Obituaries of the ten men who died of toxic fumes in the mining accident that occurred on May 25, 1904 at the Williamstown Colliery.
From the Lykens Standard, June 3, 1904, “Brief Biographies and Funerals of the Victims of the Williamstown Tunnel Disaster.”
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JOHN KINNEY
John Kinney was a son of Thomas Kinney and wife and was born in Williamstown 32 years ago. His father having met his death in the mines some years ago the main support of the family devolved upon him, and he proved a worthy son to his widowed mother. He was considered an expert in driving mine gangways, and his record at Summit Branch Colliery as an honest, hard, diligent and frugal toiler was high above the average. He was on his way home when he met his death and it is a surprise to his friends that he succumbed for quickly, as he was in perfect condition physically. It is said of him that he was never known to have touched any intoxicating drinks. He married a daughter of Albert Renert, who with two children survive. Also his mother, two brothers, Thomas Kinney and George Kinney, and three sisters.
Mr. Kinney was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and of the Catholic T. A. B. Society, both of which attended the funeral, which was held at 9 o’clock Saturday morning, solemn high mass being celebrated at Sacred Heart Church by the rector, Rev. Father Kennedy. Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery. The pallbearers were John Noel, John Higgins, James Mullen, John Kilrain and Thomas McNamara. Aaron Ralph was the funeral director.
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ALBERT NAU
Albert Nau was a son of Henry Nau and wife of Williamstown, where was born on the 2nd day of January 1884. His occupation was that of an engineer and when he heard of the state of affairs in the tunnel he proceeded to the rescue of the men. Being without a miner’s lamp and cap, he took that of his cousin’s, Percy Fitch, and entered the tunnel where his life was given as a sacrifice in endeavoring to save others. This hero had not yet reached his majority, having been aged but 20 years, 4 months ad 23 days. His funeral was held on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock, and as the family formerly resided at this place the remains were brought here [Lykens] for burial. Services were held at St. Mary’s Church, the rector, C. J. Galligan officiating. Interment was made in the German Catholic Cemetery. The pallbearers were James Higgins, John E. Buggy, James Welsh, John Fagan, John Maher, and Edward Welsh. J. S. Reiff was the funeral director.
Deceased is survived by his parents, three brothers, Adam Nau, George Nau, and Mark Nau, of Williamstown, and one sister Mrs. Sophia Ward of Philadelphia.
The floral offerings were beautiful, chief among which was a bouquet from his lady friend, Miss Katherine Klinger. The funeral was largely attended. Among those present from a distance were noticed Percy Fitch, a cousin, from Shippensburg State Normal School; Miss Teressa Wahl of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Adam Wahl of Tremont. A delegation from the Temperance Society of Williamstown also was present.
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JOSEPH PUNCH
Joseph Punch was a son of Michael Punch and wife and was born in Williamstown, April 9, 1879. He followed the usual course of employment in and about the mines until four years ago, when he went to Philadelphia, where he worked until four months ago, when he returned to Williamstown. About two weeks ago he secured employment at No. 2 Shaft and was one of the six of the rescuing party who lost their lives while endeavoring to rescue others. He is survived by his parents, too brothers, Michael Punch and Thomas Punch, and three sisters, Kate Punch, Sadie Punch, and Anna May Punch. The funeral was held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, services being conducted at Sacred Heart Church by Rev. Father Kennedy. Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery. The pallbearers were Joseph Darby, Mark Doyle, Edward Mullen, Edward Maher, and Frank Doyle. R. W. Day and Son were the funeral directors. Among those from a distance were John Buggy and Michael Buggy, and Mr. Gallagher and wife, Minersville; John Dormer, Forrestville.
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MICHAEL M. GOLDEN
Michael M. Golden, the General Inside Foreman who helped the noble band of rescuers and fell a victim to the deadly fumes of the mine engine was born at Carbondale, Lackawanna County, August 15, 1853, being aged 50 years, 9 months, and 10 days at the time of his death. He was born of humble parents and began his career in the mines when but a boy. Close attention to duty won for him one promotion after another until he was given charge of Luke Fidler Shaft. He was also employed as foreman at Hickory Swamp Colliery, operated by the Union Coal Company. Later he was appointed assistant mine foreman at William Penn Colliery, near Shenandoah, a large mining concern operated by the Susquehanna Coal Cpmpany, and on January 1, 1900, he was appointed general inside foreman of Summit Branch Colliery, Williamstown, and Short Mountain Colliery, this place [Lykens].
His funeral was held at 9 a.m. Sunday, and the high esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large concourse of people from all parts of this and surrounding valleys who had gathered at his late home to pay the last sad tributes of respect to one whom they admired for his manliness and impartiality in his official capacity. When the time came to remove the remains to Sacred Heart Church, where the services were held, a procession was formed consisting of General Manager Quinn of Wilkes-Barre, Superintendent Fran Kohlbraker, of the Susquehanna Coal Company, Nanticoke; Edward Brennan, Superintendent of Patterson Colliery, Shamokin; Arthur Kennedy, Superintendent of Lytle Coal Company, Minersville; D. V. Randall, mine engineer, of Nanticoke; Mr. Muir of Pottsville; Mike Reddy, foreman of Luke Fidler, Shamokin; Charles J. Price, foreman of Black Diamond, Llewellyn; Patrick Bernie, foreman of Brookside, Tower City; Superintendent Hood McKay of this place [Lykens] and his subordinates at Short Mountain and Summit Branch Collieries; John Monahan, foreman at Brookside; Williamstown Local, U. M. W. of A; the Total Abstinence Society of Williamstown; Lykens Local, U. M. W. of A., which turned out in a large body; and hundreds of others.
Besides mine officials mentioned above, those from a distance attending the funeral were: Thomas Golden, wife and children of Shamokin; Edward Kelley and wife, Mrs. Carl, son and daughter, and Patrick Carl and William Carl, Philadelphia; Mr. Sweeney, wife and son, Joseph Sweeney, John McGuigan and wife, of William Penn; Annie Kerdoff and brother, Girardville; Patrick Higgins, Shamokin; D. W. Evans, Minersville.
The services at the church were very impressive, Rev. Father Kennedy, assisted by Father Ward of Tower City, and Father Galligan of this place, celebrating high requiem mass. Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery. The pall bearers were John Condle, Thomas Ryan, John McNamara, Edward Brown, Martin Doyle, Williamstown, and Dennis McAuliffe of this place [Lykens].
His widow, seven children and one brother survive to mourn his loss.
The floral offering were numerous and beautiful, consisting of wreaths and bouquets from the various officials of Summit Branch and Short Mountain Collieries, and Williamstown Local. There was also a sickle from Summit Branch officials, and a massive “Gates Ajar” from Lykens Local.
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BERT JAMES
Bert James was a son of John JAmes and wife, and met his sad end at the age of 30 years, 6 months and 22 days. He was born at Williamstown, where he resided all his life, and was employed in and about the mines at that place since his youth, being a miner at the time of his death. He entered the tunnel with his brothers George James and Richard James to assist in taking out the unconscious men and in a short time the three were brought out apparently lifeless. George and Richard were revived, but despite the efforts of sevedral physicians and comrades, the flickering spark of life gradually grew less and finally went out forever.
His father, four brothers, William J. James, George James, Richard James, and Edward James, and one sister, Jennie James, survive.
The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Rev. Wolfe conducting the services in the United Brethren Church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Evangelical Cemetery, He was member of Williamstown Lodge, K. of P., and Williamstown Local, U. M. W. of A,, both of which organizations attended the funeral. Tower City Lodge K. of P., also attended, joining in with their sister lodge at Williamstown. The pallbearers were George Hartman, William Boyer, E. T. Wagner, Harvey Blyer, J. Wallace Lewis, Leo Fynn, James Shuttlesworth. Funeral director, Wilmer Day.
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ENOCH MORGAN
Enoch Morgan was a son of David Morgan and wife, and was born in Williamstown 38 years ago. He with a brother and two sisters being left orphans when quite young, he was adopted by Thomas Lewis, who reared him to maturity. He was employed as a miner at No. 1 Shaft and was one of the first to fall a victim of the deadly gas while on his way home. He married Mary Lewis, daughter of John Lewis and Charlotte Lewis, who with six children, William Morgan, Thomas Morgan, Edward Morgan, May Morgan, Joseph Morgan, and a daughter born the day following his death, survives. Also, one brother, T. A. Morgan of Philadelphia, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred Day of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Dr. Ira A. Keiter of Wiconisco. The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Rev. O. E. Stocking conducting services at his late home. The pallbearers were George Filey, William Koenig, James Williams, Henry Shadle, Henry Pernell, RAichard McCready, J. F. Zimmerman, Harvey Clouser. R. W. Day and Son were the funeral directors.
Mr. Morgan was a member of Williamstown Lodge, K. of P; Junior O. U. A. M.; P. O. S. of A., and Liberty Hose Company No. 1, of that place, all which attended the funeral, as did also Reinerton Lodge, K. of P., and Williamstown Local, U. M. W. of A.
Among those from a distance attending the funeral were noticed the following: Samuel Lewis, a brother-in-law, Pittsburgh; T. A. Morgan, brother, Philadelphia; David Warlow, Plymouth; Thomas Williams and wife, Christopher; Dr. Ira A. Keiter and wife, Wiconisco; John Ellis and wife, W. J. Powell and wife, Tower City; Jesse Lewis, Levi Phillips and wife, Minersville; Fred Day and wife, Samuel Lewis, sons George Lewis, and Richard Lewis and daughter Anne Lewis, Thomas Watkeys, Mr. Long, Mrs. Sydney Challenger, Philadelphia; Mrs. Hughes, Minersville; William T.. Evans and wife, Lykens.
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GEORGE W. RADLE
George W. Radle was born at Gratz, January 14, 1852, died May 25, 1904, aged 52 years, 4 months and 11 Days. His parents moved to Lykens, when he was quite young, and only resided here a few years when his father died, leaving a family of small children, he being the oldest son. He worked in the breaker for some time, but finding it necessary to advance himself to help support his mother and the family, he entered the old machine shop under Superintendent W. E. Ray to learn the machinist trade. He was ambitious to become a thoroughly skilled machinist, and so set out to push himself a master mechanic, and this statement will be vouched for by the Pennsylvania Company, for whose interests he heartily and unceasingly labored. After the closing of the shops here years ago, he worked in Sunbury and Philadelphia for several years and then returned and accepted the position of master machinist at Williamstown Colliery, which he held till the time of his death. Twenty-one years ago he married Rosie Hoffman of Lykens, and resided here for several years, when he moved to Williamstown, near the colliery, from where he was buried Sunday. Rev., Stocking of the Methodist Episcopal Church, conducted the services at the house, where a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends had gathered to view the remains, which seemingly rested so comfortably in a handsome couch casket, and to pay the last tribute of respect to one who was truly a friend to any one in need, and whose heart ached to see a child in want. His kindness and liberality have been spoken of repeatedly, and how sadly he will be missed by his many friends to whom he always gave a helping hand in time of trouble, and by his employers and employers, whom he served so faithfully. He sacrificed many a pleasure rather than neglect his work in any way, and always tried to do justice to all. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith when a child, and held to that faith to the end. His mother preceded him in death three and a half years ago. He is survived by the widow, an adopted son, one brother, Frank Radle, and two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Doutrich and Mrs. Thomas Finn of Lykens. The pallbearers were: Joseph Duncan, Robert Beadle, George Wilt, George Kissinger, Thomas Kelly, Ed Mason, Jonathan D. Lewis, and Newton Ferron.
Those who attended the funeral from a distance were:
Edward Yoder, wife and daughter Ruth Yoder, Mrs. Priscilla Lewis, Francis Hoffman, Shamokin;
Mrs. Adeline Birklebach and son Andrew Birklebach, Enoch Jones and William Jones, William Penn;
Mrs. Amanda Klinger and son Charles Klinger, Daniel Evans, Minersville;
Mrs. Lydia Updegrave, Dan Messner and wife, George Clouser and wife, Grant Schoffstall and wife, Mrs. Rufus Clouser and daughter, Tower City;
Mrs. Jonathan Goehrig, Williamstown;
Mrs. Susan Schreffler, Lewis Doutrich and wife, Thomas Finn and wife, Frank Radle, wife and son Earl Radle and daughter Mame Radle, Mary Finn, Dora Doutrich and Harry Doutrich, Joseph Hoffman and wife, Emanuel Hoffman and son William Hoffman, Isaac Hoffman and wife, Mrs. Jonathan Kissinger, George Kissinger, Mrs. Ida Beidenmiller, Ed Lebo and wife, Emanuel Lebo and wife, Mrs. Rebecca Kuntzelman and daughter, Jonathan Ludes, wife, daughter Mary Ludes, and sons Charles Ludes and William Ludes, John Woodside, Miss Barbara Boedde, Fred Senior, George W. Schreffler, Lykens;
George McSurdy, Coatesville;
Harry Smith, wife, daughter Esther Smith and son Warren Smith, Tamaqua;
John Moyer, Gratz;
John C. Davis, Harry Hunter, J. H. Pontius and wife, Roy Hoffman and William Hoffman, Wiconisco.
Mrs. Radle desires to thank all who in any way assisted during her sad bereavement.
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HENRY FREDERICK
The funeral of Henry Frederick was held from his home at Artz on Saturday and was largely attended. The remains were buried in the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery at Sacramento, Rev. A. H. Klick officiating. Springville Council, Junior O. U. A. M., attended in a body, and also the following delegation from Williamstown, Local U. M. W. of A.;
Edward Rautzen; John Crozier; W. W. Lenker; William Boyer; Uriah Wenrich; James Cox; Harper Wastkeys; Percy Campbell; William Miller; Al Warfield; John Williams; Joseph Warlow; John Bendle; Robert Drum; Lawrence Miller; Charles Witmer.
Deceased was aged 43 years and is survived by his widow and several children.
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TORPETUS KOPPENHAVER
Torpetus Koppenhaver is survived by his widow ad ten children. His funeral took place on Saturday and was also largely attended. James Deibler and wife and John D. Koppenhaver and wife of this place [Lykens] were in attendance. The remains were laid to rest in Coleman’s Church Cemetery, about three and one-half miles east of Gratz [Lykens Township]. Rev. A. H. Klick of the Evangelical Lutheran church officiated.
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ADAM KOPPENHAVER
Adam Koppenhaver resided on the north side of North Mountain near Gratz. He also leaves a widow and several children. The funeral was held on Saturday, interment being made in the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery in Gratz.
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