Death in the Mines: Disasters and Rescues in the Anthracite Coal Fields of Pennsylvania

by J. Stuart Richards

Through original journal and newspaper accounts, J. Stuart Richards's Death in the Mines revisits Pennsylvania's most notorious mining accidents and rescue attempts from 1869 to 1943. Since 1870, mining disasters have claimed the lives of over 30,000 men and boys who toiled underground in the anthracite mines of Pennsylvania. Sometimes they survived; many times they did not. The constant threat of fire, explosion, collapsed rock and deadly gas brought miners face to face with death on a daily basis. Through original journal and newspaper accounts, J. Stuart Richards's Death in the Mines revisits Pennsylvania's most notorious mining accidents and rescue attempts from 1869 to 1943. From the fire at Avondale Colliery that resulted in the first law for regulation and inspection of mines, to the gas explosion at Lytle Mine in Primrose that killed fourteen men, Richards reveals multiple facets of Pennsylvania's most perilous profession. Richards, whose family has worked in the mines since 1870, offers a startling yet sensitive tribute to an industry and occupation that is often overlooked and underappreciated

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

With "Death in the Mines: Disasters and Rescues in the Anthracite Coal Fields of Pennsylvania", J Stuart Richards takes a look at 8 different mining disasters primarily in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. What makes this book a little frustrating but still fascinating is that of the events the author picks (3 by fire, 3 by explosion & 2 by cave in) are done through newspaper accounts of the events themselves. Each event is a tragedy in and of itself, and realizing the fact that up until 1872 there was no legal age requirement in the state to work in the mines tells of the different world that these miners lived in. No matter what though these stories are tragic & a reminder of just how dangerous this industry was and still is to this day.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was of particular interest to me since many of the men in my family worked in the coal mines described here. In fact, both of my grandfathers' deaths were caused by coal mining, one in an accident, one from black lung disease.