minewar.org documenting the 1930's Illinois Mine War
Articles
In Memorium ~ John Sigler (1935 – 2009)
I was saddened to learn of the passing of John Sigler on October 16. In addition to being featured in the upcoming documentary, John was a great supporter and resource for this project. You might recall that John’s father Joe, was killed in the mine war in 1934. My condolences to John’s family for their […]
Looking For John L. Lewis
Lewis Grave Map I recently visited Lewis grave accompanied by UMWA retiree, Larry Wilson, a long-time resident of Springfield who was unaware that Lewis was buried there. While the Mother Jones Monument in the tiny town of Mt. Olive is internationally renown, the location of John L. Lewis’ grave site is relatively obscure. The lack […]
Blair Mountain Update
There have been some promising developments in the struggle to protect Blair Mountain and suspend mountaintop mining in the Appalachian Mountains. You can learn more about the historical importance of Blair Mountain by clicking here. On Tuesday, March 24, Ilovemountains.org reported: “the Environmental Protection Agency announced it would suspend and review permits for two mountaintop […]
Eyewitness Account of the Mulkeytown March
Last year I was lucky enough to interview Sam Sabattini, a former resident of Bulpitt, IL as well as former member of the Progressive Miners of America. As a teenager Sabatinni participated in a number of union actions and witnessed mine war violence first-hand. Following the fradulent contract referendum, west central Illinois miners organized a […]
Springfield Journal-Register On Sigler Debate
Thanks to Dave Bakke, columnist for the Springfield Journal-Register for his piece on the inclusion of Joe Sigler on the Illinois memorial for fallen police officers. You may read the full article here. To my mind there’s no doubt that Sigler should be included. It seems rather obvious that Sigler’s protection was enlisted by Hugh […]
Sigler To Be Honored In Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will add the name of mine war martyr, Joseph Sigler on May 13. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund commemorates the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Sigler served a unique role within the tiny community of Bulpitt, IL. While he was a miner and member of […]
Who Killed Joe Sigler?
“Who shot Sigler and Jones? Whoever may know is not telling. The ‘mine war’ takes care of its own; and it makes good business for the undertakers.” Murder Stalks The Coal Field Decatur Herald & Review Februrary 10, 1935 Joe Sigler and Harry Jones were shot and killed on September 10, 1934 in a […]
Protect Blair Mountain
The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest armed insurrection in the U.S. following the Civil War. In 1921, 10,000 armed West Virginia coal miners marched against years of brutality and exploitation at the hands of mine owners and their lackey government officials. After several days, the federal government intervened with disproportionate force, employing a […]
Coal Field “Hell Raiser”
The Progressive Miners of America distinguished itself in a number of ways. Perhaps the most important was the role that women played in organizing and leadership. As a community-based union, the PMA viewed its struggle as that of the community and not limited to the male members of the organization. As pointed out in an […]
“We were not ladies. We were women.”
The Women’s Auxiliary of the Progressive Miners of America provided crucial support for the union during conflicts and strikes. Beyond its support function, it provided the impetus and backbone for much of the early militancy and commitment to organizing which characterized the early years of the union. Irene Allard was a founding member of the […]
Boyhood Recollections of Frank Maras, Part 1
Frank Maras is a retired coal miner who was raised on a farm just outside of Bulpit, Illinois. Bulpit is near Taylorville, Illinois which was the site of major mining operations for the Peabody Coal Company. Angered by the recent contract vote which was believed to have been subverted by union officials, dissident miners struck […]
Three Cheers for the Christian County Coal Mine Museum
Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Will Stone, the head of the Christian County Coal Mine Museum. Will is a retired miner who’s committed to preserving the history and lore of mining in the region. He has been very helpful in identifying folks in the Taylorville area who have […]