The June 30, 1903 Mine Explosion Explained
Chapter from THE HANNA MINER: At the Bottom of the Mine by Bob Leathers
The June 30, 1903 Explosion
June 30, 1903, the Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna exploded, killing 169 men.
The Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna was the only mine to explode in Hanna and it did so four different times in its short history. The first explosion occurred in April of 1890, killing one miner, Henry Ward. The second explosion happened June 30, 1903 killing 169 men and the third and fourth explosions would come on the same day March 28, 1908, killing an additional 59 miners. The No. 1 mine killed 229 miners in the four explosions. Many other men were killed in the No. 1 mine from other types of accidents.
April 1890, The First Explosion of the No. 1 Mine
One miner, Henry Ward, became the only man killed when the Union Pacific Coal Company's No. 1 mine exploded for the first time.
The Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna was the only mine to explode in Hanna and it did so four different times in its short history. The first explosion occurred in April of 1890, killing one miner, Henry Ward. The second explosion happened June 30, 1903 killing 169 men and the third and fourth explosions would come on the same day March 28, 1908, killing an additional 59 miners. The No. 1 mine killed 229 miners in the four explosions. Many other men were killed in the No. 1 mine from other types of accidents.
April 1890, The First Explosion of the No. 1 Mine
One miner, Henry Ward, became the only man killed when the Union Pacific Coal Company's No. 1 mine exploded for the first time.
The explosion took place in the afternoon in the No. 1 mine at Hanna. The only victim was Henry Ward, who was instantly killed. Fortunately, the accident occurred on Sunday when the miners were not at work, or many would have been injured and killed. Ward entered the mine with a light. There was gas in the mine and when Ward neared a position near the pumps the gas became ignited and exploded. He was killed and much damage was done, although it is said to be not so great, but that work may be resumed in a few days. (Daily Laramie Boomerang, April 28, 1890)
June 30, 1903, The Second Explosion of the No. 1 Mine
On 1903,June 30, 1903, Union Pacific Coal Company No. 1 mine in Hanna exploded for the second time in the mine’s history at approximately 10:30 in the morning killing 169 men and leaving about 150 women widowed and 600 children fatherless. State Mine Inspector Noah Young, who investigated the 1903 explosion, later reported, "The 1903 explosion was probably caused by a breaking out of gas in the mine and its ignition by a ‘blown-out-shot.’" A full shift of miners was in the mine at the time of the explosion. (1904 MIR) After the explosion, mine officials immediately started rescue efforts. Groups of people, including families, flocked around the entrance to the mine watching men frantically trying to reopen the slope to the No. 1 mine. In 1903, there was only one way into the mine, the West entry. An east entry was underway at the time of the explosion, but the east and west entries were about 400 feet from being connected.
On 1903,June 30, 1903, Union Pacific Coal Company No. 1 mine in Hanna exploded for the second time in the mine’s history at approximately 10:30 in the morning killing 169 men and leaving about 150 women widowed and 600 children fatherless. State Mine Inspector Noah Young, who investigated the 1903 explosion, later reported, "The 1903 explosion was probably caused by a breaking out of gas in the mine and its ignition by a ‘blown-out-shot.’" A full shift of miners was in the mine at the time of the explosion. (1904 MIR) After the explosion, mine officials immediately started rescue efforts. Groups of people, including families, flocked around the entrance to the mine watching men frantically trying to reopen the slope to the No. 1 mine. In 1903, there was only one way into the mine, the West entry. An east entry was underway at the time of the explosion, but the east and west entries were about 400 feet from being connected.
HANNA NO. 1 MINE DUMP (WHILE FAMILY COLLECTION FROM BOB LEATHERS)
JUNE 30, 1903 EXPLOSION (WHILE FAMILY COLLECTION FROM BOB LEATHERS)
JUNE 30, 1903 EXPLOSION (WHILE FAMILY COLLECTION FROM BOB LEATHERS)
June 30, 1903
Day 1
When rescue workers were able to enter the mine, one miner was found.
1. John Boney, was found at entry 11. He was from Ireland, age 70. His remains were buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
Day 1
When rescue workers were able to enter the mine, one miner was found.
1. John Boney, was found at entry 11. He was from Ireland, age 70. His remains were buried in a marked grave in the 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. (1904 MIR)
THE LARAMIE BOOMERANG REVEALED THE EXPLOSION WAS THE WORST COAL MINING CATASTROPHE IN THE HISTORY OF WYOMING. THE FINAL FATALITY COUNT WAS ONE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE MEN KILLED ON THAT HORRIFIC DAY. (LARAMIE BOOMERANG)
July 1, 1903
Day 2
Two miners were found.
1. John A. Saari, a Finnish miner, age 40, was found on the slope at entry seven. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery. (BL)
2. John Deacon Jones, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 34, was found on the slope at entry seven. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
Day 2
Two miners were found.
1. John A. Saari, a Finnish miner, age 40, was found on the slope at entry seven. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery. (BL)
2. John Deacon Jones, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 34, was found on the slope at entry seven. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery. (BL)
A group of men including Mine Inspector Bradbury along with mine officials Brooks, Morgan, Griffith, and Sneddon entered the mine to inspect the progress of the rescue workers. They worked their way to entry 16 which was badly damaged and filled with gas. Brattice was erected to remove the gas and the entry was examined. Coal, rock and timbers were found piled in every imaginable shape and direction. More brattice was installed to move gas to the manway. A mule was found covered by pieces of pit cars, timbers, coal and dirt. The explosion at entry 16 was violent. Pit cars were blown into splinters. In entry 16, room 1, a dead miner was found about forty feet from the entry. Approximately one hundred feet from the body of the first dead miner another dead miner was found at the side of a loaded pit car. It was unsafe at this time to go below entry 16, because the mine was full of gas below this level. (1904 MIR)
July 2, 1903
Day 3
Day 3
A fire was discovered at entry 17 by rescue miners. (1904 MIR)
A full force of men has been engaged all night in clearing the track at the mouth of the slope which was buried 25 feet deep with dirt and timbers. Excellent progress has been made and by daylight cars can be run down from the tipple. A large force of men under the direction of Supt. E. A. Brooks have been at work closing up the entrances from the slope to the rooms. They have reached No. 12 entrance and closed them all with canvass and lumber in order that the air may be forced straight through permitting the rescuers to proceed on toward the bottom. The pumps are working steadily and there is no danger of water interfering in the least. The fan is also rapidly expelling the bad air. Work was resumed early this morning by a large force of men who have arrived from Rock Springs, Spring Valley and also some from Utah. They are working in three shifts, 49 men in each, and efforts are all concentrated on the main slope. The track is clear from the tipple down several hundred feet into the mine and the mass of coal, timbers, preps, etc. which have caved in and buried up the track at the seventh entry is being loaded into cars and hauled out. Supt. Brooks with a number of expert miners are employed at No. 17 entrance. The fire which it has been thought was near this point in the stables is now definitely located and the efforts of the men are directed toward that place in order that they may extinguish it before it spreads. It is not thought the fire has taken hold of the walls of the room to any great extent. By closing the entrances to the rooms on the seventeenth level and shutting up the slope so that the air cannot get beyond this point, it is believed that it will be impossible for the fire to make any headway and will smother out. The slope is absolutely free from the black damp at this time and the only thing, which prevents miners from going farther down the slope, is the smoke. The men engaged at this point have had to deal with mine explosions before, and thoroughly understand how to proceed. They have divided the slope making a current of air down one side and out through the air course but it does not reach the point of the fire. It will be only a course of a short time until they get to the stable with the hose and with water entirely extinguish the fire. In putting up the canvass to shut out the air from the stable this afternoon the miners caused a great volume of smoke to ascend the fan. Every person in the camp noticed it, and those down town feared that another explosion had taken place. Those near the mine were also much worried about the safety of the men on the inside and expected every minute to hear another explosion. Women and children came running up to the main entrance of the mine, crying and wringing their hands, asking if any got out alive and how many there were under the ground. Several of them fainted. The excitement which ran high for several hours after the catastrophe Tuesday, had died away to a considerable extent and those who had lost relatives in the explosion had partially reconciled themselves to their great misfortunes, but the indications were that the pitiful scenes were to be reenacted. Guards about the mine had great difficulty in controlling the throng of people who were persistent in their efforts to get near the mouth of the slope so they could look down into the darkness where they supposed more men had lost their lives. It took some time to explain to them that all was well and not until an hour later when all the smoke was cut off again did they return to their homes. At this time the situation is very encouraging. The work of removing the dead bodies from the mine was suspended for today in order that the attention of those who would work might be given to putting out the fire. Many of those who have been employed about the mine were unwilling to return to work for fear of another accident, but they are regaining their courage and the force is being added to constantly. The new miners who have arrived here are a courageous lot of fellows and work rapidly. Although unfamiliar with the mine they made a careful study of the blueprint and laid their plans carefully. Every step is taken with due precaution. The mouth of the slope has been carefully propped and the timbers inside are also being replaced. It is not thought that the men are making any dangerous moves but guarding against everything that might possibly result in further loss of life. Forty more miners will arrive on train No. 102 this evening from Spring Valley to join the force. There will be no celebration at this place July 4. The money on hand for this purpose amounting to about one thousand dollars has been turned into a general relief fund by the unanimous request of the contributors. There are over 100 families in this place who are left in destitute circumstances and aid must be given to them. The conditions staring the citizens of the camp in the face are very grave. Liberal contributions have been made by those able to give. Passengers on the trains have also swelled to the fund considerably by their contributions as they pass through. It is a time for everyone to act and come to the rescue of the unfortunate widows and children who have been so suddenly thrown upon charity and with no other visible means of being provided for. Work has shut down at the mine until morning. Little showing has been made today except removing the dirt and timbers from the mouth of the slope. This would have been opened by this time so that cars could be run several hundred feet into the mine but for the steep banks giving way on either side sliding down upon the track. The work has been carried on by a line of men extending back as far as the slope had caved in by laying rails over the mass of earth, which covered the old track, and every few minutes a string of half a dozen cars or more were loaded, taken out and dumped. Some difficulty has been experienced in getting men who know the mine to go into it. Gas has bothered some up as far as the fifteenth entry and but for the resistance on the part of the men would probably have come higher. 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. The Finnish people have given the use of their hall to place the remains of the Finn miners as they are brought out and placed in caskets. It is estimated that 65 percent of the men employed in the mine were of that nationality. Soon after 9 o’clock last night the body of John A. (Deacon) Jones was brought out of the mine and turned over to the coroner. He was not so badly burned as Mr. Sarri, but his right arm was broken just above the wrist and his right shoulder dislocated. His face had also been bruised, but not to such an extent as to mar the features a great deal. Jones is a married man and has three children. He was about 31 years of age. Two of his brothers were killed in the Carbon mines within the last few years and he was employed in the mines there until they were closed down. His father died about a year ago but his mother survives him. Jones was found near the other victim. Those who carried the remains out had a narrow escape from death. The rescuers were led by J. G. Black, the boss electrician, who noticed that the timbers near where the body had lain for two days seemed weak and were apparently giving way under the great weight upon them. After the body had been placed on a stretcher and the men started out a great mass of coal, probably ten tons, fell right at their heels. Had they been half a minute slower every one of them would have been buried and perished in a few moments, as there was no one then nearer than the top of the slope. There are strong indications of fire. There is a great deal of smoke in the lower levels and it is rising out through the airshaft at the fan. There is not enough to make much heat but it has caused some alarm. The men were all called out before midnight. Men descended to the seventeenth level and drew a canvass over the slope. By cutting out the air from the slope it was thought the fire would smother out and the smoke settle to the bottom and by morning the bodies in rooms 17 and 18 could be brought out without difficulty. Not a single man is employed in or near the mine at this time. Many of the men have been working almost all the time since the explosion occurred. Great credit is due Superintendent Brooks and also his gang bosses, for their persistency in carrying out the work and the manner in which it has been done. He has had little rest in the last 36 hours until tonight and has been almost constantly at the mine directing the work both inside and out. Mr. Black, the electrician, also has plenty of trouble. The explosion is supposed to have torn out most of the light works in the mine. He has ordered 2,000 feet of copper wire and just as soon as it is possible to work in the mine will begin making repairs. The damage to the light system cannot be estimated. A few seconds before the explosion the dynamo gave a loud groaning sound. The man in charge knowing something was wrong threw the switch off immediately. No sooner had he done it than the report came from the mine. Mine No. 1 consists of a main incline slope and is one and a half miles in length. There are twenty-eight entries or levels and about twenty miles of workage in all. The mine has always been considered dangerous on account of gas but not more so than many of the coal mines of the state. Gas occurred in this property to a greater extent than in any of the mines with the possible exception of the Spring Valley colliery, but precautions have been taken here. No. 1 mine is one of a very few in the state equipped with fire appliances, escapes, entries and brattices. The air system was considered one of the best, the machinery being modern and in good working order. As a precautionary measure to prevent the possibility of accidents, men with safety lamps were sent into the mine every morning before the men went to work. These men were called fire bosses and there were five of them on the day shift. There was a standing order that no miner should enter a room for any purpose until the fire boss had inspected the area. Unless the fire boss pronounced the entry free from gas they could not go to work. (The Rawlins Republican, Wednesday, July 1, 1903)
July 3, 1903
Day 4
One miner was found.
1. Theodore Schill, a German miner, age unknown, was found between entry 5 and 7 on the manway. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 4
One miner was found.
1. Theodore Schill, a German miner, age unknown, was found between entry 5 and 7 on the manway. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Superintendent Brooks put additional men to work putting up brattice and building new walls up and down the main slope. Repairs to the mine had to be made in advance of extinguishing the fire in the levels below entry 16. The fires had to be put out before the majority of the dead could be brought to the surface. (1904 MIR)
July 4, 1903
Day 5
Day 5
Hanna, Wyo., July 4, 1903
Editor Tribune, Cheyenne, Wyo;
In order to relieve the present distress of the sufferers from the recent mine disaster at Hanna, Wyo., a permanent relief committee was organized tonight to provide for the wants of the many widows and fatherless children. The following constitutes the committee:
Enoch P Vaughn, chairman.
Ivor Christensen, secretary.
Thomas R. Jackson, treasurer.
Rev. W.A. Maudellof, of the Lutheran church.
Rev. Howard Stoy, of the Episcopal church.
Rev. Father Delehanty, of the Catholic church.
George P. Headman.
James Gilday.
Theodore P. Henkell.
William H. Jefferies.
Send all communications to Secretary I. Christensen, Hanna, Wyo., and remittances to Rawlins National Bank, Rawlins, Wyo.
Ivor Christensen.
Hanna, Wyo. (Laramie Boomerang, July 10, 1903)
July 6, 1903
Day 7
Day 7
Superintendent Brooks supervised the dangerous firework on entry 17. The hope was to open the entry and put out the fire. Brattice work was completed to control the movement of air. Thirty of the best men available made a rush toward the fire to corner the smoke and make it upcast. The effort failed and smoke and heat entered the work area forcing the men to retreat for fresh air. About 30 minutes later, after the men were rested, they formed another line and rushed the fire a second time. The smoke and damp along with the extreme heat forced the fire fighters to retreat again to safety and fresh air. It was concluded that more work was necessary before the fire could be reached. The work would include walling off the fire in hopes of smothering it.
The walling would also diminish the chance of another explosion. (1904 MIR)
July 9, 1903
Day 10
Day 10
The workmen have encountered new difficulties in clearing the main slope, and the work from now on will be much slower than it has been. The falls and cave-ins are larger and heavier and it is necessary to haul the debris out in small cars. Only a dozen cars are hauled at a trip. The carriers are small and as the men are compelled to wait until the train is dumped and the cars returned progress is necessarily very slow. The people of Wyoming are coming forward with generous aid for the survivors. All they will need is money, for the company is supplying everything else, but if the first donations of cash are any indication of what is to come, there should be no suffering for want of funds. (Wyoming Tribune, July 10, 1903)
July 10, 1903
Day 11
Day 11
Such rapid progress has been made in removing the debris from Hanna mine No. 1 that the first of the bodies will probably be taken out this afternoon. It was the original intention to remove no bodies until the main slope had been cleared its entire length, but as no fire or gas has been encountered during the past few days, the officials believe the work of recovering the bodies of the victims can now begin. All entries have been bratticed up, but there are many tons of earth in the main slope that must be removed before the men can penetrate to the lower end, and there are probably thousands of tons of earth and rock in the several entries that must be removed before the mines can be operated to any extent. A report was circulated that another explosion had occurred, but this, the officials say, is not true. There have been no explosions, and contrary to expectations the amount of gas encountered has not been large. The fire, which is still burning, is confined to a much smaller space than was first believed, and there will be less difficulty in overcoming it than the officials feared. The trips are now taking out debris from between the fifteenth and sixteenth entries and by tomorrow night the seventeenth entry will be reached. (Cheyenne Daily Leader, July 10, 1903)
The work of cleaning away the debris in the slope of the Hanna mine, had so far advanced yesterday, that the brattices of the 17th entry were taken down and an attempt made to get at the bodies on the slope. On account of the bad air and gas, however, it was found impossible to penetrate far. Some of the bodies were seen, and they were terribly bloated and decomposed by the heat resulting from the fire in the mine, and it will be an awful task to get them out. It not being found practicable to draw the bad air from the entry into the slope as had been planned, it is now determined to open a vent by drilling from the surface down into the 17th entry and allow the air to escape. It is expected that some bodies from other entries will be brought up today. The committee, which has been making a canvass of the town to ascertain the true number of victims, has nearly completed the work and it shows that the number of dead is smaller than at first reported. The list now shows 169 dead in the mine and it is not believed that this list will be changed very materially when the work is completed, as there are not a great many men who are now unaccounted for. The list of widows and children is not yet completed, but so far it shows eighty-nine widows and 170 children to provide for. Strict guards now keep watch over the mine and no one is allowed in inside of the deadline on order from Superintendent Brooks. (Laramie Boomerang, July 10, 1903)
Mine officials determined that the mine needed to be disinfected as the bodies were removed. Dr. A.W. Barber has a big job on his hands. The Union Pacific Coal Company has sent him on a mission to Hanna to superintend the disinfecting of the mine from fire damp and poisonous gases during the disinterment of the bodies of the men who have been entombed in the mining tunnels for the past ten days. The doctor left No. 3 today with large supplies of the necessary chemicals, disinfectants and anti-septics to carry on this work in which he will be assisted by all the facilities of the mining equipment, ventilation, water and air shafts. The mine is now pronounced in a condition where the bodies of the dead men can be removed and a corps of physician and undertakers will be in attendance to properly care for all cases. (Cheyenne Daily Leader, July 10, 1903)
July 12, 1903
Day 13
Day 13
One more miner was found.
1. Rudolph Salo [Rudolf Salo] [Rudolph Sella], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 16 room 1. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
1. Rudolph Salo [Rudolf Salo] [Rudolph Sella], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 16 room 1. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
After six days of additional mine repairs and extensive efforts to wall off the fire at entry 17, the fire itself created enough pressure on the stoppings that it pushed the wall back and created a vent for the black damp and smoke to force itself through the wall with such force that it knocked down several of the men working in front of the stopping. All lights in the area were extinguished in hopes of eliminating another explosion. Because the mine was in total darkness, miners in the rear had to slowly move forward and lead those in the dark out to the slope. The fire damp and smoke followed the miners up the slope making their retreat unpleasant and dangerous. State Mine Inspector Brooks ordered new stoppings built. He ordered one of those stoppings built at entry 15 to stop the advance of fire damp and smoke. (1904 MIR)
Fire was discovered on both sides of the slope along with a lot of smoke and gas causing the rescue workers to retreat.
The workmen in the Hanna mine have made excellent progress toward reaching the bodies of the entombed men until yesterday when they received a setback, which probably cannot be overcome for at least a few days. The miners reached entry No. 17 near where the stables were located, and came within 20 feet of the bodies of several dead men. All the way down the slope they had to fight smoke, but they succeeded in bratticing up the entries and made everything safe as they went along. Yesterday afternoon however the heat became so intense that it was impossible to reach the stables, and they also encountered gas from which a number of the men were overcome and had to be taken up the slope. They were driven back to No. 14 entry and dared not approach nearer. Such a result was altogether unexpected. It has been announced that they would commence removing bodies not later than tonight and Undertaker Rasmusson was sent to prepare a number of caskets and have them ready as soon as the bodies were removed. Coroner Besset and the members of his jury were notified to be there to view the remains before burial, as it would be impossible to hold them any length of time, but obstacles seem to be greater than before. It was thought that the mine was free from gas or nearly so, but there is still a great quantity at the seventeenth level. The mine was closed up and no more men will be sent down until the first of next week. It is believed now that the efforts to reach the point of the fire have been a little premature and that if the mine had been closed at first and remained so, the fire would have been smothered by this time and there would have been but little difficulty. Now it is understood, although the officers of the mine have not made the statement, that there is fire on both sides of the slope. All of the openings to the mine have been sealed up and the slope closed at entry No. 14, so that it is believed no air can reach the burning portions. Many of the men who were sent to Hanna from Rock Springs and other points west, have returned to their former places of employment, as it is thought that a large force of men cannot be used even when the smoke, fire and gas have subsided, making it possible to reach the seventeenth level. (Rawlins Republican, July 11, 1903)
The accounts from the burning coal mine at Hanna are most distressing. The fire has driven out the rescuing parties, who penetrated, at the imminent risk of their lives, close to the scene of the late explosion, but were driven back. There is nothing more heroic in the annals of men than the efforts of miners to rescue their comrades who have met with accidents underground, whether by cavings, floorings or explosions. No matter what the peril, more than enough great souls are ready to undertake the rescue, and to carry it out, too, if the task is within the possible power of mortal man. This disaster at Hanna has but proved again that splendid truth. And there is one thing more to add. None are more quick or generous to respond to the call of distress for relief in such emergencies as are mining communities. (Rawlins Republican, July 11, 1903)
July 13, 1903
Day 14
Day 14
Repair work continued in the mine. Stoppings were installed and old ones repaired. (1904 MIR)
July 14, 1903
Day 15
Day 15
Preparations are being made to resume the work of opening the coal mine here and rescuing the dead bodies of the victims of the disaster of June 30th. Fifty expert miners arrived last night from Rock Springs, and others are en route from Diamondville, Cumberland and Spring Valley. These men have had years of experience in fighting fires, and they will make a herculean effort to extinguish the flames and reach the bodies at once. If the tide of battle is again turned against the brave men, it is possible all efforts to reach the bodies will be abandoned, the workings sealed up and a new mine opened. When the workmen were driven from the mine by fire last week they reported that the bodies were in such a horrible state of decomposition that the remains would have to be removed immediately if at all. The workmen are today being examined as to their proficiency in the handling of safety lamps, etc., and probably tomorrow the stopping of the fourteenth entry will be removed and the men will be rushed into the mine and an attempt made to wall up the fire. The crucial test will probably come tomorrow afternoon and if the men are unsuccessful then Hanna mine No. 1 will become the perpetual tomb and burial ground of the 169 unfortunate miners that were caught like rats in a trap and their lives snuffed out in a twinkling. (Wyoming Tribune, July 15, 1903)
July 15, 1903
Day 16
Day 16
After several days of repairing and building new stoppings the mine management took thirty-eight men into entry 15 with nose brattice. Using the main slope the miners made their way to the face of the stopping at entry 17 and found the fire still raging. The men successfully fought the firedamp and smoke and were able to install a new firewall that was both secure and safe. The new wall was necessary to prepare to put the fire out. (MIR)
July 16, 1903
Day 17
Day 17
Two miners were found.
1. Y. Hamkimo [Yrjo Hanhimaki] was found at entry 16 between rooms 6 and 7. He was from Finland, age 25. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Felix McKenna, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 55, was found in the pump room. He was buried in Erie, Colorado.
1. Y. Hamkimo [Yrjo Hanhimaki] was found at entry 16 between rooms 6 and 7. He was from Finland, age 25. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Felix McKenna, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 55, was found in the pump room. He was buried in Erie, Colorado.
The rescue miners reach entries 16 and 17 where the electrical pump and stables were located. Brattice was installed and the door opened to the main air return to receive the intake of smoke and gas, but the air immediately reversed itself, bringing smoke and fire damp toward the rescue team. The smoke and damp forced all the men working in the front to retreat to the main slope. To eliminate the damp and smoke, the miners knocked out a cross cut between the downcast of air from the main slope and the upcast of air and placed a brattice in the crosscut. The men then returned down the intake until they once again reached the pump room. The pump room was still filled with smoke and damp. About three o’clock in the afternoon, the men conquered the damp and smoke by erecting stoppings in the entry leading to the stables. The goal was to smother the fire in the stable. The pumps were inspected and the stable walled off. (1904 MIR)
July 17, 1903
Day 18
Day 18
One miner was found.
1. Gus Westerlund [Gus Westerland], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
1. Gus Westerlund [Gus Westerland], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
I am advised from the records of the Coal Company that by reason of the sad accident in the explosion at the Hanna mine, there are eighty-eight widows, and one hundred and thirty-four orphans left in destitute circumstances. Fennimore Chatterton, Governor, “I trust that the generosity of Wyoming's splendid citizenship will make a material response to the necessities of these bereaved and dependent women and children. Contributions can be sent to Hon. Fred B. Sheldon, deputy State Treasurer, Cheyenne, Wyo. and will be by him distributed to the sufferers in accordance with the necessities of the several cases.” (Clipper, July 17, 1903)
One body was removed yesterday from the lower workings of mine No. 1. The remains of Felix McKenna were found in the stable entry of level seventeen. It was in a fair state of preservation, and will be shipped to Erie, Colo., his former home. Workmen did not attempt to explore entry seventeen further than the stables. That part of the mine, which conceals the 166 dead miners, is still filled with gas from the smoldering fire, and it will be several days before another attempt will be made to clear it. (CheyenneDaily Leader, July 17, 1903)
July 18, 1903
Day 19
Four miners were found.
1. Sam Hudspeth [Samuel Hudspetts], an African American miner, age 40, was found at entry 16, room 1. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. John Runnala [J. Ruonala] [John Runnola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 16 room 11. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Jac Mikkila,a Finnish miner,was found at entry 16 room 29. He was 30 years old. His remains were buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. Gabe Maki [Kaappo Korkiamaki], a Finnish miner, age 22, found at entry 16 room 7. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
The mine No. 1 search party was responsible for finding the dead miners, but it was the mortician’s job to remove the miner’s body from the mine, prepare him for burial and then see that the body is buried.
Day 19
Four miners were found.
1. Sam Hudspeth [Samuel Hudspetts], an African American miner, age 40, was found at entry 16, room 1. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. John Runnala [J. Ruonala] [John Runnola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 16 room 11. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Jac Mikkila,a Finnish miner,was found at entry 16 room 29. He was 30 years old. His remains were buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. Gabe Maki [Kaappo Korkiamaki], a Finnish miner, age 22, found at entry 16 room 7. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
The mine No. 1 search party was responsible for finding the dead miners, but it was the mortician’s job to remove the miner’s body from the mine, prepare him for burial and then see that the body is buried.
Entry No. 16 was opened yesterday and the relief workers are just beginning to realize the horror of their task. A trip of loaded and empty cars was found scattered about. Many of the cars were nothing more than broken masses of wood and twisted iron, while all had received the full force of the explosion and were damaged more or less. Scattered among the broken cars were the carcasses of the mules, their bodies mangled and harness broken and portions blown away. The tools of the men were twisted, broken and scattered. In room No. 1 of entry 16 the body of Rudolph Sella [Salo], the fifth to be recovered was found. The remains were burned in a terrible manner and were only recognized after the most careful search for his gold-filled teeth and other markings. Near Sella’s [Salo’s], the sixth body was found, being so badly burned and mangled that recognition is impossible. At the face of room No. 1 the remains of Gust Westerlund were found, and as in the case of Sella [Salo], it was almost impossible to recognize in the blackened face of the victim the well know features of Westerlund. As soon as the bodies were brought to the surface they were properly identified and prepared for immediate burial.More bodies will probably be taken out tonight, for the relief workers are now making rapid progress. As fast as the gas is removed from the rooms of an entry they are explored thoroughly and the bodies brought to the surface. There have been no demonstrations of any kind, now that the actual work of rescuing the victims is progressing. The people gather about town and talk about the situation, but they are not permitted to approach near the mouth of the slope. The company has its various forces of men well instructed so that there is no hitch of any kind. The men in the lower workings are experienced miners and they are doing everything possible to prevent another explosion. The rooms and entries are closed and opened with great care in order to prevent more serious accidents. A large force of undertakers is on hand and they take the bodies in charge as soon as they are brought to the surface. Coroner Bennett and the members of his jury view the remains, then the victims are prepared for burial. (Cheyenne Leader, July 18, 1903)
The body of a pump man, Felix McKenna, was recovered from the entrance of the 16th level at the Hanna mine yesterday morning. He had received the full force of the explosion but the body was recognizable. During the afternoon two more bodies were recovered from the 16thlevel. They were in a good state of preservation except for the hands and face. They have not yet been identified. The body of a horse was also brought up from the 16th level yesterday. The prospects for the recovery of most of the bodies are more favorable than at any time so far. (Laramie Boomerang, July 18, 1903)
Hanna, Wyo., July 18,-- 2 p.m.-- Relief workers are making good progress, and have penetrated entry No. 16 up to room No. 6. They found one miner on the entry and one about ten yards in the room from the entry. They were evidently running when they fell as they had left shovels stuck in coal in the act of shoveling when the explosion occurred. Their car check numbers found in their pockets identified them as Gabe Maki and Y. Hunkimo. The first named was married and had a wife and several children in Finland. The other was a single man. Both were buried at Hanna. The latest word from Hanna is that the work in the mine is progressing quite satisfactorily and the workmen have succeeded in reaching a few of the bodies. The body of Chas [Felix] McKenna was taken out Wednesday evening. Yesterday the bodies of Rudolf Sella [Salo] and Gust Westerlund were brought to the surface. These bodies were all found at 16 entry. The men have succeeded in reaching this point in the last few days and there are more victims in the immediate vicinity that can be removed at once. The black damp has interfered to a great extent, so progress has been necessarily slow. The workmen have at last succeeded in bratticing up the No. 17 entry and have the fire closed off. The fire will smother soon, or at least can give the men no trouble. Upon reaching this point they found loaded cars piled up and twisted in every conceivable shape. Horses had been blown into the cars, their harness torn off and some of them found 30 feet away. Tools were found twisted and bent into all sorts of shapes. The bodies of men were horribly burned and could only be recognized by their clothing or some little pocket pieces of various kinds. Undertaker Rasmusson with his assistants, W.L. Evans and W.G. Brown have been in Hanna for several days to attend to the bodies as soon as they are removed. Coroner Bennett and the jury have also been there since the first of the week to perform their duties. Felix McKenna, the man found Wednesday evening was the father of two sons, both of whom were employed in the mine. One son, George, was one of the victims of the explosion. The other son, Chas, has been at work ever since giving all the assistance possible to help reach the bodies of his father and brother. Mrs. McKenna came to Rawlins Thursday to purchase a casket for her husband but being unable to find one that suited her had one ordered from Denver. During the last few days subscriptions continue to come in for the aid of the widows and children. In addition to the $300 contributed by the Masons of Cheyenne, the firm of Idelma Brothers of that city have contributed $50. The Salt Lake Tribune has also subscribed $50 and several others have contributed to the fund. There is now over $2,500 on deposit in the Rawlins National Bank and several hundred dollars more have been subscribed that will be paid as soon as the committee calls for it. Administrators have been appointed by Judge Craig to take charge of the estates of the dead men. Reverend Howard Stoy was appointed administrator for the estates of all English speaking people; P.A. Boyd and W.H. Jeffrey for the colored men; Frank Massaro for the Italians and A.W. Havela for the Finns. These five gentlemen will have charge of the 150 estates, the papers for which have already been filed with the clerk of the court. (Rawlins Republican, July 18, 1903)
Simon Ojala was found in room 11, and identified by his son by checks found upon him. He worked alone on the day of the explosion. His son usually worked with him, but laid off on this fatal day. The workmen proceeded along the entry to room 25, where E. Brown, a colored driver and a loaded trip are covered with a cave-in of rock and timbers and, cannot proceed further or take out any of the bodies until the debris and cars are removed. (Cheyenne Daily Leader, July 21, 1903)
July 20, 1903
Day 21
One more miner was found.
1. Ed Brown was found at entry 16 opposite room 25. He was an African American miner, age 18. His remains were buried in plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 21
One more miner was found.
1. Ed Brown was found at entry 16 opposite room 25. He was an African American miner, age 18. His remains were buried in plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
Saturday night three more bodies were taken from the fatal mine, making twelve bodies in all, which have been recovered from the mine to date. Gas in increased quantities is being encountered, which renders slow and more perilous the work of recovering the bodies. The remains of Sam Hudspeth, colored, were found between rooms 14 and 15 of entry No. 6. One arm had been blown off, both legs broken and the body mutilated. Hudspeth leaves a widow. The bodies of John Runnala and Jack Mikilla, who leave widows with large families, were found in the face of room No. 11. All the above miners were badly burned. They were identified by the car checks found upon them. All will be buried in Hanna. The bodies of Gus Westerland [Gus Westerlund], a miner who worked in room one, entry 16, and Rudolph Sellers [Salo] , a driver, were found Friday night. The face, hands and feet of both of the victims were burned to a crisp and the bodies identified only by room checks. (Cheyenne Daily Leader, July 20, 1903)
July 21, 1903
Day 22
Two miners were found.
1. Dave Jones Jr. [David Jones Jr.], an English miner, age 17, was found at level 18 at the parting. He was buried in Plot 72 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Martin Mickelson, a Swedish miner, age 19, was found at level 18 at the parting. He was buried in Plot 200 in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 22
Two miners were found.
1. Dave Jones Jr. [David Jones Jr.], an English miner, age 17, was found at level 18 at the parting. He was buried in Plot 72 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Martin Mickelson, a Swedish miner, age 19, was found at level 18 at the parting. He was buried in Plot 200 in the Hanna cemetery.
State Mine Inspector Bradbury visited the mine. He examined the 16 entry and found the work progressing well. The area was clear of gas. He visited entry 16, room 25 and found a new cave that had fallen in the past twenty-four hours. It was sixty feet long and fifteen feet high. A trip of pit cars was buried under it. The work to timber the area was exceedingly dangerous. Superintendent Brooks, his assistant foreman and a crew of men were putting up brattices between entry 18 and 20 on the manway where they found a horrendous result of the explosion. The force of the explosion knocked an empty coal trip into splinters. It drove the pit cars and a mule attached to the cars, down the manway about fifteen to twenty feet. The boys that managed the mule and the trip of pit cars were found at the edge of the manway. The force of the explosion completely disrobed the boys of every stitch of clothing and left them completely nude. The loaded trip of cars on the main slope was upset and uncoupled. Half the trip was broken away and down the slope sixty feet. The manrope runner was found thirty feet below the ten cars that had broken away. These signs indicated to the rescue miners that the force of the explosion came down the slope from where the explosion originated. The explosion followed down the main slope toward entry 22. Entries below 22 could not be examined due to high water. (1904 MIR)
July 22, 1903
Day 23
One miner was found in the mine.
1. D. Massaro, an Italian miner, age unknown, found at entry 15 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 23
One miner was found in the mine.
1. D. Massaro, an Italian miner, age unknown, found at entry 15 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
State Mine Inspector Bradbury, Sneddon, Morgan, Griffith and Thomas inspected 17 entry. The stoppings were found cool and in good order. A watchman was on duty at this stopping night and day watching for trouble. (1904 MIR)
Hanna, Wyoming, July 21 - Four more bodies were taken from the Hanna mine today, making eighteen in all taken out since the explosion. At noon, word was received that a body had been found in the main slope between the eighteenth and twentieth entries. Coroner Bennett, Undertaker Rasmusson, Dr. Wilseck and assistants immediately entered the mine at 2:30 and returned with the body. It proved to be that of Michael Speero [Sparo] [Sporro], the rope runner. The body was found lying between the rails, below the trip, which he was riding at the time of the explosion. His parents and several sisters are living in Hanna. The body will be taken to Denver for burial. Shortly after Speero's [Sparo’s] body was taken out three more bodies were found in the eighteenth entry parting. The first was that of John B. Matson, driver, a son of August Matson, a ranchman near Saratoga. He was easily recognized and his parents notified. David B. Jones' body was next found. He was a driver and the son of David Jones of Hanna, who identified him. The next was Martin Nickelson [Teofilus Koski] [Files Nickelson], also a driver, who was identified by his brother. The father was also killed in the mine but the body has not yet been recovered. Jones and Nickelson were young men of about nineteen years of age and were inseparable companions. Their bodies were found lying close together. The condition of the three men shows that the force of the explosion in the eighteenth entry was terrible. The bodies were much mangled and cars nearby badly wrecked. (WyomingTribune, July 22, 1903)
July 23, 1903
Day 24
Eight miners were found.
1. James While Jr., a miner from England, age 18, was found at entry 20. He was buried in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery in a marked grave.
2. Robert Tinsley Sr. [Robert Tinslay], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at room 16. He was buried in Hanna cemetery then later disinterred and reburied in Carrollton, Missouri.
3. Clay Tinnley [Clay Tinslay] [Clay Tinsley], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 room 16. He was buried in Hanna cemetery then later disinterred and reburied in Carrollton, Missouri.
4. Henry Lindi, a Finnish miner, age 55, was found at entry 20 room 14. He was buried in Plot 260 in the Hanna cemetery.
5. James Watson Jr., a miner from the United Kingdom, age 26, was found at entry 20 room 13. He was buried in Carbon, Wyoming in a marked grave.
6. John Malberg [John Malburg] [John Malmberg], a Finnish miner, age 42, was found at entry 20 room 18. He was buried in Plot 149 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Uriah Davis, was found at entry 20 room 13. He was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. Uriah was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Jac Nanti [Jack Wasti] was a Finnish miner, age unknown, found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
July 24, 1903
Day 25
Twenty-three more miners were found.
1. Mat Lundberg Sr. [Matti Lundburg Sr.], a Finnish miner, age 55, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Mat Lundberg Jr. [Matti Lundburg Jr.], a Finnish miner, age 14, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. George Hooper [George Hoper], an African American miner, age 23, was found at entry 18 room 23. He was buried in Plot 291 in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Mat A. Longi [Matti Longi], a Finnish miner, age 15, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. John Lundberg [John Lundburg], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
6. John Lassali [John Lassila] [John Lassall], a Finnish miner, age 46, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
7. John Honks [John Honka] [John Hunks] was found at entry 20 back. John was from Finland, age 21. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Thomas Lanty [Thomas Manty], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
9. John Blumstrom, a Finnish miner, age 39, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 150 in the Hanna cemetery.
10. John Pelto [John Peltokangas], a Finnish miner, age 44, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. Henry Wilmumsen [H. Wilmunen] [Henry Wilmunsen], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
12. Samuel Kaeria [Samuel Kaeris] [SamuelKaerie], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 back was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. Nic Laamanen [Nicolai Laamanen] [Nic Larmen], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 20 room 17. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Sakru Wilmunen [Sac Wilmumen] [S. Wilmumen], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
15. Files Nickelson [Teofilus Koski], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
16. Otto Hullanda [Otto Kankaanpaa] [O. Hullando], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 20 back . He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
17. Andrew Williams [Anti Kankaanpaa], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
18. Nic Servista [Nikolai Sorvisto], a Finnish miner, age 30, was found at entry 20. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
19. H. Rankinen [H. Hankinen] [H. Rankenen] was found at entry 20 back. He was a Finnish miner, age 25. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
20. Alf Niomo [Matti Niemi] [A. Neime], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
21. Henry Reese, a United Kingdom miner, age 27, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
22. Ole Jacobson [Olaf Jacobson] was found at entry 20 back. Ole was from Sweden, age 35. He was buried in Plot 178 in the Hanna cemetery.
23. James Hayes was found at entry 20 back. He was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. He buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 24
Eight miners were found.
1. James While Jr., a miner from England, age 18, was found at entry 20. He was buried in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery in a marked grave.
2. Robert Tinsley Sr. [Robert Tinslay], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at room 16. He was buried in Hanna cemetery then later disinterred and reburied in Carrollton, Missouri.
3. Clay Tinnley [Clay Tinslay] [Clay Tinsley], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 room 16. He was buried in Hanna cemetery then later disinterred and reburied in Carrollton, Missouri.
4. Henry Lindi, a Finnish miner, age 55, was found at entry 20 room 14. He was buried in Plot 260 in the Hanna cemetery.
5. James Watson Jr., a miner from the United Kingdom, age 26, was found at entry 20 room 13. He was buried in Carbon, Wyoming in a marked grave.
6. John Malberg [John Malburg] [John Malmberg], a Finnish miner, age 42, was found at entry 20 room 18. He was buried in Plot 149 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Uriah Davis, was found at entry 20 room 13. He was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. Uriah was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Jac Nanti [Jack Wasti] was a Finnish miner, age unknown, found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
July 24, 1903
Day 25
Twenty-three more miners were found.
1. Mat Lundberg Sr. [Matti Lundburg Sr.], a Finnish miner, age 55, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Mat Lundberg Jr. [Matti Lundburg Jr.], a Finnish miner, age 14, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. George Hooper [George Hoper], an African American miner, age 23, was found at entry 18 room 23. He was buried in Plot 291 in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Mat A. Longi [Matti Longi], a Finnish miner, age 15, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. John Lundberg [John Lundburg], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 258 in the Hanna cemetery.
6. John Lassali [John Lassila] [John Lassall], a Finnish miner, age 46, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
7. John Honks [John Honka] [John Hunks] was found at entry 20 back. John was from Finland, age 21. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Thomas Lanty [Thomas Manty], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
9. John Blumstrom, a Finnish miner, age 39, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 150 in the Hanna cemetery.
10. John Pelto [John Peltokangas], a Finnish miner, age 44, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. Henry Wilmumsen [H. Wilmunen] [Henry Wilmunsen], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
12. Samuel Kaeria [Samuel Kaeris] [SamuelKaerie], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 back was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. Nic Laamanen [Nicolai Laamanen] [Nic Larmen], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 20 room 17. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Sakru Wilmunen [Sac Wilmumen] [S. Wilmumen], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
15. Files Nickelson [Teofilus Koski], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
16. Otto Hullanda [Otto Kankaanpaa] [O. Hullando], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 20 back . He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
17. Andrew Williams [Anti Kankaanpaa], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
18. Nic Servista [Nikolai Sorvisto], a Finnish miner, age 30, was found at entry 20. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
19. H. Rankinen [H. Hankinen] [H. Rankenen] was found at entry 20 back. He was a Finnish miner, age 25. His remains were buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
20. Alf Niomo [Matti Niemi] [A. Neime], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
21. Henry Reese, a United Kingdom miner, age 27, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
22. Ole Jacobson [Olaf Jacobson] was found at entry 20 back. Ole was from Sweden, age 35. He was buried in Plot 178 in the Hanna cemetery.
23. James Hayes was found at entry 20 back. He was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. He buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Superintendent Brooks, George Black, William Armstrong, Gomer Thomas, Morgan, Griffith Thomas, Sneddon and State Mine Inspector Bradbury opened and explored entry 20. In the back entry, opposite room 25, twenty-one dead miners were found. They were recognized as miners who worked at the extreme end of entry 20. All indications showed the dead miners traveled from the extreme inside of room 25 after the explosion. It also indicated that the explosion had little force at the working place of these men. Entries 18 and 19 were found to be troublesome. Caves and gas in entries 18 and 19 forced the men to leave their work in these entries. (1904 MIR)
Numerous pathetic sights met the gaze of the relief workers when they opened entry No. 20 and found 22 bodies scattered about in the main entry and various rooms. The position of every body indicated that the unfortunate miners had realized their danger and had attempted to escape from the workings after the explosion. Some of the men, probably stronger than their companions, had moved from rear rooms to near the mouth of the entry before being overcome by the deadly after damp. The body of Mat Lundberg, Jr., son of Mat Lundberg, was found on top of his father. The boy had been picked up by the father and carried some distance on his back, but they finally succumbed to the black damp and both sank to the floor of the entry. The boy’s arms were clasped around his father’s neck. Some of the miners had been knocked down by falling rock after the explosion occurred and while they were making their way toward the main slope, for their bodies were partly buried, mangled, and cut. Many of the men were found with their caps crammed into their mouths showing that they made a heroic fight to escape the deadly gases. (Laramie Boomerang, July 28, 1903)
July 27, 1903
Day 28
Six miners were found.
1. Alec Nikkola [Alex Nikkola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Oscar Kukkola [O. Kukola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Mike Kukkola [Mike Nikkola] [M. Kukkola], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Gus Linden, [Gustaf Linden], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mat Malbert [Mat Malburg] [Matti Maimberg], a Finnish miner, age 32, was found at entry 20 room 18. He was buried in Plot 146 in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Gust Malberg [Gust Malburg] [G. Malbert] [Kusti Maimberg], a Finnish miner, age 16, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 149 in the Hanna cemetery.
July 28, 1903
Day 29
Day 28
Six miners were found.
1. Alec Nikkola [Alex Nikkola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Oscar Kukkola [O. Kukola], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Mike Kukkola [Mike Nikkola] [M. Kukkola], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Gus Linden, [Gustaf Linden], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 20 near room 32. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mat Malbert [Mat Malburg] [Matti Maimberg], a Finnish miner, age 32, was found at entry 20 room 18. He was buried in Plot 146 in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Gust Malberg [Gust Malburg] [G. Malbert] [Kusti Maimberg], a Finnish miner, age 16, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 149 in the Hanna cemetery.
July 28, 1903
Day 29
John McNeal, State Mine Inspector from Colorado and State Mine Inspector Bradbury visited the mine. They inspected entry 20 and found mixed results. The explosion showed great force at some places, but at other places in the area there was little sign of an explosion at all. (1904 MIR)
July 29, 1903
Day 30
Day 30
A work party found two kegs of black powder at entry 20. The kegs were badly damaged, but the powder had not exploded from the initial explosion. Some signs of fire were visible in this part of the mine, yet some places showed few signs of heat or flames. (1904 MIR)
July 30, 1903
Day 31
Four miners were found.
1. Harry Leakela [Henrik Laskala] [Harry Leskela], a Finnish miner, age 30, was found at entry 16, between rooms 14 and 15. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Dan Luoma, a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. John Takia [John Tapio], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Lauri A. Saari [J. A. Saari], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 31
Four miners were found.
1. Harry Leakela [Henrik Laskala] [Harry Leskela], a Finnish miner, age 30, was found at entry 16, between rooms 14 and 15. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Dan Luoma, a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. John Takia [John Tapio], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Lauri A. Saari [J. A. Saari], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
State Mine Inspector Bradbury visited entries 16, 18 and 20. The rescue workers were experiencing slow going in this section of the mine. Little advance was made that day. Detailed work was being done to make the mine safe and recover deceased miners. (1904 MIR)
July 31, 1903
Day 32
Day 32
State Mine Inspectors Bradbury and Gomer Thomas inspected the mine. After 16 days of being walled off, preparations were made to put out the fire in entry 17. (1904 MIR)
August 1, 1903
Day 33
Day 33
State Mine Inspector Thomas and Superintendent Brooks were in preparation of opening entry 17. However, caves that day in entry 16, rooms 1 and 12, occurred. Gas was generated by the caves and a small fire broke out. Entry 16 was walled off to smother the fire. Opening entry 17 was put off for another day. (1904 MIR)
August 6, 1903
Day 38
Day 38
The rescue miners reached the pump house. There was no indication of an active, open fire. The pump and back cross cut were walled off giving the miners access to the machinery in the pump room. The goal was to get the pumps in working order. It was expected the single electric pump could be in working order within twenty-four hours, but the rescue miners found the wiring had been destroyed by the explosion and not fixable. The electric pump could not be used. One steam pump was operational. The steam pump was slow at removing water. Since the explosion, the lower sections of the mine were filling with water. No exploration for lost miners had been done below entry 20 because of water. (1904 MIR)
August 7, 1903
Day 39
One miner was found.
1. Mat Jarvals [Mat Jarvela] [Mat Jarvals] [Mat Jarvala], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 17 at the parting. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
August 8, 1903
Day 40
Thirty-three miners were found.
1. James While Sr., an English miner from the United Kingdom, age 41, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery in a marked grave.
2. Job While, an English miner from the United Kingdom, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in Carbon, Wyoming in a marked grave.
3. Thomas Davis was found at entry 17 on the dip. Thomas was from the United Kingdom, age 19. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
4. James Smith, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 45, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
5. Joseph Sheffield [Joe Sheffield], a United Kingdom miner, age 36, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
6. Alfred Hapgood, was found at entry 17 on the dip. Alfred was from the United Kingdom, age 38. He was buried in Laramie, Wyoming.
7. Oscar Jacobson was found at entry 17 on the dip, at the edge of the room. Oscar was from Sweden, age 61. He was buried in Plot 178 in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Jim Delmonico [Juisto Delmonico] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Jim was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
9. Henry Ojua [Henry Oja] [Henry Ojala], a Finnish miner, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
10. Erick Longu [Erick Longi], a Finnish miner, age 44, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. August Longi [Aukusti Longi], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
12. Charles Kertilla [Charles Mertala], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. John Ashblund [John Asplund] was found at entry 17 on the dip. John was from Finland, age 42. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Herman Renko [Herman Rinko] [H. Rengo], a Finnish miner, age 39, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 182 in the Hanna cemetery.
15. Alex Kiemo [Alex Keimo] [Alex Klemettila] [Alex Klem], a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
16. Abe Neimo [Abraham Niemela] [A. Neime], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
17. John Tempet [JohnTomperi], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
18. John Hill [John Sannamaki] [John Saunamaki], a Finnish miner, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
19. Isaac S. Maki [Isak Hietamaki], was found at entry 17 on the dip. Isaac was from Finland, age 27. He was buried in Plot 193 in the Hanna cemetery.
20. August Maki [August Saarineva], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
21. Alf Maki [Alfred Makynen], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
22. S. Pouti [Solomon Pohto] [S. Poutta] [Salmun Podetta], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
23. Mat Hako [Mat Hakomaki] [Matt Hakko] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Mat was from Finland, age 43. He was buried in Plot 266 in the Hanna cemetery.
24. Sac Lakko [Sakari Kakko] [Sack Sakko], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
25. M. M. Louma [M. M. Hukanluoman] [M.M. Luoma], a Finnish miner, age 27, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 145 in the Hanna cemetery.
26. Henry Glaat [Henrik Glad] [Henry Gloat] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Henry was from Finland, age 39. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
27. August K. Matson [Andrus Kaanta], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
28. William Sakrison [William Sackrison], a Finnish miner, age 46, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 317 in the Hanna cemetery.
29. Nels Waktala [Nikolai Wahtola] [John Wattila], a Finnish miner, age unknown, found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
30. Sac Jacobson [Sakri Payhonen], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
31. Henry Kenkamper [Henrik Kankaanpaa] [H. Koskamper], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
32. Jac Niemststc [Jacob Niemisto] [J. Neimisto], a Finnish miner, age 37, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
33. Axel Cittila [Aksek Kerttula] [ Yittala Kertula] [A. Kertilla], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 39
One miner was found.
1. Mat Jarvals [Mat Jarvela] [Mat Jarvals] [Mat Jarvala], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 17 at the parting. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
August 8, 1903
Day 40
Thirty-three miners were found.
1. James While Sr., an English miner from the United Kingdom, age 41, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery in a marked grave.
2. Job While, an English miner from the United Kingdom, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in Carbon, Wyoming in a marked grave.
3. Thomas Davis was found at entry 17 on the dip. Thomas was from the United Kingdom, age 19. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
4. James Smith, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 45, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
5. Joseph Sheffield [Joe Sheffield], a United Kingdom miner, age 36, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
6. Alfred Hapgood, was found at entry 17 on the dip. Alfred was from the United Kingdom, age 38. He was buried in Laramie, Wyoming.
7. Oscar Jacobson was found at entry 17 on the dip, at the edge of the room. Oscar was from Sweden, age 61. He was buried in Plot 178 in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Jim Delmonico [Juisto Delmonico] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Jim was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
9. Henry Ojua [Henry Oja] [Henry Ojala], a Finnish miner, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
10. Erick Longu [Erick Longi], a Finnish miner, age 44, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. August Longi [Aukusti Longi], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
12. Charles Kertilla [Charles Mertala], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. John Ashblund [John Asplund] was found at entry 17 on the dip. John was from Finland, age 42. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Herman Renko [Herman Rinko] [H. Rengo], a Finnish miner, age 39, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 182 in the Hanna cemetery.
15. Alex Kiemo [Alex Keimo] [Alex Klemettila] [Alex Klem], a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
16. Abe Neimo [Abraham Niemela] [A. Neime], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
17. John Tempet [JohnTomperi], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
18. John Hill [John Sannamaki] [John Saunamaki], a Finnish miner, age 35, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
19. Isaac S. Maki [Isak Hietamaki], was found at entry 17 on the dip. Isaac was from Finland, age 27. He was buried in Plot 193 in the Hanna cemetery.
20. August Maki [August Saarineva], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
21. Alf Maki [Alfred Makynen], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
22. S. Pouti [Solomon Pohto] [S. Poutta] [Salmun Podetta], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
23. Mat Hako [Mat Hakomaki] [Matt Hakko] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Mat was from Finland, age 43. He was buried in Plot 266 in the Hanna cemetery.
24. Sac Lakko [Sakari Kakko] [Sack Sakko], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
25. M. M. Louma [M. M. Hukanluoman] [M.M. Luoma], a Finnish miner, age 27, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 145 in the Hanna cemetery.
26. Henry Glaat [Henrik Glad] [Henry Gloat] was found at entry 17 on the dip. Henry was from Finland, age 39. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
27. August K. Matson [Andrus Kaanta], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
28. William Sakrison [William Sackrison], a Finnish miner, age 46, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in Plot 317 in the Hanna cemetery.
29. Nels Waktala [Nikolai Wahtola] [John Wattila], a Finnish miner, age unknown, found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
30. Sac Jacobson [Sakri Payhonen], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
31. Henry Kenkamper [Henrik Kankaanpaa] [H. Koskamper], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
32. Jac Niemststc [Jacob Niemisto] [J. Neimisto], a Finnish miner, age 37, was found at entry 17 on the dip. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
33. Axel Cittila [Aksek Kerttula] [ Yittala Kertula] [A. Kertilla], a Finnish miner, age 21, was found at entry 17 on the outer edge of the dip. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Thirty-three bodies were recovered from entry No. 17 Saturday night and Sunday. Seventeen of these were found in a cave 400 or 500 feet from the slope. This cave is continuous from where the men lay piled up to within 75 feet of the slope. The men could hardly have escaped through this entry to the slope as they were trying to do when the black damp overtook them. Bodies were brought through a tunnel 300 feet long by H. Rasmusson and his assistants, W. G. Brown, W. L. Evans and John Thomas. In taking the dead miners through the tunnel the rescuers were forced to make their way through two and a half feet of water. Then for fifteen hundred feet more over heaps of coal and rock, some places wiggling through a space not more than two feet square and drawing their charge after them out to the main slope through 15 entry. The work was most difficult and the advanced stage of decomposition of the bodies made it equally disagreeable. The rescuers deserve great praise for their untiring efforts to bring the entombed miners to a Christian burial. Five men were found in 17 back entry. They had been wandering around, got tired and sat down one against the other and died. Eleven men were found at or near the electric hoist on this entry. They were trying to make their escape when the black damp caught them. They were identified as follows: M.M. Luoms, Herman Rengo, Alex Kleme, Henry Gloat, Wm. Sackrison, Henry Konkamper, Erick Longi, Sack Sakko, Aug. Longi, Chas. Mertilla, Aug. K. Mattson, Isaac S. Maki, Abe Neimie, Matt Hakko, John Asblund, Axel Yittals, Aug. Maki, Henry Oja, Jack Nelmisto, John H. Hill, John Tomper, John Wattils, S. Podetta, Sac Jacobson, Alfred Maki. These are all Finn miners and were interred in the Hanna cemetery. The others were more or less English speaking people: Job While and James While, Sr. gas watchers; Joe Sheffield, Jim Delmonico and Alf Hapgood, miners; Oscar Jacobson, brattice man; Jas. Smith, track layer; Tommy Davis, electric hoist engineer and step son of D.A. Griffiths, master mechanic of the Hanna mines. Tommy Davis was nearly 20 years of age. He was born in Wilkesbarre, Penn., July 11, 1883, and came to Wyoming 19 years ago. He was raised at Carbon and Hanna and was the pride of his parents and well liked by all his acquaintances. The remains of Alf Hapgood were shipped to Laramie Monday accompanied by R. Wilson, John Cole and C.M. Cunningham, where interment took place Tuesday. James Smith was a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P., and Jas. While and Jas. Sheffield were each a member of the K. of P. and these bodies were interred at Carbon by these orders. The funeral cortege was very large, many people came in from the surrounding country. Most bodies were in a much better state of preservation than those taken out two weeks ago, some of them being identified by their features. It is expected to start the pumps at once and drain the lower levels as soon as possible. This will require at least six weeks. (Rawlins Republican, August 12, 1903)
August 18, 1903
Day 51
Fifteen miners were found.
1. Elmer Matson [Elmer Mattson] [Hjalmar Raasio], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Andrew Matson [Andy Myllyniemi], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Chas. Pelto [Charles Peltokangas] [C. Pelto], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. E. Petracco [Ejidio Petracco], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Thomas Weathers [Thomas Westhers] [T. Wethers], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Mark Miller, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
7. John Passi, a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Alu Heitala [Alrick Hatala] [A. Heitala], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
9. Andrew I. Koski [Andry Korkiakaski], a Finnish miner, age 58, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
10. John Merttilla [John Mertala], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. Alfred Holm, a Finnish miner, age 18, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
12. Wm. Williams [William Williams] [William William], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. Samuel Aysto was found at entry 18. Samuel was from Finland, age 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Wm. Rassia [Wilheim Rossia] [John Raasio], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
15. A. U. Zalla [Alf Zillo] [A. V. Zilla], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 51
Fifteen miners were found.
1. Elmer Matson [Elmer Mattson] [Hjalmar Raasio], a Finnish miner, age 25, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Andrew Matson [Andy Myllyniemi], a Finnish miner, age 26, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Chas. Pelto [Charles Peltokangas] [C. Pelto], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. E. Petracco [Ejidio Petracco], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Thomas Weathers [Thomas Westhers] [T. Wethers], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Mark Miller, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
7. John Passi, a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
8. Alu Heitala [Alrick Hatala] [A. Heitala], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
9. Andrew I. Koski [Andry Korkiakaski], a Finnish miner, age 58, was found at entry 18. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
10. John Merttilla [John Mertala], a Finnish miner, age 24, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
11. Alfred Holm, a Finnish miner, age 18, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
12. Wm. Williams [William Williams] [William William], an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
13. Samuel Aysto was found at entry 18. Samuel was from Finland, age 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
14. Wm. Rassia [Wilheim Rossia] [John Raasio], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
15. A. U. Zalla [Alf Zillo] [A. V. Zilla], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Fifteen bodies were recovered from entry No. 18 on Aug. 18th and identified as follows: Andrew I. Kaski [Koski], Alfred Holm, Sam Avsto [Aysto], Alu Atitia [Hatala] [Heitals], Chas. Pelto, John Mertilla, John Passi, Elmer Mattson, W. Rossia, and Mattson, all Finnish miners; E. Patrco, A.D. Zilla, Italian miners; M.R. Miller, W. Williams and Tom Wethers, colored miners. All were interred in the Hanna cemetery. (Rawlins Republican, August 22, 1903)
August 21, 1903
Day 54
Seven miners were found.
1. John Rysbert [John Rysberg] [Juho Kuusberg], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 16 room 11. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. John Huhta [John Alahuhta] was found at entry 16 in the cross cut. John was a Finnish miner, age 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Charles Somerill [C. Summerill] [Charles Somers], a Finnish miner, age 59, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. John Hokka [Hakka], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mat Nissila [M. Nassila], a Finnish miner, age 42, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Mike Sporro [Mike Sparo], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found between entries 18 and 20 on the slope. He was buried in Denver, Colorado in a marked grave.
7. John B. Matson, a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at the parting of entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 54
Seven miners were found.
1. John Rysbert [John Rysberg] [Juho Kuusberg], a Finnish miner, age 29, was found at entry 16 room 11. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. John Huhta [John Alahuhta] was found at entry 16 in the cross cut. John was a Finnish miner, age 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Charles Somerill [C. Summerill] [Charles Somers], a Finnish miner, age 59, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. John Hokka [Hakka], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mat Nissila [M. Nassila], a Finnish miner, age 42, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Mike Sporro [Mike Sparo], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found between entries 18 and 20 on the slope. He was buried in Denver, Colorado in a marked grave.
7. John B. Matson, a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at the parting of entry 18. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Entry No. 18 was opened last night after being sealed up for two weeks. Three thousand feet from the slope, John Rysberg and John Huhta, Finnish miners, were found. Near them was a gallon of oil. They were prepared to keep a light for a week if necessary, but they were overcome by the deadly afterdamp. (Cheyenne Daily Leader, Aug. 22, 1903)
August 22, 1903
Day 55
Four miners were found.
1. Heiskamen [C. H. Heiskanen] was found at entry 16 in the cross cut. He was from Finland, age 28. He was buried in Plot 169 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. K. H. Heiskanen [Erik Heiskanen] was found at entry 16. He was from Finland, age 32. He was buried in Plot 169 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. John Hopnack [John Rapakko], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. Henry Talkanan [Henry Talkkinen] [Henry Tolkkinen], a Finnish miner, age 34, was found at entry 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Day 55
Four miners were found.
1. Heiskamen [C. H. Heiskanen] was found at entry 16 in the cross cut. He was from Finland, age 28. He was buried in Plot 169 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. K. H. Heiskanen [Erik Heiskanen] was found at entry 16. He was from Finland, age 32. He was buried in Plot 169 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. John Hopnack [John Rapakko], a Finnish miner, age 22, was found at entry 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
4. Henry Talkanan [Henry Talkkinen] [Henry Tolkkinen], a Finnish miner, age 34, was found at entry 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Cases Settled: Relatives of Forty-one Hanna Mine Victims. Widows Received $800.00. Fifty Dollars Additional for each Minor Child - Relatives of Single Men get $350.00 each. Expected that Other Cases will be Settled on Similar Basis. General Claim Agent John R. Manchester and Claim Agent W.C. Hussey, representing the Union Pacific Coal Company, have affected a settlement with a number of the relatives of the miners who lost their lives in the Hanna disaster. Orders were signed by Judge Craig today in forty-one cases and the money will be paid over by the company as soon as the several administrators file the required bond. Settlement in these cases is made on the following basis: $800.00 for each widow residing in this country, and $50.00 additional for each minor child; $350.00 for single men and $350.00 to widows residing in foreign countries. The claims settled today include eighteen colored men, twelve Finns and eleven Italians. The order which is entered in each case by agreement recites that the company disclaims any responsibility for the death of the deceased, and by the payment of the amount agreed upon is relieved of all claims of whatsoever nature for the death of the men who were killed while in the employ of the company. In addition to the amounts paid to the several claimants, the dependent ones of the deceased have been maintained at the expense of the company since the date of the explosion and the company has also paid the burial expenses. Attorney D.A. Reavill, was present to represent A.W. Havela, administrator of the Finns and Italians, and W.H. Jefferies, the administrator of the colored men. It is expected that an agreement will be reached so that a number of other cases can be amicably settled in a few days. (Rawlins Republican - Aug. 22, 1903)
August 24, 1903
Day 57
Two miners were found.
1. Carl Ruski [Charles Ruuska] [Kalle Rouska], a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 167 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Andrew Tikka, a Finnish miner, age 19, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
August 29, 1903
Day 63
One miner was found.
1. Herman Talkamen [Herman Kaskelo] [Herman Takkinen], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
August 30, 1903
Day 64
One miner was found.
1. Dan Luoma, a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
September 5, 1903
Day 68
One miner was found.
1. Fred Wilkins [Fred Willkins], an African American miner, age 34, was found at entry 18 room 23. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
September 30, 1903
Day 95
One miner was found.
1. Andrew Luoma [Andrew Luomala], a Finnish miner, age 41, was found at entry 18 room 19. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 2, 1903
Day 97
One miner was found.
1. Eric Luoma [Erid Luomala], a Finnish miner, age 50, was found at entry 18 room 19. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 8, 1903
Day 103
One miner was found.
1. Mat Tukola [Matti Tuhkala], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 20 at the cross cut 26 to 27. His remains were buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 18, 1903
Day 113
One miner was found.
1. J. H. Swanson [John Swanson], a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18 room 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 20, 1903
Day 115
One miner was found.
1. Pete Nowley [Peter Howley] was found at entry 22 at the parting inside the manway. Pete was from Ireland, age unknown. He was buried in a marked grave in the Laramie, Wyoming cemetery.
October 21, 1903
Day 116
Two miners were found.
1. Nick Massaro, an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. P. DiCesare [Passa Decasaro] was found at entry 22 cross 17 and 18. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 57
Two miners were found.
1. Carl Ruski [Charles Ruuska] [Kalle Rouska], a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in Plot 167 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Andrew Tikka, a Finnish miner, age 19, was found at the back of entry 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
August 29, 1903
Day 63
One miner was found.
1. Herman Talkamen [Herman Kaskelo] [Herman Takkinen], a Finnish miner, age 40, was found at entry 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
August 30, 1903
Day 64
One miner was found.
1. Dan Luoma, a Finnish miner, age 38, was found at entry 16 room 29. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
September 5, 1903
Day 68
One miner was found.
1. Fred Wilkins [Fred Willkins], an African American miner, age 34, was found at entry 18 room 23. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
September 30, 1903
Day 95
One miner was found.
1. Andrew Luoma [Andrew Luomala], a Finnish miner, age 41, was found at entry 18 room 19. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 2, 1903
Day 97
One miner was found.
1. Eric Luoma [Erid Luomala], a Finnish miner, age 50, was found at entry 18 room 19. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 8, 1903
Day 103
One miner was found.
1. Mat Tukola [Matti Tuhkala], a Finnish miner, age 20, was found at entry 20 at the cross cut 26 to 27. His remains were buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
October 18, 1903
Day 113
One miner was found.
1. J. H. Swanson [John Swanson], a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 18 room 20. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 20, 1903
Day 115
One miner was found.
1. Pete Nowley [Peter Howley] was found at entry 22 at the parting inside the manway. Pete was from Ireland, age unknown. He was buried in a marked grave in the Laramie, Wyoming cemetery.
October 21, 1903
Day 116
Two miners were found.
1. Nick Massaro, an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 16. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. P. DiCesare [Passa Decasaro] was found at entry 22 cross 17 and 18. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
State Mine Inspector Bradbury inspected the mine and found large quantities of water at the lower entries of the mine. Many of the miners bodies had not yet been recovered. The majority of the bodies were thought to be in entries 22 and 26, which could not be reached because of water. (1904 MIR)
October 22, 1903
Day 117
Nine miners were found.
1. Andrew Longi, a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 22. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. Phippip Marzon [Felepo Mazzana], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. D. C. Dandry [Christ Decreshentis] was found at entry 22 room 18. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. William Austin was found at entry 22 room 29. William was an African American miner. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mike Arthurs was found at entry 22 room 15. Mike was from Ireland. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Henry Sanders [Henry Saunders], an African American miner, age 35, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Jesse McDonald, an African American miner, age 22, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 301 in the Hanna cemetery.
8. W. L. Smith, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
9. Desha Austin was found at entry 22 room 28. Desha was an African American miner. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 23, 1903
Day 118
Seven miners were found.
1. Mat Longi, a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 cross cut at the face. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. James Thomas, an African American miner, age 35, was found at entry 22 cross cut at the face. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Chas. Niemo [Charles Nieme] [Charles Neime], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 22 room 30. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Wm. Pulkamen [Wilhelm Pulkkinen] [W. Pulkenen], a Finnish miner, age 34, was found at entry 22 room 30. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
5. W. O. Williams, an African American miner, age unknown, found at entry 22 room 28. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Richard Bain was found at entry 22, back at the face. Richard was an African American miner, age 22. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Ed Love [Edward Love], an African American miner, age 36, was found at entry 22 room 29. He was buried in Plot 302 in the Hanna cemetery.
October 28, 1903
Day 123
One miner was found.
1. S. Tukola [Simon Tuhkala], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 20 room 26. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 30, 1903
Day 125
One miner was found.
1. Archie McDonald [Archie McDanald] [A. McDonald], an African American miner, age 19, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 301 in the Hanna cemetery.
November 7, 1903
Day 133
One miner was found.
1. Samuel Mickelson, a Swedish miner, age 47, was found at entry 18 room 20. He was buried in Plot 200 in the Hanna cemetery.
November 13, 1903
Day 139
Day 117
Nine miners were found.
1. Andrew Longi, a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 22. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. Phippip Marzon [Felepo Mazzana], an Italian miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
3. D. C. Dandry [Christ Decreshentis] was found at entry 22 room 18. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. William Austin was found at entry 22 room 29. William was an African American miner. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Mike Arthurs was found at entry 22 room 15. Mike was from Ireland. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Henry Sanders [Henry Saunders], an African American miner, age 35, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Jesse McDonald, an African American miner, age 22, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 301 in the Hanna cemetery.
8. W. L. Smith, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 16. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
9. Desha Austin was found at entry 22 room 28. Desha was an African American miner. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 23, 1903
Day 118
Seven miners were found.
1. Mat Longi, a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 cross cut at the face. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
2. James Thomas, an African American miner, age 35, was found at entry 22 cross cut at the face. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Chas. Niemo [Charles Nieme] [Charles Neime], a Finnish miner, age 28, was found at entry 22 room 30. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. Wm. Pulkamen [Wilhelm Pulkkinen] [W. Pulkenen], a Finnish miner, age 34, was found at entry 22 room 30. He was buried in the Hanna cemetery in an unmarked grave.
5. W. O. Williams, an African American miner, age unknown, found at entry 22 room 28. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. Richard Bain was found at entry 22, back at the face. Richard was an African American miner, age 22. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. Ed Love [Edward Love], an African American miner, age 36, was found at entry 22 room 29. He was buried in Plot 302 in the Hanna cemetery.
October 28, 1903
Day 123
One miner was found.
1. S. Tukola [Simon Tuhkala], a Finnish miner, age 23, was found at entry 20 room 26. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
October 30, 1903
Day 125
One miner was found.
1. Archie McDonald [Archie McDanald] [A. McDonald], an African American miner, age 19, was found at entry 22 room 13. He was buried in Plot 301 in the Hanna cemetery.
November 7, 1903
Day 133
One miner was found.
1. Samuel Mickelson, a Swedish miner, age 47, was found at entry 18 room 20. He was buried in Plot 200 in the Hanna cemetery.
November 13, 1903
Day 139
State Mine Inspector Bradbury visited the mine to inspect the progress made in restoring the mine since the explosion. An examination of the mine was made which showed slow progress in pumping out the water from the mine. Lots of water was running into the mine from outside sources. Pumps were working night and day, but pumping the water out was taking lots of time. (1904 MIR)
November 22, 1903
Day 148
One miner was found.
1. Robert Nunley, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 14. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
November 28, 1903
Day 154
One miner was found.
1. John Clarkson was found at entry 20 room 25. John was from the United Kingdom, age 32. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
November 30, 1903
Day 156
Two miners were found.
1. Robert Clarkson, was found at entry 29 room 25. Robert was from the United Kingdom, age 38. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
2. S. H. Klaseen [John Klaseen], a Swedish miner, age 41, was found at entry 20 room 36. He was buried in Plot 205 in the Hanna cemetery.
December 2, 1903
Day 158
Two miners were found.
1. C. Ciarallo [Castanzo Ciarallas] [C. Ciarallo] was found at entry 28 inside 5th crosscut 28E. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. John R. Cox, was found at entry 28 outside 5th crosscut. John was from the United Kingdom, age 33. He was buried in Plot 202 in the Hanna cemetery. His father, John H. Cox, was killed in the explosion, but his body was not recovered and is still at the bottom of the mine.
December 3, 1903
Day 159
Four miners were found.
1. John Raite [John Rait], a miner from the United Kingdom, age 27, was found at entry 28 outside the 5th crosscut. He was buried in Plot 244 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. E. Newsome [A. E. Cooper] [A. Muzum], an African American miner, age 18, was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. William Hall was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. William was an African American miner, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. George McKenna, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 20, was found on the slope at entry 26. He was buried in a marked grave in Erie, Colorado.
Day 148
One miner was found.
1. Robert Nunley, an African American miner, age unknown, was found at entry 22 room 14. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
November 28, 1903
Day 154
One miner was found.
1. John Clarkson was found at entry 20 room 25. John was from the United Kingdom, age 32. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
November 30, 1903
Day 156
Two miners were found.
1. Robert Clarkson, was found at entry 29 room 25. Robert was from the United Kingdom, age 38. He was buried in a marked grave in the Carbon, Wyoming cemetery.
2. S. H. Klaseen [John Klaseen], a Swedish miner, age 41, was found at entry 20 room 36. He was buried in Plot 205 in the Hanna cemetery.
December 2, 1903
Day 158
Two miners were found.
1. C. Ciarallo [Castanzo Ciarallas] [C. Ciarallo] was found at entry 28 inside 5th crosscut 28E. He was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. John R. Cox, was found at entry 28 outside 5th crosscut. John was from the United Kingdom, age 33. He was buried in Plot 202 in the Hanna cemetery. His father, John H. Cox, was killed in the explosion, but his body was not recovered and is still at the bottom of the mine.
December 3, 1903
Day 159
Four miners were found.
1. John Raite [John Rait], a miner from the United Kingdom, age 27, was found at entry 28 outside the 5th crosscut. He was buried in Plot 244 in the Hanna cemetery.
2. E. Newsome [A. E. Cooper] [A. Muzum], an African American miner, age 18, was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. William Hall was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. William was an African American miner, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. George McKenna, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 20, was found on the slope at entry 26. He was buried in a marked grave in Erie, Colorado.
Mine Inspector Bradbury made another visit to the mine. Ex-Colorado Mine Inspector John McNeal and Superintendent Brooks accompanied him in the mine along with a rescue crew of gas experts. Brooks informed Bradbury that the water had been sufficiently pumped out of the lower levels to allow exploration of entries 24 through 26 and the main slope on the east side. Large quantities of gas were encountered. Seven dead miners were found on the east side of the main slope. (1904 MIR)
December 4, 1903
Day 160
Seven miners were found.
1. Nick Thies [Nick Thidz] [Nic Thies], a Belgium miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 room 26. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Ben Miller, an African American miner, age 23, was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Robert Evans [Robert Branch] was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. Robert was an African American miner, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. James Denny [James Patton], an African American miner, age unknown, was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Joe Julio, an Italian miner, age unknown, was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. James Massey, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 35, was found at the back of entry 26 at the face. He was buried in Plot 244 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. John Battle [John Bettue] was found at entry 26 back, at the face. John was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. He was buried in a marked grave in the Laramie, Wyoming cemetery.
The No. 1 mine slope was about 400 feet from breaking through to the east surface.
Day 160
Seven miners were found.
1. Nick Thies [Nick Thidz] [Nic Thies], a Belgium miner, age unknown, was found at entry 20 room 26. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
2. Ben Miller, an African American miner, age 23, was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in Plot 279 in the Hanna cemetery.
3. Robert Evans [Robert Branch] was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. Robert was an African American miner, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
4. James Denny [James Patton], an African American miner, age unknown, was found on the slope at 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
5. Joe Julio, an Italian miner, age unknown, was found on the slope at the 8th crosscut from the basin. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
6. James Massey, a miner from the United Kingdom, age 35, was found at the back of entry 26 at the face. He was buried in Plot 244 in the Hanna cemetery.
7. John Battle [John Bettue] was found at entry 26 back, at the face. John was from the United Kingdom, age unknown. He was buried in a marked grave in the Laramie, Wyoming cemetery.
The No. 1 mine slope was about 400 feet from breaking through to the east surface.
During the week the remainder of the bodies in the Hanna mine, except five, have been recovered and all but one of these is located and will be taken out today. The remains of John Raite, John R. Cox, Nic Thies, John Norkenan, Geo. McKenna and two Italians, named C. Ciarallo and John Delbarto, were removed Thursday. Yesterday, A. Muzum, Ben Miller, Wm. Hall, Robt. Evans and Jas. Patton were taken out. Mr. Raite's remains could be identified only by his teeth and a piece of gunny sack wrapped around his ankle to keep the dirt out of his shoes. There yet remain in the mine the bodies of John Battle, mine foreman, John Massey, John Cox Sr., and Axel Matson and one other whose name was not learned. These are all located except for John Cox, but he is thought to have been near the others. The last-named men were all found at the farther end of the slope on the upgrade being dug to the surface. They had constructed a brattice across the slope to keep out the gas and fire damp and it is altogether probable that they starved to death. The explosion did no damage in that part of the mine, seemingly stopping when the bottom of the slope was reached. Neither had the water extended up the slope far enough to reach the men who were more than a mile from the mouth of the mine. This would indicate, that had the slope been finished the few hundred feet yet remaining, that those beyond the bottom of the slope where it again starts up toward the surface could have made their way out alive. Perhaps those men lived several days and died from sheer starvation. There is gas in the mine at present and the workmen are proceeding with great precaution. One man was overcome by the damp Thursday and had to be carried out. A few days after the explosion it was thought best to close up the mine permanently, but the company decided not to and although it has cost approximately $700 for every body that has been recovered, the company pushed the work and one by one recovered them. The workings were completely shattered, many mining experts saying it would be useless to reopen the mine, for the amount of money that would have to be expended in the work could develop a much better property, but now the company has recovered almost all of the bodies and the mine is fast being put in condition to produce hundreds of tons of coal daily. (Rawlins Republican, Dec. 5, 1903)
December 12, 1903
Day 168
One body was found.
1. John Eelearto [Giovanno D'Bartilomeo] [J. Delbarto] was found at entry 28 inside the 5th crosscut 28. John was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
December 13, 1903
Day 169
One more body was found in the mine.
1. Axel Matson, a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 between rooms 2 and 3. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
December 16, 1903
Day 172
The last body to be found was John Norconen. John Cox had not been found yet, but he never would be.
1. John Norconen [John Notunen] [J. Norkonen], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 15 on the dip near the 17th over cast. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
Day 168
One body was found.
1. John Eelearto [Giovanno D'Bartilomeo] [J. Delbarto] was found at entry 28 inside the 5th crosscut 28. John was from Italy, age unknown. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
December 13, 1903
Day 169
One more body was found in the mine.
1. Axel Matson, a Swedish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 17 between rooms 2 and 3. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
December 16, 1903
Day 172
The last body to be found was John Norconen. John Cox had not been found yet, but he never would be.
1. John Norconen [John Notunen] [J. Norkonen], a Finnish miner, age unknown, was found at entry 15 on the dip near the 17th over cast. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hanna cemetery.
The gas in the mine was removed by the rescue miners to the face of entry 26. Two miners were found dead from the explosion at the face of entry 26. They were John Battle, the foreman of the mine and Mr. Massey, fire boss of the mine. All of the dead miners were now accounted for except John Cox, the fire boss who examined the mine June 30, 1903. He was still missing. (1904 MIR)
March 21, 1904
Day 267
Day 267
State Mine Inspector A. E. Bradbury made another visit to the mine. He was accompanied by William Ray, assistant superintendent. The entire mine was inspected. Air measurements and gas readings were taken throughout the mine. No gas was found, and the report book showed that no gas had been detected for the past two months. A new system of water supply to the mine entries was in place. (1904 MIR)
Conclusion
In Bradbury’s judgment the explosion started in entry 16 in the vicinity of rooms 1 through 11. Room 11 was the least disturbed but exhibited signs of fire passing through it. Rooms 1 through 11 were repeatedly examined, hoping to discover signs that would provide a definite answer to the exact place and cause of the explosion. No particular spot in any of the rooms could be positively identified as the initial spot of the explosion. In entry 16 the force of the explosion was violent all through the entry. Timbers and brattices were blown in every direction. The force of the explosion was so great in nearly all the rooms that solid support materials were torn from their foundations, causing great caves from one end to another in entry 16. The explosion might have been caused by an accumulation of a small quantity of gas being ignited by an open lamp. A miner filling his cartridge and igniting his powder by his open lamp also might have caused it. It is also quite possible the explosion was caused by a series of rapid shots fired from the face of the coal. The rapid shots may have created a cloud of dust and a blown out shot came into contact with the dust and an explosion occurred. The actual cause is a mystery and will remain so. (1904 MIR)
It took over 267 days for the State Mine Inspector to file a final report for the explosion of Union Pacific Coal Company’s No. 1 mine in Hanna.