Cambusnethan Area Accidents 1861-1880

This section contains newspaper reports on selected accidents. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for details of Inspector of Mines reports and other accidents covered on the site.

4 January 1861

Fatal Pit accident – On Friday, 4th inst while James Liddell collier, residing at Newmains was being drawn up the shaft at one of the coal pits at Stonecraigs, Cambusnethan, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company, a stone fell out from the side of the shaft near the pit mouth and struck the poor man on the head. This is supposed to have rendered him insensible, for he overbalanced himself out of the cage, and was precipitated to the bottom of the shaft and killed instantaneously. [Hamilton Advertiser January 12 1861]

February 1861

Pit accident – A collier named Daniel Watson, residing at Auchterhall Toll, parish of Cambusnethan, while engaged at his employment in No4 Pit Morningside Colliery, a fall of coal from the roof of the workings took place, whereby he sustained a fracture of the left leg, and he was cut on the hand and otherwise injured about the body. [Hamilton Advertiser February 16 1861]

11 February 1861

Pit Accident – On the 11th inst., Terrence Murphy, collier, when employed in No 1 Pit at Pather Colliery near Wishaw, was injured by a fall of coals from the face of the workings whereby he got three ribs and his collar bone fractured. [Hamilton Advertiser February 23 1861]

19 June 1861

Pit Accident – On the morning of Wednesday, while James Sorbie manager and James Ramsay, roadsman were in the act of examining a fall which had occurred through the night in No 2 Pit Wishaw, belonging to Robert Bell Esq, and while endeavouring to ascertain it extent, the fire damp suddenly kindled at their lamps, causing an explosion in which they were both severely burned. Parties should act with the greatest caution in examining falls, as it is a well known fact that gas often accumulated in great quantities where such have taken place. [Hamilton Advertiser June 22 1861]

6 March 1862

Wishaw March 7 – Fatal Accident – Yesterday a young man of the name of Davies was killed almost instantly by a fall of coal in Mr Wilson's Pit. Engaged “dropping” as it is called, he was taking out props, and had got all out safely till the last, but on knocking it away the headcoal fell and caught him. He leaves a widow and three children [Herald 10 March 1862]

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – It is our painful duty to record a melancholy and fatal accident which occurred on Thursday morning in No 2 Overtown Colliery, on the Coltness Estate, the property of John Wilson Esq., coal master, by which a miner named William Davis lost his life. It appears that Davis and another miner were employed in extracting head coal, and contrary to the directions of Mr Thomas Wilson, overseer, proceeded to take out the back props, trusting to their agility to make their escape from under the falling mass when the front props were knocked away. The fall must have been too rapid for the unfortunate man, as a portion of the coal fell upon him, which must have instantaneously deprived him of life. After the caution administered by the overseer, who suggested to the men the wise expedient of taking out the props and abstracting the coal piecemeal, no blame can be attached to anyone, as this rash mode of procedure, in the face of the overseer's cautioning, exonerates the proprietors and parties in charge of the colliery from being responsible. Davis was a married man and leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss. We may add that notwithstanding this colliery has been in active operation for upwards of 8 years, this is the first fatal occurrence which has happened during that long period. This casualty should act as a warning to miners, in performing similar pieces of work, to avoid running unnecessary risks while following their daily employment. [Hamilton Advertiser March 8 1862]

31 March 1862

Pit Accident – On Monday a man was severely injured about the back and hands at the Coltness Iron Co Royal George Pit. Coming down an incline before his hutch, his foot caught and he fell, the load rolling upon top of him. On Tuesday he was very poorly and we understand lying upon straw in a most miserable state. He has a wife and three children. [Hamilton Advertiser April 5 1862]

7 April 1862

Pit Accident – On the afternoon of Monday last, John Liddel, miner, residing in Thornlie St. West, met with an accident while working in Overtown Colliery, by a fall of coal, which bruised him severely about the chest. He was brought home and attended by Dr Livingston. [Hamilton Advertiser April 12 1862]

7 April 1862

Pit Accident – On Monday last, a man named George Arbuckle, aged 37 years, collier, residing in Marshall Street, Wishaw, met with an accident while working in No 1 Pit, Wishaw, by a fall of coal which injured him severely about the head and shoulders. He was immediately attended by Drs Steel and Gray, who reported his collar bone to be broken. [Hamilton Advertiser April 12 1862]

22 May 1862

Fatal Accident – Henry M'Cluskie, age 17, a collier, residing in Brown Street Wishaw, met with his death in No 8 Overton Colliery, belonging to John Wilson Esq., coal master,about 2 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, by a fall of coals from the roof. The men who were working next to him heard him fire a shot about half an hour previous to the accident, and it is supposed, from the position in which the body was found, that he must have been undermining the face,when the fall came away unexpectedly upon him, and killed him on the spot. [Hamilton Advertiser May 24 1862]

26 May 1862

Explosion of fire-damp – On Monday an explosion of fire damp took place in the Old Clydesdale Pit, Wishaw, by which three men were severely burned. The names of the injured colliers are Jas Rankin and Richard Mackie, and their drawer whose name we did not get. The unfortunate men were three of a few who remained at work since the others left for the advance of wages. [Hamilton Advertiser May 31 1862]

12 July 1862

About 2 o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, while a man named John Dunn was employed with another person, in clearing out an old fall in the Clydesdale Pit, belonging to Archd. Russell, Esq., part of the roof, composed of stone, gave way and fell, crushing him so severely that he expired shortly afterwards while being removed to his home. Dr Steel and his assistant were in attendance shortly after the occurrence but life was extinct. Dunn was greatly respected by his fellow workmen. He has left a wife and two of a family to mourn his untimely end. [Hamilton Advertiser July 19 1862]

2 August 1862

Melancholy Accident – A melancholy accident occurred on Saturday last at Messrs Waddell of London's Overtown Bridge Colliery. Two men were in the act of filling a hutch when a large mass of coal about 3 tons in weight suddenly fell from a stoop, crushing under, and instantly depriving William Lyle of life. The cause of this serious accident was a cutter running from the bottom to the top of the stoop in an oblique direction; the men were aware the coal was detached, but did not apprehend danger. Deceased was a well doing industrious man in the prime of his life and has left a widow and five young children to lament this sudden bereavement. It may be mentioned that this is the first accident of a serious nature that has happened since the pit was commenced. [Hamilton Advertiser August 9 1862]

20 December 1862

Fatal Accident – A very melancholy accident occurred on Saturday last whereby a man named James Moley, residing in Kirk Road, Wishaw, met with his death. It appears he was engaged at No 2 Sundayside Pit, belonging to Archd. Russell Esq., hurling hutches of dross on the cage at the pit mouth; he had thrown off an empty hutch and was to replace it by a full one , when the cage was raised, and he pushed his hutch into the pit, which drew him after it, and he fell down the shaft, a distance of 50 or 60 fathoms and was killed on the spot. It was four or five hours before the body was recovered, it having fallen into the sump, at the bottom of the shaft. He leaves a wife and two children. [Hamilton Advertiser December 27 1862]

Charge of Culpable Homicide – On Tuesday Robert Craig, engineman residing at Wishaw, was brought up in custody of the county police, accused of having, on 20th December last, in culpable neglect of his duty as engineman, at No 2 Pit, Sunnyside, Cambusnethan, leased by Arch Russell Esq, coalmaster, raised the cage from the pit mouth to the raised platform without having previously received any signal to “heave up” or a wave of the hand from the pit mouth so to do, whereby James Mulley, then a labourer employed at the pit (who was at the time the cage was so raised engaged wheeling forward dross to put upon it), was precipitated down the shaft of the pit and instantaneously killed. , being thus deprived of life through the culpable negligence of the prisoner. He was examined before the Sheriff by Mr J A Dykes, Procurator Fiscal, and committed to prison, but, being admitted to bail of £10 he was liberated on Wednesday. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 February 1863]

NB Robert Craig was subsequently found not guilty at a trial before Sheriff Logie & jury on 12 March 1863 [see Hamilton Advertiser 21 March 1863]

29 December 1862

Wishaw – Coal Pit Accident – Charles Jack, 13 years of age, residing with his step-father James Leishman, collier, Newarthill, met with a severe accident in No 10 Stevenston Colliery, on Monday last, while he was at work in said pit. When at or near the face of the workings a fall came from the roof and struck him on the head, inflicting a deep wound about 10 inches in length and broke his leg. Drs Alston and Jones attended. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 January 1863]

30 December 1862

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – Charles Boyde, collier, residing at Sneddon's Rows, while he was engaged dropping head coal on the 20th ult, in Cam'nethan Colliery, belonging to Mr Sneddon, a large stone fell upon him from the roof, killing him on the spot. Dr Gray attended. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 January 1863]

17 January 1863

Wishaw – Pit Accident – Alex Waugh, collier, residing in Windmillhill, parish of Dalziel, was severely injured in No 2 Sunnyside pit, the property of Arch. Russell Esq., on Saturday morning, while engaged at his usual employment. He was crushed severely about the body and had one of his ribs broken. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 January 1863]

22 January 1863

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – On Wednesday last, while John Yool, aged 27 years, engaged at No 3 coal pit Cleland Colliery, the property of W S Dixon Esq, was in the act of removing a wooden support the coals fell down upon him, injuring him so severely that he had to be conveyed home and expired shortly after from the effects of his injuries. He was attended by Dr Thomson of Motherwell. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 January 1863]

24 January 1863

Wishaw – Pit Accidents – On Saturday last an accident of a serious nature happened to James Stevenson, a collier residing in Main Street, by a quantity of coal falling from the face of the working of No 1 Pit Wishaw Colliery. He was severely injured about the body, particularly on the left side, which is severely bruised and cut on the arm. - On the same day in No 19 Cleland pit, Charles Cowan collier, residing at Newarthill met with an accident while engaged at work, by some coals falling from the face of the work upon him breaking his leg below the knee. [Hamilton Advertiser 31 January 1863]

29 January 1863

Wishaw – Colliery Accident – On Thursday while a boy was engaged at his usual occupation at the pithead at Mr Wilson's Overton Colliery, he unfortunately got jammed between the screen and a waggon, causing him to be severely injured about the chest. His injuries are of a serious nature. [Hamilton Advertiser 31 January 1863]

29 January 1863

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – James M'Lean, aged 17 years, residing in Chapel, in the parish of Cambusnethan, on the morning of the 19th inst., was engaged taking down coal from the face in No 8 pit, Chapel Colliery, belonging to Mr Aitken when a fall came away, which struck him, causing instantaneous death. Another collier named Bulloch, made a narrow escape from the fall, which grazed his body, carrying away his bonnet. [Hamilton Advertiser 31 January 1863]

10 February 1863

Wishaw – Pit Accident – Thomas Straiton, residing in Steel Street, Wishaw, met with an accident on 10th instant, while working in Messrs Boyd and Spencers No 1 Pit, by a fall from the face of the workings, whereby his body was bruised and his back cut. He was conveyed home in a cart and attended by Dr Steel, Wishaw. [Hamilton Advertiser 14 February 1863]

5 March 1863

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – On Thursday between 12 and 1 o'clock an accident occurred to James Watson, miner, residing in Morningside, whereby he lost his life. It would appear that he was working in No 1 Pit Morningside, at the face, when a fall of stone from the roof came down upon him and killed him instantly. He was a young man, and, we believe, the only support of his mother. At the same place and time Wm Murry, collier, was severely injured, and narrowly escaped with his life. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 March 1863]

16 March 1863

Wishaw 16 March - Fatal Accident - To-day, while Robert Russell, miner, aged 47, and residing at Waterloo, was engaged at his work in a mine at Lawhill, he met with an accident whereby he lost his life, a quantity of coals falling from the roof of the mine upon him, crushing him so severely about the body that he only lived a few minutes after the accident. He was a man of a quiet disposition, and much respected by his neighbours and workmen. He leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss. [Glasgow Herald 17 March 1863]

19 March 1863

Wishaw – Pit Accident – Mitchell Ramsay, miner, 43 years of age, residing at Torbothy in the parish of Cambusnethan met with an accident on the 19th current, while at work in Starryshaw coal and ironstone pit, belonging to the Shotts Iron Company. He was working at the face when a stone about 10 cwt fell from the roof upon him breaking his right arm above the elbow and bruising him on the head and body. His injuries are not considered dangerous. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 March 1863]

20 March 1863

Wishaw – Coal Pit Accident – Henry Halbert, aged 19 years, residing at Cambusnethan, met with an accident on Friday last week in Victoria Pit, Newmains, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. He went to assist one of the drivers to put two hutches on the road. After the hutches were put on he stood up at the side in order to let the train of hutches past him, when his foot was caught in the wheel of one of them, and his left leg was broken above the ankle. Dr M'Nab and his assistant attended. No blame attached to any person. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 March 1863]

26 March 1863

Coal Pit Accident - On Thursday last, a man named George Cassel, miner, 27 years of age, residing at Cambusnethan, met with an accident in No. 2 Stone Craig Pit, the property of the Coltness Iron Company, while working at the face of the workings, by a quantity of coals falling from the roof upon him, hurting him severely about the back and other parts of the body. Dr. M'Nab attended. [Glasgow Herald 30 March 1863]

25 April 1863

Wishaw - Pit Accident - On Saturday last, Henry Steel, miner, residing in Pather Street, Wishaw, met with an accident in Pather Pit, the property of A. G. Simpson, Esq., whereby he received severe injuries about the body, and was severely crushed by a fall of coal from the roof while engaged at work. Dr. Steel, Wishaw, was promptly in attendance. [Glasgow Herald 28 April 1863]

25 May 1863

Wishaw - Pit Accident - Samuel Brown, miner, residing at Bell's Row Wishaw, met with an accident on Monday in Meadowhead Pit, belonging to Robert Bell, Esq. He was engaged working at the face when some coals came away on him, crushing his leg and foot very severe1y. Dr Livingstone was in attendance. [Glasgow Herald 29 May 1863]

27 May 1864

Wishaw – Serious Pit Accident – George Muir, collier, about 34 years of age, residing at Sunnyside, met with a severe accident on Friday, last week. Muir is in the employment of Archd. Russell, Esq., in his No 2 Clydesdale Pit, and when “holing” preparatory to obtain a fall of coal, unexpectedly a large quantity fell upon the unfortunate man, cutting his head severely, smashing his right hand, and otherwise inflicting severe bodily injuries. So soon as extricated and taken to his residence, the services of Dr Steel,Wishaw and Dr Forrest Motherwell, were procured. On Muir being examined by the medical gentlemen, the injuries were found to be such that they had no alternative but to amputate the right hand above the wrist. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 June 1864]

1 June 1864

Wishaw - Pit Accident – On Wednesday last as John Ward or Martin, collier, residing at No 5 M'Andrew's Rows, was engaged at the face of the workings in Shields Pit, belonging to John M'Andrew & Co, a large stone form the roof, weighing about a hundred weight, fell upon him, crushing him severely about the body, and cutting him about the right eye. Dr Thomson, Motherwell, attended. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 June 1864]

15 June 1864

Wishaw – Pit Accident – While James Wright, collier - a middle aged man, residing in Wishaw, in the employment of Boyd & Spencer, coal masters, Pather Colliery – was commencing work on Wednesday morning, a heavy fall of stones, nearly two tons in weight, fell from the roof, striking him on the back, shoulders, and left arm, whereby he was severely bruised. Dr Robert Livingstone attended the injured man, and though he is severely bruised no fatal consequences are anticipated. A lad named William Wright, nephew to the above, had a very narrow escape by the same fall of stones, having got his fingers severely bruised and other slight injuries. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 June 1864]

16 June 1864

Wishaw – Fatal Results From An Accident – James Tait, Newmains, who met with an accident by a fall of head-coal in Messrs Waddell & Loudon's Pit, Overtown, on the 9th inst, died on Thursday from the injuries he sustained. Deceased who was well known in the district, was a man of remarkable intelligence for his situation in life, and his untimely death is deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 June 1864]

1 July 1864

Wishaw – Pit Accident – Thomas Neilson, a young lad residing with his father at Jerviston Square, was on Friday the 1st curt., injured in No 4 Jerviston Pit. The boy was along with, and assisting his father in said pit, when a large quantity of coal suddenly fell from the face of the workings on the boy, cutting him on the head and face. He was attended by Dr Naismith, who dressed his wounds, and gave hope that no serious consequences will ensue. [Hamilton Advertiser 9 July 1864]

20 July 1864

Wishaw - Accident - Jas Baillie, labourer, about 60 years of age, got himself severely bruised on Wednesday last. Baillie is in the employment of Mr Robert Bell, at Meadowhead Coal Pit, and when working among the waggons, he was caught between two of them, and severely bruised in his chest. The injuries sustained were such that he was conveyed home in a cart, and had the medical attendance of Dr James Steel, Wishaw. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 July 1864]

15 August 1864

Wishaw - Fatal Pit Accident - On Monday the 15th inst., George Lindsay, collier, about 32 years of age, and residing in Morningside, lost his life while employed at his work in Morningside Colliery, belonging to Mr James Binnie. The length of time deceased was absent from the pit bottom created a fear in the minds of his fellow-workmen that something was wrong. On one of the men going in search he found Lindsay about 30 feet from the face of the workings, with a loaded hutch, lying under a fall of stones that had dropped from the roof, whereby he was deprived of life. He was speedily extricated but the vital spark had fled. Deceased has left a widow and four young children to mourn their sudden bereavement. [Hamilton Advertiser 20 August 1864]

19 & 20 August 1864

Wishaw - Pit Accidents - On Friday the 19th inst., Andrew Bell, an aged man, residing at Jerviston Square, in the parish of Bothwell, while working in No 4 Jerviston Pit, belonging to the Summerlee Company, got himself severely injured. Bell was employed taking out “stoops” - at all times a dangerous process - and while so engaged a large piece of coal came suddenly away, knocking the poor man down, and inflicting severe injuries on his legs. When conveyed home he was attended by Dr Loudon, Hamilton. - On Saturday the 20th inst., Thomas Campbell, residing at Overtown, employed by Boyd & Spencer, in their Pather Old Pit, was severely injured. Campbell was in the act of holing when a quantity of coal unexpectedly came away, falling upon and crushing him severely. He was speedily extricated, conveyed home, and had the prompt attention of Dr Livingstone. [Hamilton Advertiser 27 August 1864]

13 September 1864

Wishaw - Fatal Pit Accident - On Tuesday last, Robert, aged 13, son of and residing with Charles Lennox, collier, Stewarton Street, Wishaw, met with death in the following sudden manner:- Charles Lennox is employed in Mr Wilson's No 2 Overtown Pit, having his boy along with him to assist and learn the dangerous calling. They were boring, preparatory to blasting the face of the coals, when unexpectedly a fall of coal came away from the face and struck the poor boy, breaking both his arms, fracturing his skull, and instantaneously depriving him of life. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 September 1864]

22 November 1864

Wishaw - Pit Accident - Alexander Chalmers, a driver, 14 years of age, residing in Anderson Street, Cambusnethan, met with an accident on Tuesday last, in Herdshill Pit, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. He was employed in said pit as a drawer and had gone into the face of the workings, when a large stone fell upon him, breaking his left arm and bruising his left leg. He was attended by Dr M'Nab and his assistant. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 November 1864]

31 March 1865

Fatal Pit Accident at Wishaw - Two Men Killed - A very painful accident occurred on Friday last, 31st ult., about eleven o'clock A.M., at Messrs D & J Sneddon's Castlehill Colliery, by which two workmen have been deprived of life. The Messrs Sneddon are just now putting down a new shaft, which is at present about seventeen fathoms in depth. Andrew Hamilton, about thirty-five years of age, residing in Caledonian Load, Wishaw, and Andrew Wilson, twenty-nine years of age, residing in Young Street, Wishaw, both shankers, were engaged fastening needles in the shaft, and while so doing they stood on a scaffold which was lowered and elevated by windlass-power. Having occasion to come to the pit mouth, the shankers requested the men at the windlass to "heave away," which they did, and when within a fathom of the top of the shaft the rope by which the scaffold was suspended suddenly snapped, and the poor men were precipitated to the bottom. Prompt measures were used to remove the injured men, and when brought to the surface they presented a sad spectacle, being cut and bruised in a severe manner, having each a number of bones broken They were conveyed home to their respective dwellings and had the prompt attendance of Dr James Steel and Dr Robert Livingstone, but so severe was the nature of the injuries that the medical gentlemen could do little to alleviate suffering or prolong life. Hamilton survived the accident only six, and Wilson fifteen hours. Both men were exemplary for industry and sobriety, and each have left a widow and young family. [Dunfermline Saturday Press 8 April 1865]

24 January 1866

Wishaw – Pit Accidents – Wm Gallacher, driver, residing with his father, met with an accident on Wednesday about 12 o'clock noon, in No 4 pit Sunnyside, belonging to Archibald Russell, coalmaster. It appears that he was taking out the tail chain when the horse slipped and trampled on his right foot, and his leg is supposed to be broken at the ankle. - Jas Inglis, collier, residing in Caledonian Road, Wishaw, met with an accident the same day in No 1 Pit, belonging to Scott & Gilmour. He was attending to a chain with which the hutches are drawn up and down an incline. The chain came in contact with his foot, and he was thrown down and got one of his legs fractured. [Hamilton Advertiser 27 January 1866]

27 January 1866

Wishaw – Pit Accident At Overtown Colliery – Robert Frame, pony driver, about 18 years of age, residing at Waterloo, met with an accident on Saturday last in the following manner. Frame is in the employment of John Wilson Esq in his No 2 Pit, Overtown Colliery. When proceeding to the pit bottom with a train of loaded hutches, he sitting on the front one, his foot got entangled in the hind legs of the horse, causing him to lose his balance and fall from his seat. The hutches at the time going down an incline plane dragged Frame along with them some distance, whereby he was severely injured on the back. Dr Robert Livingstone, Wishaw, was called and promptly attended and ministered to the young man's necessities. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 February 1866]

26 January 1866

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – On Friday the 26th ult, Thomas Marshall, underground roadsman, 57 years of age, residing at Morningside Square, lost his life and John M'Cartney, underground manager, also residing at Morningside Square, both in the employment of the Shotts Iron Company, had a very narrow escape. The two men had gone into the heather or No 4 pit, to repair and air course communicating with the Melville pit. Unconscious of any danger, the two men had only been a short time at work when a volume of foul air, technically known as black damp, came upon and overpowered the workmen. When discovered Marshall was dead, and M'Cartney was very much exhausted. Dr James Livingstone, Wishaw, was promptly in attendance and used every means to restore M'Cartney to consciousness, but Marshall was beyond the aid of human power – the vital spark had fled. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 February 1866]

15 February 1866

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident At Jerviston Colliery – On Thursday the 15th curt., Patrick M'Aulay, collier, about 23 years, residing at Newarthill, was killed in the following manner:- M'Aulay was in the employment of Messrs J & G Burns in their No 7 Pit, Jerviston Colliery, and when in the act of filling a hutch, a large piece of stone, weighing about 3 tons, fell from the roof of the workings, and killed the poor man instantaneously. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 February 1866]

15 February 1866

Wishaw - Accident At Muirhouse – On Thursday the 15th inst., a shanker named Hugh Pollock, residing in West Thornlie Street, was severely injured while at his work in Muirhouse Pit, belonging to Archd Russell Esq. The shaft is in the process of being shanked from the main to the splint coal, and while thus engaged, a shot was charged, and to be out of danger the workmen were drawn up to the main coal. After the shot was discharged Pollock was preparing to descend to the bottom again, and when stepping on to the sinking kettle, the hook slipped, and both fell to the bottom, a distance of eight fathoms. When conveyed home, Drs Livingstone and Steel attended the injured man, but the injuries being severe and mostly internal, it is not yet ascertained whether they may prove fatal. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 February 1866]

16 March 1866

Wishaw – Pit Accident - An accident occurred on Friday last at Chapel Colliery, belonging to W. Aitken, Esq., whereby John Paterson, collier, 39 years of age, residing at Chapel Square, has been severely injured, and Walter his son, a lad about 17 years of age, was slightly hurt. The father and son were engaged at the face of the workings when a fall of coal from the roof came down upon them. Soon after the accident, Drs. Robert and James Livingstone, Wishaw, were in attendance, and, on examination, found that the injuries sustained by John Paterson were of a serious nature, and it is feared that his back is broken, while the injuries sustained by the young man are comparatively slight, merely a few bruises on the body and legs. [Glasgow Herald 28 February 1866]

NB John Paterson died 16 March 1866

28 April 1866

Wishaw – Serious Accident – On Saturday last, William Finlayson, labourer, residing in Wishaw, met with an accident when at his employment in the following manner. The injured man was in the employment of of Messrs D & J Sneddon, at their No 1 pit, Cambusnethan Colliery. On Saturday a waggon had got off the rails and while he and other two men by means of a lever were endeavouring to put it on again, the lever by some means sprang up and struck him on the back of the head, rendering him insensible. He was conveyed home in a cart and promptly attended by Dr Steel, who reports that the injuries sustained are of a dangerous character. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 May 1866]

7 May 1866

Wishaw – Pit Accident – William Scott Morrison, residing in 57 Stewarton Street, Wishaw, when engaged working in Cambusnethan Colliery on Monday last, a fall of coal came away from the face of the workings, and to save himself he held up his pick, but the force of the coal was so great that it knocked the one end of his pick into the ball of his eye, depriving him of its sight. Drs James Steel and Livingstone attended. [Hamilton Advertiser 12 May 1866]

18 May 1866

Wishaw – Pit Accident At Morningside – On Friday 18th instant, James M'Cormick, miner, residing at Morningside, met with a serious accident in one of the Shotts Iron Coy's pits there. When bringing a hutch laden with coals down a steep incline towards the pit bottom, the waggons obtained the mastery over M'Cormick's strength, and dragged him over a considerable distance, breaking his leg in two places, and otherwise inflicting severe bodily injuries. Dr James Livingstone, Wishaw, was called and promptly attended, and on perceiving the extent of the injuries inflicted, and the poor man's sufferings, ordered his removal to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser 19 May 1866]

2 January 1867

Fatal Pit Accident – John Gallocher, fireman, 21 years of age, residing at Kirk Road, Wishaw, lost his life on Wednesday 2d inst., in the following manner – Gallocher was in the employment of Messrs Scott and Gilmour, in the No 4 pit and had, along with the enginekeeper, descended the shaft to repair the brackets of the pumps. When again ascending, owing to the frost on the slide rods, the cage on which the deceased was standing gave a jerk, by which he lost his balance, fell to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 20 fathoms, and was killed on the spot. [Hamilton Advertiser January 5 1867]

7 January 1867

Fatal Pit Accident – Two Men Killed – On Monday morning, the 7th inst., Alexander M'Neil, fireman, about 40 years of age, and James Brady, roadsman, 35 years of age, lost their lives in the following manner:- The unfortunate men were in the employ of the Coltness Iron Company in their No 2 Pather Pit, and, in discharge of their respective duties, had gone into the workings to ascertain if all was right previous to the workmen descending, who were in waiting at the pithead. It seems that a quantity of inflammable gas had generated, and by some means not yet ascertained, exploded, by which, or the choke damp following the explosion, both men lost their lives. In consequence of the state of the air, considerable time elapsed before the bodies could be brought out. This accident is the more inexplicable, seeing the sufferers were provided with Davy or safety lamps to apprise them of the presence of fire in the workings. Both men leave widows and families to mourn their sudden and untimely end. [Hamilton Advertiser January 12 1867]

27 May 1867

Colliery Explosion - Two Men Killed. - An explosion of fire-damp, which caused the death of two miners, named James Stevenson and John M'Cartney, residing in Sneddon's Row, near Wishaw, occurred in No 3 coal-pit, Cambusnethan Colliery, on Monday. The unfortunate men had only begun work when the explosion took place. In consequence of the damage done to the workings, some time elapsed before the bodies were discovered and brought to the surface. The cause of the explosion has not yet transpired. M'Cartney was unmarried, but Stevenson leaves a wife and five children. [Falkirk Herald 30 May 1867]

27 August 1867

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – On the afternoon of Tuesday, a young man, named Anthony Ritchie, residing in the village of Overtown, was accidentally killed in No 3 Pit, Cam'nethan Colliery, belonging to D&J Sneddon. The deceased was employed as a miner, and was taking off coal from the face of his working room, when a large quantity of coal &c., fell from the roof, completely burying him among the debris. Assistance was speedily rendered, and the poor fellow removed to the bottom of the shaft, where he lingered for a few minutes, when death put an end to his sufferings.[Hamilton Advertiser August 31 1867]

21 October 1867

Pit Accident – Joseph Waddell, collier, residing in Marshall Street, Wishaw, met with an accident on Monday 21st inst., while at work in Messrs Scott and Gilmour's No 4 Pit. Waddell was engaged at the face of the workings when a a fall came suddenly away, by which the workman had his leg broken and his body severely bruised. He died from the effects of the accident on Wednesday last at his house in Marshall Street. The deceased was much respected by his fellow workmen, was a member of one of the masonic lodges here, the members of which intend to bury him today (Saturday), in masonic order – the brethren meet at two o'clock. [Hamilton Advertiser October 26 1867]

8 February 1868

Pit Accident – On Saturday, 8th current, David Lees collier, about 21 years of age, residing in Stonecraigs Rows, Newmains, met with an accident when at work in No 2 Stonecraigs pit, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. While Lees was engaged at the face of the coal workings, a piece of coal fell from the roof, by which he was cut on the head, and bruised on the foot and body. [Herald February 11 1868]

1 March 1869

Wishaw – Pit Accident – Robert Duncan, a miner, residing in Cleland's Land, Cambusnethan, narrowly escaped being killed on Monday last, by a fall from the roof of No 5 Pit, belonging to Mr Bell. He was working at the face when a stone of two tons weight came away, breaking one of his legs. A lad named Baillie was also injured, but not seriously, by the same fall. [Edinburgh Evening Courant 10 March 1869]

16 March 1869

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – A very melancholy accident happened to a young lad named Dalziel, residing in Stewarton Street, Wishaw, on Monday afternoon. The lad was in the act of putting a hutch on the cage at the “main coal” when the cage was raised from the bottom, and Dalziel thrown off along with the hutch, both falling to the bottom of the “splint coal” a depth of 30 fathoms. The poor lad was killed on the spot. The bottomer, Peter Mackie, we understand, was apprehended by the police on the same night on a charge of neglect of duty. [Edinburgh Evening Courant 17 March 1869]

20 March 1869

Another Fatal Pit Accident At Wishaw - Another of these accidents occurred on Saturday in No. 2 pit, ending with the loss of life. Three men, and a lad of the name of John M’Court, were engaged at the stoops, when a mass fell from the roof upon them. The three men narrowly escaped with some severe injuries, but the young lad was buried by the mass of rock, and had not been got from below it late on Saturday night. [The Dundee Courier & Argus 23 March 1869]

18 September 1869

An accident occurred on Saturday in No. 2 pit (Overtown), whereby three men were very severely hurt, and a young lad killed. They were engaged at stooping in the said pit when a mass of stone came away from the roof and fell upon them. The three men were saved from the debris, but the young man was buried underneath it. His body had not been recovered on Saturday evening. [22 September 1869]

18 December 1869

Fatal Pit Accident - A melancholy and fatal accident of this kind has occurred at Wishaw. Robert Adams, aged forty-nine, while engaged in drawing pump-rods out of a coal-pit, belonging to the Monkland Iron and Steel Company, was passing through below the blocks when the bolt by which they were attached to the pithead frame gave way and fell upon him, striking him on the head, and injuring him so seriously that he died three and half hours after the accident occurred. [The Dundee Courier & Argus 22 December 1869]

NB This may be the accident to the man listed as R Adair by the Inspectors report

1 & 3 February 1870

WISHAW - Fatal Pit Accidents - Early on Thursday morning, an explosion took place in the Netherton Pit, belonging to Messrs Scott & Gilmour, coalmasters, whereby a man named Thomas Paul, residing at Windmillhill, was killed, and another, James Liddell, was severely burned. It seems that Paul had left his own place in search of a tree to support the roof, and had gone into a place where there was an accumulation of gas, which, coming in contact with his naked lamp, exploded -the result being that Paul was instantaneously killed and Liddell severely burned. Paul was but lately married, and a young wife is left to mourn the sad event. - On Tuesday, about 3 p.m., James Moffat, collier, residing at Pather Colliery, met with one of the mishaps of the mine while engaged at his work in No 1 Pit, belonging to Mr William Boyd. He had been working at the face, when a stone weighing ten or twelve cwt. fell from the roof upon him, breaking his left leg above the knee and bruising him severely about the body. Some of the workmen removed him from under the stone and had him conveyed to his own house, where he was attended by Dr Bethune, Wishaw. Moffat died the same evening from the injuries he had received. [Falkirk Herald - Saturday 5 February 1870]

3 March 1870

WISHAW - Fatal Pit Accident -On Friday morning, about 7 o'clock, a lad about 15 years of age, named John Gallocher ; residing at No. 2 Kerr's Row, Rumblingsykes, in the parish of Dalziel, met with his death in the following manner. Gallocher was employed in Messrs Kerr & Mitchell's No. 1 Glencleland Pit, and when engaged "holing" at the face of the workings a large piece of coal fell from the breast where he was working and jammed him to the pavement. When the fallen mass was removed by some of the workmen it was found that life was extinct. The poor lad's death must have been instantaneous. [Falkirk Herald - Thursday 17 March 1870]

19 November 1870

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – On Saturday afternoon, a lad named George Wright, 13 years of age, met with a fatal accident while working in No 5 pit, Morningside, belonging to the Shotts Iron Coy. He was engaged taking some stones from under a piece of cut coal, when the coal came away on him, killing him on the spot. [Hamilton Advertiser November 26 1870]

7 December 1870

Wishaw – Fatal Accident – On Wednesday last, 7th Dec. curt., a boy named George Graham, residing with his widowed mother here, got himself injured so severely, that he survived the accident only about 7 hours. The boy was acting a a breaker on a small locomotive engine running to and from No 1 Netherton pit, and when endeavouring to put a snibble in the wheel of a waggon while in motion – missing his aim he fell forward, and the wheel passing over his leg, broke it above the knee. When conveyed home the poor boy was promptly attended By Drs Steel and Oman, Wishaw, who carefully and skilfully amputated the injured limb, but the lad never rallied and expired shortly after the surgical operation was performed. [Hamilton Advertiser December 10 1870]

26 December 1870

WISHAW - Fatal Pit Accident - On Saturday night last, about nine o'clock, Alexander Scott, miner, 42 years of age, was instantaneously killed by a fall of coal in in the Glasgow Iron Company's No. 10 Netherjohnstone Pit. [Falkirk Herald 29 December 1870]

30 & 31 December 1870

Two Men Killed - On Sunday, a man named Wm. Todd, fifty-six years of age, labourer, residing in Windmillhill, fell down the Lady Emily Pit, Wishaw, belonging to Mr John Wilson, and was killed. Another accident, resulting in the death of a man named Thomas Watson, occurred on Saturday in No. 3 Pit, Overton Colliery, belonging to Mr Wilson. Two tons of head coal fell upon him, killing him instantaneously. [Falkirk Herald 5 January 1871]

31 December 1870

Wishaw - Fatal Coal Pit Accident At Overtown - On Saturday last, 31st ult., Thomas Watson, collier, 54 years of age, residing at Overtown, was killed in Mr John Wilson's pit, under the following circumstances:- Deceased was working at the face of the coal, when in a moment, and without warning, about two tons of coal and rubbish fell from the roof, by which the poor man was instantaneously deprived of life. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 January 1871]

21 February 1871

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – Nicholas Reid, a collier , twenty-two years of age, residing with John Reid, collier, Brick Back Row, Wishaw, was killed yesterday while working in Cleland Pit, Carfin Colliery, by the fall of a quantity of coal from the roof. [Scotsman 22 February 1871]

23 February 1871

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident - Andrew Muir, underground manager in Mr William Aitken's colliery, Chapel, near Wishaw, and a workman named Daniel Muir, while engaged on Wednesday removing the steam-pipes out of No. 10 pit , in doing which they had to stand on a wooden scaffold in the shaft suspended by a three-ply rope attached to a windlass at the pit-head , were precipitated to the bottom of the shaft, a depth of nine fathoms, through the rope breaking in two places at the end attached to the windlass. The scaffolding fell above them, and it was found, on removing the planks , that Andrew Muir had been killed, and that Daniel Muir had sustained serious internal injuries. [Scotsman 24 February 1871]

17 March 1871

Wishaw - Fatal Accident - Alleged Culpable Neglect of Duty - About five o'clock on Wednesday evening, an accident occurred at the Glasgow Coal Company's No 7 pit, whereby a man named George Stewart, about 65 years of age, a brusher, was killed. It appears that the deceased and another brusher had descended the shaft to the splint coal to commence their work. The man along with Stewart got off the cage all right, but, unexpectedly, and, as is alleged, without any signal, the cage began to ascend before Stewart had got clear of it. The raising of the cage crushed Stewart between it an the door heads. He was so severely injured that he died in about an hour after being conveyed home. George Mair the engineman in charge of it at the time, was apprehended on Thursday and taken to Hamilton, pending an investigation into the circumstances. [Hamilton Advertiser 18 March 1871]

6 April 1871

Wishaw - Accident – On Thursday last, while a man named Thomas Gray, residing in Wylie's Land, Gilhead, was toiling at the face in No 2 Garriongill Pit, the property of the Coltness Iron Company, about 12 cwts of hard coal fell away from the roof on him, breaking one of his ribs and otherwise bruising him. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser 8 April 1871]

4 October 1871

Wishaw - Fatal Accident At Coltness Iron Works - On Wednesday morning, John Connor, about 17 years of age, residing with his father at Overtown Railway Bridge, in the parish of Cambusnethan, lost his life while at work in the Coltness Iron Coy.'s No 2 Royal George Pit. Deceased was along with his brother shearing at the face of the coal, when, in consequence of an unseen foul back, about 30 cwt of coal came suddenly and unexpectedly away, and falling on the poor young man, he was instantaneously deprived of life. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 October 1871]

4 October 1871

Fatal Pit Accident - On Saturday afternoon, James Menzies, collier, 24 years of age, residing in Cambusnethan, got himself very severely injured in the Coltness Iron Coy.'s No 4 Greenhead Pit. Menzies was employed in the main coal seam, and while holing at the face a large fall came suddenly and unexpectedly away from the roof, by which the poor man was so severely bruised on the head and body that he expired early yesterday morning. Both Dr Miller, Newmains, and Dr Oman, Wishaw, were promptly in attendance on the injured man. We believe that no blame can be attributable to anyone. A “lype” or “cutter” in the metals of the roof, and unseen, was the cause of the sudden crash, in which several boys had a narrow escape with their lives. [Hamilton Advertiser 7 October 1871]

28 October 1871

WISHAW. Fatal Pit Accident - On Saturday morning last, 28th ult., Thomas Scott, about 30 years of age, residing in Morton's Land, Kirk Road, Wishaw, lost his life in the Wishaw Iron Company's Victoria Pit. Two large stones bad fallen from the roof of the pit, and inflicted such injuries that the poor man died within a few minutes after the accident. Deceased has left a widow and two young children. He was a diligent, sober workman, and was highly respected among his neighbours. [Falkirk Herald 2 November 1871]

17 November 1871

Wishaw - Fatal Accident to a Boy - On Friday night, a boy named Samuel Walker, residing in Wishaw, met with a very severe accident which resulted fatally. He had just finished his work, and when near No. 10 pit , belonging to the Glasgow Iron Company, he attempted to jump on to a train of empty waggons going past. He missed his footing, and falling before the waggons, several of them passed over him. When extricated he was found to be fearfully mutilated, and survived only half-an- hour . [Scotsman 20 November 1871] With thanks to Jim Irvine for providing the date of this accident

18 November 1871

Fatal Pit Accident - Daniel Carlane, miner, residing in Main Street, Wishaw, was killed in the Netherton pit on Saturday morning. He was engaged in the pit, when a large stone from the roof fell upon him, killing him on the spot. He leaves a wife and six children.  [Scotsman 20 November 1871]

6 January 1872

WISHAW. Fatal Pit Accident - On Saturday, about 9 a.m., a young man named Tavish M'Tavish, residing with his father, Peter M'Tavish, in Caledonian Road, Wishaw, while at work in Shieldmuir Pit belonging to the Summerlee Iron Company, was killed by a fall of coal from the roof. He was employed as a drawer. His body was not extricated till four hours afterwards. [Falkirk Herald 11 January 1872]

6 February 1873

WISHAW -Fatal Pit Accident - On Saturday, John Cowan, aged nineteen years, met with a very serious accident. While engaged with his father taking out stoops in No. 1 Lindrige Pit, belonging to Messrs Forrester & Robson, a large quantity of coal came unexpectedly away, when the young man was so seriously injured that he died on the spot. His father received both external and internal injuries, and lies in a very precarious state. [Falkirk Herald - Thursday 13 February 1873]

27 December 1873

Wishaw - Fatal Pit Accident – On Saturday afternoon, while John Roberts 46 years of age, residing at Waterloo, was putting up a prop to support the roof in No 2 Pather pit, belonging to the Coltness iron Company, he was struck by a stone weighing about a ton which fell from the roof. No time was lost in getting the poor man extricated, but before he was released life had departed. Roberts has left a widow and grown up family. [Hamilton Advertiser 3 January 1874]

January 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accidents - On Monday last, John Strachan collier, 27 years of age, residing at Old Pather got himself injured in Steel's Pit Wishaw. Strachan was at work when a fall of blaise, weighing about 5 cwts fell away from the roof, by which he was injured in his spine. Dr Livingstone was promptly in attendance and skilfully treated the injured man. On the 13th inst., James M'Farlane, residing at Auchterhall Toll, Newmains, got one of his arms broken when at work in Mr Waddell's Overtown Bridge Colliery. M'Farlane was employed in his working place, when a piece of coal came away from the face and inflicted the injury – On the 18th inst., Robert Steel, miner, 25 years of age, residing in Boyd's Row, Overtown, got himself injured when at work in Mr John Wilson's No 3 Pit, Overtown Colliery. Steel was “holing” at the face, when a stone weighing about half a ton fell from the roof, and striking him, he was bruised on the head and shoulders. The injuries sustained were comparatively slight. Steel was able to walk home, and got the skill and assistance necessary from Dr Mitchell. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 January 1874]

February 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accidents – On Monday last Thos. Harris, about 30 years of age, residing in Brown Street, Wishaw, got himself injured in Mr Jas Waddell's No 2 Pit, Overtown Station Colliery. Harris was filling a hutch at the face of the workings, when a stone about 3 cwts came away and struck him on the neck and shoulders and knocked him to the pavement. When conveyed home Dr Steel attended the injured man, and reports that the injuries are not of a severe nature. On Wednesday last, Edward Lockhart, collier, about 30 years of age, residing at Quarry Row, Cambusnethan, got himself severely injured in the Coltness Iron Company's No3 Greenhead Pit. Lockhart was engaged filling coal at the face of the workings, when suddenly and unexpectedly a fall came away from the roof, part of which struck him on the head and shoulders, bruising him very severely, causing blood to flow from mouth and ears. When carried home Dr Miller was in attendance, and did everything that skill and humanity could devise to alleviate the poor man's sufferings. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 February 1874]

Wishaw – Fatal Result of an Accident – Edward Lockhart, the miner who met with an accident in No 3 Pit, Greenhead Colliery, has since died from the effects of his injuries. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 February 1874]

9 March 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On the 9th March, James Findlay, collier, 26 years of age, residing in Bell's Row, Wishaw, met with an accident in No 5 Pit, Bell's Colliery. Findlay, it appears, was taking out stoops in the mian coal seam, and when engaged at the face of the workings, a fall of coal came away from the roof, bruising him on the back and legs. When conveyed home in a cart, the injured man was promptly attended by Dr Steele, Wishaw. [Hamilton Advertiser 14 March 1874]

9 March 1874

Wishaw – Pit Explosion – On Monday morning last, John Smith, miner, residing in Stewarton Street, Wishaw, got himself burned in Messrs D & J Sneddon's No 9 pit, Cam'nethan Colliery. Smith it appears was about to commence work, and when in a stooping position he trimmed his lamp to be in readiness, when he raised himself to an upright position, an accumulation of fire damp exploded by which he was burned on the face head and hands. [Hamilton Advertiser 14 March 1874]

May 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accidents – On the 13th curt., Wm Wilson, collier, 17 years of age got himself injured in the Glasgow Coal Coys No 4 Netherton Pit. Having fired a shot, which failed in detaching the quantity of coal expected, Wilson began to undermine a hanging portion of coal, when a piece came suddenly away by which he was bruised on the back and sides. - On Tuesday morning an accident happened to Mark Olliver, residing in Wemysshill Row, Overtown, while at his work in No 3 Pit, Garriongill Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. Olliver was working at the face when about 2 tons of debris came away, part of which fell upon him, bruising him very severely. Nearly an hour elapsed before he could be extricated. - John Young, residing in Waddells' Land, Stewarton Street, Wishaw, also sustained an accident in No 2 Pit Overtown Colliery, the property of Mr John Wilson. He was taking down some loose stones near the face, when one of them came unexpectedly away, injuring him severely on the back, shoulders and legs. - Edward Cain residing in Bartonhall Rows, Waterloo, was seriously cut and injured by a hutch of coals passing over him in No 6 pit, Garriongill Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. - On Wednesday, while three men – named respectively Malcolm McDonald (50) residing at Waterloo; Wm Duguid (42), Park Street, Wishaw; and Richard Ellis (40), Bonkle – were pushing a waggon of wood near the saw mill at Coltness Ironworks, a log of oak, 33 feet long, fell on them, injuring them severely about the head and back. [Hamilton Advertiser 23 May 1874]

27 May 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Wednesday, a man named John Maxwell, residing in Anderson Street, Cambusnethan, was seriously injured in No 2 Pit, Greenhead Colliery, belonging to Brand's Trustees. Maxwell was engaged taking out stoops, when a piece of coal, weighing over a ton, fell upon him breaking one of his legs and inflicting dreadful injuries about the abdomen. He was conveyed home and attended by Drs Livingstone, Wishaw, and Millar, Newmains, but he died about ten hours after the occurrence of the accident. He leaves a widow and none children. [Hamilton Advertiser 30 May 1874]

June 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Tuesday last, David Smith, miner, 37 years of age, residing in Furnace Row, Berryhill, got himself injured in the Glasgow Iron Co.'s Victoria Pit. Smith was taking out stoops in the main coal seam, and having fixed up a prop, the hammering brought away a fall of “pyotshaw” coal, which struck and bruised him on the back, knee and ankle. [Hamilton Advertiser 13 June 1874]

20 June 1874

Pit Accidents – On Saturday, a man named Thomas Brown, residing at 4 New Row, Waterloo, was in the act of emptying a waggon of coal at the Coltness Iron Co.'s No 4 Stonecraigs Pit. For this purpose he had the door raised up, but in the course of his operations the door fell with great force, squeezing the unfortunate man to the bottom of the waggon, breaking his neck and killing him instantaneously. - On the same day, a lad named John Moffat, while working at Cambusnethan Colliery, got himself severely hurt by falling from the main to the splint coal seam, a distance of about 8- feet. - At same pit, some time later, a fall of coal came away on a man while working at the face, and broke his collar bone. [Hamilton Advertiser 27 June 1874]

26 June 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Friday, 26th ult., Michael M'Ginty, 14 years of age, an underground pony driver in the employment of the Coltness Iron Co., met with an accident in their No 5 Pit, Garriongill Colliery. M'Ginty was proceeding to the bottom of the shaft with two loaded hutches, and having stumbled, one of the hutches passed over and broke one of his legs above the ankle. When carried home to his widowed mother, residing in Hamilton's Land, Overtown, the injured boy was promptly attended by Dr Miller, Newmains. [Hamilton Advertiser 4 July 1874]

23 July 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Thursday morning, William Gray, drawer, about 24 years of age, got himself injured in the Coltness Iron Company's No 5 Greenhead Pit. When conveying loaded hutches to the bottom of the shaft, in order to retard their progress, Gray went in front, was overpowered, fell, and was crushed on the shoulder, arm, and thigh. Dr Miller was in attendance and dressed the injured man's wounds. [Hamilton Advertiser 25 July 1874]

24 July 1874

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday James Patrick, roadsman, 53 years of age, residing at Flemington, was instantaneously deprived of life in consequence of a large stone falling upon him while taking out props in the main coal of No 2 Pit, belonging to the Summerlee Iron Co. He leaves a wife and nine of a family. [Hamilton Advertiser 25 July 1874]

20 August 1874

Wishaw - Pit Accidents – On Thursday last, 20th inst., Alex. Stewart, miner, 20 years of age, residing at Whitagreen, got himself injured in Mr W. S. Dixon's No 5 Pit, Carfin Colliery. Stewart was working at the face, when a large quantity of stones and rubbish fell from the roof, by which he was slightly injured on the back, and on the same day, Wm. Holms, collier, 32 years of age, and residing in Glasgow Road, Wishaw, got himself fatally injured in Mr James Dick's No 2 Pit, Knownoble Colliery. Holms was on the day of his death acting as pit bottomer, and having run a loaded hutch to the landing in the ell coal seam, along with the hutch the poor man was precipitated to the bottom of the main coal, a distance of 14 fathoms. It is thought that deceased in coming forward with the hutch, had forgot that the cage was taken to the mouth of the pit – hence the result. The injured man was conveyed home in a cart, and promptly attended by Dr Oman, whose services were unavailing. The sufferer survived the accident only about half an hour. [Hamilton Advertiser 22 August 1874]

22 August 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Saturday last, John Devany, 27 years of age, residing at Orchard Row, Overtown, met with an accident in the Coltness Iron Coy's No 7 Garriongill Pit, by which his right leg was fractured above the knee. When conveyed home, Dr Green, Overtown, put the fractured limb to rights. [Hamilton Advertiser 29 August 1874]

3 September 1874

Wishaw – Pit Accident – On Thursday, William Yuille, collier, 46 years of age, got himself injured in Coltness Iron Coy's No 5 Garriongill Colliery, by the explosion of about a pound of gunpowder, and was burned on the hands, face, and breast. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 September 1874]

21 September 1874

Wishaw – Accidents – On Monday last Hugh Finlay, miner, Overtown, got himself injured in the Coltness Iron Coy's No 9 Garriongill Pit, by a stone falling from the roof. [Hamilton Advertiser 26 September 1874]

19 October 1874

Wishaw Pit Accident – On Monday afternoon, while Mr George Spence, general underground manager, Coltness Iron works, Mr M'Neil, district manager, and Henry Stewart, fireman, were down No 7 Garriongill Pit, making an examination, they suddenly and unexpectedly came in contact with fire gas, and as they had only common lamps with them, an explosion occurred, by which they got themselves severely burned about the face, arms and neck. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 October 1874]

2 December 1874

Wishaw – Fatal Pit Accident – On Wednesday afternoon a young man named John Shaw, residing with his mother at Newmains, met with an accident in the Coltness Iron Company's No 2 Stonecraig pit, Wishaw, which resulted fatally. He was employed at the coal face, when a portion of the roof fell upon him, and broke both his legs. His fellow workmen had nearly extricated him when symptoms of another fall were apparent, and they had to run in order to save themselves. When they returned it was found that the second fall had killed Shaw on the spot. [Hamilton Advertiser 5 December 1874]

10 February 1875

Fatal Pit Accidents Near Wishaw - Two accidents terminating fatally, and one causing serious injuries, occurred yesterday in the neighbourhood of Wishaw. A collier named James Mullin, 25 years of age, residing in Steel Street, Wishaw, was, along with another man, taking out stoops in the ell coal of No. 3 Pit, Overtown Colliery, belonging to Mr John Wilson, when a large quantity of coal fell upon him, breaking both of his legs below the knee and fracturing his right arm, near the shoulder. He was conveyed home and attended by Drs. Steele and R. Livingstone, but all efforts to prolong life were unavailing, and he expired three hours after the occurrence of the accident. - A pony driver named Steven Kennedy, 16 years of age, residing with his father in Simpson's Square, was also fatally injured in No. 1 Garriongill Pit, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. Kennedy, along with another lad, was engaged drawing loaded hutches along the Cousy brae. When at the foot of the incline, Kennedy stooped down to take out a pin, or "snibble," when his head was caught between the hutch and a prop for supporting the roof. His head was fearfully mutilated. He expired a few minutes after he had reached the pithead. - Another pony driver, named Thomas A. Short, was severely bruised about the head and back, two tons of rubbish having fallen upon him while he was walking along the main level in No. 9 Pit, Cambusnethan Colliery, belonging to Messrs D. & J. Sneddon. [Glasgow Herald 12 February 1875]

29 June 1875

Wishaw - Pit Accident - Yesterday morning, a drawer named Archibald Boag, jun., 16 years of age, and residing at Bartonhall Rows Waterloo, got severely injured in No. 2 Pit, Royal George Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company. He was engaged drawing a loaded hutch from the face of the workings to the horse lye, and it being a steep incline, the hutch overpowered him, and jammed the poor fellow against one of the roof supports. He was conveyed home, and attended by Dr Kirkland, Overtown, who is of opinion that the injuries although of a serious nature, will not prove fatal unless inflammation sets in. [Glasgow Herald 30 June 1875]

7 July 1875

Fatal Result of Accident - The accident which happened to John M'Kinnon at Pather Pit on Wednesday last had a fatal termination yesterday. It appears that M'Kinnon had lain under a large stone for a considerable time before his brother came to the place he was working in. When assistance was got the stone, which weighed between two and three tons, had to be broken up before the sufferer could be released. The accident happened at nine o'clock, and it was two o'clock when M'Kinnon got home, greatly weakened with loss of blood. Both legs were amputated and one of them had again to be cut on a little further up. For two or three days strong hopes were entertained of his recovery, but a change set in on Saturday and he died yesterday, as mentioned. [Glasgow Herald 13 July 1875]

29 October 1875

The Late Fatal Pit Accident At Wishaw - It will be recollected that a short time since an accident occurred at No. 2 Pit, Allanton Colliery, Morningside, Wishaw, whereby a man named John Marshall was killed, and other two men injured, by the falling of the ''kettle" in which they were descending the shaft, the machinery having by some cause or other got out of gear. Robert Hart, the engineman, was yesterday examined before Sheriff Spens here and formally committed for culpable neglect of duty, being afterwards liberated on bail. [Glasgow Herald 12 November 1875]

1 December 1875

Wishaw - Fatal Accident - A fatal accident occurred yesterday afternoon at No. 3 Overtown Colliery. A driver, named Adam Binnie, 36 years of age, married and residing at Cornsilloch, parish of Dalserf, brought a race of hutches to some men working at the face of the ell coal. A short distance from the face, he left the hutches, and was in the act of turning his pony round, when a stone weighing several tons fell away from the roof on the top of man and horse. The men working inside the place where the stone fell clambered over, and at once set to work, and in a very short time got enough of the stone removed to allow the driver to be got out, but life was found to be extinct. The horse was nearer the centre of the fall, and some days must elapse before it can be got out. [Glasgow Herald 2 December 1875]

19 June 1876

Fatal Pit Accident -On Tuesday, while a miner named James Martin, 63 years of age, was taking out stoops in the Coltness Iron Company’s No. 3 Greenhead Pit, Wishaw, a stone weighing about 8 cwts. Fell away from the roof, striking him on the head and shoulders, and burying him under it. Death must have been instantaneous. [The Dundee Courier & Argus (Dundee, Scotland), Thursday, June 22, 1876

14 February 1877

Fatal Pit Accident – A young man named William Stewart, residing with his father in Stewarton St, Wishaw, was fatally injured on Wednesday in the Coltness Iron Company's No 9 Garriongill pit. It was his first day in the pit where he was engaged to drive a donkey, and it is supposed that in taking a train of hutches from the main coal face to the bottom, he had neglected to put in a “sprag” going down an incline, and, in order to save the donkey, went before the train and attempted to hold it back. The train passed over his neck with the exception of the wheel of the last hutch, which rested on it. He was not gone from the face half an hour when he was missed, and when found, life was extinct. [Hamilton Advertiser February 17 1877]

24 March 1877

Firedamp Explosion – Two men named John McLauchlan, residing at Berryhill, and James Lauder, residing at Rumblingsykes, were severely injured on Saturday by an explosion of fire damp in Messrs Merry & Cuninghame's No 4 Pit, Sunnyside Colliery. They were taking a short cut through an old working, when an escape of gas took place through a fall of rubbish, which was ignited by their naked lamps. McLauchlan was severely burned on the face and arms and Lauder on the face. They were removed to their homes and attended by Dr Forbes. [Hamilton Advertiser March 31 1877]

16 April 1877

Fatal Accident – On Monday morning, Thos. Brown, 30 years of age, and residing in Bartonhall Rows, Waterloo, was killed in No 3 Royal George Pit, belonging to the Coltness Iron Co. Brown was at work in the splint coal, and was taking out a prop when a large fall from the roof came away, burying him under it. Two and a half hours elapsed before he was got out, and by that time life was extinct. Dr Howat, Overtown, examined the body and gave it as his opinion that death resulted from suffocation, as excepting a small mark on the back, the body was free from bruises. [Hamilton Advertiser April 21 1877]

22 May 1877

Accident at Garriongill Colliery – An accident happened on Tuesday afternoon in No 9 Pit, Garriongill Colliery (Coltness Co.'s) to Jos. Cochrane, a driver. Cochrane was, it seems, employed drifting a donkey with a load of three hutches of coals from the face to the pit bottom down an incline. He was “snibbling” the hutches, and had succeeded in getting the first two done, but on trying to fix the last he missed his mark, and the hutches ran off. He ran after them to try and “snibble” the last again, but his lamp went out and in the dark he got jammed between the last hutch and a tree or stoop, whereby his right collar bone was broken, The hutches overtook the donkey, knocked it down and broke its neck, causing its death. [Hamilton Advertiser May 26 1877]

30 December 1878

Fatal Colliery Accident At Wishaw - As briefly mentioned yesterday, a fire-damp explosion took place on Monday in Clydesdale Colliery, situated near the Old Graveyard and about three miles from Wishaw, whereby Robert Gillon, oversman, residing in Clydesdale Rows, and Alexander M'Murdo, residing in Caledonia Road, Wishaw, lost their lives. It appears that these men left the splint coal bottom between six and seven o'clock in the morning, to take stock for the annual balance in the main coal, which, by a down-throw, is wrought from the splint-coal team. As they did not come back when they stopped at twelve o'clock (the meal hour), the oversman and fireman of the splint-seam went in search of them. After going about 1000 yards along the level, into a part of the pit in which no workings had taken place for more than a year, they found Alexander M'Murdo lying about three yards from the main road quite dead. As the safety-lamps showed a strong accumulation of after-damp, and there being, in addition, a great number of falls on the road, the searchers thought it advisable to go back to the bottom and get some more men to assist them. They then went back, and after continuing their search they came on Robert Gillon, also dead, and lying about 20 yards from his companion. Both men were slightly burned about the face and head, but the after-damp was doubtless the cause of death. Both leave widows and families. This accident brings the colliery fatal accidents up to nine during the past year. [Glasgow Herald 1 January 1879]

21 February 1879

An Overtown Miner Killed in New Zealand – The New Zealand papers received by the last mail bring intelligence of a terrible colliery explosion at Kaitanguta, near Otago. The disaster happened on 21 February last, and resembled in many of its painful features the Blantyre explosion. Altogether there were 35 persons killed, including the manager and 34 of the miners. In the list of the latter there are several Scotchmen who emigrated from this country some years ago. One of them - William Hay – was well known in this district, having been for some time a respected office bearer in the Coltness Lodge of Free Gardeners, and was long resident at Quarryhowe, Overtown. His widowed mother and other relatives reside at Waterloo. [Hamilton Advertiser April 19 1879]

26 February 1879

Accident at Overtown – A miner named Wm Frame, residing at Waterloo, got one of his legs broken on Wednesday, by a fall of coal in No 1 Pit, Garriongill. [Hamilton Advertiser March 1 1879]

24 March 1879

Fatal Accident – A man named Thomas Gunn, 18 years of age, residing at Torbush, met with a fatal accident while at work on Tuesday in Shotts Iron Company's No 10 Morningside Pit, where he was found lying under s atone weighing about 15 cwt., which had fallen from the roof. When taken out it was discovered that both his neck and back were broken. [Hamilton Advertiser March 29 1879]

1 May 1879

Fatal Accident – On Friday last, a man, named Joseph Smith, residing at 1 Belhaven Old Rows, Rumblingsykes, was injured by a fall of coal while at work in the Glasgow Iron Company's No 2 Muirhouse Pit. The report was that no bones were broken, but he must have been otherwise severely injured internally, as he has since died. [Hamilton Advertiser May 10 1879]

6 June 1879

Lad Killed – A lad named Alexander Allan has died from the effects of an accident in Overjohnstone pit (Glasgow Coal Coy.'s). He was a pony driver and while some wagons were being shunted, he was caught by the snibble he was using and thrown among the wheels. He lived only 6 hours. [Hamilton Advertiser June 14 1879]

14 June 1879

An Unfortunate Family – On Saturday afternoon a miner named James Nicholl, 54 years of age, and residing in Caledonian Road, was fatally injured in one of the Glasgow Iron Company's pits. He was busy shovelling back some coals from the face when a fall from the roof came away on him. He was extricated with all speed, conveyed home, and attended by Drs Roberts and James Livingstone, who found it necessary to amputate one of his legs. On Sunday afternoon the injuries terminated fatally. His father, two brothers and a son have all met their deaths through accidents. [Hamilton Advertiser June 21 1879]

22 July 1879

Fatal Accident – On Tuesday morning, a young man named John Cook, 21 years of age, engaged as a pony driver in No 3 pit, Overtown Colliery, was so severely injured that he died in the afternoon. It appears that Cook had the removal of the full hutches from the foot of a steep incline. The incline is about 40 yards long, and the men at the top and bottom exchange signals before sending on a rake. This was said to have been done, when the man at the head of the incline allowed his rake of four full hutches to come on. Cook, through some unexplained cause, did not attach his empty hutches to the rope. The result was that the full hutches came down with great velocity, and before Cook got out of the way he was caught. His right leg was torn off, and the other nearly so. He was removed to his residence in Hill Street, Wishaw, and attended by Dr Robert Livingstone, but nothing could be done for him, and he died in the afternoon. [Hamilton Advertiser July 26 1879]