Coal Mining Fatalities S - Z for Macoupin County, Illinois

	Wayne's World of History and Genealogy

Macoupin County, Illinois
Coal Mining Fatalities
1884 - 1984
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Underground mining has always been wrought with accidents and tragedies of many different types. Coal mining in this area was all in underground mines and over the years, there were many accidents, fires, cave-ins, rock falls, and machinery failures. The saddest of all the catastrophes is the loss of life. Some of the fatalities that occured during the heaviest coal mining years in this vicinity are listed below in an effort to provide an aid in genealogy and historical research.
Additional entries are always welcome.

SADLOSKI
August 6, 1917^8b, Monday, Adam Sadloski, of Girard, laborer, age 40 years, single, was killed in Montour Coal Company's No. 403 mine. Deceased was riding on loaded car with the driver; he bent forward to escape the low cross bars and raised up too soon; his head struck the bar doubling him over, breaking his back.

SADOWSKI
September 27, 1921²⁵, Tuesday, Pete Sadowski, miner, married, died from blood poison as a result of an injury to the finger received eight days previous in Superior Coal Company's No. 4, Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow.

SANDERSON
October 22, 1918⁷, Tuesday, Fred Sanderson, miner, age 30 years, married, died from injuries received October 8, by a fall of slate in Consolidated Coal Company's No. 7 mine, Staunton. He leaves a widow and two children.

SANTIA
April 21, 1923²⁶, Saturday, Frank Santia, of Virden, machine helper, age 26 years, single, was killed by a fall of slate in Royal Colliery Company's mine.

SARTORIS
September 5, 1940, Thursday, Albert Sartoris, 59, of Benld died from a slate fall at Superior Coal Company's No. 1 Mine.

SAUER
October 6, 1905⁶, Friday, William Sauer, loader, aged 50 years, married, employed in No. 10 mine of the Consolidated Coal Co., Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, was caught under a falling clod at his working face and fatally injured. He died the next day. He leaves a widow and five children.

SCHELLER
January 4, 1936³⁹, Saturday, Adolph Scheller, of Mt. Olive, timberman, aged 67 years, married, was killed by a fall of slate in Mine No. 15 of Consolidated Coal Company, leaving a widow.

SCHINDLER
December 27, 1898¹⁸, Tuesday, Frank Schindler, of Staunton, a miner working in the Mount Olive and Staunton Coal Company's mine, Staunton, Madison County, Illinois, was killed by falling clod; he was wedging down a piece of clod and had only struck the wedge two blows when it fell striking sdgewise on the floor, then rolled over on to him. He lived only a few hours. Deceased was 43 years of age, and leaves a widow and seven children.

SCHEY
September 6, 1952, Saturday, Joseph Schey, of Gillespie, loading machine operator, aged 59 years, married, died from injuries received on Saturday, August 23, 1952 by a fall of slate in Superior Coal Company's No. 3, Mine, Mount Clare, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow.

SCHNEIDER
February 20, 1885¹³, Friday, at Ellsworth Coal Company, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois.
John Schneider, a single man, was killed in No. 7 shaft. He was undrming a standing shot; his partner working with him requested him not to do it, but he answered that he was an old miner and understood what he was doing. His partner left the room where they were working, and a few minutes after learned that Schneider was killed. The accident occurred February 20, 1885.

August 9, 1889¹⁵, Friday
John Schneider, a married man, aged 36 years, was killed August 9, 1889, at the Consolidated Coal Company's No. 6, at Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois.Schneider and his partner were loading coal at the face of a room; there was some top-coal up and there was a slip in the roof above the top-coal which could not be seen. The coal and slate dropped away from the slip killing Schneider instantly.

SCHLOSSER
September 11, 1883⁸⁴, Tuesday, Martin Schlosser a single man, was killed September 11, 1883 at Ellsworth Coal Company's Mine No. 6, Staunton, Illinois, by a fall of rock in the face of his room.

SCHULTZ
December 28, 1928³¹, Friday, W. E. Schultz, store-room clerk, age 30 years, married, employed at the No. 15 mine, Consolidated Coal Company, was killed by an explosion of dynamite caps. No one wirnessed this accident, but it is supposed that deceased was moving the dynamite to another place in the storeroom when the explosion occurred. He leaves a widow.

SCHULTZE
July 25, 1893^15d, Tuesday, Henry Shulz, [Wilhelm Heinrich Schultze], of Mt. Olive, aged 34 years, timberman, married, employed at the No. 8 mine of the Consolidated Coal Company, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, was killed by a fall of roof. The deceased and others were taking down rock when a mass of it fell and caught him. he left a widow and three children.

Wilhelm Heinrich Schultze
Born about July 13, 1859
in Germany
Died July 25, 1893
in Mt. Olive, Illinois

MASHED TO A PULP
HENRY SCHULTZE, A LOADER AT NO. 8 SHAFT, KILLED TUESDAY
AFTERNOON BY FALLING ROCK

It Required Over Two Hours to Remove the Heavy Stone off the Body, By the use of Jacks.

      Between three and four o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the news was heralded over the city that a man had been killed in No. 8 mine, and the workmen from the shaft could be seen wending their way homeward in every direction, and people, anxious to know the true details of the event, made their way to the shaft to see and hear all that could be learned of the affair.

      The fatal accident occurred about 2:30 p.m. Henry Schultze and his partner, Louis Arnoldi, had been at work in room No. 1, entry 10 north, and last Thursday, notified Mine Boss Saner that a rock in their room was working , and the same was examined Friday, and a danger notice placed in a conspicuous place, for the men to keep out. The two men did no more work until Tuesday morning, when they were employed to take the rock down, and were cautioned to be careful and keep from under it. The loose rock was about 12 x 20 feet long, and about 1 ½ foot thick, of about three ton weight, being supported by one prop, which allowed it to play. The work of getting the prop from under it and letting it down required judgement and skill to avert danger. They were instructed to place props on either end and then work the center one out, but it seems that the men used their own plans, thinking they could saw the prop off, or bore a hole in the surface and [line not readable due to a fold in the paper] when Arnoldi [five words not readable] to the bottom for the auger to promulgate the blasting, cautioning Mr. Schultze to be careful in his absence.

      Just at this time was when the fatality occurred, and from the general surroundings, it appears that Schultze, anxious to have the work completed, used the saw, weakening the prop until the weight of the huge rock bore down on the slender thread left in the center, as on examination, it showed that the prop had been sawed on all sides, leaving about an inch of solid substance.

      The horrible sight that met the eye of Arnoldi on his return, made his blood run cold, as the rock had fallen and beneath it his partner was encased with only an elbow protruding. The alarm was at once given, and it required the use of jackscrews to extricate the body from the perilous position which served as his death-trap. The body of the poor unfortunate was crushed almost into an unrecognizable mass, with the saw still retained in his hand. The lifeless remains were brought to the top about 5 o'clock and many eager observers present witnessed a horrible spectacle never to be forgotten. The body was then conveyed to his home at the west end of First South street.

      A jury was soon summoned by Deputy Coroner Voight and impaneled at once, then adjourned until the arrival of Coroner Owings at 7 p.m. when they went into session at City Hall, and the findings according to the evidence obtained, was that "deceased came to his death by the falling of a rock, in room 1, entry 10 north, in the Consolidated Coal Co's mine No. 8."

      The deceased had worked in the mine here about a year, being a newcomer in this country. He was 33 years age, and leaves a wife and two small children, whose means are limited, as they were dependent solely upon his wages for support. He was of energetic turn, quiet in manner and honorable in dealing. Our community deplores the ghastly details that caused his untimely death , and offer every condolence to the wife and children that is possible. It is one of the saddest fatalities that has come under the observation of our people in the history of the mining interests, here.

      The funeral obsequies were conducted from Immanual's Lutheran Church Wednesday afternoon, Rev Weisbrodt being in charge, after which the remains were conveyed to their final resting place in the Mt. Olive cemetery.
---FRONT PAGE -- Mt Olive Herald, Mt. Olive, Macoupin Co., IL, July 29, 1893

Note : Some of the Coroner Records have been found, and they also stated that Henry, being new in this country, did not speak English and that may have contributed to the accident. It should be noted that some of the Coroner Records could not be found at IRAD in Springfield, IL.

Furnished by Sharon Buethner

SCHUTTE
September 27, 1884¹³, Saturday, at Ellsworth Coal Company, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois.
Henry Schutte, a married man, was killed in No. 8 shaft, September 27, 1884, by falling coal. He was undrming a standing shot, when the coal fell and caught him. He left a wife and 2 children.

SEDDON
February 14, 1919^8c, Friday, Thomas Seddon, of Carlinville, machine helper, age 23 years, married, died from injuries received the day before in Standard Oil Company's mine, Carlinville, when coal fell crushing his head. He leaves a widow and two children.

SETTLES
May 30, 1928³¹, Wednesday, Ernest Settles, machine runner, age 46 years, singler, died from injuries received the day before in Superior Coal Company's No. 3 mine, Mount Clare, Macoupin County, Illinois, by a fall of coal.

SHAEPER
January 12, 1924²⁷, Saturday, Louis Schaeper, machine man, age 32 years, married was killed in Consolidated Coal Company's No. 7 mine, by a fall of slate. He leaves a widow and two children.

SHAW
September 11, 1915¹⁰, Saturday, David Shaw, assistant mine manager, age 30 years, married, was caught between the motor and pit car and crushed to death in No. 3 mine, Superior Coal Company, Gillespie [Mount Clare], Macoupin County, Illinois.

SHEERIN
June 17, 1939⁴², Saturday, Charles Sheerin, of Virden, mine manager, aged 51 years, married, killed by falling over debris in mine No. 1 of the Virden Mining Company, leaving wife and two dependent children.

SHOLTIS
August 23, 1948⁵¹, Monday, Joe Sholtis, of Virden, loading machine helper, aged 50 years, married, was killed by a fall of rock in Peabody Coal Company's No. 8 mine. He leaves a widow.

SHOPPMAN
December 14, 1896¹⁶, Monday
John Shoppman, married, leaves a widow and five children, occupation fire boss, was killled at about 12:30 a. m., December 14, 1896, at Mine No. 5 of the Madison Coal Company, Mount Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois. The mine had been idle for three days. At the time of the accident he was examining it in a part where no fire damp had been found. he was making the examination of that part of the mine with a naked light. As he failed to report, search was made for him at 6:30 p. m. He was found dead about twenty-feet from the face of the entry, having been burned with fire damp, His cap, with a common miner's lamp on it, was found about thirty feet away from him.

SKINKUS
June 24, 1926²⁹, Thursday, Joseph Skinkus, miner, age 60 years, married, died from injuries received seven days earlier in Superior Coal Company's No. 4, Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois, when he received a slight cut from a piece of coal , blood poison developed resulting in death. He leaves a widow.

SKRISKI
February 4, 1919⁷, Tuesday, John Skriski, of Sawyerville , machine runner, age 31 years, married, was killed by a fall of rock in Superioer Coal Company's No. 2 mine, Gillespie [Sawyerville]. He leaves a widow and two children.

SLAVEL
November 14, 1921²⁵, Monday, Peter W. Slavel, of Girard, miner, age 59 years, widower, was killed by a cage in Illinois Coal and Coke Corporation's No. 4 mine. He leaves seven dependent children.

SMITH

January 15, 1907,³ Tuesday, August Smith, trapper, aged 71 years, married , employed at mine No. 10 of the Consolidated Coal Comapny, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, was run over by a trip of cars and killed. He was employed to trap a door at the foot of a steep hill, The driver had to get his trip from different entries and make it to the top of this hill. Two of the cars started down the hill towards the door. The trapper supposing that it was the driver coming with his trip, opened the door and walked leisurely down the track to where he was accustomed to pull out the spraggs. Being partly deaf he could not hear the cars until it was too late for him to get out of the way. He leaves a wife and three grown children.

December 4, 1925²⁸, Friday, Elmer Smith, miner, age 36 years, married, died from injuries received four days earlier in Superior Coal Company's No. 4, Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois. Deceased was at his working place when a piece of clod fell knocking out a timber leg allowing the timbers to fall, one of which struck him, breaking his leg. he was taken to the hospital where he died. He leaves a widow and four children.

January 27, 1917⁸, Saturday, George Smith, machine runner, age 46 years, single was killed by falling coal in Superior Coal Company,'s No. 2 mine, Gillespie [Sawyerville], Macoupin County, Illinois.

September 10, 1938⁴¹, Saturday, Richard Smith, of Virden, driver, aged 54 years, married, crushed by cars in the North mine of the Lincoln Liquidating Company, leaving widow.

December 21, 1939⁴², Thursday, Tom Smith, of Virden, driver, aged 47 years, killed by kick of mule in North mine of the Virden Mining Corporation, leaving wife and two children.

SOOTSMAN
September 27, 1912⁹, Friday, William Sootman, machine helper, aged 39 years, single, was killed by a fall of coal in Mine No. 1, Superior Coal Company, Gillespie [Eagarville], Macoupin County, Illinois.

SOURE
October 10, 1905,Tuesday, William Soure, timberman from Mt. Olive killed by a fall of slate.

SPOTTI
January 14, 1932³⁵, Thursday, Evanisto Spotti, of Staunton, machine shoveler, age 53 years, married, was killed by a fall of coal in Consolidated Coal Company's No. 15 mine. He leaves a widow and three children.

SPUDICH
August 13, 1913²⁴, Wednesday George Spudich, of Mt. Olive, miner, aged 65 years, married, was killed in the Madison Coal Corporation's No. 5 mine at Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois. Deceased was found dead lying on some coal at the face of his room. the verdict of the coronor was: "He came to his death by a blow from a blunt instrument or article; source of blow unknown to jury." He leaves a widow.

SPURNEY
May 4, 1968⁷¹, Saturday, James J. Spurney, of Mt. Olive
      Mr. James J. Spurney, age 18, single, was injured in an accident at Florida Coal Caomapny, Little Dog Mine located at Gillespie, Macoupin County, Illinois on Wednesday, March 6, 1968, at 9:15 p.m., while performing his duties as shuttle car operator. he had been employed at this mine for 8 months.
      Mr. Spurney, regualar shuttle car operator in the 5th East Panel, conventional unit, was loading the fifth car from #12 room cross-cut to right off 3rd East entry of 7 entries being driven east. The 11 BU Joy Loader, being operated by Mr. Ralph Link, 2nd man on loader, was being repositioned in the cross-cut which was approximately 22 feet deep from the entry rib line. Mr. Jerry Spurney, Joy Loader operator, was at the corner of the cross-cut and the entry watching the Joy trailing cable and the shuttle car being loaded by his son. The clean up operation of the cross-cut required Mr. Spurney to move his shuttle car (Joy Type 42 E 15, 6 ton cap., front wheel drive, rear wheel steering, built in 1946) out into the entrywith the car approximately 2/3 loaded. While seated facing the Joy Loader, Mr. Spurney, to provide additional space for movement of the loader, depressed the foot controlled reverse switch on the shuttle car so as to back the shuttle car out of the way. The reverse control stuck-would not release-and caused the shuttle car to continue back in an angular direction of travel and run up against the rib of the entry. The shuttle car had traveled approximately 60 feet from the loader to the point of contact with the rib at #11 room cross-cut. The entry at the place of accident was approximately 18 feet wide with a height of 7½ feet. At the point of contact, the rib entry was almost vertical. with very little, if any, overhang. Extensive injuries were received by Mr. James Spurney in the pelvis area with multiple fractures of the hips, a broken leg and other internal injuries.
      Mr. Spurney died May 4, 1968 at 2:30 a.m.

STADTS
July 28, 1883⁸⁴, Saturday, Henry Stadts and George Keiser, both married men were killed in the South shaft, Carlinville, July 28, 1883, by a fall of top coal. The finding of the jury was accidental death as to both. Stadts left a wife and six children. Keiser a wife and two children.

STEIN
April 8, 1903¹⁹, Wednesday, Emil Stein, loader, aged 21 years, single, was killed by a fall of slate, in the Consolidated Coal Company's No. 7 mine, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois.

STEPHANS
December 18, 1929³², Wednesday, Attilio Stephans, of Wilsonville, trip rider, age 20 years, single, was killed while attempting to uncouple cars in motion, in Superior Coal Company's No. 4 mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois

STILLE
March 15, 1916¹⁰, Wednesday, Edward Stille, miner, age 36 years, married, was killed by falling coal in Consolidated Coal Comapny's No. 14 mine, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow.

STILLER
September 3, 1914¹², Thursday, Thomas Stiller, loader, age 47 years, married, was killed by falling coal in the Superior Coal Company's No. 1 mine, Gillespie[Eagarville], Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow and six children.

STOVER
April 28, 1919⁷, Monday, Guy Stover, machine helper, age 35 years, married, was killed by falling coal about 6:00 P.M. in Superior Coal Company's No. 4 mine, Dorchester [Wilsonville], Macoupin County. He leaves a widow and one child.

STRIPLING
May 28, 1918^8b, Tuesday, George S. Stripling, of Gillespie, driver, age 21 years, single, was killed in Superior Coal Company's No. 1 mine. Deceased had put a car in a room switch across which a timber had been placed to act as a stop for the empty cars. The ends of this timber were braced against a prop on each side of the roadway. When the car hit the timber it knocked out one of the props and in falling it struck deceased on the head causing injuries which resulted in his death.

STRUM
April 19, 1909²⁰, Monday, William Strum, a miner, aged 17 years, employed in mine No. 6 of the Consolidated Coal Company, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois, working with his father, was caught under a very large fall of rock while loading his car at the face of his room. He was killed instantly.

STRUSIK
December 11, 1905⁶, Monday, Frank Strusik, miner, aged 23 years, single, employed in mine No. 2 of the Suiierior Coal Co., Gillespie [Sawyerville], Macoupin County, was caught under a falling clod at his working face, receiving injuries from the effects of which he died February 2, 1906, Friday.

SUCKY
July 20, 1944⁴⁷, Thursday, Anton Sucky, of Staunton, driller, aged 43 years, married, was killed by a rock fall in Consolidated Coal Comapny's No. 7 mine.
He leaves a widow and one child.

SUDA
August 7, 1912⁹, Wednesday, Anton Suda, aged 35 years, married, was killed by a fall of coal at the face of his room in Mine No. 2, Superior Coal Company, Gillespie [Sawyerville], Macoupin County, Illinois. he leaves a widow and two children.

SZOHA
November 17, 1907, Sunday, Gustav Szoha, of Austrian descent died from injuries received in a mine.

T
TATE January 7, 1919⁷, Tuesday, Lee Tate, trip rider, age 27 years, married was killed in Superior Coal Company's No. 3 mine, Gillespie [Mount Clare]. deceased jumped off motor while in motion to throw a switch and fell, motor running over him. he leaves a widow and one child.
TEEPLES November 15, 1883⁸⁴, Thuersday, Henry Teeples was killed at the Nilwood shaft November 15, 1883, by the premature discharge of a blast. he was tamping a shot, and was using the copper needle and tamping bar; and the tamping bar being new, did not work well. He laid aside the coper tamping bar and took an iron one. On putting the iron bar into the hole, the discharge exploded killing him.
TEMPLE June 10, 1918^8b, Monday, Frank Temple, of Virden, miner, age 55 years, married, was killed in Montour Coal Company's No. 402 mine. Deceased and others were waiting on the outside end of the parting for a ride to the shaft bottom. They stepped into the mouth of an entry to let the motor put a trip of empty cars on the parting, when a driver with two loaded cars came out of this entry and ran over the deceased, killing him instantly and injuring two others.
THEIHL January 14, 1924²⁷, Monday, John Theihl, miner, age 45 years, married, was killed by a fall of rock in Superior Coal Company's No. 2, Mine, Sawyerville, Macoupin County, Illinois. e leaves a widow and two children.
THOMPSON December 19, 1980⁸³ , Friday, Mark H. Thompson, of Gillespie, Mr. Mark Thompson, age 21, married, three dependents, was fatally injured by crushing at approximately 3:40 A.M., Friday, December 19, 1980, while in the peformance of his duties as Utility Man at Freeman United Coal Mining Company, Crown II Mine, Virden, Illinois, Macoupin County, Illinois. While attempting to turn a corner into the #3 Entry, the Shuttle Car driven by Mark H. Thompson struck the boom of the Timber Jeep that was parked in the crosscut. The apparently slid down the side of the buggy striking Mr. Thompson and resulting in his death. June 3, 1895^15e, Monday, Wesley P. Thompson, of Gillespie, aged 33 years, married, occupation top foreman, was killed at 7:15 p. m., June 3, 1895, at the Gillespie mine of the Consolidated Coal Company of St. Louis; Gillespie, Macoupin County, Illinois. At this mine timber is sent down on one cage only. Mr. Thompson wanted a pit lamp to see the load timber on the cage and shouted to the men below to send one up. The timber had been unloaded from the cage and the signal to hoist given to the engineer. The descending cage struck Mr. Thompson and took him to the bottom. It is supposed that at the time he was calling for the lamp he was lying down on the surface with his head over the shaft and thoughtlessly remained so untiol the descending struck him and carried him to the bottom.
TIONA June 7, 1923²⁶, Thursday, Louis Tiona, of Carlinville, motorman, age 23 years, married, was knocked off his motor and killed in Standard Oil Company's No. 2 mine. He leaves a widow and two children.
TIPPINS Janury 5, 1937⁴⁰, Tuesday, Robert Tippins, of Gillespie, trackman, aged 76 years, widower, was killed by motor in Mine No. 2 of Superior Coal Company, Sawyerville, Macoupin County, Illinois, leaving no dependents.
TOENNIGES July 20, 1944⁴⁷, Thursday, Robert Toenniges, of Staunton, driller, aged 67 years, married, was killed by a rock fall in Consolidated Coal Comapny's No. 7 mine. He leaves a widow.
TOMSOE May 28, 1929³², Tuesday, Joseph Tomsoe, miner, age 61 years, married, died from injuries received four days previous, by a fall of slate in Consolidated Coal Company's No. 15 mine. He leaves a widow and one child.
TOSTA May 24, 1918^8b, Friday, Joe Tosta, of Staunton, motorman, age 18 years, single, was killed in Consolidated Coal Company's No. 7 mine. Deceased was leaving the shaft bottom on his motor. The motor ran over a cap-piece and was derailed, throwing him under the motor.
TULARITIS September 12, 1930³³, Friday, Anton Tularitis, age 46 years, married, died from injuries received the day before in Superior Coal Company's No. 4 mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow and five children.
TULLY May 21, 1919,⁷, Wednesday, William Tully, machine runner, age 44 years, married, died from injuries received the day before in Superior Coal Caompany's No. 1 mine, Gillespie [Eagarville]. Deceased was putting in pipe on front end of machine to kick it over when it jumped and pulled him into it. his arm was cut off and death resulted from loss of blood, he leaves a widow and three children.
TWITTY May 11, 1923²⁶, Friday, Charles Twitty, of Carlinville, miner, age 34 years, married, was killed by a fall of slate in Standard Oil Company's No. 1 mine. He leaves a widow and one child.

VALENT
May 1, 1926²⁹, Saturday, George Valent, motorman, age 28 years, married, was killed in Superior Coal Company's No. 4, Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois, by falling coal. He leaves a widow.

VanCOLLIE
February 1, 1915¹², Monday, Isadore Van Collie, trip rider, age 21 years, single, was killed in the No. 3 mine of the Superior Coal Company, Gillespie[Mount Clare], Macoupin County, Illinois, by falling rock. Deceased was riding in front car of trip when it jumped the track, knocked down a prop, letting the cap rock fall, which struck him on the head and killed him instantly.

Gillespie City Cemetery Gillespie, Illinois								Isadore VanCollie Born Sept. 17, 1893 Died Feb. 1, 1915 VAN COLLIE

VANOSDALE
November 8, 1896¹⁶, Sunday
Antonio Vanosdale, aged 37 years, occupation loader, married leaves a widow and five children, all of whom are dependents, was injured at 1:20 p. m. November 4, 1896 in room 12 of the fourth north back entry of the east side of mine No. 10 of the Consolidated Coal Company, of St. Louis, at Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois. he had fired a shot in coal that had been undercut with a machine. The shot failed to bring down the coal. He was loosening it with a pick when the coal fell striking him on the body and inflicting such injuries that he died four days afterwards.

VAPPLER
October 4, 1886¹⁴, Monday
Consolidated Coal Company, shaft No. 6, Staunton, Macoupin County, Illinois, Oscar Vappler, a single man, aged 22 years, was killed October 4, 1886, by falling slate in the face of his room.

VASSITTI
February 16, 1906, Friday, Joe Vassetti, from Benld, Illinois, died from being caught by mine cars.

VERBIC
March 27, 1915¹², Saturday, George Verbic, loader, age 38 years, married, employed in mine no. 2 of the Superior Coal Company, Sawyerville, Macoupin County, Illinois, was killed by a fall of slate that occured on Wednesday, March 24, 1915, striking him on the head and back of the neck. He leaves a widow and one child.

Benld City Cemetery - Benld, Illinois
George VERBIC				George VERBIC Born Apr. 11, 1878 Died Mar. 27, 1915 Johanna HIS WIFE 1880 - 1946

VIOLA
November 22, 1913²⁴, Joseph Viola, of Benld, laborer, aged 47 years, single, was killed in the Superior Coal Company's No. 1 mine, Gillespie [Eagarville], Macoupin County, Illinois, by a fall of slate.

VISOVICH
November 8, 1905, Wednesday, Paul Visovich, a laborer from Mt. Olive, was killed by a mine car on the surface.

VOIGT
August 21, 1906,³ Tuesday, Sam Voigt, top boss aged 44 years, married employed by the Consolidated Coal Company at its mine No. 15, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, was taking a loaded railroad car from under the dump, walking backwards in front of the car, when his heel caught in a guard rail, throwing him down. He died the next day. [August 22, 1906] He leaves a widow and seven children.

VORGHT
August 21, 1906, Tuesday, Sam Vorght, a laborer from Mt. Olive was killed by railway cars.

W
WALLO September 13, 1945⁴⁸, Thursday, John Wallo, of Mt. Olive, material man, aged 67 years, married, died from falling down the shaft at Consolidated Coal Company's No. 15 mine. He leaves a widow.
WARGO November 26, 1936³⁹, Thursday, John Wargo, of Mt. Olive, miner, aged 64 years, widower, was killed by fall of slate in mine No. 15 of Consolidated Coal Company. No dependents.
WATERS February 7, 1910²¹, Monday, Daniel "Dan" Waters, driver, age 34 years, single, was injured by loaded mine cars while driving a mule in No. 1 shaft of the Superior Coal Company, Eagarville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He was found partly under the first car of the trip which he was taking to the bottom of the shaft. He died immediately.
WATSON January 21, 1900¹, Sunday, John Watson, of Virden, driver, aged 24 years, single, was fatally injured Tuesday, January 16, 1900, in the Chicago-Virden Coal Company's No. 1 mine at Virden. He was moving a trip on a down grade, when the cars jumped the track. he was caught between the cars and props, and died January 21, 1900.
WEEKS September 10, 1926²⁹, Friday, Lafayette Weeks, machine runner, age 46 yeears, married, was killed by falling off cage to bottom of shaft in Gillespie Coal Comapny's mine. He leaves a widow and seven children.
WENSHOFF November 13, 1901⁴, Wednesday, H. J. Wenshoff, trapper, aged 15 years, was killed by being crushed between mine cars in the Consolidated Coal Co.'s No. 8 mine, at Mt. Olive, Macoupin County.
WERTZEL January 29, 1907³, Tuesday, William Wertzel, of Carlinville, miner, aged 38 years, single, employed at the Carlinville Coal Company's mine, Carlinville, Macoupin County, Illinois, and was caught under a very large falling rock at the face of his working place and instantly killed. he leaves his mother, who was dependent on him for support.
WHITE June 2, 1967⁷⁰, Friday, Thomas Daniel White, of Mt. Olive, died at Farmersville, Montgomery County, Illinois June 2, 1967, Mr. Thomas Daniel White, age 58, married, with three dependent children, died on June 2, 1967 at approximately 6:25 a.m. due to an acciedent as a result of electrocution when he came in contact with high voltage source while at work at the Freeman Coal Corporation, "Crown" mine, located at Farmersville, Montgomery County, Illinois. Mr. White had been employed as a motorman at this mine for fifteen years. The accident that took the life of Mr. White occurred after the deceased and Mr. Walter Gibson (Helper) had completed delivering material to Sections in the Main East and had picked up the East Mantrip Motor and two Mantrip cars at the 8th North Passing track. mr. Gibson, operating the Mantrip Motor, proceeded toward the 10th South, pushing two Mantrip Cars and pulling four Material Cars. He was followed by Mr. White with the Material Motor, intending to couple to the material cars at the 10th South. Mr. White coupled to the Material Cars when mr. Gibson stopped at the 10th South and then backed up several feet as mr. Gibson uncoupled the mantrip motor from the material cars. Mr. Gibson then observed Mr. White stand up in the cab of his motor preparing to change directions of the trolley pole. When Mr. Gibson walked by the material cars and arrived at the motor that Mr. White was operating, he found Mr. White slumped down in the cab with his arms out-stretched on the top of the motor and with his face down on his coat which was on top of the motor. After summoning for help and removing Mr. White from the cab, eforts to revive him with artificial respiration failed. Since no electrical defects were found, it was assumed that Mr. White wearing gloves, while operating the motor apparently, after coupling onto the material cars, came in contact with the trolley wire as he was standing and in the process of turning the trolley pole, causing the fatal electrical shock. This being substantiated by burns, found on the side of his head and right shoulder.
WHITEHOUSE June 28, 1908, Sunday, _?_ Whitehouse died from injuries and a broken neck caused by a slate and rock fall at Madison Coal Corporation's No. 5 Mine at Mt. Olive.
WHITLOW May 13, 1935, Monday³⁸, Gilbert Whitlow, of Gillespie, motorman, aged 35 years, single, crushed between motor and prop in Superior Coal Company's No. 3 mine, Mount Clare, Macoupin County, Illinois. No dependents.
WILDE November 2, 1937⁴⁰, Tuesday, Theodore Wilde, of Mt. Olive, trackman, aged 57 years, married, died from chronic myocarditis caused by infected finger resulting from injuries received November 2, 1935, in mine No. 15 of Consolidated Coal Company, leaving wife.
WILLIAMS September 11, 1912⁹, Wednesday, Adelbert Williams, laborer, aged 44 years, married, was working on a raft, repairing pipes, in a pond at Mine No. 15, Consolidated Coal Company, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, when he fell in and was drowned. He leaves a widow and five children.
WILSON November 7, 1918^8c, Thursday, Ray Wilson, of Carlinville, miner, age 32 years, single, was killed by a fall of rock in Standard Oil Company's mine, Carlinville. He leaves one dependent, mother.
WINDSOR April 29, 1916¹⁰, Saturday, David Grant Windsor, timberman, age 53 years, widower, was killed about 8:00 A.M. by falling slate in Superior Coal Company's No. 3 mine, Gillespie [Mount Clare], Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves three children one of which is dependent.
WIRBEN November 16, 1942⁴⁵, Monday, John Wirben, of Benld, slate man, aged 68 years, married, was killed a a car hit him on the cross-over in Superior Coal Company's No. 4, Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois.
WOODRUFF June 28, 1937⁴⁰, Monday, Joe Woodruff, of Gillespie, triprider, aged 35 years, single, was killed by motor in Mine No. 4 of Superior Coal Company, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois, leaving dependent father and mother.
WYLDER May 8, 1909²⁰, Saturday, Frank Wylder, a driver, aged 21 years, single, employed in the Madison Coal Corporation's mine at Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, was kicked in the face, by his mule. He died from the effects the next day.

Y
YACOMITEX January 4, 1926, Monday, Abroma Yacomitex of Wilsonville, who was married with two children, a loader at Superior Coal Company's No. 4 Mine, Wilsonville, Macoupin County, Illinois, was eltrocuted when he came into contact with a feed wire.
YANCONISKI February 7, 1923²⁶, Wednesday, Peter Yanconiski, of Standard City, miner, age 40 years, married, was killed in Standard Oil Company's No. 2 mine by a fall of rock. He leaves a widow.
YANSCKE October 3, 1908²⁰, Saturday, at the Madison Coal Corporation's mine No. 5, Mt. Olive, Macoupin County, Illinois, Herman Heeran, aged 45 years, married, and George Yanscke, aged 34 years, married, both laborers, were sending feed down in pit cars; they had sent one car down on the cage and went back for another and pushed it into the shaft. They were drawn in with it and struck the cage four hundred feet below and were killed instantly. Heeran leaves a widow and five children and Yanscke leaves a widow and four children. They were working nights lowering props and feed for the mulles.
YARAMBO April 7, 1931³⁴, Tuesday, Pete Yarambo, of Benld, miner, age 53 years, single, was killed in No. 2 mine, Superior Coal Company, Sawyerville, Macoupin County, Illinois, by falling rock.
YARASHUS April 22, 1944⁴⁷, Saturday, Domonic Yarashus, of Benld, recovery man, aged 66 years, married, was killed by a rock fall in Superior Coal Company's No. 1, Mine, Eagarville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow.

ZAUCICHELLI
December 4, 1921²⁵, Sunday, Primo Zaucichelli, of Carlinville, miner, age 38 years, married, was killed by a fall of rock in Standard Oil Company's No. 1 mine. He leaves a widow and three children.

ZERLINSKY
August 20, 1910, Saturday, Tony Zerlinsky, a jackman at Superior Coal Company's No. 1 Mine died about 11:30 A.M.

ZINN
March 30, 1953⁵⁶, Monday, Julius A. Zinn, of Gillespie, stopping man, aged 60 years, married, was killed by a roof of slate fall at 7:30 A.M. in Superior Coal Company's No. 2, Mine, Sawyerville, Macoupin County, Illinois. He leaves a widow.

ZINN		Julius A. 1892 - 1953		Lena 1895 - 1975

ZONNER
August 6, 1914¹², Thursday, Curt Zonner, driver, age 22 years, single, was killed by a pit car in the Consolidated Coal Company's No. 15 mine, White City, Macoupin County, Illinois. Deceased was taking a loaded car from the room and fell from his seat and was caught under the car in such a manner as to get his neck broken.

Macoupin County, Illinois,Coal Mining Fatalities, 1884 - 1984 \| A - I \| J - R \| Sources \|
Coal & Coal Mining in Central Illinois

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