Borough History

Marianna is a coal mining town situated on a hillside which rises 240 feet above the banks of Ten Mile Creek.It was built as a mining town for the Pittsburg Buffalo Company in 1907 and was incorporated in 1910. At the time of its construction, the Marianna Mine was among the most modern and well equipped in the world. The town's brick homes were designed to offer indoor bathrooms, fenced yards and other amenities making living conditions very attractive for the time. Marianna is the best preserved example in Washington County of a company-built coal-mining town.

The Marianna Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Beginning at the bridge spanning the creek, Beeson Avenue, the main street, defines the western boundary for much of its length while it climbs up the hill. Rows of regularly spaced single and semi-detached houses with small to moderately sized yards branch off Beeson Avenue like ribs from a spine. The rows generally face south except where the terrain, most notable around the knoll crowned by the schoolhouse, imposes a curvilinear system. The significant and contributing structures of the Marianna Historic District were built between 1906 and 1912. Built in a short time to meet the industrial requirement of economy, the buildings are vernacular in the sense that they are neither high style nor an adaptation of a high style. The primarily brick buildings are quickly and cheaply, though not necessarily shoddily, built boxes. The Marianna Historic District has an unusually good integrity because the brick construction has resisted the wholesale residing that most mining towns have undergone. Of the 255 buildings in the Marianna Historic District, 250 are residential, and the remaining 5 are commercial and semi-public institutions. Five are classified as significant, 218 as contributing, and 32 as intrusions. One large tax parcel at the southern edge of the district contains all the mine buildings and coke ovens.

Continuing On After Disaster: the Town of Marianna

by Judith Florian

Probably one of the most sought-after --and hard to find -- books about Marianna is A Bicentennial History of West Bethlehem Township and Marianna Borough 1776-1976, compiled by Lillian Potisek and Singadine Muchant, approximately 56pp. The reader is treated liberally to page after page of photos with several maps of the early townships, including West Bethlehem Twp., which in part was taken from Amwell Twp.

Located north east of the National Pike, this area is known as Ten Mile, after the creek of the same name which was once called Cusuthee by the Indians who lived here even after settlers began to come. The groups attempted to live in harmony, but there were uprisings and Indian raids periodically. For this reason, the settlers built stockade forts that were easily accessible by those living nearby. West Bethlehem had at least three forts: Enoch's Fort (built ca. 1770 by Enoch Enoch) 1 mile from Lone Pine (northern section); McFarland's Fort (later the George Earnest farm); Milliken's Fort (built ca. 1772 near the Amwell Twp. line. Additionally, there was an Indian Fort at Zollarsville behind Ulery's Mill, which overlooked Ten Mile Creek. This creek was named, as others were of the same name in other states, because it was 10 miles from the mouth of a major river, in this case 10 miles from the Monongahela River. [Later, the channel of the Ten Mile was "moved" 100 yards to the south near the Marianna Mine, to accommodate the railroad coming through the area. The former channel still shows an area known as the "Dead Pond."]

Early settlers included Scots, English, and Germans, who traveled one of the Trails by foot, horse, or wagon from eastern PA, or came from Virginia and Maryland by foot, horse, wagon, or along the Monongahela River. The largest community in West Bethlehem Township was Zollarsville, until 1908. Daniel Zollars, the town's namesake, had built the first house there. Jacob Ulery built a water-powered grist mill in 1835 at Zollarsville; Stephen Ulery later operated it by steam. Stephen Ulery built a brick home from which he ran the "White Pine" Hotel. By 1856, he had laid out the village of Zollarsville.

From thick forested lands of the 1700s where Indians had settled, the Ten Mile area of Amwell and West Bethlehem townships became tomahawked small settlements of the mid-1700s, quickly transforming into farms of 300 to 400 acres (mostly) showing the building of homes and outbuildings for animals, the tilling of fields, and the building of both roads primary roads and small lanes into and out of owned lands. These early settlers relied on their one commodity, that which could be grown on or by the land. These men never dreamed that by the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, they would receive offers of $10 up to $150 per acre for the commodity that lay under their fields: coal. Of a 13,000 acre area of the famous Pittsburgh Coal Seam that lies, in part, under West Bethlehem Township, it is estimated that the coal rights under about 12,000 acres of tracts were sold by the farmers to the coal companies; the Buffalo-Pittsburg firm owned 6,000 acres in Marianna by 1910, with further purchases later. Like oil in other areas of Washington County during the late 1800s to early 1900s, the initial sale of the underground rights made some families some quick and large sums of money (other farmers did not benefit, however). This included farmers in the earlier built towns of Fairfield (laid out by Bill Horne from land of the Ulery Estate) and West Zollarsville (laid out by Howkins and Hoskinson of Waynesburg, 1906).

In the midst of these new towns and the purchase of coal rights, the town of Marianna was established. It was named after Mary Ann Feehan Jones, who was the wife of David G. Jones, secretary and treasurer of the Pittsburg-Buffalo Company [Note: Pittsburg at the time had no 'h'.] This coal company was owned by the Jones brothers, John H., William I. (d. 1905), Thomas P., David J. and Harry P. These men were sons of James Jones, founder of the "James Jones and Sons" company (founded 1896). After this firm was incorporated in 1903 into the "Pittsburg-Buffalo Company" was headed by its president, John H. Jones. The Jones brothers had also owned the Johnetta Foundry and Machine Company near Pittsburgh. [Note: Feehan was a name associated with unionization of coal miners in SW PA in the early 1900s.] After the mines opened at Marianna, the Jones' sold the Johnetta works. Near the Rachel mine, they built the state of the art 2-story "Rachel Plant" which was furnished with all the finest heavy-duty equipment for any/all repairs to railroad cars, mining and other machinery.

May 7, 1906, the Jones brothers made contracts to sink two shafts on the Shidler (see Brethren section of this website) and Fulton farms. This was followed by the Rachel Mine [No. 1] in 1908, just north of the original two shafts. All the new equipment, from the steel tipples, double hoisting cages, cars, tracks, to the switches had been made at the Johnetta plant before its sale. The newly built Rachel Plant had a 1100 pound steam hammer, a 400 ton wheel press, a 72 inch boring machine, and overhead moving cranes, according to the town's Bicentennial History. Substandard coal was fed by conveyor bed to the top of the boiler house. This refuse was mixed with slack for fuel, which was shoveled by men and boys into furnaces that ran the Power Plant. This Plant powered equipment used in mining as well as operating the tipple for the mines, and the electric generator that supplied lighting to the mine and the town of Marianna. Mr. Jeffreys was in charge of the plant; Tom Wolfe and Harry Hoover were the last to run the steam hoisting engine in the power plant. The engine was shipped to South America in 1953.

Turning attention to the town itself, with the purchase of the coal rights from the farmers, John H. Jones quickly contracted for 282 houses to be constructed. The houses were 4, 5 or 6 rooms; the largest were permanent for mine bosses, or owners who might need temporary lodging. The smaller homes were for miners, as well as a 14-room boarding house erected on the hillside behind the mine shafts. The homes were made of yellow-color bricks, fired at Johnetta Plant of the United States Sewer Pipe Company (also owned by the Jones' brothers), and shipped by rail to Marianna. Within a few months, this former farmland area became not just a town, but the "model mining town of the world." A 6-room house rented for $6.00 a month; this included free water supplied by a company-built water reservoir to process water from Ten Mile Creek, free electricity provided by the Power Plant, and garbage removal. Each residence had indoor hot water and bathrooms, town sewage treatment, natural gas, and "landscaping" of 1 tree in each front yard. A modern 3-story brick school-house and the Marianna Arcade building were built in 1910' the Arcade had a drug store, ice cream parlor, bowling alleys, billiard tables, dance floor/skating rink, reading/lecture room, and an indoor pool. [The building burned down within 6 moths but was replaced with a simpler building that also had a jail.] By 1911 all streets were paved. The railroad brought in goods to supply the huge company store that was designed to meet every need for nutrition and home furnishing.

Within months of the homes going up, miners from foreign countries read advertisements in their local newspapers that touted living in the "ideal" mining town, where they would be provided adequate and comfortable residences and have their every need met within the town limits. Miners came from everywhere. Russians, Italians, Slavs, Scots, English, and Germans answered the call to fulfill their dreams for a better life. So many arrived to run the mining operations that a "Shanty Town" of two rows of small frame houses had to be built later near the reservoir. These immigrants, as 'bachelors' who had left their families to come here, or entire families with numerous children, had also brought the 'old country' with them in the way of customs, traditions, music, songs and dance. During off-hours, the air filled with the boisterous goings-on of town-life. Peddlers and hucksters traveled by foot, wagon, or buggy, hawking their wares up and down the rows of homes (as in other communities throughout the county during this period). Everything from fresh bread, to produce, to household goods were 'yelled out' along the route, alerting prospective customers to grab their small change purses, tidy themselves, before hurrying out to the street to meet the sellers.

Both men and boys wore the black dust of working in the mines, on long shifts that supposedly paid well for the times (over $7 a day at first) - except for the fact that everything was owed to the mine, from health costs of the "company doctor," to food and furnishings from the 'company store,' to housing costs owed to the company itself, and the fact that mining was still a very dangerous industry. Everything revolved around and was for the benefit of (mostly), the mine company.

The Charleroi Mail newspaper of those years offers glimpses into the world of the coal miners in the county. Labor movements had been begun to improve mine safety. The most knowledgeable miners of the time lectured to anyone listening for the need of "practical miners," those who had the experience already of mining and who demonstrated safe measures when underground or near the mine. This was a time when TNT, glycerin, and other explosives were routinely taken home at the end of shifts...and the explosives often caused injury and death to women and children who did not recognize the dangers. Miners were still fighting to use these high explosives, which left coal in chunks, while safer explosives resulted in more "coal dust" - coal dust was harder to measure and resulted in lower pay. Each week, deaths or injuries resulted from roof slate falls or other problems within the mines. Ventilation was often poor or lacking in most mines. A candle lighted the miner's hat, and in turn set off methane which always rises to the mine's roof. Union organizers were constantly preaching safety, especially after another death of one-to-a few miners in "unfortunate accidents." Mine Inspectors were supposed to keep the mines safer for employees, but often lacked the skill necessary to recognize immediate dangers, or who (it is suggested by many news articles), lacked the power or independence from the mine companies and operators to take action when danger was suspected. The companies/operators had the power, but rarely the inclination, to protect its workers. Miners were so numerous, they were easily replaced. Coal was the commodity and the only objective was bringing this commodity to the surface, where it could be shipped by railroad and barge on rivers to points across the United States in all directions.

Early in 1908, the company had opened No. 1 Rachel, No. 2 Agnes, and No. 3 Blache mines. The deepest shaft was said to be 460 feet; the shallowest, 340 feet down. All shafts were 25 feet by 32 feet in diameter, according to the Bicentennial History. The coal seam in this area was 68 inches thick with slate of 12 inches over it. Safety in these "model mines" at Marianna was brought directly into view by the well-known tragedy of November 28, 1908. Newspaper accounts differ, but on that day, at least 150 men had arrived for work and entered the mine. In an ironic twist, a Mine Inspector had just completed his routine rounds a few minutes earlier and had believed the mine to be "safe." The Inspector was just leaving when a blast rocked the mine deep underground. Quoting from the newspaper entries: "Inspector Henry Louttit had just stepped from the cage of shaft No. 2, when the explosion took place. He had been at Marianna for two days and had inspected the mines every half hour on Friday and during the same intervals Saturday morning up until the time of the explosion." And... "Engineer and General Superintendent A. C. Beeson had come to the surface just a few minutes before Louttit. He had found the mine in perfect condition." The explosion occurred in the No. 2 Agnes mine shortly before 11 a. m. This shaft was the air and supply entry for all three mines; the explosion took out the ventilation fans and wrecked the cage, which fell, mangled, back into the mine shaft. One man was killed in the cage, and 152 died inside the mine. Only one man, Fred Elinger, an immigrant from Germany, was rescued by Thomas Carney at 8:55 p.m; Elinger ultimately survived the disaster. The explosion, which was heard at Beallsville and Scenery Hill, was determined at an inquest held Dec. 17th to have been "caused by a blown-out shot in Blanche Entry No. 3, which ignited gas and dust and caused a secondary explosion in the main dip entries almost simultaneously." (See Bicentennial History.) Newspaper accounts can be read at: www.chartiers.com/pages-new/articles/marianna.html Other newspapers of the county, like the Charleroi Mail, contain numerous articles.

This article conveys the sadness of that day:

From the Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington County, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1908, page 2:

The Terrible Mine Disaster -- The Terrible disaster Saturday at the new Marianna mine brings to us with a vividness that nothing else could the need of improvements and a more perfect system whereby the dangers which seem to be so great could be eliminated. The awfulness of the catastrophe; the suffering of the widows and children is terrible. Some are almost frantic with grief and others have lost their minds. The sadness of the scene cannot be depicted and no one knows but those who survive what is to be endured. The calamity has cast a gloom over the entire community for miles around and contributions are being made, the money to go toward aiding the widows and children who are left practically penniless and without a means of livelihood, by the sudden taking away of the ones who furnished their bread and butter. Thanksgiving, the miners did not work, spending the day with their families and friends. All was gayness; the next day suffering and death.

The Marianna mine which were touted as being a model has proved to be a death trap. An astounding fact, indeed. Dangers menace even in the best of workings and where there is supposed to be least chance of accident. Whether it was negligence on someones (sic) part that was the primary cause of the disaster will probably never be known. But it is evident that there must surely have been something seriously wrong even at the time that Mine Inspector Loutitt was in the place. The theory of a gas pocket having been struck may be a good one and may be the true reason, for the catastrophe. Even if it was there should be some way provided so that similar catastrophes could be avoided in the future, in other mines.

Charleroi people have special reason for extending ready sympathy and aid, as many of the miners of this place, or those who formerly resided here are among the dead. A large number are from Black Diamond and other places along the river."

A mass burial of miners who died in this disaster was held at Scenery Hill Cemetery, where bodies were carried by buggies/wagons from the mine. Many were not identified, due to extensive burns and disfiguring injuries. Others were buried at Monongahela Cemetery. Some bodies were never found; it was suspected that perhaps some families took the bodies away from the mine site; it is more likely that some bodies were consumed by the inferno

MARIANNA, PA

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MARIANNA MINE DISASTER ARTICLES

Genealogy and family history research in the area of

Little Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania from 1700 to present.

Nearest cities: Deemston, PA (4.6 miles ), Clarksville, PA (5.3 miles), Cokeburg, PA (6.7 miles ), Beallsville, PA (6.8 miles ), Jefferson, PA (6.9 miles ), Fredericktown-Millsboro, PA (7.8 miles ), Ellsworth, PA (8.8 miles ), Morrisville, PA (9.0 miles). Latitude: 40.02 N, Longitude: 80.11 W

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, November 28, 1908, Vol. 9, No. 92 page 1: (done in 2 parts)

Explosion At Marianna, 200 Lost ---- Terrible Affair shortly Before Noon And Many Are Entombed Below Surface --- Mine Foreman Henry Compton Is The Only One Who Has Been Brought To Surface -- He Was Going Down When Explosion Came After Bringing Loutitt and Kennedy To The Top -- Hundreds Anxiously Awaiting ---

About Two Hundred miners in the Rachel shaft of the new Marianna mines are entombed as the result of an explosion this morning shortly before noon. But one person that was killed has been brought to the surface, Henry Compton, mine foreman, who was in the cage going down the shaft when the explosion occurred. A foreigner who was seriously hurt has been taken to the hospital at Monongahela. No word can be gotten to the ill fated ones in the mine and it is not known whether or not any of them are living, but it is hardly supposed that they could be alive, such was the force of the impact. Rescue parties have been rushed to the mouth, but cannot do anything as yet. Special trains containing officials of the company have been taken from Pittsburg to the mine, one leaving Monongahela about one o'clock. The reports of the terrible catastrophe are as yet very vague.

The time of the castastrophe was 10:55 o'clock. The cause is not known. Just a few moments before the explosion Mine Inspector Loutitt and Joseph Kennedy of Monongahela, who have been spending the day at the new Marianna mines were brought to the surface by Mine Forman Henry Compton. After a very short time on the surface the mine foreman with a foreigner started down the shaft in the cage. They were little more than halfway down when the explosion came. The cage was blown to the top of the shaft. People came running from every direction and in a moment the ground nearby was black with people. The wrecked cage was found to contain the dead body of Compton, while the foreigner had in some manner escaped death, but he was injured, it is thought mortally. The timbers of the tipple were wrecked. The news spread like wild fire, and the residents of the near by towns, Zollarsville and Centerville flocked to the spot as fast as horses could carry them. Rescue parties were formed but they could do nothing.

Messages were sent to Monongahela and Pittsburg for aid and a special train was sent from the latter place. It got to Monongahela at about 1 o'clock and gathering more of a load proceeded to the mine. No one was unable to get in the shaft, the opening being clogged by the debris of the explosions.

There is no idea as to the cause of the explosion. The mine was evidently supposed to be in bad condition from the fact that Mine Inspector Henry Loutitt was spending the entire day in the place. He hardly expected the castastrophe however. The mine is but a new one which makes the explosion seem all the more strange. The conditions in it were generally thought to be good, and the mine officials are at a loss to account for the explosion. They will make an entrance to the mine as soon as possible, and if there are any of the miners alive, which is extremely doubtful, they will be brought out. It is hardly likely that an opening will be made for sometime, on account of the debris that was piled up.

The Rachael is one of the largest in the world. There are two of the mines and both have but recently been opened. They were considered to be among the best fitted up and ventilated in the country.

At the mouth of the mine as close as they can get are women and children who are anxiously awaiting news from loved ones who are supposed to be in the mines. The suspense is terrible and a large number of the women are now under the care of physicians who have been hustled to Marianna. The calamity is said to be one of the most terrible that has happened in this section for several years and even surpassing that of the Monogah catastrophe last year.

Henry Compton, the mine foreman who was killed, has been taken to Bebout's undertaking rooms at Monongahela. Half of his head was blown off. He was well known along the river. He had been employed formerly at the Catsburg and Black Diamond mines.

More undertakers were sent for from Monongahela at 2:30 o'clock and it is probable that they will leave in a special train later in the afternoon. This indicates that all that were in the mine are dead. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Monday November 30, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 93, page 1:

More Bodies of Miners Brought To Surface --Superintendents Of Mines And Large Number of Experienced Men Go To Assist Rescuers--- Men Well Known In Charleroi And Some Who Formerly Lived Here Where (sic) Among Victims Of The Catastrophe --

Today at two o'clock there had been 107 bodies taken out of the ill fated mine at Marianna and about eighty of these have been identified by friends and relatives. The list of those who were killed is now placed at 135. This is the official statement of some of the head men. Mr. John Jones thought at first that there were not quite that many but later developements (sic) have caused him to place the number at 135. Many of the bodies have been taken to Zollarsville. All this work is being done under the personal supervision of Coroner Sipe. None of the bodies have been interred yet, but will sometime this evening or tomorrow morning.

This afternoon at 2 o'clock, a crew of experienced men under superintendents of various colleries along the river left in a special train for Marianna to aid in the work of resuing the bodies from the workings. The number includes some of the most practical mining men of the valley, all of whom should be able to most efficiently assist the parties who are already working at the mines. They will work in shifts until all of those who were caught in the explosion are known to be removed. There are probably sixty in the number that left Monongahela on the special train. The superintendents under whom they will work are [Mr.] Herron of Black Diamond and Catsburg; [Mr.] Dunbar of Gallatin; [Mr.] Peterson of Bunola; [Mr.] McMenemy of Cincinati.

James Roderick, State mine inspector from Harrisburg went to Marianna today, making the trip from Pittsburg, where he arrived this morning. He got in the former place a short time after noon and is inspecting all parts of the workings where the explosion occurred, with a view of determining the real cause. He has issued no statement as yet. Mine Inspector Henry Loutitt of this district has been unable to account for the explosion. He has been at work on the grounds ever since the terrible affair occurred, and has had little rest. He does not talk much about the disaster but continues to aid the rescue parties in bringing bodies to the surface. He was almost paralyzed by the catastrophe, which happened so soon after he had left the shaft. He will assist Mr. Roderick in whatever investigations the latter will make. The general theory is that the explosion was caused by a gas pocket.

The rescuers worked all day yesterday and last night. They used the oxygen magazines. Of the number that has been taken out there is but one thus far that has been alive, and he will likely succumb to his injuries. This man is Fred Ellinger, who is now in the Memorial Hospital at Monongahela. He was taken to that place yesterday about noon, in a train that left Marianna at shortly before eleven o'clock. He was able to talk and gave a brief description of the explosion as he was able. He was thrown several feet he said and when he came to started in hunt of his buddies.

Yesterday it is estimated that there were at least 5,000 people on the ground. These came in automobiles from the countryside from many miles around and by train. All the trains which left Monongahela during the day were packed to the fullest extent. There were many who went to assist the rescuers in their work.

When the explosion occurred three men working on the temporary tipples and scaffolding were injured. Their hurts while painful were not considered serious. Russell Michener, S. W. Vance and Joseph Sautella. (sic)

Coroner sipe had charge of the bodies after they were taken to the boiler house. After they were washed the bodies were removed to an improvised morgue, where the friends were admitted in order to identify as many as possible. Yesterday evening Coroner Sipe named the following men for the jury which will hear the evidence and fix the blame, if there be any, as to the cause of this terrible disaster: John McCuen, John Gayman, Charles Theakston, Jesse Bigler, Henry Hathaway, and Joseph Morton, all of West Bethelehem (sic=Bethlehem) township.

All of these men were present today ready to do their duty. It is likely that all of the bodies will not be taken from the mines for at least two days and that the coroner's inquest will not be held until some date later set by the coroner. Debris covers a large number of the bodies and this has hindered in the speedy removal of them.

In the mine at the time of the explosion there were several people well known in Charleroi. Some of them formerly lived here. Among this number are Joseph Homes, Joseph Gresinger, Robert Lockhart, Clarence Williams, John Bennington, Harry Bennington, Owen Burns and Richard Blat. Aikens, the only colored man in the mine was also well known among the people of his race in this place.

A committee for the receiving of contributions for the families of Marianna victims has been formed at Monongahela, consisting of Frank Colvin, Fred F. Cooper and Frank D. Wickerham. One has also been formed at Washington and it is probable that some of the business men of this place will have a committee to secure funds. (end)

[NOTE: 10 men's names of dead listed in this article.]

Something About Mines -- At Marianna Were The Most Up To Date Workings In World -- The coal works of the Pittsburg-Buffalo company where occurred the frightful gas explosion Saturday are recognized as being the most extensive in the world. The plant is located at the new town of Marianna about midway between Zollarsville and Martin's Mills on Upper Ten Mile creek in West Bethelhem (sic=Bethlehem) township.

In August, 1906, the work of putting down the shaft of the Rachel mine was commenced and the following winter similar work was begun at the Agnes mine, a short distance southwest of the former.

The Pittsburg vein of coal was reached at a depth of 460 feet, both shafts being completed at nearly the same time. In July last a force of men was put to work sinking a shaft at what is known as the Blanche mine, about three-fourths of a mile southwest of the Agnes mine on the Shidler farm and in line with both the others.

The air and supply shaft, by means of which the Rachel and agnes mines are run, which was badly damaged in the explosion Saturday morning, was put down soon after the one at the Rachel mine was finished, and recently underground connection was made between the two shafts. The firm of Patterson and O'Neil was the contractor on the two shafts, both of which were damaged by the explosion.

The company will begin in a short time to make repairs and it will probably be but a short time until the mines are again in operation. Connection will be made eventually with the Blanche mine.

An emergency shaft will be placed between the Rachel and Agnes mines, work on it having been commenced last week.

At the present time the large power house on the hillside north of the Agnes mine is nearing completion. The company has a force of laborers at work on the building and in a few days the structure will be under roof. Three large engines of 45 horse power each were installed in the plant at the time the work was first commenced.

The building is about 120 feet long and 80 feet in width. It is being built of brick, and when completed will be second to none in the country. The company will utilize the power generated at this place for various purposes, which have been completed and will be erected by the company for the use of the miners. The greater number of the houses erected for the employes (sic) are of brick of a good quality. The company made calculations on the total expense in advance both by building of brick and of wood and found the former in the long run would be less expensive.

The coal, which is said to be of the best quality, is from six to seven feet in thickness.

Last December coal was first mined at the works, when on the first day a large quantity of the black diamonds was shipped away, and since that time the average daily output has been 300 tons.

This coal, which is at present worth several thousand dollars per acre, was sold by farmers owning the surface, at the insignificant price of $20 an acre. One of the farmers stated yesterday that he thought it would be impossible to ever mine the coal, hence, any price at all was better than nothing. He also stated thay he would be slower in disposing of the Freeport vein of coal, which is from 10 to 12 feet in thickness. The Pittsburg-Buffalo company purchased the surface of both the Fulton and Shidler farms at about $10 an acre, after securing the coal from J. A. Ray, who purchased at the start from the owners of the surface.

The dimensions of the Shafts of the Rachel and Agnes mines is each 36x24 feet and that of the Blanche mine is a trifle smaller. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, November 30, 1908, page 2

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Tuesday Dec. 1, 1908, Vol . 9 No. 94 page 1:

Arrangements Completed For Elk's Services -- Cornell Male Chorus Will Sing At Memorial Services -- Col. Crago Will Speak .... [Most of article not typed.] (abs) James Henderson - "The latter named man was killed in the Marianna mine disaster on Saturday." [rest of article not typed.]

Funeral of Henry Thompson - Henry Thompson the machine boss who was killed in the explosion at Marianna on Saturday was buried from the home of his daughter Mrs. Andrew Roth, in (sic) Carson street, Monongahela, yesterday afternoon. The funeral services were held at 3:30 o'clock and the interment followed in the Monongahela cemetery.

The deceased was born in Ohio in 1857 and was 51 years of age. On March 31, 1871 he married Miss Mary Burgan, who together with the following children survive: Mrs. Roy Forsythe, Mrs. Emmit Forsythe, Mrs. Frank Pettit, Mrs. Andrew Roth, Mar, Harry and Ruth at home.

Henry Thompson, was one of the best known practical miners in the state. In and about the workings all his life, he was an authority and his advice and judgment were always taken. For many years he was fire boss at Black Diamond and [for] several years he took a position of trust at Hazelkirk. A short time ago he went to Marianna and has been there since. While a resident of this city he was elected to select Councils from the First ward and served his constituents faithfully and well. In his death the company losses (sic) a valuable man, his family a devoted fasther and husband and his friends a friend whose place cannot be filled. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. (end)

Now Thought that There Were 150 Lives Destroyed In Mine Explosion At Marianna -- Rescuers Have Found 140 Bodies All of Which Have Not As Yet Been Brought To The Surface -- Building Cage In Shaft --- Timbers Being Taken On and Work Will Be Prosecuted With All Vigor -- The deathj list at the Marianna mines from the result of the explosion on Saturday is now placed at 150. Of this number there have been 140 found, but not all the bodies [have been] brought to the surface. The last ones found are mostly recognizable, although they are burned about the head and shoulders considerable (sic) It is possible that the list of fatalities may exceed even the number which was given out at two o'clock this afternoon, but whether or not all of these will be found or not is a question.

Not all have been brought to the surface of those found on account of the work that is being rushed of the putting in of a cage in the main shaft. When this is installed it will greatly aid the further work of rescue.

Last night at 12 o'clock the works were shut down and no more bodies were taken out. Some were brought to the surface during the cource (sic) of the day however. It was given as the opinion of President John H. Jones, under whom the work is being con

ducted that all those who were killed could be found and brought out today, but this is doubtful. Funerals are being held today at Marianna for a number of the victims and the bodies will be interred in various places.

One of the bodies found last night was that of Clasrence Williams the popular young Monongahela man. It was not recognizable by the features, which were burned, but he was identified by the blue prints on his body and his shoes. The body will be buried from the late home in Monongahela.

When the body of James Henderson , a man well known in Charleroi, and a member of the Charleroi B. P. O. Elks was brought out he had his arms around two others whom it was evident he was trying to save.

The inquest into the cause of the terrible disaster which snuffed out the lives of the 140 men now removed from the bowels of the earth will be held at Monongahela on Thursday, December 10, at 1 o'clock p.m. Coroner Sipe stated last evening that every detail would be gone over and nothing would be left undone to locate if possible the cause of the explosion.

The condition of the bodies lately removed from the mines indicates that the force of the explosion was felt more in the entry between the two shafts than at any other part of the mine. Most of the dead brought to the surface last evening were taken from the summit of the mine located west of the two openings. Not a single man was brought from the depths who was not badly burned. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Tuesday Dec. 1, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 94 page 1:

Mine Horrors - The exchanges now are full of accounts of the Marianna horror, and the editorial writers all over the country are treating on its various phases. All are extending their sympathy to the survivors, who are the real sufferers. The concensus of opinion among the majority of the writers however regarding the explosion [is] it could have been prevented, as well as the others in disasters, ity (sic) in the past year. It was just one year ago today [i.e. Dec. 1, 1907] that the Naomi disaster occurred in which there were 34 [who] lost their lives. Six days later on the 7th of December (sic) came the terrible affair at the Monongha mines in West Virginia, in which there were 350 killed. On December 19, twelve days after the catastrophe in West Virginia followed the disaster on Jacobs Creek, when the Darr mines was the scene of a similar affair. In it there were 200 miners [who] lost their lives. Then this year on November 28, the Marianna horror, with a death loss of 150. This makes a total in one year in the bituminous field of 734. In the three counties combined of Fayette, Westmoreland and Washington, there have been 384 lives sacrificed in the mines. The thought is a terrible one; that there are so many homes left desolate and so many left without a means of support. There should be some way to prevent these disasters. Explanations are numerous as to the cause, but none have seemingly hit upon the proper theory as yet. It is a noticeable fact that the majority of the terrible mining accidents occur in the winter. A brief resume of the calamities will prove this. It is up to the experts to discover some reason for the horrors and go to work to prevent them. Of course they are at work now, but it seems not on the proper theory. (sic)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Wednesday December 2, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 95 page 1:

[NOTE: it happened "last Saturday"]

No Bodies Have Been Taken From Mine Today -- List of Those Found Is Between 141 and 145 -- Officials Will Not Talk -- Mine Foreman Joseph Kennedy Begged Thompson to Remain On Surface --

The number of bodies that up to two o'clock this afternoon that have been found in the ill fated Marianna mine, was between 141 and 145 it being impossible to learn the correct number, although it is thought that the latter is right. These have not all been brought to the surface however. None of the bodies that have been found since yesterday noon, have been returned to the top of the workings. This is because of the work that is going on toward the erection of a cage and temporary tipple.

The ones that have been identified have all been taken away, and a goodly number buried. Yesterday and today funerals over the bodies of the victims are being held, in several places. Identification of some has not been made as yet. Last night there were seven bodies taken to Monongahela and this morning there were six more brought in.

It may be some time before an official list of the dead is obtainable, although the coroner has kept record as far as possible on all identifications. This refers to the indentification of bodies not claimed by relatives. For these later the burial permit is made out and by this means those whose bodies are removed are authoritatively placed among the victims.

It is stated that there was trouble expected at the Marianna mines on Saturday that some of the officials were aware that there would be an explosion sooner or later, but had no idea of the intensity to which it would attain. This statement comes from good authority, and is regarded as liable.

It is said that on Friday night Joseph Kennedy, a mine foreman who was a good friend of Henry Thompson the mine foreman, who was killed, visited at the latter's home. They conversed on various matters, and finally touched on the subject of the Marianna mines. It is stated that a son-in-law of Thompson's was sitting near and he heard the conversation of the two men. It seems that according to the report that they were aware of the gas running through the Pittsburg-Buffalo vein, and thought that thy had about reached it. Kennedy it is said begged of Thompson not to enter the mines on the following day, and said, "You know what we are expecting." In reply to this Thompson said "Oh, it will not occur Saturday, and surely will not earlier than Sunday." Kennedy persisted, but as we already know Thompson went into the mine despite the warning, and was killed in the explosion.

According to points that it is said were brought out in their conversation both knew and expected trouble sooner or later, from the gas, and thought that a pocket would be struck in a few days. Why they did not make this generally known, is a question, unless it would be thought that they were interfering in the business of the inspector. No doubt the matter will be investigated to learn of truth just what was known among the men, and this will be brought out at the inquest to be held by Coroner Sipe, in a few days. (end)

Superintendent Gives Opinion As To Cause - A. N. Jenkins of West Virginia Mine Advance Reason For Disaster -- Gas Well Was To (sic) Near -- The opinion of A. N. Jenkins, superintendent of the O'Gara Coal company of West Virginia, and an experienced and practical miner, who has spent most of his life in the coal fields of the Monongahela, concerning the explosion at Marianna on Saturday last is that it was caused by operations being carried on too close to the gas well near the mine and a gas pocket being struck, this being ignited by one of the men's open lamp. Mr. Jenkins has not yet ben to the mine but has had reports from the place, and the above is the only reason in his opinion that could have caused the disaster. He will visit the scenes of the workings this afternoon or tomorrow. At present he is visiting relatives here.

The atmosphere at this time of the year has something to do with the explosions, said Mr. Jenkins. It is a weight on the gaseous matter and keeps it in the strata. At the Marianna mines such was the case, and the presence of the gas well near of the Manufacture's company forces one to the conclusion with the other facts in mind that the explosion was caused by a sudden striking of a gas pocket which came from the well.

As proof of his theory Mr. Jenkins points out the fact that Mr. Louttit had previously investigated the conditions in the mine thoroughly, and was satisfied as to the safety of it. He had hardly got to the surface when the explosion occurred. This is evidence to Mr. Jenkins that the affair was caused primarily by the gas well. He is capable of judging having been for years engaged as inspector of mines. He was formerly employed with the Charleroi Coal works. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Thursday December 3, 1908, Vol. 9 No 96 Page 1:

Loutitt Is Ready For The Inquest -- Wants The Most Severe Grilling Ever Given A Man On The Stand -- Miners Find No Fault -- Coroner Sipe Delats -- Hearing Of Case Will Be Postponed Until a Later Date---

Mine Inspector Henry Loutitt of this district who came out of the Marianna mines just a few moments before the explosion on Saturday morning is anxious to appear on the stand when the coroner's inquest is held to inquire into the disaster. He wants a severe grilling, and if he is able to throw any light upon the cause of the disaster he is only too willing to do so. Not only that but Mr. Loutitt wants every man who has any knowledge of the mine before the explosion or at the time to be called as a witness.

The mine inspector was interviewed at Monongahela this morning in regard to the terrible affair at Marianna. He refused to say anything as to the results of his investigation or give his idea as to the cause of the explosion, but authorized the following. "I am ready for the coroner's inquest at any time now. I desire to be put on the stand and be given the most severe grilling that any man ever had. It is my desire that all who have any knowledge of the mine be called to testify."

"To think, said Mr. Louttit," that a few minutes before the explosion I was in the mine laughing and joking with the men, and had only just come out, when it occurred, and then to be called a murderer. You may be sure that I, who fully realize the conditions, must feel much worse about it than anyone excepting possibly some of the survivors." (note quote marks typed where they appeared)

The miners are generally in favor of Louttit, and they have nothing to say against him. In justice to him it is nothing but right to state that the investigations which have been made thus far entitle him to no blame whatever. He would not if he had known that the explosion was to occur have come out oif the workings without some attempt to save the miners.

Today investigations are being carried on under the direct supervision of State Mine Inspector Roderick. It is thought that there will be some fruitful results made from the examinations which will be made by the body of mining men with him.

Yesterday and this morning there were brought to this place and placed in the hands of the undertaking firm of Correll and Crowley, four bodies in all, of victims. They were Mike Boneski, Charles Fair, Nick Latsion and George (Be_o.= Beno?). The latter was buried yesterday in the Charleroi cemetery. He was a Russian. The bodies of the others, who are Greeks are at present at the Greek church and the funeral will take place later.

Coroner W. H. Sipe has announced a postponement of the date of the inquest into the cause of the explosion in the Rachel shaft of the Pittsburg-Buffalo company. This was decided upon by Coroner Sipe so that his investigation would follow the official examination of the workings by the state mine inspector.

Some of these gentlemen arrived today and began the work of exploration. How long they may take before being ready to make a report is not known, but it is believed they will put in several days in the mines before completing their labors.

When they have finished Coroner Sipe will again announce a date for the inquest, which was originally fixed for December 10. It will be held either in Washington or Monongahela, probably at the county seat as the most central point. (end)

Answer By Lewis Man To Article of "Old Mine" -- Editor Mail: - In your issue of Nov. 21 you publish an article from the pen of one who signs himself "Old Miner," which ought not to pass by unheeded, not because of any intrinsic value, or any merit that it may possess, but it is one of those nightmare dreams, those tweedle-dee-dee, and tweedel-dee-dee-dum (sic) utterances, which have been so often used in the past, by men, with sluggish livers against an organization and our officials. Knowing as I do from past observation, as an "old miner," myself the terrible reaping from just this kind of seed, is the reason I try in my humble way to resent such flimsy pretences. It appears to me as if the writer just came out of "the silence." He must have been in a very deep mood of thought with himself, in fact so clear was his vision, to get rid, of it that he chants it off on another personage. I say chant, or you may call it a dirge for he begins on a "Minor" and like the frog in the pool never varies until he has sounded the very last note of what I would consider his "Astral Self." To be brief "--President Lewis' policies are not commendable. District No. 6 recognizes his weakness and inability, non-compliance of agreement in Ohio needs explanation. Organizers are working in the interest of Lewis. Not forgetting to tell the Miners what a brainy gentleman their employer is," etc. etc. Now look at the above picture, simmer it down and what does it all amount to? First, the policies of any executive head are never above criticism, but if we allow ourselves to judge of local happenings, and shut our eyes to the general welfare, then we render indeed a very unjust judgment. We still have conf in the strength and abiulity of our highly esteemed President, that he still retains that manly vigor of mind, that commanding force of intellect which always has enabled him to fight gallantly for the greatest good to the greatest number.

If the situation in Eastern Ohio needs explanation surely Lewis, or one or all, of the Ohio officials could give a satisfying reason, and I am inclined to think that they also will still maintain their old time prestage. As for the organizers working for him (Lewis) is a charge that I am inclined to think it is nothing but prejudice, and what makes me think it, is plain logic, because the next sentence is "They never forget to tell the Miners what a brainy employer they have got." I seem to hunt "Old Miner" to praise true worth. There are lots of men built that way, too many, and while the organizers are right in having confidence, and trying to instill the same in the rank and file, it seems strange that "Old Miner" would take this as a reason to pen such words--" "Working for him". Instead of working and endeavoring to instill the seeds of dissention in the ranks; we ought to all be doing the same. Cheer the hearts of our sorely taxed and burdened leaders, they need the pool ne it, how seldom a word of praise insure abundance. I cannot help but quote from President T. L. Lewis speech at Springfield, Ill.

"A present dispatch from Springfield, Ill., reads as follows:

President T. L. Lewis of the International Mine Workers addressed an assemblage of miners at the State arsenal last night and discussed various questions that confront the workers and organized labor. A large number were present and showed interest enough in the remarks of the international president by remaining throughout the meeting despite the fact that the big State building was without heat.

Lewis stated that one of the problems which confronts organized labor is to secure shorter hours or less work days that the men who work may have more time for the real benefits of life. He believed that a five-day working week was one of the possible achievements of the future. Speaking of the friends and enemies of organized labor, the international president declared that the greatest enemies of the labor movement were not the employers of capitalists, as many believed but men in the ranks of the workers who assassinated the character of those who worked with them.

These character assassins of the men in the ranks of labor had wrought untold damge to the cause and were the greatest enemies the union movement had to contend with today. The speaker deplored the use of female labor and asserted a belief that a day would come when the women of the land could devote their time to the

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, December 3, 1908, page 2:

Concerning Communication - An article of the "Old Miner" in today's issue has some good points, but we must disagree with him in some of his statements. Of course he is a Lewis man, as his communication shows, and a red hot one at that. He considers that the organizers were sent into this district to organize, not to electioneer for Lewis. Such may be the case, but to be frank it does not look like it. Nevertheless, the writer of a right to his opinion, and doubtless many will think as he does. (end)

Electric Sparks (paragraphs about different subjects, omitted...)

The latest developments at Marianna go to show that what we need is not so much additional knowledge concerning mine explosions as consientious and rigid application of what we do know. (end)

The curiosity-seekers who have been thronging to Marianna to see the wreck of the mine must have spent some money to get there. Wouldnt' (sic) it have been better to donate the money to the relief of the survivors.

(rest not typed)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Tuesday December 8, 1908, Vol. 9 No 100, p. _:

Thought That Some of The Bodies May Have Been Spitited Away --- While no additional bodies were taken to the morgue at Marianna yesterday, the general belief prevails here that the remains of at least 15 to 18 victims are still in the workings.

It is rumored, however, that five bodies were brought out of the mine before daylight yesterday morning, though no trace of the men can be found around the workings.

An air of mystery seems to prevade the region round about the ill-fated Rachel and Agnes shafts. No longer is iformation volunteered as to the conditions in the mine on the part of the workmen in charge. Coroner W. H. Sipe is no longer communicative and it is really difficult to learn anything about what is being done.

Some days ago officials of the company gave out the death list as 138. It has gradually grown since that time until now it is practically certain that the list will overreach 150 and perhaps greatly exceed that number.

Undertaker Barr, who has been on the scene since the day of the explosion stated today that he had not the least doubt that there were 15 to 18 bodies still in the shaft.

Since the body of James Roule was taken out on Saturday and permitted to be removed before it was viewed by the coroner's jury the suspicion has arisen that possibly other bodies have thus quietly [been] taken away. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, December 9, 1908, Vol. 9 No 101 page 1:

Brings Out Bodies of Two More -- Coroner Says That There are Still Five More Bodies In The Marianna Mine -- Committee On Relief -- Many of Foreign Widows Will Be Sent Back To Native Land -- Two more bodies have been brought from the mines at Marianna, where the explosion occurred, both so badly mutilated that identification is impossible. Coroner Sipe is authority for the statement that there are yet five bodies near the bottom of Rachel shaft. It is believed that there are still other bodies in the workings, but the number at this time can only be conjectured.

Coroner Sipe stated last evening that he had been misrepresented: that there was not the least disposition on his part to misrepresent the situation at Marianna and he had not at any time attempted to conceal anything in connection with the recent catastrophe.

The coroner thinks that in all there were but 151 lives lost in the mine. The five which Mr. Sipe declares are still in the mine will be brought out later in the day or tomorrow morning.

The lamp boy in a conversation said that one the day of the explosion there had been 175 safety lamps secured from him. If the death list is but what it is claimed to be, not over 155, many of these lamps which were secured from the boy, were not taken into the mines.

A relief committee has been formed at Marianna, consisting of Rev. J. E. Lewis, Dr. McCall, Stephen Ulery, and Dr. Floyd Cob. They will have charge of the securing of funds. It is likely that several of the foreign women whose husbands lost their lives will be sent to their native lands. (end)

Company Gives $5,000 To The Marianna Fund -- Measures for the relief of the Marianna mine sufferers met with a big lift yesterday when the officials of the Pittsburg-Buffalo company subscribed $5,000 to the fund. Steps were also taken to simplify the distribution of the fund of $100,000 which it is intended (sic to raise, and a general committee will be appointed for the purpose.

The action of the Pittsburg-Buffalo company in subscribing $5,000 to the fund does not necessarily mean that its aid toward the sufferers will cease there. The company will do its full measure in furnishing necessary relief has been given all those who need it, and there is an abundance of supples on hand. Their distribution is being superintended by the officers of the company. (sic)

On Friday evening of this week the Union Sunday school of Eldora will hold an oyster supper, the proceeds to go for the benefit of the survivors of the Marianna disaster. The Union Sunday school raised #30 for the survivors of the Naomi mine and want to raise at least $50 for the Marianna people. (end)

West Zollarsville - abstract - wants speakesies shut down, not good for miners etc.

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Thursday December 10, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 102 page 1: (pages 1 and 2)---

Death List At Marianna Is Still Growing -- Three Bodies Taken Out Last Night And Some More This Morning -- Today the state mine inspectors are at the ill fated Marianna mine examining it. They started the work yesterday and it will likely continue for several days, before it is finished. After the inspectors make their report, Coroner Sipe will announce the date of his hearing. Those in the party are Henry Loutitt and Messrs. Knapper, Cunningham, Ross, McGregor, Nelsom, Williams and (McCanch?).

The official statement now places the list of dead at 152. At 7 o'clock last evening three bodies were brought out of the Rachel shaft. Three more bodies were located and brought to the surface last night.

Two of the bodies brought to the surface last evening were easily identified. The first was that of William Hail and the second that of Henry Beatty. Both the men were residents of Castle Shannon and leave families there. Hail, who is about 33 years of age, leaves a wife and three children and Beatty, who is aged about 30, leaves a wife and two children. The bodies will be shipped to Castle Shannon.

The third body brought up last evening has not yet been identified. It was in a good state of preservation, (continued on page two)...........page two continues.......

but there was no check on the body and not a single mark by which it could be identified. The body is that of a foreigner about 36 years of age.

Peter Louther, superintendent of the Louther Coal Works at Moundsville, W.Va., went through the mine in the capacity of an expert yesterday and gave it as his opinion that no more bodies would be found in the mine. Mr. Louther was formerly superintendent of the Manifold works north of Washington. (end)

page two begins here..............

(Editorial) Were There More ? It comes out now that one the day of the explosion at the Rachel shaft of the Marianna mine, that there were 175 saftey lamps given out, besides the number of open amps that were in use. Yet the mining officials and even the coroner states that there have been but 149 bodies taken out of the mine and the total number of dead will not exceed 152. But the fact of the number of lamps that were given out, gives rise to the suspicion that, as was suggested, some of the bodies have not been checked as they were brought from the workings in order that the list of the dead might be kept as low as possible. Either this, or all the lamps that were given out by the lamp boy, were not taken in, or there are still some bodies in the mine.

If there has been any of the bodies taken away without it being properly reported, the persons who are to blame should be dealt with severely, and made to furnish a complete list. The informant of the Mail of all that has transpired at the mines since the date of the explosion has been positive all the time that there were more than 150 more lives lost in the terrible disaster, although no proof of this could be found. The checking system again proved practically useless as it had on former occasions. It is to be hoped that the correct number of the dead be learned soon. There surely can be no object in secrecy in this matter, unless it be the fear of not being able to get miners to enter the workings hereafter, and that had been encountered already. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Friday December 11, 1908, Vol. 9 No 103 page 1:

Bodies Being Brought From Rachel Shaft -- Body of Popular Young Monongahela Man Among The Latest Brought out -- Two more bodies were takem from the ill-fated Pittsburg-Buffalo mine at Marianna at 9:45. One of the men has been identified as Ed. Freycinet, No. 987, while the other was identified as Alfred Mackin by a plain band ring he wore. Both bodies were in the best of condition. They were found in the sump of the Rachel shaft. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Weds. December 16, 1908, Vol. 9, No. 107, p. _:

[Marianna Mine Explosion] Not Body of Bennington -- The body which was interred at Scottdale about a week ago, thought to be that of Alfred Mackin, and which was later thought to be Seward Bennington, of Monongahela, has been exhumed. The re;latives of young Bennington proved beyond a doubt that the body was not that of Seward, and it was re-interred at Scottdale. They returned last night and nothing has been heard of the boy as yet. It is thought he was among those who were blown to pieces and that he is now occupying a strangers' (sic) grave along with the others who were not identified. (end)

Coroner Arranges To Subponea Experts -- Coroner W. H. Sipe of Washington county was in Pittsburg yesterday arranging to subpeona experts to give evidence at the Marianna mine inquest at Washington, tomorrow. During the day he met the State mine inspectors, who were holding a conference at the Hotel Boyer, which was attended by State Mine Inspector James E. Roderick. The inspector reviewed the evidence that had been secured.

In the subpoena list as 10 miners and 10 mine workers outside the mine, the superintendent, foreman, fire bosses and inspectors, with the leading experts and engineers. The Coroner has been assured of the willingness of the Government experts at the Pittsburg testing station to attend the inquest. The jury is composed of farmers.

(end)

Construction Work Underway At Marianna -- Superintendent Joseph Kennedy, Chief Engineer Beeson and mine foreman Gatehouse, of the Marianna mines, went to Pittsburg yesterday for consultation with the officials of the Pittsburg-Buffalo company. Mr. Kennedy reports the work of reconstruction progressing in a very satisfactory manner, three shifts being at work every day. No entry work will be started until all repairs have been made. (end)

Rumor Unfounded -- A report was circulated yesterday afternoon that the Nottingham mine, of the Pittsburg Coal company, above Finleyville, was the scene of a disaster similar to Marianna. Word from Finleyville, however, stated the cause of the rumor was the caving of an entry, which caused a great deal of excitement, and gave rise to the rumor that there had been an explosion of gas. Only a few men were at work in the mine, all of whom escaped unhurt. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Monday, December 21, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 111 page 1:

Burial of the Marianna Victims causes Trouble -- The burial of 60 or more unidentified bodies of victims of the Marianna mine disaster of November 28, in the little cemetery at Scenery Hill is likely to cause a disruption among the stockholders which may mean the organization of a new company and the laying out of a new cemetery.

The stockholders of the cemetery state that they have no objection to the unfortunate miners having a decent but they allege some persons received a rakeoff in having the bodies buried here. They also allege that the Pittsburg-Buffalo company should have donated ground on their own holdings for a cemetery.

A number of the persons who have friends buried there have gone so far as to state that they will have the bodies removed to some other cemetery. It has been stated that with the exception of three persons every person connected with the cemetery is dissatisfied with having the burial made here. (end)

Wife Killed A Month After Her Husband - Mrs. Edna Eckiens, wife of the only colored miner who met death in the Marianna mines, was killed by a train at Finleyville Saturday night just one month after the death of her husband. Mrs. Eckiens was attempting to board passenger train 105 on the B. and O. due there about 9 o'clock when the fatal accident occurred. She was late for the train which was just pulling out from the depot when the woman came up. She endeavored to get onto one of the rear coaches and was hurled to her death. The body was taken to the home of her father, Breckenridge Bennet.

Saturday Mrs. Eckiens left Marianna to make her home with her parents at Finleyville. She arrived there Saturday and had intended to go to Washington in the evening to visit a sister, It was while on her way there she was killed.

Mrs. Eckiens was 31 years of age and leaves two children. (end)

Sending Out Appeals -- A force of 12 clerks is at work in the office of the Marianna relief committee at Washington sending appeals out through the state asking for aid for those who are today suffering want as the result of the mine disaster of November 28. The first batch of these formal appeals for assistance will go out today 10,000 in number. During this week 60,000 of the letters will be sent out to all parts of Pennsylvania and it is thought the response will do much toward raising the $100,000 relief fund which is the aim of the committee.

In the letters being sent out the condition of the dependents of the 154 miners who met death in the Marianna explosion is set forth in detail and the urgent need of immediate funds is set forth. (end)

The Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Friday, December 4, 1908 Vol. 9 No 97 page 1:

Many Bodies Are still In Morgue -- Several of the bodies that have been taken from the mines at Marianna have not been identified and are still in the morgue at that place. Those which have been claimed by the relatives and friends have all been taken away and nearly all buried. Although the officials affirm that there is not any more than one more body in the mine, it is thought by some that there are three or four more to be found as yet. The investigations as to the cause of the disaster are still being made. (end)

Mr. Jenkins At The Marianna Mines -- A. N. Jenkins, superintendent of the Ogara mine, near Claksburg (sic= Clarksburg), W. Va., who is spending a few days in Charleroi, is today at the ill fated mine, at Marianna, and may assist in investigations which are being made. He and Mine Inspector Loutitt of this district are old friends and he declares that the latter was not in the least to blame for the loss of lives at the mine, or derelict in his duty. (end)

Conflagration At Mining Town Causes Much Loss -- Buildings of Coal Company Are Burned To The Ground -- $5,000 Is The Damage -- Monongahela Fire Department Called But Have Trouble Connecting -- Fire at Manown yesterday afternoon destroyed two blocks of company houses belonging to the Pittsburg-Buffalo company, badly damaged another block and consumed the household goods [and] effects of [the] occupants, the conflagration entailing a loss of $5,000.

The flames are supposed to have originated in a defective flue of the larger of the houses. No available fire protection left the building and its companion structures to the mercy of the element regardless of a valiant effort of a bucket brigade to stem the flames. Monongahela's volunteer department hastened to the scene but the hose did not fit the coupling, by half an inch and much time was lost.

Families residing in the houses were able to get their household goods out. However, these had been piled on an adjacent hill for safety and were ignited by sparks from the burning buildings and were burned up entirely.

By hard effort the company store was saved. One of the blocks contained four houses and the other [contained] two. The third block was badly burned at the end.

Of the two destroyed nothing but the chimneys were left standing.

(end)

Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, December 4, 1908, page 2:

1908 was a Leap Year

Was Loutitt to Blame [editorial] -- It has been charged by some unknowing ones that Mine Inspector Loutitt was derelict in his duty at the Marianna mines, and could have prevented the terrible catastrophe which happened on last Saturday morning, snuffing out nearly 150 lives. The practical miners and the ones who understand matters, however, are silent on the subject, or at least have nothing to say in condemnation of him. He is ready for the coroner's inquest and anxious for the time to come when he can testify and remove the stigma which some unprincipled ones persist in fastening to his name. No one has ever called Mr. Loutitt a coward. His reputation is one of the best, and ability as an inspector is gennerally (sic) known. He is one of the best practical miners in the state, having been engaged in mining work for years. If he were a coward and having discovered by his investigations that there was to be an explosion at the marianna mines, he would have hurried to the surface, but then if he had done that he would have soon left the vicinity. His actions at the time however proved him to be no coward. It is not in human nature for a man no matter what position he occupies to see scores of his fellow beings suffer, especially when so many are his friends, so it is evident that Mr. Loutitt had no idea watever of the dasster (sic) which was so soon to happen when he left the mine at Marianna.

(end)

[This was the name of a newspaper column.] Electric Sparks -- It would be a decided improvement if mining companies would keep an accurate list of employes (sic) and would check, daily, those who enter the mines.

Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, December 4, 1908 page 3:

Coroner Sipe Is Worn Out By Work -- Coroner W. H. Sipe went to his home at Canonsburg yesterdat afternoon to spend the night with his family, having hardly heard of them since he left last Saturday for the scene of the disaster at Marianna. The coroner will return to marianna today and again take up the duties of looking after the dead in the morgue and arranging for the burial of the unidentified.

The Pittsburg-Buffalo company has secured a plot in the cemetery at Scenery Hill and there on Saturday a number of blackened forms, representing what were a few days ago able bodied miners, will be consigned to their last resting place. The coroner stated yesterday that he did not believe that there would be over 30 unidentified. It will be known in several homes that some member of a family is missing, or may be two members, but to tell which is their loved one among the disfigured bodies is impossible. All these unknown will be given a Christian burial. Several ministers have offered their services for the funerals of the unidentified victims on Saturday. (end)

Charleroi Mail, Charleroi, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, Monday December 7, 1908, Vol. 9 No. 99 page 1:

Beautiful Are Memorial services of B. P. O. -- Fitting Tributes Paid The Honored Dead Who Where Forner Members -- Theatre Was Cowded -- Many Were Present To Attend Excercises (sic) -- Music Was a Feature -- Beautiful memorial services were held by the B. P. O. Elks yesterday afternoon in the Coyle theatre, and a large number were present, nearly every seat in the house being filled. The music which was in charge of Prof. Charles S. Cornell was especially fine and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Cornell Male chorus rendered three selections. The address of the day was delivered by Col. Thomas S. Crogo of Waynesburg.

The program was opened by a selection by the male choris, "Worship of God in Nature." Following this was the opening ode by the audience. After prayer by Rev. Chalmers E. Frontz and another selection by the chorus, "Seek Ye the Lord," Mr. Tom P. Sloan of the local order delivered the eulogy. He paid a fitting tribute to the deceased members of the Charleroi lodge. The ones who died during the past year were Abraham L. Milliken, of Brownsville and James Henderson, of Marianna. The latter was killed in the explosion which happened at Marianna a week ago last Saturday. The speaker eulogized their many virtues. He dwelt to some extent on the subject of Life and Death, and said that in _____man could _______________________ previous living of a right life.

Prof. Cornell rendered a selection from the Oratorio "Elijah" of Mendelshon (sic), after which Mr. Cargo made his address. He took up at first the subject of great men and told of what made them as they were. He spoke of the many virtues which man must have to become beloved and honored by all with whom he comes in contact and said that the members of the Charleroi society perhaps had not become famed for any great deed, or accomplishment but were nevertheless beloved by their fellow men. They had lived the best they knew how, he said, and deserved to be remembered by their fellows who survive.

Mr. Crago told of what led to the Memorial services which are held yearly by the Elk's lodge, it being the love which is held by each member for his brother.

"The purpose of the Elk's lodge is to make life better to live. "Charity is the foundation of the order, he said, "not in the narrow but in the broadest sense." Following this he took up the matter of how the principals are employed. "Live rightly and die rightly," he said, "help your fellow man and if there is a man down, extend to him a helping hand instead of shoving him farther into the mire."

For the Cornell Male chorus there was nothing but praise. They appeared here last year under the auspices of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. but quite a number that were present yesterday were unabel (sic) to hear them. It is likely t (sic=that) at the chorus will appear in Charleroi this year.

The monessen (sic) lodge held Memorial services last evening in the Star theatre at that place. Tom P. Sloan of this place delivered the address.

Many from Charleroi attended. The program as it was rendered follows:

Quartet, "The Vacant Chair" - Charles Bolig, Luther Bolig, J. K. Boyd, John Potter.

Eulogy - "Our Departed Brothers," James S. Lysle.

Solo - "Jesus Only," Mrs. C. M. Thompson.

Address -- "Fraternalism," Tom P. Sloan, of Charleroi.

Solo -- "One Sweet and Solemn Thought," Mrs. C. M. Thompson.

Benediction - Rev. J. A. Cherney. (end)

More Bodies Are Brought From The Ill Fated Marianna Mines Making Number Found Nearly 150 -- The ill fated Marianna mine continues to give up its dead. More bodies have been taken out. On Saturday and Sunday there were in all nine taken from the workings and it is thought that there are more. The entire death list when all have been found and counted will probably be not less than 153, in this way the prediction of the Mail a few days ago that there were more than 150 lives lost in the explosion, being upheld. To the present time there have been 149 bodies brought to the surface, nine of these on Saturday and yesterday. The last taken out were near the foot of the Agnes shaft No. 2. They were so completely covered with debris that they could not been seen. They were found while the work of cleaning out the passage way was in progress.

The bodies of 12 unidentified persons were buried in the Scenery Hill cemetery yesterday. There were 21 more buried today.

The work of cleaning out the shafts and getting the mine in readiness for the resumption of work, goes on as rapidly as possible under the circumstances. It is not thought likely that the mine will be ready for operation before the first of the coming year. (end)

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