mine explosion.” (TA 12.19.07 pg. 3)
At the mines:
The West Virginia Legislative Joint Committee returns to the disaster site and does an inspection of the outside conditions of the mines. They “consulted State Mine Inspector James Paul regarding the explosion and its cause.” (CDT 12.18.07 pg. 1) (McAteer) (Inquiry)
Paul reports to the committee that though they have finished their inspection of #6, they have not finished their inspection of #8 due to the condition of the mine, and therefore could not give any insight on the cause of the disaster. (McAteer) (Inquiry)
“After 3 days of work in mines 6 and 8…Chief Mine Inspector Paul and the men who are with him have not even advanced a theory as to the cause of the disaster…they have not yet been able to find where the explosion began and until that point is decided it will be difficult to determine the cause.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
~1:00 pm
At the Darr mine in PA:
“Immediately after the explosion, smoke poured from the mouth of the mine, which is of the slope variety. The mouth of the mine was wrecked and up to 1:00 rescuers were unable to enter in search of the entombed men.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
~2:00 pm
In Fairmont:
The Ladies Aid Society of Diamond St M.E. Church meet at the home of Mrs. E.C. Scott where the “…hours from two until five were very pleasantly spent by the ladies…” (FWV 12.17.07 pg. 2) (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 2) (FWV 12.20.07 pg. 2)
~2:15 pm
At the Darr mine in PA:
Smoke has been pouring out of the mouth of Darr mine since the explosion but it is beginning to back off. “It is believed that all men entombed are dead.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
Pittsburgh Press 12.19.07
~2:20 pm
In Pittsburg, PA:
Several officials of the Pittsburg Coal Company—doctors, newspaper men, officers and mine workers—leave on the 2:20 B&O train for the disaster scene at Darr. (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
At some point during the afternoon
At the Darr Mine in PA:
“About 1500 feet from the mouth of the mine a heavy fall of rock was encountered by the rescuers. It is believed that most of the men will be found nearly a mile and half beyond this point.” (LAH 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“So far as is known only one man who went to work this morning escaped. Joseph Mapleton, a pumper, emerged from one side of the entrance shortly after the explosion. He had left the part of the mine where most of the men were working and was on his way to the engine room for oil.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“’I was near entry 21,’ he said, ‘when I heard an awful rumbling. I started toward the entry, but the next instant I was blinded and for a little time I did not know any thing. Then I got to the side entry and worked my way out.’” (CDT 12.20.07 pg. 1)
“Mapleton was somewhat cut and bruised, but after going home and having his injuries dressed, he returned to the mine and joined the rescuers.” (AR 12.20.07 pg. 1)
In a small town “Penobscott”, WV:
The town is almost deserted as the result of a scarlet fever scourge. (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 5)
They have had 16 deaths in past few days. 4 children in one family died within 12 hours. The physicians are unable to induce well people to care for the sick and residents who were able to do so locked their homes and left town. (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 5)
In Clarksburg:
The Joint Legislative Committee returns to the Hotel Waldo, adjourns, and the members head back to their respective homes to await the time that they will be recalled to the area again by the chairman. (CDT 12.19.07 pg. 1) (McAteer) (Inquiry)
In Fairmont:
A long-distance message is received from the Vice President of the Pittsburg Coal Company which states that there were not more than 160 men in the Darr mine, but the reports by the United Press say there were 400 men and there is “scarcely a hope that any are alive.” (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
At the mines in Monongah:
The big pumps have again been put into operation and the mines are being freed of water. (FWV 12.19.07 pg. 1)
“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 