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Archiver > IOWA > 2004-06 > 1086180032


From: "jjarm222" <>
Subject: Re: [IOWA] IOWA COAL MINING
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2004 07:40:32 -0500
References: <40BD6C3F.54AFE5A3@qwest.net> <002801c44859$3b688010$8000a8c0@mshome4kgt5pwd> <005a01c44859$cc7dc420$1c52b1cf@hppav>


Hi All,
My husband's father and two older brothers worked in the coal mines for a
good share of their lives. It was in and around Marion and surrounding
counties in Iowa. In the early days it was underground, then in later years
they did strip mining. His father died of cancer of the throat at age 65,
and his brother lost an arm. He was injured while working, infection set
in, and as a result had to have his arm removed from the elbow down. He
wore a "hook" for most of his life, and he could do almost anything!! It
was amazing to see him tie his shoes! I would guess that the Marion County
Gen. Soc. (and other counties in that area) would have information.

> Subject: Re: [IOWA] IOWA COAL MINING
>
>
> > The Iowa Department of Natural Resources states the following: "Most of
> > Iowa's coal mines were underground mines, possibly as many as 6,000 in
38
> > counties, potentially affecting 80,000 acres." Scott County was one of
> those
> > with underground mines.
> >
> > Elaine Rathmann
> > ACC Scott Co.
> > Iowa History Project
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Jim Sazevich" <>
>

> >
> >
> > > Dear List Members,
> > >
> > > There was a huge UNDERGROUND coal mining industry in Iowa
> > > from the later part of the 19th Century, well into the 20th
> > > Century. Five counties in south central Iowa were the
> > > largest coal producers, and I believe Mahaska and Polk
> > > counties were the largest of these. Much has been published
> > > about the mines, miners, and company towns. Check the Iowa
> > > State Historical Society, county historical societies, and
> > > the web for more background.
> > >
> > > All the best - - from one who has researched many Iowa coal
> > > miners during the past year.
> > >
> > > Jim Sazevich, Historian
> > > St. Paul, Minnesota
> > >



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