Very interesting article, thank you. My great grandfather died in an Illinois mining accident in 1922. From the archives: “KEIL
September 12, 19224, Tuesday, Matt Keil, of Tamaroa, mine manager, age 48 years, married, died from injuries received six days previous in Kuhn Coalery Company's mine [DuBois, Washington County, Illinois]. The mine had been closed about one year and preparations were being made to start operating. Deceased was at shaft bottom and stepped across the cage to start a pump which was about six feet from the cage, while thus engaged the cage without his knowledge was taken away and in attempting to cross back, he walked into cage seat, which was about 3½ feet deep in water that had been heated by exhaust from pump. He was so badly burned that he died as stated above. He leaves a widow and three children.”
Oh wow, what a terrible story. But thank you for sharing – it very much highlights just how dangerous working in the mines could be. A lot of of the injuries and deaths were unexpected and horrific.
Absolutely they did. One day I want to write about all of the (often quite nasty) industry that took place in East St. Louis and the other (company) towns on the east side of the river.
Fascinating.
Very interesting article, thank you. My great grandfather died in an Illinois mining accident in 1922. From the archives: “KEIL
September 12, 19224, Tuesday, Matt Keil, of Tamaroa, mine manager, age 48 years, married, died from injuries received six days previous in Kuhn Coalery Company's mine [DuBois, Washington County, Illinois]. The mine had been closed about one year and preparations were being made to start operating. Deceased was at shaft bottom and stepped across the cage to start a pump which was about six feet from the cage, while thus engaged the cage without his knowledge was taken away and in attempting to cross back, he walked into cage seat, which was about 3½ feet deep in water that had been heated by exhaust from pump. He was so badly burned that he died as stated above. He leaves a widow and three children.”
Oh wow, what a terrible story. But thank you for sharing – it very much highlights just how dangerous working in the mines could be. A lot of of the injuries and deaths were unexpected and horrific.
Excellent article
Thanks!
Illinois handled a lot of the dirty work for St Louis including some its sinning
Absolutely they did. One day I want to write about all of the (often quite nasty) industry that took place in East St. Louis and the other (company) towns on the east side of the river.
interesting read!