Frontier Mine No. 1 Disaster: January 2011

71. Palmyra, Petari

Pretari "Pete" PALMIRO(1-2) was born on 8 April 1885 in Bagnone, Italy.(3-5) He left Genoa, Italy and he immigrated on 18 June 1909 to New York.(4-5) He renounced his allegiance of Italy in Chicago, Illinois with the intention of becoming a United States Citizen.(4) At the time Pete was living in Westville, Illinois working as a coal miner.(4) Pete was had a dark complexion, was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed 140 pound, he had brown hair and brown eyes with no visible distinctive marks.(4) Pete lived in Pueblo, Colorado in 1916, where he submitted an employment application on 22 July 1916 at Colorado Steelworks in Pueblo.(6) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Georgetown, Illinois where he was living as a “boarder” with the Joseph Giacone family and another boarder named Attilio Filippi.(5) Over the next three years Pete moved to Wyoming where he was employed by the Kemmerer Coal Company as a coal miner. Pete died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 38 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer.(3) He was single.(3)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

2. Sneddon Robert T. Inspector (Dist 1) & Robert V. Hotchkiss Inspector (Dist2), "State Coal Mine Inspectors Of Wyoming, Districts No. 1 and 2," year: 1923; report, 1923; , Wyoming State Archives on microfilm, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

3. Pete Palmyra, death certificate #1469 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. Petari Palmiro, National Archives at Chicago; Chicago, Illinois; ARC Title: Declarations of Intention for Citizenship, 1906 - 1951; NAI Number: 12024215; Record Group Title: Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685-2009; Record Group Number: RG 21, , Chicago, Illinois; Records of District Courts of the United States, 1685-2009; National Archives at Chicago, Chicago, Illinoi.

5. 1920, , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Georgetown, Vermilion, Illinois; Roll: T625_412; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 181, Pritari Palmero boarder-head of household Joseph Giacone; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 24 September 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

6. Steelworks Center of the West; Pueblo, CO; Colorado Steelworks Employment Records , Ancestry.com. Colorado, Steelworks Employment Records, 1887-1979 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016, application date: 22 July 1916.

72. Pellegrini, Carl

Carlo PELLEGRINI(1-2) was born about 1881 in Italy to Degirini Ball and Anna Necola.(3-4) He immigrated about 1914.(4) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming where he was a single man, living alone and working as a coal miner.(4) Carlo died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 42 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 16 August 1923 in Kemmerer.(3) At the time of his death he was married.(2-3)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Carlo Pelligrini, death certificate file no. 11400 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 63, Carlo Pelligrini; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 6 August 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

73. Pernice, Marion

Marion PERNICE(1-2) was born on 26 October 1890 in Santa Ninfa, Traponi, Italy to Mr. and Mrs. Stefanio Pernice.(3-6) He immigrated on 2 November 1907 to New York with a destination of his uncle’s home in Omaha, Nebraska.(4,7) Marion was 5 feet 2 inches with brown hair and brown eyes.(5-7) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Frontier, Wyoming where he was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company in the Frontier Mine No. 3.(5-6) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Kemmerer, Wyoming living as a “roomer” with the Angelo Aleo family.(4) Marion married Mary Estelle (Stella) Alego, daughter of Angelo and Mary Aleo, in Kemmerer on 18 September 1920.(8-11) Marion, and father-in-law Angelo, were all in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 32 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) Marion was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer.(3) The day Marion was laid to rest the following appeared in the local newspaper:

Lost Husband and Father

Mrs. Marion Pernice, a 17-year-old wife with one child, and who is now in a delicate condition in expectation of the second, was sadly bereaved by the explosion. Her husband, father, cousin and uncle were killed.

In the 1930 Stella was living with her widowed mother, Mary Aleo, in Manhattan, New York, with Stella’s two sisters, one brother and son.(10) In 1940 Stella and Mary were living in New York, with Stella’s son and Stella’s sister.(11)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Marion Pernice, death certificate file no. 1404 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 16A; Enumeration District: 56, Marion Pernice boarder; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

5. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online 19 July 2011), Marion Pernice; citing United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K687-597 : 12 December 2014), Marion Pernice, 1917-1918; citing Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 2,022,241.

6. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch.org, Marion Permice.

7. "Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," digital (online), Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010., Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011), Marion Perncie; citing Year: 1907; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 1031; Line: 11; Page Number: 42.

8. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 17 August 1923, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

8. Lincoln County, online: 23059, Pernice Alego; Lincoln Couny, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming.

9. Marriage Records, Western States Marriage Record Index, BYU/Idaho Special Collections, Rexberg, Idaho, online. familyhistory@byui.edu, page 114 volume 2.

10. 1930, population schedule, Year: 1930; Census Place: Manhattan, New York, New York; Roll: T626_2667; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0116 FHL #2341282, Mary Aleo and Estelle Pernice; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

11. 1940, population schedule, Year: 1940; Census Place: New York, Kings, New York; Roll: m-t0627-02573; Page: 61B; Enumeration District: 24-1064, Stella Pernice; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations,

74. Pierone, John (Giovani)

Giovanni "John" PIERONI(1-2) was born about 1883 in Villa Reggio, Italy.(3) He came to tuhe United States several times. The first time was 3 December 1910 arriving in New York and living in Diamondville, Wyoming.(3) Then he returned on 31 December 1920 to St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.(4-5) He was a married laborer who left his wife Sarafini in Villaminozo, Italy to travel to Diamondville, Wyoming to the home of a friend, Canori Girillo.(4-5) John died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 40 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3,6) He was buried in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(3)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. John Pieroni, death certificate file no. 1405 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "Border Crossings from Canada to U.S.," digital, National Archives at Washington, Ancestry.com (: online 6 March 2018), line #11 Giovanni Pieroni; citing The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Manifests of Passengers Arriving at St. Albans, VT, District through Canadian Pacific and Atlantic Ports, 1895-1954; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787 - 2004; Record Group Number: 85; Series Number: M1464; Roll Number: 413.

5. "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1947," digital online, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (: online 6 March 2018), Giovanni Pieroni; citing Passenger Lists, 1865–1935. Microfilm Publications T-479 to T-520, T-4689 to T-4874, T-14700 to T-14939, C-4511 to C-4542. Library and Archives Canada, n.d. RG 76-C. Department of Employment and Immigration fonds. Library and Archives Canada Ottawa, Ontario, Canada..

6. Cemetery-Headstone, Kemmerer City Cemetery, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming. Personal photograph, property of and in possession of Roberts Roots & Branches, of headstone taken between 2000 and 2003, Pieroni.

75. Pinamonti, Silvio

Silvio "Atro" PINAMONTI(1-2) was born about 1873 in Italy.(3) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 50 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(3) He was single.(2-3)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Atro Pinamonti, death certificate #1403 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

76. Sneddon, Thomas Rankin

Thomas Rankin SNEDDON^(1-2)was born on 15 October 1886 in Scolfield, Carbon, Utah to Charles Snedden and Elizabeth Rankin, both of his parents were from Scotland.(3-4) He appeared in the census in 1900 in Scofield, Utah with his parents, siblings, and two cousins.(5) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Frontier, Wyoming where he was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company at the Frontier Mine No. 3.(4) Thomas was described as short with slim build and he had brown eyes and dark hair.(4) Thomas married Margaret Dyett.(7) Thomas appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming living with his wife, Margaret and his two sons.(6) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 36 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 18 August 1923 in Rock Springs, Wyoming.(3)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Thomas Rankin Snedden, death certificate file no. 1399 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital, Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005., Ancestry.com (: online 24 July 2011); citing United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C., Registration State: Wyoming; Registration County: Lincoln; Roll: 2022241.

5. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Scofield, Carbon, Utah; Page: 10; Enumeration District: 0087, Thomas R Sneddin; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

6. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 63, Thomas Rankin; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

7. Robert Sneddon (son of Thomas Sneddon and Margaret Dyett), (31 May 1939), Utah, County Marriages, 1887-1940: 588; Family Search, Utah.

77. Roberts, Isaac

Isaac ROBERTS(1-2) was born on 27 June 1885 in Fenton, Staffordshire, England to John “Jack” Richard Roberts and Selina Parker.(3-4) He was baptized on 1 August 1886 in Stoke-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, England.(5) He immigrated on 21 October 1887 to New York with his mother and older sister.(6) Isaac appeared in the census in 1900 in Frontier, Wyoming with his parents and four siblings.(7) Isaac’s father, John, was one of the first men to help Mr. P.J. Quealy start the coal mining operations along the Hamsfork River in the Kemmerer area in 1897. (14-16) John, his sons and other family members were employed with the Kemmerer Coal Company throughout their years in this small coal mining community.(14-16) Isaac appeared in the census in 1910 in Frontier with his parents and eight siblings.(8) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1918 in Frontier where he was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company, Frontier Mine No. 3 as a driver.(4) Isaac is described as medium height, stout build, blue eyes and dark hair.(4) Isaac served in the military beginning 28 June 1918 in Kemmerer, Wyoming and served in France with the A&F.(9-10) He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on 22 May 1919 in Fort D. A. Russell, Cheyenne, Wyoming.(10) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming where he was living with his parents and four siblings.(11) On 6 August 1923 Isaac’s mother, Selina, died from a cerebral hemorrhage.(13-14) Eight days after Selina’s death, on 14 August 1923, John was working outside the coal mine, as a dock boss checking cars of coal, when his 38 year old son Isaac was killed inside the Frontier Mine No. 1 coal mine accident .(14) Isaac was buried in Kemmerer next to other family members.(3) Isaac was single.(2-3)

^Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Isaac Roberts, death certificate file no. 1424 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online 2 March 2018), Isaac Roberts; citing United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K687-5DL : 12 December 2014), Isaac Roberts, 1917-1918; citing Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 2,022,241..

5. Family Search, "England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944," online digital, FamilySearch.org (: online 2 March 2018), Isaac Roberts; "England, Staffordshire, Church Records, 1538-1944", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QL3P-2Z3V : 12 December 2017), Isaac Roberts, 1886..

6. "Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," digital (online), Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010., Ancestry.com (: online 2 March 2018), Isaac Roberts; Year: 1887; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: M237, 1820-1897; Microfilm Roll: Roll 513; Line: 54; List Number: 1364.

7. 1900, , population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Frontier, Uinta, Wyoming; Page: 24; Enumeration District: 0060, Isaac Roberts; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 2 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

8. 1910, , population schedule, Year: 1910; Census Place: Frontier, Uinta, Wyoming; Roll: T624_1747; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 0129; FHL microfilm: 1375760, Isaac Roberts; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 2 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006..

9. Kemmerer Gazette, "Draftees," Kemmerer Gazette, published 28 June 1918, Wyoming Newspaper Project Online (: online unknown).

10. ",'" Isaac Roberts, United States Army, personal papers of Isaac Roberts and letters from John Richard Roberts. copied from the personal papers of Patty Roberts Kolata given to jroberts lott from Mary Wagner.

11. 1920, , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 63, Ike Roberts; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 2 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

12. Death Certificate for Selina Parker,Wyoming State Archives, Barrett Building, 6101 Yellowstone Road, LL, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002, 307-777-7826.

13. Kemmerer Gazette, obituary for Selina Parker, published 10 August 1923, Wyoming on microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

14. History titled, "John R. Roberts Pioneer Miner of Frontier Wyoming." unpublished, written by Letitia Roberts.

15. History titled, "History John Richard Roberts” written by Kenneth Roberts, grandson of John Richard Roberts in 1999. unpublished.

16. Kemmerer Gazette, obituary for John Richard Roberts, published 26 April 1940 Wyoming on microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

78. Roberts, Louis

Louis ROBERTS(1-2) was born on 19 March 1892 in Nova Scotia, Canada to William Roberts and Katherine McPhee.(3-4) He appeared in the census in 1901 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada with his parents and seven siblings.(4) He appeared in the census in 1921 again in Glace Bay living with his brother Edward and Edward’s wife and children and their widowed father William.(5) Louis died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 31 in Frontier, Lincoln, Wyoming, United States.(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer.(3,6) He was single.(2-3)

After the accident, Louis’ brother William, published a Card of Thanks in the local newspaper:

“The sting of death was softened by the many manifestations of kindness and comforting words of sympathy from the many friends and neighbors during our bereavement in the loss of our dear brother, Louis Roberts, and we hasten to extend in a weak way, our deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all who so kindly assisted us; especially are we grateful to the members of the Local 2360, U.M.W. of A, and those who sent the beautiful flowers, as a last tribute to our loved one.

MR. AND MRS. W.H. ROBERTS”(7)

William and his wife Agnes lived in Kemmerer where William was a coal miner.(8)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Louis Roberts, death certificate file no. 1440 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. 1901, Nova Scotia, Year: 1901; Census Place: Glace Bay, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Page: 49; Family No: 451, Louis Roberts ; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (: accessed ).

5. 1921, Nova Scotia, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 40; Census Place: Glace Bay (Town), Cape Breton South and Richmond, Nova Scotia; Page Number: 13, Louis Roberts ; digital images, Ancestry.com, (: online digital 2 March 2018).

6. Kemmerer City Cemetery (Kemmerer City, Lincoln, Wyoming), Lincoln County Historical Societies, Lincoln County Historical Societies, index cards (: online 2 March 2018), Roberts, Louis.

7. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 5, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

8. Catholic Diocese of Antigonish, : FHL Roll: 004113956 online at Ancestry.com, Catholic Diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada baptism for W. Henry Roberts baptism.

9. 1920 US Federal Census for Wm H. Roberts family, Year: 1930; Census Place: St Louis, St. Louis (Independent City), Missouri; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 0194; FHL microfilm: 2340979.

79. Roberts, Thomas

Thomas ROBERTS(1-2) was born on 23 June 1898 in Tyldesley, Lancashire, England to John W. Roberts and Mary Tranter.(3-4) At six year old, Thomas emigrated on or about 7 December 1904 from Liverpool sailing on the Britanic.(3) In 1905 he lived with his family in Webster, Pennsylvania where his father was naturalized on 14 September 1906.(3) Thomas appeared in the census in 1910 in Kemmerer, Wyoming living with his parents and two sisters where his father was employed as a coal miner.(3-4) Thomas filled out WWI Draft Registration Cards on 24 August 1918 in Kemmerer where he was working for Will Louis in Fossil, Wyoming.(9) Thomas was described as short in height, medium build with blue eyes and light brown hair.(9) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Kemmerer, living with his parents and working as a laborer.(5) Thomas married Nellie Wilding.(3) He crossed from Quebec, Canada into the United States on 22 September 1920 traveling with his wife Nellie and mother Mary.(6) Thomas died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 25 in Frontier, Wyoming.(1,7) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(7) On that fateful day, Thomas’ brother James had gone hunting chickens so Thomas make his round for James and then went on to do his own job inspecting shots.(2) The following description from the newspaper describes the recovery of Thomas’ body:

It was decided, when a council was held, after the large crew had become tired out, that the work would be abandoned for the day, but James Roberts, brother of the missing man was insistent that the search be continued and with three others he did so. The body was finally located after midnight yesterday morning in the 7th room of the 30 entry. It had been passed by many times by the searchers. This brought the total dead to 99.(10)

Thomas was working as a fire boss in the mine and it was his own brother who found him exclaiming, “Here he is! We have got him” (11) where upon the rescuers retrieved a stretcher and brought the body out from the mine.(2,11) From the coroner’s findings the verdict being:

The explosion was cuased (sic) by gas in No. 7 room 30 Entry, same being ignited by fire boss when relighting his safety lamp, all victims of the explosion thereby meeting death.(2)

The blame of the explosion was laid on Thomas Roberts, fire boss for the Kemmerer Coal Company, Frontier Mine No. 1.

^Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Ancestry.com. U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2007., National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 921; Volume #: Roll 0921 - Certificates: 119000-119249, 20 Sep 1919-20 Sep 1919.

4. 1910, population schedule, Year: 1910; Census Place: Kemmerer, Uinta, Wyoming; Roll: T624_1747; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 1375760, family of John W. Roberts; digital images, Ancestry.com (: accessed 11 February 2018); Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006..

5. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 56, family of John Roberts; digital images, Ancestry.com (: accessed 11 February 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

6. "Border Crossings from Canada to U.S.," digital, National Archives at Washington, Ancestry.com (: online 11 February 2018), Thomas Roberts; citing The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Manifests of Passengers Arriving at St. Albans, VT, District through Canadian Pacific and Atlantic Ports, 1895-1954; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, 1787 - 2004; Record Group Number: 85; Series Number: M1464; Roll Number: 404.

7. Thomas Roberts, death certificate file no. 1391 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

8. Border Crossings from Canada to U.S.," digital, National Archives at Washington, Ancestry.com (: online 20 July 2018), Thomas Roberts, Nellie Roberts & Mary Roberts; citing Record Group Number: 85; Series Number: M1464; Roll Number: 404.

9. U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," digital, Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005., Ancestry.com (: online 11 February 2018), Thomas Roberts; citing United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System. Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.:, Roll 2022241 State of Wyoming.

10. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 17 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

11. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 17 August 1923, page 2, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

Accident of Reports of Kemmerer Coal Company 1915-1960

mine #    Name                        date of injury    time lost              compensation

1            Roberts, Thomas             8-15-21           less than 7 days                ----
remarks:  25 South entry 28 room, 3rd finger of right hand squeezed between a prop and some coal.

1            Roberts, Thomas             1-10-23             12 days                          $11.25
remarks:  No. 1 rock dump, right foot squeezed caught between the car bumpers.

Source:
hand transcribed from the Kemmerer: Coal Company Records, located at the Fossil Country Museum, Frontier/Kemmerer, Wyoming

80. Rodriguez, Joe

Joe RODREGUEZ(1-2) was born in 1893 in Mexico.(3) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 30 in Frontier, Wyoming where he was working as a coal miner(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(3-4) At the time of his death, Joe was married with two dependent children.(2)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

3. Joe Rodriguiz, death certificate file no. 1420 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. Kemmerer City Cemetery (Kemmerer City, Lincoln, Wyoming), Lincoln County Historical Societies, Lincoln County Historical Societies, index cards (: online digital 2 March 2018), Joe Rodriguiz.

81. Rollo, Joseph

Giuseppe "Joseph" ROLLO(1-4) was born on 4 September 1895 in Grimaldi, Corenza, Italty, his mother’s name was Jilomena.(2,5-6) He immigrated on 20 Sep 1912 to New York working as a farm laborer and intending to travel to Pocatello, Idaho where his brother Francesco Rollo was living.(3) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Sage, Lincoln, Wyoming.(2) Joseph appeared in the census in 1920 in Kemmerer, Wyoming living as a roomer with Frank and Mike Veltri.(6) In 1920 Joe was working as a laborer for the Railroad.(6) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 27 in Frontier, Wyoming.(5) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, .(5,7) At the time of his death he was single.(5) Joseph served in the military Private 44 Engineers.(7)

Source:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

2. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online digital 19 July 2011), Joseph Rollo; citing United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K687-5XL : 12 December 2014), Joseph Rollo, 1917-1918; citing Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 2,022,241..

3. "Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957," digital (online), Ancestry.com. New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010., Ancestry.com (: online digital 3 March 2018), Giuseppe Rollo; citing Year: 1912; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 1938; Line: 22; Page Number: 22.

4. Sneddon Robert T. Inspector (Dist 1) & Robert V. Hotchkiss Inspector (Dist2), "State Coal Mine Inspectors Of Wyoming, Districts No. 1 and 2," year: 1923; report, 1923; , Wyoming State Archives on microfilm, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

5. Joe Rollo, death certificate file no. 1455 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

6. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 56, Joe Rollo; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online 19 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

7. Cemetery-Headstone, Kemmerer City Cemetery, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming. Personal photograph, property of and in possession of Roberts Roots & Branches, of headstone taken between 2000 and 2003. Joseph Rollo.

82. Sanchez, Tom

Thomas D. SANCHEZ(1-3) was born on 21 December 1894 in Wagon Mound, Mora, New Mexico Territory to Manuel and Juanita Sanchez.(2,4-5) He was baptized on 6 January 1895 in New Mexico.(6) He appeared in the census in 1900 in Catskill, Colfax, New Mexico Territory living with his parents and siblings.(4) Thomas appeared in the census in 1910 in Vermejo, Colfax, New Mexico Territory he was 13 years old.(7) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Weston, Las Animas, Colorado where he was living with his family and working as a teamster at the sawmill.(8) Thomas married Sarita Griego in Trinidad, Colorado on 10 September 1922.(9) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 28 in Frontier, Lincoln, Wyoming.(2) Thomas was buried on 20 August 1923 in Weston, Las Animas, Colorado.(2)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

2. Thomas D. Sanchez, death certificate (includes corrections on back of death certificate) file no. 1450 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

3. Sneddon Robert T. Inspector (Dist 1) & Robert V. Hotchkiss Inspector (Dist2), "State Coal Mine Inspectors Of Wyoming, Districts No. 1 and 2," year: 1923; report, 1923; , Wyoming State Archives on microfilm, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

4. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Catskill, Colfax, New Mexico; Page: 7; Enumeration District: 0034, Tomas Sanchez; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

5. "New Mexico Births and Christenings, 1726-1918," database, FamilySearch, "New Mexico Births and Christenings, 1726-1918," indexed online, (: online 3 March 2018), Tomas Sanchez; 6 Jan 1895.

6. "New Mexico Births and Christenings, 1726-1918," database, FamilySearch, "New Mexico Births and Christenings, 1726-1918," indexed online Tomas Sanchez.

7. 1910, population schedule, Year: 1910; Census Place: Vermejo, Colfax, New Mexico; Roll: T624_913; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0043; FHL microfilm: 1374926, Thomas Sanchez; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006..

8. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Weston, Las Animas, Colorado; Roll: T625_166; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 114, Tomas Sanchez; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

9. Thomas Sanchez and Sarita Griego, (10 September 1922), Colorado, County Marriage Records and State Index, 1862-2006, (Ancestry.com): FHL Film #001690130; State Archives, , Colorado.

83. Sager, John Sr.

Juha Kustall ”John” SAGER Sr.(1–3) was born on 19 November 1864 in Finland.(2,4–5) John married Sanna Kaisa “Katie” Yimacen in about 1886 and he immigrated about 1889.(5,7) He appeared in the census in 1900 in Southside, Sweetwater, Wyoming with his wife, Katie and son.(5) John appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming with his wife, son and two daughters.(6) In 1920 John, Sr. and his son, John, Jr., were both working as a coal miners.(5) John, aged 58, and his son John, Jr., aged 24, were both killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 in Frontier.(4) The sad news was so much that Miss Sophia Sager, daughter of John and Katie, and sister to John, Jr., grief threatened her recovery from what ailment there is no indication.(8) Both John and his son were buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(4,7) Katie Sager and her two daughters published the following Card of Thanks in the local newspaper:

“Words fail us when we meekly attempt to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to our kind friends and neighbors for their many deeds of kindness and comforting words, which served to a large degree to assuage our terrible affliction in the untimely and sudden loss of our dear father, son, brother and husband, John Sager, Sr., and John Sager, Jr.; especially do we thank their lodge brethren for their manifestations of sympathy; also the donors of the beautiful flowers, in fact to all who showed the beautiful spirit of brotherly love. Their kindness shall never be forgotten.

MRS. JOHN SAGER AND DAUGHTERS”(9)

At the time of the accident, Sophia, was about 22 years old and was working as a postal clerk at the Frontier post office and Martha was about 18 years old.(8,6)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

2. Findagrave (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), Ancestry.com, Findagrave, digital image (: online digital 3 March 2018), Juha Kustall "John" Sager, Sr. Find A Grave Memorial# 44238223.

4. John Sager, Sr., death certificate file no. 1427 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

5. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Southside, Sweetwater, Wyoming; Page: 20; Enumeration District: 0055, John Sager; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.

6. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 63, John Sager Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (: digital online 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

84. Sager, John Jr.

Juha Kustall “John Agusta” SAGER, Jr.(1–4) was born on 13 June 1899 in Finland to Juha Kustall ”John” SAGER, Sr. and Sanna Kaisa “Katie” Yimacen (2–3,5,12) At age one, John appeared in the 1900 census being recorded as “Agusta” living with his parents.(12) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 12 September 1918 in Lincoln County, Wyoming while at the time he was working as a coal miner for the Kemmerer Coal Company.(3) John was described as tall with slender build with dark blue eyes and light brown hair.(3) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming living with his parents and two sisters.(6) In 1920 John, Sr. and his son, John, Jr., were both working as a coal miners.(6) John, aged 58, and his son John, Jr., aged 24, were both killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 in Frontier.(2,5) The sad news was so much that Miss Sophia Sager, daughter of John and Katie, and sister to John, Jr., grief threatened her recovery from what ailment there is no indication.(13) Both John and his father were buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(2,5 ) He was single at the time of his death .(5)

Katie Sager and her two daughters published the following Card of Thanks in the local newspaper:

MRS. JOHN SAGER AND DAUGHTERS”(14)

At the time of the accident, Sophia, was about 22 years old and was working as a postal clerk at the Frontier post office and Martha was about 18 years old.(13,6)

Sources:

1. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 1, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

2. Findagrave (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), Ancestry.com, Findagrave, digital image (: online digital 3 March 2018), John Sager, Jr., Find A Grave Memorial# 44238209.

3. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online digital 3 March 2018), John Gust Sager; citing United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K687-5N1 : 12 December 2014), John Gust Sager, 1917-1918; citing Lincoln County, Wyoming, United States, NARA microfilm publication M1509 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 2,022,241..

5. John Sager, Jr., death certificate file no. 1428 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

6. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 63, John Sager Jr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (: digital online 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

7. Findagrave, , Juha Kustall "John" Sager, Sr. Find A Grave Memorial# 44238223.

8. John Sager, Sr., Lincoln County death certificate file no. 1427 (14 August 1923).

9. 1900, , population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Southside, Sweetwater, Wyoming; Page: 20; Enumeration District: 0055, John Sager; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

10. 1920, , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 63, , John Sager Sr.

11. Cemetery-Headstone, Kemmerer City Cemetery, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming. Personal photograph, property of and in possession of Roberts Roots & Branches, of headstone taken between 2000 and 2003., John, Sr.

12. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Southside, Sweetwater, Wyoming; Page: 20; Enumeration District: 0055, John Sager; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 3 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004.

13. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 17 August 1923, page 2, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

14. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 5, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.