John Boney - The Oldest Miner Killed in a Hanna Basin Coal Mine
Page by Bob Leathers
June 30, 1903 explosion of Union Pacific Coal Company's No. 1 mine in Hanna - Day 1: When rescue workers were able to enter the mine, one miner was found, John Boney. He was found at entry 11. He was from Ireland, age 70. His remains were buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
State Inspector of Coal Mines A. E. Bradbury arrived at 11:30 a.m. at the exploded mine site. He was informed of the explosion by Edward Brooks, Superintendent of the No. 1 mine and arrived by train on the No. 2 Limited. Bradbury found the mouth of the main slope and manway filled with rock, timber and dirt from five to fifteen feet in thickness and one hundred fifty feet long. Large forces of men under the supervision of Superintendent Park of the Union Pacific Railway Company were working to clear up the debris. He entered the damaged mine along with Assistant Superintendent of the mine Black, and Special Mine Deputy Thomas Snedden. They made it as far as entry 7. Men were working along the way to make a passable roadway for the rescuing party to bring out the bodies of dead miners. The mine was starting to fill with Carbonated Hydrogen, an explosive gas, so all naked lights were ordered taken out of the mine and safety lamps used. The safety lamp retarded the movements of the miners and slowed the work down, but it was considered the best way to continue the work safely. It was thought at the time the bodies could be recovered in a few days. There was little hope that anyone would be found alive. After examination of the slope the three men left the mine to report their findings and consult with Superintendent of the mine Brooks. Brooks arranged for three eight-hour shifts of men to work night and day removing debris from the slope. Each shift contained 75 to 100 men. Mine General Manager, Clark ordered arrangements made for receiving the bodies. He ordered caskets and suits. The bodies were to be washed and dressed before placed in the caskets.
At 8:20 last evening the body of John A. Sarri who was killed near the entrance at the seventh level was brought up and taken to the carpenter shop where Undertaker Rasmusson prepared it for burial. Although badly disfigured the body was positively identified by those of his own nationality as that of Sarri. He was a Fin, his parents still living in their native country. He had a brother here who also perished in the mine and has not yet been found. Aside from the body of John Boney, the plain runner, which was taken out a few hours after the disaster came; this was the first to be brought to the top. Sarri was employed to oil the pulleys on the slope. He had apparently been struck by a heavy piece of timber in the groin and his right leg was badly bruised. The whole front of his body had been burned and one shoe torn from his foot. He carried a watch, which had stopped at 10:27 and this is believed to be the exact time the explosion took place. (1904 MIR)
Boney, John (Inquest) (MIR) (MM)
Cemetery: Carbon
Born: 1833
Died: June 30, 1903
Age: 70 y's
Note: John Boney, age 70, an Irish miner, not married, was killed in the June 30, 1903 explosion of Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna. John was found at entry 11, identified and removed from the mine on the day it exploded, June 30, 1903. John Boney was the oldest known miner killed in the explosion. He was buried in the Carbon, Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
Note: John Boney at age 70 is the oldest know miner killed over time in any of the Hanna Basin coal mines. (BL)
More at: The Hanna Miner Monuments Located Next to the Hanna Recreation Center and in the Hanna Cemetery
Cemetery: Carbon
Born: 1833
Died: June 30, 1903
Age: 70 y's
Note: John Boney, age 70, an Irish miner, not married, was killed in the June 30, 1903 explosion of Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna. John was found at entry 11, identified and removed from the mine on the day it exploded, June 30, 1903. John Boney was the oldest known miner killed in the explosion. He was buried in the Carbon, Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
Note: John Boney at age 70 is the oldest know miner killed over time in any of the Hanna Basin coal mines. (BL)
More at: The Hanna Miner Monuments Located Next to the Hanna Recreation Center and in the Hanna Cemetery
(Image by Bob Leathers)
(Image by Bob Leathers)