Gillespie, Illinois
History    &    Genealogy

Gillespie, Illinois & Surrounding Area
Coal Mines and Mining
Mine First Aid and Rescue

Gillespie, Illinois and Superior Coal Company First-Aid and Rescue Contests
December 10, 1912    -    December 9, 1913    -    December 8, 1914    -    May 20, 1916

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Superior Coal Co. Mine Rescue Station 1912 Annual Coal Report1 The Superior Coal Company, Gillespie       In regard to measures of safety, first aid, mine rescue and inspection service, this company has made some material progress. The position of mine inspector, whose duty it is to go through the mine and observe any violations of the law by the company, or miners, and keep the main office informed at all times as to the condition of ventilation, fire-fighting equipment, traveling ways, etc., has been created.

Photograph from : The Colliery Engineer3

A safety inspector, or face boss, as generally called in some places, has been employed to visit the working faces, talk with the miners, inform them on matters pertaining to their safety and give them such orders as he may deem necessary for their protection. This inspector is also under instructions to stop work at any place which he considers unsafe, until it is made safe; he is also to make a detailed record of all cases where he finds the miner neglectful of his own safety, which is filed in the main office.       The cooperation of the State and county inspectors. Miners' local officials, and every one interested in the work is enlisted and no effort is spared to make safety the first consideration at all times. Mottoes are printed on all pay envelopes of the miners, suggesting the importance of their looking after their own safety and warning them of the constant danger incident to coal mining.       The first aid corps was organized there at the time the rescue car, "Superior", visited that place, and all expenses of their training and equipment was paid by the company. The interest in this work is maintained by the company as well as by the miners, and it is a source of pride to see the miners showing such zeal in the work. Red Cross emergency outfits are furnished at each mine and these first aid men are called on to attend every injury requiring surgical attention. This corps of first aid men are graduates of the Rescue Station at Springfield, and a class of students are being instructed by them in first aid and rescue work; regular sessions being held weekly for the purpose. To further equip this department the following has been purchased, to be used in the rescue stations at the mine: Three Draeger mouth breathing, 2-hour rescue apparatus, 3 Draeger emergency ½-hour capacity complete, 3 Fluess proto apparatus complete, 1 pulmotor complete, with extra oxygen cylinder, electric handlights, extra charging tanks, supply tanks, testing apparatus and complete recharging devices. This equipment is divided between the three mines and a properly arranged rescue station at the general office, where three sets of the apparatus with the pulmotor and the charging device will be kept for service at either mine.

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Newspaper Extract4 November 30, 1911       The Mine Rescue Car "Superior" will be on the Big Four side track in Gillespie Saturday morning and the gentlemen in charge of the car expects to give a demonstration Saturday evening in the miner's hall, to which every miner in this section is welcome.       The car has been at Benld for over a week and while there six classes of six men each have been organized and drilled in the rescue work, which will be a great aid to the miners should they be so unfortunate as to meet a mine disaster.

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1913 Annual Coal Report5       The Superior Coal Company, Gillespie, Macoupin County, has made many important changes and additions to its equipment.       Interest has been maintained in First Aid and Rescue Work, and, in December, 1912, this company conducted, at its own expense, a contest in First Aid to the Injured, which placed it in the lead in First Aid Work. A valuable trophy was awarded and a splendid program rendered. Prominent mine men of the State and community were present. The company has, during the past year, provided a supply of enameled steel signals, signifying danger, pointing the way to the surface, hands off, and adopted the Illinois Legal Code of Hoisting Signals.

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Coal Age6 December 27, 1913 An Illinois First-Aid Meet SYNOPSIS -- A rescue meet in which the labor union joins with a coal company in offering prizes and directing the events.       The Superior Coal Co., of Gillespie, Ill., has three of the largest coal mines in the state. The No. 3 mine has a record of 4748 tons hoisted in an 8-hr. shift and the 3 mines often produce 12,000 tons in one day.       The Superior mines are officered wholly by progressive young men and are the leaders in any work which will make coal mining safer and more efficient. From the beginning of the safety movement they have been warm advocates and supporters of the mine-rescue and first-aid development.       A room has been fitted at the general offices, with Draeger and Fluess rescue helmets and first-aid and mine-rescue equipment. A pulmotor with charged oxygen cylinder is always ready for use in the mines or in town. Last fall the first of a series of annual field days was held in Gillespie and the Superior Coal Co. presented a beautiful trophy as first prize.       The company is a subsidiary of the Chicago & Northwestern Ry. Co., its mines being located on the Southern Illinois division of that road which has just been completed. On Nov. 18, 1913, President W. A. Gardner, of that railway, who is also president of the Superior Coal Co., amde an inspection of the new division and, as he had always been interested in the first-aid movement, it was decided to demonstrate to him and the directors what progress had been made, and an exhibition was given despite the fact that the annual meet ws approaching, being scheduled for Dec. 9.

The Mine-Rescue Exhibition

Photograph from : Coal Age6

The exhibition was furnished by the first-aid team (Champion No. 1) of the Superior Coal Co., which won the trophy presented by the corporation at the State Fair on Oct. 10, 1913. It consists of miners from mines Nos. 1 and 2. All the members hold Red Cross certificates. The captain is John K. Fraser, assistant mine manager at No. 2 minewho was a captain of one of the rescue teams at the Cherry disaster. The other members were W. Lyons, assistant mine manager at No. 1 mine, J. McMillen, assistant mine manager at No. 3, D. D. Wilcox, assistant chief engineer, and A. W. Carroll, mining engineer at No. 2.

The drawing shows the transformation whereby the carpenter shop at at No. 3 mine was made to look like a room off an entry. It was assumed that an explosion had taken place in the mine. As soon as it occurred, the rescue squad was called to the office and was met by Assistant Superintendent Shanahan, who as mine manager told the squad what had happened. On arriving at the mine, they were told that checks 301 and 302 were still on the board and that Jones and Smith were, therefore, still below. The helmets were examined and put on immediately and the squad in charge of John Fraser, the captain, started into the mine.

Photograph from : Coal Age6

The men carried Wolf and electric safety lamps and made tests for gas as they proceeded. The room was filled with smoke (sulpher and formaldehyde being used to produce the required effect) and a man, a dummy, was found at the point marked on the drawing. The dummy was carried out and on reaching the surface, the first-aid men received the body and substituing a live person performed resuscitatory work on him with the pulmotor with the help of J. Boston, safety inspector.       The rescue teams then reentered the mine in search of Smith and found his cap and lamp near a fall of slate. A messenger was sent out to get the first-aid men and ventilation being reestablished they entered the room and removed the patient on a stretcher, the rescue men meanwhile having lifted the slate fall from his prostrate body.       The victim was treated for the following injuries: a scalp wound. lacerated left shoulder, compound fracture of the right forearm, fractured right leg and shock sufficient to render him unconscious.

The First-Aid Contest
A first-aid contest was held on Dec. 9, in the Colonial Theater in Gillespie and four towns were represented in the competition, namely, Cuba, Breeze, Harrisburg and Gillespie. The contests opened at 9 a. m. with music on main street by the local band. D. D. Wilcox, assistant mining engineer of the Superior Coal Co., acted as chairman and called the convention to order.	Photograph furnished by Jill Secoy
John Ross, superintendent of the Superior Coal Co., addressed the meeting and expressed his regrets that General Superintendent John P. Reese could not be present as he had been obliged to go to Iowa to attend an important meeting of the operators of that state held to consider the new contract with the miners to be made Apr. 1, 1914. All Local Authorities Represented       The Methodist preacher, Rev. Spragg, Frank Hoehn, the superindent of the Gillespie schools, James Taylor, the state mine inspector and Thomas Downie, president of local No. 730, were the speakers. The reader will do well to examine this list of speech-makers because only by combining all the forces mentioned can a successful campaign for safety be commenced. Mr Downie explained that the local of which he was president appreciated the movement and had donated money to its support.       The Superior Coal Co. has always realized that success in first-aid work depends on the interest that the employees take in their efforts and the officials understand that the utmost they can do is to encourage and assist, for the real execution lies with the miner himself.       Teh judges in the contest were A. F. Knoefel, surgeon for the Vandalia Coal Co. and first vice-president of the American Mine Safety Association, Dr. George A. Clotfelter, of Hillsboro, and Dr. Hopkins, of Chicago, chief surgeon of the Chicago & Northwestern Ry.
The Events
The first problem in the first-aid contest was a one-man event in which 6 men competed.       Two men are entering a mine on an electric locomotive. The trolley wire is down and knocks the trip rider from the motor. The accident happens at a dip where the water has been allowed to accumulate. The trip rider falls under the motor sustaining a fractured thigh and a cut in the groin. The wire when it fell on him gave him a severe shock.       Fullerton Fulton, of Gillespie, received first prize, Bert Peck, of Harrisburg, second, and Thomas Trigg, of Cuba, third.
In the afternoon, the Gillespie Pipe Band gave a selection after which nine teams in the following two-man event:       Two men cutting coal in a room fail to set a prop close to the face. One who is shoveliingslack is caught by a fall of slate and coal. The driver comes by and the uninjured man calls on him for assistance. The nature of the injury sustained is a compound fracture of both bones of the left leg just above the ankle, calf badly lacerated, severe hemorrhage, right ear also badly lacerated and an incised wound on left temple.	Photograph from : Coal Age6 The Gillespie Pipers Composed of Miners Working in the Superior Coal Co.'s Mines
James Struthers and James Weir, of Gillespie won first prize and Charles Miller and John Cowden of same place took second.       The next contest was a full-team event.       There had been an explosion in a mine and a driver has been injured in the following manner: Fracture of left arm and elbow, fracture on the right side of chest, including seventh, eight and ninth ribs, fracture of pelvis at middle line in front. Patient unconscious. Adopt the proper treatment and carry the patient 20 ft. on a stretcher.       There were five teams competing. The Cuba team took first prize, Gillespie team No. 2 second prize and Breeze No.4 third prize.
The Awards
The following prizes were awarded for the team contest:       First Prize - Superior Coal Co.'s trophy for one year with names of contestants engraved. $ 25 cash donated by Local Union No. 730, U. M. W. of A. An American Mine Safety medal, Red Cross medal and a book entitled "Questions and Answers" were given to each participant, the latter being presented by James Taylor, state mine inspector.       Second Prize - $ 15 cash. A solid gold medal was presented by Superior Coal Co., and a book a book on "Question and Answers" was donated by James Taylor to each participant.       Third Prize - $ 10 cash. Solid silver medal presented to each participant by Superior Coal Co.       The prizes for the one-man event were as follows:       First Prize - Trophy awarded by the Superior Coal Co. $10 cash awarded by Local Union 730, U. M. W. of A. American Red Cross medal and American Safety Association medal.       Second Prize - $ 5 cash and a solid gold medal presented by the Superior Coal Co.       Third Prize - $ 3 cash and a solid silver medal presented by the Superior Coal Co.       The prizes for the two-man event were:       First Prize - One 17-jewel Waltham gold watch presented by the Superior Coal Co.'s officials to each participant.       Second Prize - One solid gold ring to each participant, given by the officials of the Superior Coal Co.       Among the visitors were Oscar Cartidge, manager of the state rescue stations; Dave Reese, Superintendent of No. 1 mine of the Peabody Coal Co., of Kincaid, Ill.; Harm Young, district superintendent of Peabody mines, Taylorville, Ill.; Thomas English, superintendent of rescue station, Springfield, Ill., and R. Y. Williams, engineer in rescue department, Bureau of Mines.       The meeting was under the auspices of Local 730 of the United Mine Workers' Union, the American Mine Safety Association and the Superior Coal Company.

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The Colliery Engineer3 September, 1914 Superior Coal Co.'s Record - -       The three mines of the Superior Coal Co. in Macoupin County, Ill., in the central part of the state [production numbers ommitted]       The record for production is not the only thing to commend at these mines; for instance, there were three fatal and 23 non-fatal accidents for the year, the non-fatal accidents considered were only those which caused the loss of 30 or more days' time. No. 2 mine has not had a fatal accident for nearly two years, and in that time has produced 2,000,000 tons of coal.       These mines have made a very good record since they were opened, and it would not be surprising if the year 1915 surpassed the record of 1914.       John P. Reese, general superintendent, and Joh Ross, his assistant, at Gillespie, are active in the "Safety First" movement, and are sincere in their efforts to bring about a new order of things, whereby mine accidents can be reduced to the minimum, and suffering therefrom be decreased. Rescure Station Examination - -       The State Civil Service Commission of Illinois will hold an examination at the Mine Rescue Station, Springfield, on September 5, 1914, to provide an eligble list of persons qualified to act in the position of Assistant at the three mine rescue stations of this state, located at LaSalle, Springfiled, and Benton. The salary limits are $75 to $100 a month, and the age limits are 21 to 50 years. The examination, which will be mostly oral, will take up the training and experience of the applicant and will include questions and practical tests on the use of mine rescue apparatus, mine fire fighting, helmet work, first aid to the injured, and methods of preventing mine fires and accidents, and will include a very rigid physical examination.

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Coal Age7 January 16, 1915
First-Aid Contest at Gillespie, Ill.
The third annual meet, under the united ausoices of the American Mine Safety Association, Local Union No. 730 of Mine No. 1, and the Superior Coal Co., was held Dec. 8 at the Colonial Theater, Gillespie, Ill. Nine teams contested in the full-team event, 18 teams in the two-man and 38 in the individual event.       The judges were Dr. August F. Knoefel, president of the American Mine Safety Association, Terre Haute, Ind.; Dr. C. W. Hopkins, chief surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern R.R., Chicago, Ill., and Dr. H. C. Blankmeyer, local president of the American Red Cross, Springfield, Ill. The recorders were F. F. Jorgensen, chief engineer for the Superior Coal Co., and H. D. Easton, instructor in the Illinois Miners' and Mechanics Institutes. The managing committee consisted of J. Boston, chairman; J. R. Greer, secretary; J. Clarkson, C. Miller and J. Struthers       John P. Reese, general manager of the Superior Coal Co., called the house to order at 9:30 and announced J. Boston as chairman of the day. After a short address of welcome by Mayor Rice, the individual contest started. Owing to the large number of entries and the consequent necessity of working in groups of six, this event occupied all of the forenoon.
Photograph from : Coal Age7 Winners of First Place, Full Team Event No. 3 Team, Gillespie First-Aid Association       From Left to right: John Aitken, Fullerton Fulton, Sr., captain; Fullerton Fulton, Jr., James Fulton, S. Trainer, the patient is not present.	Photograph from : Coal Age7 James Boston and His Boys' First -Aid Team, The members of which received State Diplomas       From Left to right: Richard Harris, captain; Phillip Shanahan, John Shanahan, James Bergen, Willie Carroll, Bartlett Carroll
One-Man Event
Only five minurtes' time was allowed for the one-man event, which was as follows : Subject is supposed to be lying down and engaged in undercutting with a pick when he is caught by a fall of coal and has the right side of the scalp lacerated, the right ear town off and the right jaw broken.       Few of the men were able to perform this test within the specified time. The rules of the contest allowed each man one minute in which to read the slip which stated the injuries, and then the slips were taken from the men and the word "Go" was given.       This contest resulted in four ties that were worked off immediately after dinner. The problem given for the tie was a dislocation of the right shoulder. Eight minutes' time was allowed, which was about twice as long as any of the men needed.       The winners and the prizes awarded for the individual contest were as follows: (1) Trophy cup, American Mine Safety Association medal, American Red Cross medal and $5 cash, won by J. Vrabel, Breeze, Ill.; (2) Gold medal and $5 cash, won by W. B. Griffths, Cuba, Ill.; (3) Silver medal and $2.50 cash, won by J. Struthers, Gillespie, Ill.       There were in all 18 prizes, consisting of cash and articles of utility.
Two-Man Event
Eight minutes' time was allowed for the two-man event, the following problem being offered: "While three men were engaged in taking down slate, one of them was caught and sustained a compound fracture of the lower third of the right leg, with bright red blood."       In this case also one minute eas allowed each captain to read the slip, after which the first-aid work was done from memory. The allotted time proved ample.       The winners and prizes awarded in this event were as follows: (1) Two solid gold rings, presented by officials of the Superior Coal Co., and two American Red Cross medals, won by J. Struthers and W. Hood, Gillespie, Ill.; (2) Two pairs of gold cuff buttons, presented by the officials of the Superior Coal Co., won by J. Easton and J. Fulton, Gillespie, Ill.       There were two other prizes, also donated by the officials of the Superior Coal Co.       Undoubtedly Gillespie stands at the very head of first-aid work in Illinois, having the greatest number of first-aid teams and of trained men. The spirit of first-aid is in the very air of the town and is evidenced not only by contests, weekly meetings of first-aid societies, etc., but also by practical results obtained by its application in the mines.
Boys Event
After the two-man event, J. Boston introduced his boy team, comprising R. Harris, captain, age 12; J. Bergen, age 12; P. Shanahan, age 11; J. Shanahan, age 9; Willie Carroll, age 11; Walter Carroll, age 8.       The first problem given was the boys was that of a simple fracture of the right femur, a simple fracture of the left forearm and a scalp wound on top of the head. The second problem was that of a fracture of the left collar-bone and shoulder.       These small boys performed their work so well that it looked as though they would prove dangerous rivals to teams composed of grown men. On Dec. 3, Thomas English, of the Illinois Mine Rescue Station Commission, examined these boys and they passed the state examination in first-aid in a creditable manner. Oscar Cartlidge, manager of the commission, presented the state diplomas and commended them for the excellent showing thay had made in their examination. It is unusual for youths of such a tender age to pass state examinations of this kind, but after witnessing their exhibition work it was evident to the spectators that they are well qualified and worthy of such an honor.
Discount or Demerit List
The discounts in use are worthy of consideration, as they differ somewhat from those in Miners' Circular 15 of the Bureau of Mines, and perhaps suggest more mature consideration. As J. P. Reese and Dr. R. F. Knoefel, past and present presidents of the American Mine Safety Association, respectively, were both prominent in the program, the meeting was evidently official, and the discount list must have the support of leading officers of the association.       The last item in the list is entirely new. This refers to controlling hemorrhage. The 14th and 15th items, which also relate to blood control, are given increased weight, as is also "ineffective artificial respiration" and "incorrect treatment." "Failure to aseptic" and "unclean first-aid material" are less heavily penalized. On the whole, we believe all these changes are good. Another improvement is an increase in penalty for splints improperly padded or applied.       We have added, for comparison, to the list given below the old National Mine Rescue and First-aid Conference's discounts. The Gillespie demerits are the outcome of discussion of these earlier attempts at a fair assessment of defects in treatment , and we think show a big improvement. The changes in many cases are such as have been advocated editorially in "Coal Age." We have added the Utah Fuel Co.'s scale for comparison. It should be stated that not only the discounts, but their description and orderhave been changed. Hence, only the Gillespie counts are stated with verbal correctness in this table:
Comparative Demerit Lists
Gillespie Meet    Miners' Circular 15 *    N. M. R. & F. A. C. **    U. F. C. *** 1.   Not doing the most important thing first 6    5    2    5 2.   Failure of captain to command properly 1    2    2    2 3.   Slowness in work and lack of attention 2    4    2    2 4.   Failure to entirely cover wound or ignorance of location of injury 4    4    2    2 5.   Ineffective artificial respiration 11    10    2    5 6.   Splints improperly padded or applied 6    2    2    2 7.   Tight, loose or improperly applied bandages 5    6    2    2 8.   Insecure or :granny" knot 4    5    2    2 9.   Un-clean first-aid material 3    5    . .    . . 10.   Failure to have on hand sufficient and proper material to complete a dressing 3    5    . .    . . 11.   Lack of neatness 2    5    . .    2 12.   Awkward handling of patient 4    2    2    2 13.   Assistance lent by patient 3    5    3    3 14.   Tourniquet improperly applied 7    5    3    5 15.   Failure to stop bleeding 8    5    5    5 16.   Not treating shock 5    5    5    5 17.   Failure to be aseptic 7    10    10    5 18.   Incorrect treatment 12    10    . .    . . 19.   Failure to temporarily control hemorrhage until tourniquet is applied 7    . .    . .    . .       * Published August, 1913, by the Bureau of Mines.       ** Schedule of National Mine Rescue and First-Aid Conference, Sept. 23, 1912.       *** Utah Fuel Co. meets at Castle Gate, Utah, July 24, 1914, and Price, Utah, Sept. 26, 1914.
Full-Team Event
The team contest closed the afternoon program. The nine teams, each consisting of five men, one of whom was the patient, were handled in groups of three. the problem was: A motor has "jumped" the track, knocking out the leg of a timber set and allowing the timber and slate to fall. The trip rider is caught under the slate and is found between the rails and in water. On examination it is noted that his right hand is cut off at the wrist, the fifth, sixth and seventh ribs of the right side are fractured and the outer third of the right clavicle has compound fracture. The patient is in shock and is spitting blood.       After allowing 1½ min. for the captains to read their slips, 15 minutes' time was given for the work, and this proved more than was needed. In this event the captains retained their slips.       The winners and prizes were as follows:       (1) Superior Coal Co. trophy cup, five American Mine Safety Association medals, five American Red Cross medals, $20 cash donated by Local Union No. 730 of Mine No. 1 -- Won by Gillespie First-Aid Association No. 3 Team; F. Fulton, captain; J. Aitken, J. Fulton, F. Fulton, Jr., and S. Trainer, patient.       (2) Five gold medals presented by Superior Coal Co. and $15 cash donated by Local Union No. 730 of Mine No. 1 -- Won by Cuba, Ill.; T. B. Trigg, captain; W. B. Griffiths, G. H. Trigg, J. Griffiths, and K. Hogan, patient.       (3) Five silver medals donated by Superior Coal Co. and $10 cash given by Local Union No. 730 of Mine No. 1 -- Won by Farmington First-Aid Team; W. Brown, captain; W. Prosser, W. Crane, W. Watson, and R. Connell, patient.       There were four other prize-winning teams.
Evening Session
At. 7 p.m. the prizes were awarded by Dr. C. W. Hopkins, John P. Reese and others. The crowd was so great that it became necessary to close the doors of the opera house before the evening session began. The U. S. Bureau of Mines' kinematograph of coal-mining operations was a great drawing card. However, there was much interest shown by the public during the day and the house was full throughout the afternoon as well as in the evening.       The Superior Coal Co. trophy cup was awarded by Mr. Reese, who stated that this is the third and last contest for the cup. The present winners are to have possession of it for one year and then it becomes the property of the State of Illinois and is to be kept on exhibition at the Springfield Mine Rescue Station. It was first won Dec. 10, 1912, by Superior Team No. 1; J. Weir, captain; C. Miller, J. Cowden, J. Struthers, and W. Hood.       It was won Dec. 9, 1913, by the Cuba team; T. P. Trigg, captai; J. Cooper, J. H. Trigg, and W. Griffith.

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The Colliery Engineer3 March, 1915 First-Aid Contest, Superior Coal Co. Written for "The Colliery Engineer"
Photograph furnished by Jill Secoy	The third annual first-aid contest of the Superior Coal Co. was held at Gillespie, Ill., in the Colonial Theater, Tuesday, December 8, 1914. The contest was given under the auspices of the American Mine Safety Association, Local Union No. 730 of Mine No. 1, and the Superior Coal Co..
The meeting began at 9 A. M. Mr. James Boston, chairman of the commottee on arrangements, introduced Mayor Rice, of Gillespie, who welcomed the contestants and visitors and presented them with the key to the city. He referred in a most appreciative way to the rescue and first-aid work done by the Superior Coal Co. under the direction of General Manager John P. Reese; Superintendent John Ross, and James Boston, in charge of the rescue and first-aid work of the company. Although the weather throughout the day was very inclement, the crowded opera house gave evidence of the general interest that has been aroused in the community by the welfare and forward movements of the Superior Coal Co.       At 9:30 the individual contests began and in them 36 participated. The problem given was as follows: "A man lying down undercutting coal with a pick is caught by a fall of coal and sustainsthe following injuries: Laceration of the right side of the scalp; right ear torn off; and the right jaw broken."       This contest was a very keen one and so close were many of the contestants that several ties had to be run off, so that the contest occupied the greater part of the forenoon. The judges ofr the different events were Dr. A. F. Knoefel, of Terre Haute, Ind.; Dr. C. Hopkins, of Chicago, Chief Surgeon of the Chicago & Northewestern Railroad; and Dr. H. C. Blankmeyer, of Springfield, Ill., representing the American Red Cross Society. The recorders of the results were F. F. Jorgenson, of Gillespie, chief engineer of the Superior Coal Co., and Prof. H. D. Easton, of Springfield, instructor in the Illinois Miners' and Mechanics' Institutes.       At 1 P. M. a two-man contest was staged, and the problem given was to treat a compound fracture of the right leg and laceration from which red blood was flowing. Eighteen teams were scheduled for this contest.       At 2 P. M. an exhibition of first-aid work by a team of school boys was given and this was undoubtedly one of the most interesting events of the entire day. It gave evidence of the very careful work done by Mr. Boston and showed the interest that he has been able to arouse. The boys worked with precision and were apparently not at all flustered by the attention of the crowded opera house.       At 2:15 the team contest began and the problem was a follows: "Trip rider is hurt. One hand has been cut off, right clavicle broken, fifth, sixth, and seventh ribs broken, suffering from shock and spitting blood." Nine teams were scheduled in this event, including the teams from the Superior Coal Co., and also teams from the Maplewood Coal Co. at Farmington, Ill.; Big Creek Coal Co. at St. David, Ill., and the first-aid and rescue corps of Breese, Ill.       All of the contests were run off on the stage of the opera house, and for the team work three teams at a time competed, the teams being seperated by screens, so that no team could profit by or inspect the work of a neighboring team. Throughout the contest every effort was made to have the work fairly done, and after the call for contesants no one was allowed to go on the stage, excepting the officials and the contestants.. The contests closed about 5 P. M.       At 7 P. M. a large crowd came together again in the opera house when the meeting was opened by representatives of the several organizations interested in the meet. Addresses were made by Doctor Hopkins, Mr. Reese, and representatives of the United Mine Workers. These were followed by moving pictures, furnished by the Federal Bureau of Mines, showing the methods of mining and handling coal underground.       The contests were conducted under the rules of National American Mine Safety Association, each team consisting of five men, one acting as the patient. The contestants furnished their own material, excepting stretcher. In the individual contests 18 prizes were offered, consisting of cups, medals, articles of wearing apparel, eatables, cigars, cash prizes, etc. These were furnished by the Superior Coal Co., the American Mine Safety Association, and by the business men ofg Gillespie. In the team contest nine prizes were offered, consisting of a trphy cup, medals of the American Mine Safety Association, medals offered by the Superior Coal Co., and medals given by the business men of Gillespie. In the two-men contest four prizes were given by the Superior Coal Co. consisting of two solid gold rings, two pairs of gold cuff buttons, two fountain pens, and two gold stick pins.       So keen has the interest in rescue and first-aid work been amongst the employees of the Superior Coal Co. that two seperate associations of the American Mine Safety Association have been formed. The rivalry between these two associations is very keen.       The Superior Coal Co. has built and equipped, in Gillespie, a mine rescue station in which are a overcast, cheast weight, tunnel, etc.; in fact, all of the appliances that are needed for conducting the tests prescribed by the Illinois Mine Rescue Station Commission before a certificate can be granted by the Commission.

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Coal Age8 June 24, 1916
First-Aid Day at Gillespie
SYNOPSIS - The Superior Coal Co., with the local union at Gillespie, Ill., holds its annual contests with boys and ladies, as well as mine workers, as contestants. The wording of the events is only partly medical, the intention being to exhibit not only the injury, but the carelessness or misfortune that made the first-aid work necessary.       The Superior Coal Co. held its Fourth Annual First-Aid Meet at Gillespie, Ill., on Saturday, May 20, 1916. The surprise of the day was to find that the old bandstand in the park had been removed on the day preceeding and that a new and larger one had been erected on concrete foundations previously constructed. The transformation was so rapid that the local residents of Gillespie stood in surprise and wondered how the old structure that they had seen but a day before had been so quickly replaced. The new stand being painted red and white and was fittingly decorated with bunting. The town of Gillespie responded as usual, and all the merchants and citizens had decorated the village for this, the leading event of the year.       The out-of-town guests arrived early in the morning, and the program was started early, with music by the Gillespie Concert Band, followed by an address of welcome by Mayor Behrens. J. P. Reese, the president of the Superior Coal Co., responded, setting forth why his company spent so much thought and energy on first aid and safety first.       Mr. Reese was followed by Frank Farrington, state president of the United Mine Workers of America, who emphasized that it was desirable that everyone working around the mines learn first aid. The manner and matter of his speech were both exceedingly impressive, and no one could doubt that his advocacy of the practice of first aid by union men was as sincere as it was ably expressed.       John P. White, international president of the United Mine Workers of America, who was scheduled to speak, wired at the last moment that he regretted that, owing to unforeseen circumstances, he could not attend. After the addresses the morning contests were held.       The arrangements for the meet were under the direction of Tom Ellis, chairman, John Young, James Boston, Alex Coates, John Clarkson and James Greer, secretary. The teams competing at the Gillespie meet are to be congratulated on having the following able judges to select the prize winners: Dr. August F. Knoefel, chief surgeon, Indiana Operators' Association and consulting surgeon of the United States Bureau of Mines; Doctor Green, of the American Red Cross; Dr. F. A. Renner, Benld, Ill.; Dr. Charles D. King, Gillespie; Dr. E. R. VanMeter, Staunton; Dr. J. N. English, Gillespie; Dr. R. H. Bell, Carlinville; Dr. J. R. Higgins, Gillespie; Dr. Hazel, Staunton; Dr. L. O. Vogt, Gillespie.       A special prize was offered to the team that best observed mining conditions. Judges were appointed of long experience in reescue and first-aid work to adjudicate the excellence of the work from this viewpoint. They were: J. E. Anderson, inspector, Farmington, Ill., Thomas English, superintendent Springfield Rescue Station; Alex Jones, superintendent LaSalle Rescue Station; James Towal, superintendent Benton Rescue Station.       The record of the events was kept by Howard I. Smith, United States Bureau of Mines, and F. F. Jorgensen, chief engineer of the Superior Coal Co. The recording was systematically done, and there was no loss of time between events nor waiting to determine thye ties. As soon as one event was completed the cards were sent out for the next event, and the teams immediately started work on the next problem.       The entertainment committee consisted of Mayor A. H. Behrens, Joe Long, Hf. Bycroft, Sr., D. C. Burroughs, Elmer Stehlin, A. C. Isaacs and D. D. Wilcox.
First-Aid Day Problems Include Safety Lesson
All the problems given in the first-aid meet were designed to teach a safety lesson to remind the contestants how accidents may occur and to acquaint the spectators with the with the nature of the accidents to which miners are exposed.       The problem for the local team, which had never competed in a first-aid meet, and for the boys' and girls' teams, was as follows: Compound fracture of right arm 6 in. above elbow; active hemorrhage; laceration of top of scalp; left foot crushed, practically no bleeding. This contest was held in the morning and because of the lack of time only one problem was given.       At two o'clock in the afternoon the teams were lined up ready for the compettion. As teh award was given for the average of the three problems presented, the gross number of discounts possible was increased and as a result there were no ties to be worked off. The problems with safety lessons were as follows:       Event 1 - A loader fails to set a prop that had been knocked out by a shot the night before; whole loading his car he is caught by a fall of slate, sustaining the following injuries: Compound fracture of right thigh in middle third, bright-red blood; middle-front fracture of lower jaw. Victim is in a state of Shock.       Event 2 - A machine runner pulls his machine cable across the trolley wire on the other side of the roadway. In doing this he pulls the trolley wire down, which falls on the right side of his neck, causing a burn and rendering him unconscious. Rescue the victim and treat his injuries.       Event 3 - A shotfirer lights shots in a room, then goes into one adjacent; while in there one of the shots breaks through rib, knocking some props out. He is struck by coal falling from rib, sustaining the following injuries: Severe lacerations of left arm about 4 in. above the elbow with active hemorrhage; simple fracture of right leg about 6 in. above the ankle.       Immediately following the team contest, teh one-man event was started with 28 entries. The problems with safety lessons were as follows:       Event 1 - A machine cuts through into old workings which had bveen sealed off; coal from the face falls on the helper. His left foot is crushed and he is rendered unconscious by the gas from old workings.       Event 2 - A drive wearing gauntlet gloves jumps off a car to sprag the wheels; the cuff of his glove catches on the corner of the car, causing him to stumble and fall under the wheels. In this manner he fractures the eighth, ninth and tenth ribs on the right side.       Event 3 - A motor jumps the track, knocking out the leg of a timber set. The crossbar falls on the trip rider and loose slate is left hanging. The victim suffers from a dislocation of the right shoulder.       Immediately following the working of these three problems, a mine-rescue demonstration was presented in an improvised mine. The rescue team of Gaven Mauchlin, captain, James Irvine, Alex. Russell, John Young, Robert Russell, Robert Cross, James Struthers, Sam Trainor, James Easton and John Cowden, patient. The first-aid miners were Robert Weir and Charles Miller.       The demonstration took place in a mine, the entrance of which was covered with canvas. The main entry extended 100 ft. east to a stub-entry going north. Rooms 1 and 2 were being driven west off of the stub-entry. While the shotfirer was working, an explosion occurred. The sound of a gong summoned teh rescue team, which before starting operations, examined the map of the mine. Five of them entered the workings and found the shotfirer in room No. 1 and signaled by means of the life line for a stretcher. They found a fire in room No. 2 and signaled for fire extinguishers. On their way back to the entrance of the mine they discovered a fall in the entry. They signaled for assistance, and two men entered the mine and cleaned the fall, after ' which the entire party returned to the drift mouth.       There being many ties among the contestants in the one-man contest, all those so tied were required to put on a dressing for a lacerated scalp. In this event the men who were tied for any one place were all judged by one doctor, and no grade was given except "plus" or "minus." The team that performed the best work was given a "plus" to the grade already recieved on the previous problem, andf the other team a "minus." Where three men were tied, the lowest team was given a doulbe "minus."       In the evening a session was held in the Colonial Theater, with Barney Flaherty, of local union No. 2719, United Mine Workers of America, presiding. The Gillespie Concert Band gave several selections of high-class music, which were intermingled with talks by mining men and others.
Addresses on Safety and the Company's Record
Dr. A. F. Knoefel then addressed the crowded theater on the value of first aid and who should study it. He said that when anyone was hurt in an automobile wreck or underground, the first men present always rendered first aid of some kind, good or bad. He therefore urged all the men present to learn proper methods of giving aid, so that they would really help the injured and not increase his injuries.       Motion pictures illustrating safety methods in mines were exhibited by the Bureau of Mines and David Ross, the ex-secretary of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, made an address containing many illuminating figures. Among other matters he showed that Superior Coal Co. produced coal with 1.1 fatalities per million tons, with a loss per annum of 1.3 men per thousand employed and a tonnage of 885,177 tons per fatality. This is a record so good that if every mine did as well, the fatality loss per annum in the coal mines of the United States would be reduced by 1,800 victims a year.
Photograph from : Coal Age8 Girls' and Boys' Teams Lined Up After Contest, with Judges Behind Their Respective Teams In the center -- Dr. A. F. Knoefel with the key, and J. P. Reese, the president of the Superior Coal Co.
In the boys' contest the first prize went to Superior Coal Co. No. 1 team, John Shanahan, captain; the second prize fell to Superior Coal Co. No. 2 team, Pat O'Neal, captain.       In the girls' contest, Superior Coal Co. No. 1 team, with Clara June Brown as captain, took first prize. The second prize was awarded to Superior Coal Co. No. 2 team, Beulah Shafer, captain.
In the home-team contest there was only one contestant, Superior Coal Co. Ivory Tops with Charles Miller, captain.	Photograph from : Coal Age8 The Gillespie "Ivory Tops" who competed for the first time
In the team contest the first prize, consisting of the American Red Cross medals, the gold medals of the Superior Coal Co. No. 1 team, with James Struthers, captain, John Cowden, Charles Miller and Robert Weir, assistants, and Pete McKee, patient. The second prize was won by B. Amp; E., Local No. 707, Peoria, with T. B. Trigg, captain. The prize consisted of silver medals, presented by the Superior Coal Co., and $25 in cash.       the third prize was won by the Gilespie First-Aid No. 2 team, with Guy Mauchlin, captain. The fourth prize fell to the Gillespie First-Aid No. 1 team, with James Easton, captain. The other winners in order were : (5) Big Muddy Coal and Iron Co. No. 7 mine team, Herrin; (6) Christopher team; (7) Shoal Creek Coal Co. team, Panama; (8) West Frankfort First-Aid Association team; (9) La Salle team. A special prize of $15 was given to the team making the highest score in the taking of precautions for safety under mining conditions outlined in the problem. This was awrded to the La Salle team, with Walter Kemery, Captain.       The one-man contest was won by James Struthers, of Gillespie, William Fulton obtaining second prize. The winner got an American Red Cross medal, $25 in cash from Local No. 730 of Mine No. 1 and a gold medal from the Superior Coal Co. To the second man was given %15 in cash also from Local No. 730, and a silver medal presented by the Superior Coal Co. The local union also gave $10 in cash to the third man, Robert Cross, of Gillespie. All the contestants were given prizes in recognition of their merit, the value of these prizes being graduated to fit the order of their excellence.

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Sources : 1 Thitieth-First Annual Coal Report of Illinois, 1912; State Mining Board                 Springfiled, Illinois; Illinois State Journal Co.. State Printers, 1913 2 The Colliery Engineer, Vol. XXXV - No. 2, Scranton, PA. 3 The Colliery Engineer, Vol. XXXV - No. 8, Scranton, PA. 4 Gillespie News; Gillespie, Illinois 5 Thirty-Second Annual Coal Report of Illinois, 1913; State Mining Board                 Printed by authority of the State of Illinois; Springfield, ILL.: Illinois State Journal Co., State Printers, 1914 6 Coal Age; New York; Vol. 4 No. 26 7 Coal Age; New York; Vol. 7 No. 3 8 Coal Age; New York; Vol. 9 No. 26

Coal & Coal Mining in Central Illinois

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