DuBois, Pennsylvania

Berwind White Mine Explosion

March 23, 1896

TERRIBLE MINE EXPLOSION.

Ten Men Killed Outright and Three Others Supposed to be Dead.

Dubois, Pa., March 23.—The following miners were killed today by an explosion in the Berwind-White mine: George Harvey, Henry Harvey, Henry James Graham, sr., James Graham, jr., Lindsey H. Bradley, John Monroe, Jesse Postlewaite, George Postlewaite and Andrew Noak. The following are still in the mine and supposed to be dead: David Bell, Reuben Noble and George Ainsley. There was another explosion at the Adrian mines, eight miles north of here, caused by fire damp. Two men were killed.

Albuquerque Morning Democrat. Albuquerque, NM 24 Mar 1896

MINERS MEET DEATH

Two Explosions in Coal Mines at Dubois, Pa., Kill Fifteen Workmen.

BODIES BADLY MANGLED

The Accident at the Berwind-White Mine Was Caused by the Firing of a Charge.

Special to The Inquirer.

DUBOIS, Pa., March 23.—Nearly a score of men were killed and a half dozen others badly injured in two mine explosions that occurred in this district to-day. The first was at 9 o’clock this morning, in the new shaft of the Berwind-White Mining Company, of Philadelphia, and at least thirteen men were killed outright.

Their names are as follows:
GEORGE HARVEY, married, no children.
HENRY HARVEY, married, two children.
HARRY SMITH, married, two children.
JAMES GRAHAM, Sr., married, large family.
JAMES GRAHAM, Jr., single.
LINDSEY H. BRADLEY, married.
JOHN MONROE, married, two children.
JESSE POSTLEHWAITE, married, three children.
GEO. POSTLETHWAITE, married, large family.
ANDREW NOWAK, married.
DAVID BELL, married.
REUBEN NOBLE, married.
GEORGE AINSLEY, married.

BODIES FRIGHTFULLY MANGLED

The former were sent to the surface while the dead were kept below until their mangled bodies could be made presentable. They were washed, wrapped in blankets and then sent up, many wives, and mothers who were crowding around the mouth of the shaft, fainted at the sight of the dead bodies.

The mine on the north side was wrecked, beams and supports were smashed into match wood. Rails were twisted and the roof caved in. The victims all met their deaths from the force of the explosion. The injured number seven and with the possible exception of two or three will recover.

NOT THE FIRST ACCIDENT.

The Berwind-White Company has been very unfortunate with this mine. It has been flooded several times, and powerful pumps are constantly in operation to keep the lower level clear. Until recently a new air shaft was completed, but as there is much water at the foot of it, it was useless.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA 24 Mar 1896

THIRTEEN KILLED IN A MINE.

A Gas Explosion at Dubois, Pa—All the Poor Fellows, Save One, Had Families.

DUBOIS, PA., March 23.—There was a gas explosion at the Berwind-White shaft at the eastern limits of town this afternoon and thirteen miners were killed. It is a new mine which the company has been opening up and working crews in shafts to push the headings out in various directions for big work later on. Seventeen men went on at 7 o’clock this morning, thirteen going into the north heading and four into the south heading. About 10 o’clock the latter were sensible of a shock and a few minutes later the mine boss came to them and told them something had happened and that they should get out as soon as they could. When the party, then consisting of five, reached the foot of the shaft, they were nearly overcome by gas and were hurriedly taken up in the cage. Assistance was immediately summoned and practical miners from the Bell Lewis & Yates Company mines immediately volunteered their services.

Ten bodies have thus far been recovered. The other bodies are still in the mine and the remains are being searched for. All the victims were residents of Dubois, and with one exception had families.

Daily Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC 24 Mar 1896

Transcribed by Dorcas Moseley. Thanks Dorcas!

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