Frontier Mine No. 1 Disaster: March 2011

13. Christensen, Carl

Carl CHRISTENSEN(1,7) was born on 23 December 1893 in Widstrup, Hjorring, Denmark to John Christensen and Hilder Hudela.(2,4) He emigrated on the ship Olympia sailing from South Hampton, England leaving on 23 May 1914 and arriving in New York on the 29 May 1914.(4) Carl submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Labarge, Wyoming while working for Salman Brothers as a sheep herder in the Kemmerer area.(3) Carl had blue eyes and was medium height and slender build.(3) Carl was naturalized on 29 August 1918 in Tacoma, Pierce, Washington where he was employed as a soldier living in Camp Lewis.(5) Carl was a private in the13th Sanitary Train 13 Division in WWI.(6) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming, living as a boarder and working as a coal miner.(5) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 29 in Frontier, Wyoming.(2) Carl was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(2,6) He was single.(2,4,5)

Sources:

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

(2) Carl Christensen, death certificate file no. 1430 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

(3) "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 digital 30 July 2011), Carl Christensen; citing United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.:, Wyoming Roll 2022241.

(4) Carl Christensen, 9 Oct 1918, Microfilm Roll: 132; Microfilm Serial: M1542, Washington, USA; Naturalization Records of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, 1890-1957; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D.C.

(5) 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 63, Carl Christensen; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 18 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch..

(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., Carl Christensen.

(7) 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.

14. Christian, John

John CHRISTIAN (1,2) was born in 1888 in Austria/Ukraine the son of Juon Christian.(1,2,3) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 35 in Wyoming.(1) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(1,2)

Sources:

(1) 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.

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

(3) John Christian, death certificate file no. 1392 (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 7 June 2018), John Christian, Block 88, Lot 1, plot 3.

15. Citerio, Mike (Michele Carrera)

Michele CARRERA aka "Mike CITERIO" (1,2,7) was born on 23 December 1894 in Pratiglione, Italy to Michele Carrera and Carlotta Crasetto.(3,5) At 5 years old, Michele immigrated on 14 April 1901 to New York along with his mother Carlotta and sisters, Polonia aged 9 and Pretro aged 7.(6) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Frontier, Wyoming stating he was “naturalized” and was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company at the saw mill in Frontier.(5) Mike was married Annie WORHOL on 18 July 1916 in Kemmerer.(3,10) Mike was short, medium build with blue eyes and light hair.(5) Mike was killed a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 28 in Frontier, Wyoming leaving Annie a widow with two daughters and a new baby.(3) The Kemmerer Republican describes Annie’s situation:

Saddened on a bed of pain, lies Mrs. Mike Citerio, with her little son, born two days before the father was killed. It was their first son, two daughters preceded, and the father, overjoyed, had planned a celebration for next Sunday, to which a score or more of his friends, many who were killed with him, were invited to attend.(11)

Annie also lost her brother, Paul WARHOL, Jr. and her brother-in-law John GRATISKI, who married her sister Susie.(10) Paul was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(3,4) The following appeared in the local newspaper following the coal mine disaster:

Card of Thanks

We unite in expressing our thanks to our many friends, whose many deeds of kindness and comforting words assisted us to bear the burden of our loss in the untimely death of Mike Citerio, John Gratiski and Paul Warhol at the Frontier mine, August 14; especially do we thank the members of the K. of C. lodge, L.O.O.M and Local Union 2360, U.M.W of A; in fact, everyone who assisted us, to whom we are duly grateful.

MRS. MIKE CITERIO

MRS. JOHN GRATISKI

JOHN WARHOL

MRS. ELLA WARHOL

(10)

An Affidavit filed in Crawford County, Kansas, by Paola NEPUTE, nee CARRERA, legal sister of Mike CITERIO explains the discrepancies in Mike’s name:

"Affiant further says that due to the fact that her mother married twice, the first time to a party named Carrera and the second party named Citerio and that at the time of the death of the first husband her brother Michele Carrera (Mike Citerio) was a small child. He was brought up with the name of Citerio and carried this name throughout his life, however, his legal and correct name was Michele Carrera."(9)

Mike CITERIO is the name that appears on his headstone, original death certificate and various newspaper articles reporting victims of the disaster.(3,4,8,9) Mike CARERA is the name that appears and is how he signed his draft registration card in 1917.(5)

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. Mike Citerio, death certificate file no. 1387 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. 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., Mike Citerio.

5. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online digital 6 March 2018), Mike Carera; 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-L6P : 12 December 2014), Mike Carera, 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. "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 6 March 2018), Michele Carrera; citing Year: 1901; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0184; Line: 8; Page Number: 88.

7. State of Kansas, Crawford County, Affidavit dated 2 June 1931 by Paola Nepute, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

8. Kemmerer Republican, news article, dated Friday, 17 August 1923, page 2, copied from microfilm at the Lincoln County Library, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming.

9. Kemmerer Republican, news article, dated 24 August 1923, page 5, copied from microfilm at the Lincoln County Library, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming.

10. Kemmerer Gazette, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming, Wyoming Newspaper Project online, “Wedding”, 26 July 1916. page 4.

11. Kemmerer Republican, (Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming), 24 August 1923, page 2, microfilm; Lincoln County Library, 519 Emerald Street, Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming 83101.

16. Coli, John

Giovanni "John" COLI(1,2) was born about 1891 in Villaminozo, Italy to Ferdinando Coli. (3,4,5) At age 30 and widowed, John left his father in E. Secchio, Italy and traveled to the home of his brother, Virgilig Coli in Diamondville, Wyoming located just outside of Kemmerer, Wyoming.(3,5) John immigrated on 31 December 1920 sailing on the ship Metagama to St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.( 4,5) John traveled with friend, Giovanni Pieroni, and upon their arrival to Canada, they immediately crossed the border into the United States traveling to Wyoming.(5) John, his brother Virgilig and his immigration friend Giovanni Pieroni, were all killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 in Frontier, Wyoming.(1,2,3) John was 32 years old at the time of his death.(1,3,4,5) John was buried on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming, United States.(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. John Giovanni Coli, death certificate file no. 1386 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "Canadian Passenger Lists, 1865-1947," digital online, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (: online 6 March 2018), Giovanni Coli; 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..

5. "Immigration-US Border Crossings from Canada to US 1895-1960," digital online, National Archives at Washington, D.C., Ancestry.com (: online 6 March 2018), Guovanni Coli; citing 11; arrival date 31 Dec 1920.

17. Coli, Virgilig

Virgilig COLI(1,2) was born in 1885 in Villominazo, Italy to Ferdinando Coli.(1,3,4) He immigrated on 18 December 1911 arriving at Ellis Island in New York.(4) Virgilig was 5’11’ with a medium complexion and he had chestnut hair and chestnut eyes.(4). Upon arrival he traveled to his final destination of Diamondville, Wyoming. In December 1920, Virgilig’s younger brother, Giovanni “John”, immigrated to live and work with his brother. The Coli brothers were both killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 in Frontier, Wyoming a neighboring city of Diamondville. Virgilig was 38 years old.(2, 3,4) Virgilig was single at the time of his death.(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. Virgilig Coli, death certificate file no. 1385 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "Immigration-New York Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online 8 June 2018), Virgilio Coli page 172, line 11; 1911.

18. Desanti, Henry Enrico

Enrico "Henry" DESANTI(1,2) was born on 21 Nov 1882 in Italy.(3,4,5) He immigrated in 1901.(6) Henry married a woman named Elvira, it is unknown when or where they married.(5,6) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 12 September 1918 in Lincoln County, Wyoming where he was working as a coal miner for the Kemmerer Coal Company.(5) Henry was medium height, slender build with gray eyes and dark brown hair. (5) Henry appeared in the census in 1920 in Lincoln County, Wyoming with his wife and three children.(6) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 40 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City cemetery.(3,4)

Sources:

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

3. Henry Desanti, death certificate file no. 1466 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

5. "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 digital 30 July 2011), Henry Desantis; citing United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.:, Wyoming Roll 2022241.

6. 1920, , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Election District 8, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 63, Henry Desauta; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 30 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

19. Dodorico, Felix

Felice "Felix" D'ODORICO(1,2) was born in 1897 in S. Quirino, Udini, Italy to Celste D'ODORICO and Gudita CATARUY.(3,4)On 24 Jan 1921 Felix with his cousin, Oswaldo, immigrated to New York.(4) Felix and Oswald’s final destination was their cousin, Domenico D’ODORICO in Perins, Colorado.(4) Felix was 5”10’ with a fair complexion and he had brown eyes and brown hair.(4) Eventually the two cousins were hired by the Kemmerer Coal Company and worked in Frontier, Wyoming as coal miners. Felix aged 26, and his cousin Oswaldo were killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923.(3) Felix was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(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.

3. Felix D'Odorico, death certificate file no. 1394 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "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 30 July 2011), Felice D'Odorico; citing Year: 1921; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 2915; Line: 21; Page Number: 245.

20. Dodorico, Oswaldo

Oswaldo D'ODORICO(1,2) was born about 1903 in S. Quirino, Udini, Italy his mother was Pierina Gioletti, his father’s name is unknown.(3,4) Oswaldo immigrated on 24 January 1921 arriving in New York.(4) Oswaldo immigrated with his cousin Felice D'ODORICO sailing on the ship Argentina.(4) Felix and Oswald’s final destination was their cousin, Domenico D’ODORICO in Perins, Colorado.(4) Oswaldo was 5’8” with a fair complexion and blue eyes.(4) Eventually the two cousins were hired by the Kemmerer Coal Company and worked in Frontier, Wyoming as coal miners. Oswaldo, age 20, and Felix were killed in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 18 August 1923 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. Oswald D'Odorico, death certificate file no. 1434 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

4. "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 30 July 2011), Oswald D'Odorico; citing Year: 1921; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 2915; Line: 21; Page Number: 245.

21. Dujinik, Paul (Pavil)

Pasil DUJNIK(1,2) was born in 1883 in Czechoslovakia.(3) He died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 40 in Frontier, Lincoln, Wyoming.(3) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(3) Pasil was married. (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. Pasil Dujnik, death certificate file no. 1433 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

22. Erickson, Eino E.

Eino E. ERICKSON(1,2) was born on 29 May 1902 in Sweden to Matti ERICKSON and Brieta who were from Finland.(3,4,5) Eino appeared in the census in 1920 in Maynard, Massachusetts along with his parents. According to the census, Eino immigrated in 1910 and was an alien.(5) In 1920 Eino and Matti, his father, were working for a woolen company, Eino was a yard laborer and Matti was a carder.(5) Within the next three years Eino and Matti settled in Frontier, Wyoming where they were employed with the Kemmerer Coal Company as coal miners.(1,2,3)

Eino, aged 21, and his father died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923.(3,4) The day of Eino’s funeral the following snippet was printed in the local newspaper:

Another sad incident connected with the explosion is that of Mrs. Matt Erickson, who lost her husband and son, her only living relatives in America. The bereaved widow was prostrated with grief, and no sadder spectacle ever was witnessed than that depicted when the sheets were lifted from the faces of her husband and son, lying in the morgue.(6)

Eino was buried next to his father, on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(4,3) He never married.(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. Eino Erickson, death certificate file no. 1474 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

5. 1920 , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Maynard, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_714; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 306, Matti Erickson family including Eino Erickson; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 7 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

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

23. Erikson, Matti

Matti “Matt” ERICKSON(1,2) was born on 14 September 1877 in Finland.(3,4,5) He immigrated in 1906.(6) Matti submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 12 September 1918 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(5) Matti had light blue eyes and light brown hair and was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company as a coal miner.(5) Matti married Brieta and it is unknown when and where this marriage took place.(6) Matti, his wife and son next appeared in the census in 1920 in Maynard, Middlesex, Massachusetts.(6) In 1920 Matti and his son, Eino, were working for a woolen company, Eino was a yard laborer and Matti was a carder.(6) Within the next three years Eino and Matti settled in Frontier, Wyoming where they were employed with the Kemmerer Coal Company as coal miners.(1) Matt, aged 45, and his son Eino died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923.(3,4) The day of Matt and Eino’s funeral the following snippet was printed in the local newspaper:

Father and son were buried next to each other, on 17 August 1923 in Kemmerer, Wyoming.(4,3)

Sources:

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

3. 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., Matt & Eino E. Erickson, headstone.

4. Matt Erickson, death certificate file no. 1460 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

5. "United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," database with images, FamilySearch," digital, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (: online digital 7 March 2018), Matt Erickson; 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-GM2 : 12 December 2014), Matt Erickson, 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. 1920, , population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Maynard, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T625_714; Page: 20A; Enumeration District: 306, Matti Erickson family including Eino Erickson; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 7 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

24. Essman, George

George ESSMAN(1,2) was born on 5 June 1888 in Wellston, Ohio to John Essman and Mary Miechler.(3-7) He appeared in the census in 1900 in Wellston with his parents and siblings.(6) George next appears in the 1910 census, living with his parents and siblings, working as a coal miner while his father was working in the coal mine as an inspector.(8) George and his family moved to Wyoming where George submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 5 June 1917 in Kemmerer where he was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company as a coal miner.(7) George was tall, medium build, with blue eyes and black hair.(7) He appeared in the census in 1920 in Kemmerer with his parents and siblings, both George and his father were working in the coal mine as coal miners.(9) On 3 September 1921 George married Katie Crosland in Millard, Utah.(10) George died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 35 in Frontier, Wyoming.(3-5)

From the newspaper the Herald in Louisville, Kentucky and reprinted in the Kemmerer Republican was the following account of George’s siblings who were traveling at the time of his death:

The Arm of tragedy reached from a mine disaster in Wyoming yesterday to a home in Louisville to cast sorrow over a family and end a happy vacation trip and reunion in bitter grief.

Saturday Misses Ida and Clara Essman, Kemmerer, Wyo., and their brother Clarence, of Montpelier, Ida., arrived in Louisville to visit their uncle, Mr. William Drislane, at 2428 Ransdell avenue. They had made the long journey with the happiest anticipations.

Tuesday evening, they received a telegram that their brother, George Essman, had lost his life in the mine disaster at Kemmerer. He was the rope splicer at the ill-fated Frontier mine No. 1. The telegram stated that he was one of the last to enter the mine, and is believed to have been one of the first to perish.

The Misses Essman and their brother left last night on the Pan-American for Cincinnati in order to make connection for home as quickly as possible. It will be two days before they arrive. The three were overcome by grief when the news was received yesterday afternoon just as they returned from a drive. They had planned to visit also the family of their aunt, Mrs. W.P. Lee, 1703 Edenside, wife of the local manager of the Remington Typewriter company.(10)

Also printed on the same day in the Kemmerer Republican was the following card of thanks:

We take this means of conveying our heartfelt thanks to the kind neighbors and friends for their many manifestations of sympathy during our bereavement in the loss of our son and brother, George, in the mine tragedy of last week. Especially do we thank the donors of the beautiful flowers and to the Loyal Order of Moose; in fact, everyone who by word or deed, showed their friendly sympathy.

JOHN ESSMAN AND FAMILY

MRS. GEORGE ESSMAN(10)

George was buried on 18 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery, Kemmerer, Wyoming.(3,4)

Sources:

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

4. George Essman, death certificate file no. 1452 (14 August 1923), State of Wyoming, Wyoming State Archives, 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001.

5. George Essman entry, Ancestry.com. Ohio, Births and Christenings Index, 1774-1973 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011., FHL Film Number: 301032: index, "Ohio Births and Christenings, 1821-1962." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records.

6. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Wellston Ward 2, Jackson, Ohio; Page: 17; Enumeration District: 0058, George Essman; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 7 March 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

7. "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 digital 7 March 2018), George Essman; 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.

8. 1910, population schedule, Year: 1910; Census Place: Wellston Ward 2, Jackson, Ohio; Roll: T624_1198; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0072; FHL microfilm: 1375211, Ggeorge Essman; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 18 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.

9. 1920, population schedule, Year: 1920; Census Place: Kemmerer, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 56, George Essman; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 18 July 2018); Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.

10. George Essman, (3 September 1921), Utah, Marriages, 1887-1966. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013.: FHL Film Number: 482022, Bk C p152 Lic #305; Ancestry.com. Utah, Select Marriages, 1887-1966 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014.

11. The Kemmerer Republican, 24 August 1023, page 5, accessed online at Wyoming Newspaper Project at newspapers.wyo,gov, Wyoming State Library.

25. Eynon, Frances

Francis "Frank" EYNON(1,2) was born on 15 December 1873 in Illinois to Thomas Eynon and Elizabeth.(3-6) He appeared in the census in 1880 in Coalville in Utah Territory with his parents and three siblings.(7) He appeared in the census in 1900 in Northside, Wyoming working as a coal miner and living with Henry Hikes, George Saathoff, Henry May and Archie R. Bowman.(5) Frank married Emily A. Kiddy on 17 February 1907 in Frontier, Wyoming.(10) Frank appeared in the census in 1910 in Kemmerer, Wyoming living with his wife Emily and three children.(8) He submitted draft registration cards for WWI on 12 September 1918 in Kemmerer where he was working for the Kemmerer Coal Company in Sublet, Wyoming.(6) Frank was medium height, medium build, and had blue eyes and brown hair.(6) Frank appeared in the census in 1920 with his wife and five daughters, in Lincoln County where he was working in the coal mine as a “fire boss”.(4) Frank died in a gas explosion in Frontier No. 1 coal mine on 14 August 1923 at the age of 49 in Frontier.(3,9) He was buried on 17 August 1923 in the Kemmerer City Cemetery.(3,9)

A week after Frank was buried; Frank’s siblings published the following opinion in the local newspaper:

We, the sister and the brothers of Frank Eynon, who was killed in the mine explosion at Frontier, Wyo., August 14, wish to extend our thanks to the many friends of his family for their acts of kindness and words of sympathy in the hours of their bereavement and also wish to exonerate all those who at the same time made the supreme sacrifice with their lives, despite the findings of a coroner's jury to the contrary, notwithstanding, fully realizing they were all victims of a cruel social order, whereby that when vast fortunes are acquired from any given industry it is necessary that the workers in that industry shall pay the price of such fortunes in sweat or blood.

Unfortunately our brother and his 98 comrades, in this instance, through their economic necessity were called upon to pay both which thousands of our comrades have done before and will continue to do until we all awake to a realization of our economic status as workers.

WM. EYNON

T.F. EYNON

MRS. MARTHA THOMAS(11)

Signed by Frank’s grieving siblings, WM-William Eynon, T.F.-Thomas Eynon and Martha (Eynon) Thomas. Frank was survived by his wife, Emily and 5 dependent daughters ranging in age from 17 years to 6 years old.(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. Frank Eynon, death certificate file no. 1432 (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 4, Lincoln, Wyoming; Roll: T625_2027; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 58, Frank eynon; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 18 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. 1900, population schedules, Year: 1900; Census Place: Northside, Sweetwater, Wyoming; Page: 16; Enumeration District: 0054, Frank Eynon; digital images, Ancestry.com (online : online digital 18 July 2018); Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004..

6. "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 digital 7 March 2018), Frank Eynon; 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.

7. Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, Records of the Bureau of the Census; , Record Group 29, NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls, Year: 1880; Census Place: Coalville, Summit, Utah; Roll: 1338; Page: 14D; Enumeration District: 072, online digital/7 March 2018, National Archives,, Washington, D.C..

8. 1910, population schedule, Year: 1910; Census Place: Kemmerer, Uinta, Wyoming; Roll: T624_1747; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 1375760, Frank Eysan; digital images, Ancestry.com (: online digital 18 July 2011); Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006..

9. 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., Francis Eynon.

10. Marriage Records, Western States Marriage Record Index, BYU/Idaho Special Collections, Rexberg, Idaho, online. familyhistory@byui.edu, Marriage ID#178562, Volume D, page 309.