Old Monkland Accidents 1855-1869

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.

5 March 1855

Fatal Coal Pit Accident - A fatal accident occurred on Monday last, in No 11 Pit, Drumpeller, whereby Alexander Mitchel and James Brand lost their lives. Mitchel and Brand were ascending the pit for some necessary cause, and when about 40 fathoms up the shaft the muzzle which connects the rope or chain to the cage gave way, and both were precipitated to the bottom and killed on the spot. We understand that it was a double patent cage, and the unfortunate men were in what is called the top cage, and a hutch of coals underneath them, adding nearly seven hundredweight which could have been dispensed with. We trust that this melancholy incident will operate as a warning to masters, and those in authority under them, against permitting men to ascend the shaft accompanied by coals; and it shows the necessity for paying the utmost attention to the springs upon the cages. [Glasgow Herald March 12 1855]

4 August 1855

The Fated Family - On Saturday last an accident occurred in Carlincraft pit, Gartsherrie, whereby a man named Edward Nelson was so severely hurt he died on the Tuesday following. The deceased had a brother who was drowned in Spain forty years ago; a second was killed by Main's Airdrie coach, in the Gallowgate of Glasgow twenty years ago; a third was killed three years ago by a fall of coals while working in a pit in Chapelhall. Thus four brothers, which composed all the male portion of a family, met with an untimely end [Glasgow Herald August 10 1855]

18 January 1859

Explosion of Fire Damp – James Michan, redsman, Coatbridge, was severely burned on Tuesday last, by an explosion of fire damp, while at work in No 12 Pit, Rosehall.[Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser January 22 1859]

3 February 1859

Explosion of Fire Damp – Stanhope Fleming, collier, Gartcosh, was so severely burned in No 2 Pit, Gartgill on Saturday last, that he died on Thursday. He has left a widow and three children. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 5 1859]

8 February 1859

Fatal Accident – On Tuesday, while Robt. Kirkwood, collier, about 12 years of age, and a man named Chas. Roy, also a collier, were at work in No 2 coalpit, Braehead, belonging to Chas. Tennant & Co., a quantity of stone fell from the roof of the room in which they were working, whereby the boy Kirkwood was killed instantaneously, and Roy severely injured. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 12 1859]

19 February 1859

Accident By Fire Damp – James Sharp, Nathaniel Sharp, and John Gillespie, all residing at Greenend, were severely burned by an explosion of fire damp while at work in the Quarry Ironstone Pit, Calder, on the morning of Saturday last. The pit is the property of Mr Wm Smith Dixon of Calder Ironworks. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

23 February 1859

Coatbridge - Fatal Accident – Alex Sneddon, oversman, was killed on Wednesday afternoon in No 5 Pit, Rosehall. It appears that he had been assisting to put in new bunting and midwall, in place of that which was destroyed by fire last Friday night. He was standing upon the cage – which was about midway down – when it is supposed a stone fell out of the side of the pit, striking him on the top part of the head, killing him on the spot. His death will be much regretted by those in the employment, and also by his employers, Messrs Eddie & Rankine, Langloan Iron Works – having been in their service for the last 23 years. We understand that he has left a widow and family to lament his untimely end. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

5 March 1859

Sudden Death – On Tuesday at 1 o'clock, Mr Matthew Watson, manager, Sonterhouse [sic] Colliery, while standing at No 2 Pit, complained of a dizziness in the head. On reaching the wright's shop he suddenly dropped down insensible form a shock of apoplexy. He was immediately taken home in a carriage and every means used for his recovery that medical skill could suggest ; but all was in vain; he expired the same night at 11 o'clock. The deceased is 56 years of age, and has been in employment at Dundyvan Iron Works for upwards of 20 years. His death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends, as he was much respected in the district. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 5 1859]

12 March 1859

Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday a young man named Duncan Lamond was killed on the spot in No 5 Pit Faskine, through the falling of a portion of the roof. The unfortunate man was, we believe, unmarried. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser March 12 1859]

23 March 1859

Accidents – James Beattie, drawer, Drumgelloch, while at work in No 2 coal and ironstone pit, Hillhead, on Wednesday, had his leg broken by a hutch coming violently in contact with him on an incline in the pit. He was otherwise severely injured, and has been removed to the Glasgow Infirmary. - Thomas Cuningham, while at work today in No 4 ironstone pit, Palace Craig, in the parish of Old Monkland, had his back broken by a fall of stone from the roof of the room in which he was working. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser February 26 1859]

29 March 1859

Accidents – Francis Kennedy, bottomer, Calder, was so severely injured on Monday that he died on Tuesday. At the bottom of the works there is an elevator engine which draws up the cages with waggons of pig iron or other material to the bank or level. About 6 am on Monday morning he passed between the two cages, while the one was ascending with a full waggon and the other descending with an empty one, for the purpose of sorting the lamp, when the descending cage and waggon came down upon him, breaking his legs and six of his ribs, from which he died as stated above. - Hugh M'Ginley, collier, Airdrie was severely hurt on Tuesday while at work in No 2 Coalpit, Cliftonhill, by a stone or brushing from the roof of the pit. His left leg was broken and his back is severely injured. The pit is the property of Mr John Davidson, coalmaster, Airdrie. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 2 1859]

30 March 1859

Accident - On Wednesday while Mr Alexander M'Intyre, contractor, Airdrie, was engaged in repairing the water pipes in the shaft of No 8 Pit, Faskine, one of the iron screw nuts, which the pitheadman was engaged in oiling, accidentally fell down the shaft, and after coming in contact with the corner of the cage, struck Mr M'Intyre on the back, thereby injuring him very severely. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 2 1859]

NB Alexander McIntyre, age 23 died April 16 1859

13 April 1859

Fatal Accident – As Malcolm M'Neil, Jas. Kilty, John Baird and Robert Stevenson, all roadsmen, residing at Westmerryston, near Baillieston, were engaged on a night shift on Wednesday, the 13th last, in the No 2 coal pit Aitkieston, in the neighbourhood of Baillieston, a great quantity of the roof fell upon them by which M'Neil and Kilty were killed and Baird and Stevenson severely injured. The accident occurred early in the night, but was not known till the other workmen went down the pit at 4 o'clock the following morning. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser April 16 1859]

24 May 1859

Fatal Accident – On Tuesday last, while Hugh Leckie and John Barrisford, miners, were engaged at their usual employment in No 10 coalpit, Rosehall, a part of the roof gave way and fell upon them, injuring Leckie so severely that he died in about 2 hours afterwards. Barrisford is also severely injured but is expected to recover. Leckie was about 40 years of age, was married, and has left a widow with five or six children. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser May 28 1859]

13 September 1859

Coatbridge – Sept 14 - Pit Accidents - Yesterday forenoon Mathew Sommerville, collier, residing in Langloan, was severely injured in No, 11 Pit, Drumpeller Colliery. It appears his work was over, and he was proceeding to the bottom to ascend the pit. On arriving at the bottom of the incline he, contrary to express orders, mounted one of a train of loaded hutches, which was being drawn up to the bottom of the pit by a stationary engine. On coming to a part of the mine where the roof was low he was crushed down, and so severely injured that little hopes are entertained of his recovery. - At the same time another accident occurred in No. 9 Pit, at the same colliery, whereby James Mitchell, collier, residing in Langloan, was injured by a fall of stones from the roof. It appears that a number of the workmen were clearing away a fall of stones which had previously taken place, and while so employed some more fell on the top of Mitchell, who got his back severely hurt. Dr Joseph Wilson attended both cases. [Glasgow Herald 15 September 1859]

Matthew Somerville died 19 November 1861 from disease of spine from injuries, 2 years

4 February 1860

Fatal Accident - James Kelly, roadsman, aged 45, while at work on Wednesday in Drumpeller No 2 Pit, commonly named the Blair pit, was so seriously injured by a large stone that fell from the roof that he died about half an hour after being carried home to Blair Row. Dr Joseph Wilson attended but his services were of no avail. [Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser 4 February 1860]

July 1860

Pit Explosion at Coatbridge - A fire damp explosion took place at No 5 coal and ironstone pit, Rosehall, by which two colliers and a drawer were severely burned on the face, hands and other parts of the body. The foreman, it appears, warned them of their danger, and to keep their lamps very low down, as the foul air was moving in small quantities at the roof of the mine, but it seems the warning was unheeded. [Hamilton Advertiser July 7 1860]

17 September 1860

Miraculous Escape – John Wilkie, collier, Gartcloss, while descending the shaft in No 2 Pit, Gartgill, on Monday morning in the usual way to begin work, nearly lost his life under the following strange circumstances:- He entered the cage all right at the pit mouth, but when about half way down he fell through the bottom of it, and after falling down a few fathoms he was thrown by the bunting into an upper seam, but before getting a footing he fell back upon the iron roof of the cage, which, by this time, had descended to that level. Not losing, however, his presence of mind, he had seized hold of the roof of the cage, and placing his feet upwards, turned them round the rope. He thus descended to the bottom in safety, and strange to say, little the worse of his perilous descent, his body and legs being only slightly bruised. Such an escape has never occurred in the annals of pit working in this district. Dr Duncan attended. [Hamilton Advertiser September 22 1860]

20 September 1860

Pit Accident – On Thursday last, about 6pm, an explosion of fire damp took place at Rosehall Colliery in No 10 Pit, by which Patrick Goldie was very severely burned on the hands face and body. It seems that Goldie was warned before going in that fire damp existed in that part of the pit. Notwithstanding, he advanced with his naked lamp, and the damp exploded. Such recklessness is to be deplored, as it is the cause of many accidents of a like nature. The man was taken home, and attended by Dr Duncan, who gave instructions for his removal to the infirmary. On Friday, another man named Corsie was burned on the face and other parts of the body in No 14 Pit, Whifflet, by carelessly keeping a quantity of powder lying beside him in a flask. A spark from his lamp caused the whole to explode. [Hamilton Advertiser September 22 1860]

NB Patrick Goldie, died in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary of 3rd degree burns, on 30 September, 10 days after the accident

28 September 1860

Another accident of the same nature occurred at Souterhouse Colliery, on Friday last, whereby Wm. Hodgkiss, a young man, was seriously injured. A hutch of stones broke away from a train in an incline in No 1 Pit, which belongs to Dundyvan, and Hodgkiss was severely cut on the legs and other parts of the body. Dr Joseph Wilson attended. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

NB Report probably refers to James Hotchkiss, injured 28 September, died Oct 10 1860.

29 September 1860

Fatal Coal Pit Accident – On Saturday evening as Michael Burns, fireman, No 5 pit, Rosehall, Coatbridge, was about to blast a mine in said pit, he, before doing so, knocked away one of the props which support the roof, in order to make the blast more effective, but as soon as he had done so, and before he had time to move, the whole roof came down upon him and crushed him to death. [Scotsman 3 October 1860]

1 October 1860

Accident – On Monday morning, Bruce Harvey, collier, Gartsherrie, was severely injured by some hutches knocking him down, and passing over him, in Carlingcroft Pit, Gartsherrie. It appears he was in the act of ascending an incline to his work when the hutches came down, and, before he could escape the above was the result. Dr Duncan attended but the man's recovery is considered doubtful. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

3 October 1860

Fatal Accident – It is our painful duty to record another fatal accident which occurred early on Wednesday morning in No 14 Pit, Whifflat, situated near Dundyvan Iron Works, to a boy of 12 years of age, named Thomas McKim, who was employed as a pumper. From what we can learn the lad had left his work about 1 o'clock and had gone to the face of the mine, where some relations were employed, and while standing speaking to them, a portion of the roof descended upon his head and body by which he was instantly killed. The men who were working in the place escaped. [Hamilton Advertiser October 6 1860]

October 1860

Pit Accident – A Miner named Jas. Hamilton, while working in No 14 Pit, Whiflat on Friday, got his thigh bone fractured, by a stone falling from the roof. He was removed on Saturday to the Royal Infirmary. [Hamilton Advertiser October 13 1860]

9 October 1860

Serious Accident – On Tuesday morning, shortly after 9 o'clock as Andrew and Jas. McGhee, father and son, colliers, residing in Brown's Square, Langloan, were working in the Store Pit, Gartsherrie Iron Works, a considerable portion of the roof came down, and buried both beneath it. When the other workmen got the rubbish cleared away, James, the son, was found quite dead, the father escaping with a few bruises. Dr Duncan attended. [Hamilton Advertiser October 13 1860]

15 October 1860

Pit Accident – Manus Campbell, collier, Langloan, was slightly burned on the face and hands in No 9 Pit Drumpeller, by the explosion of a small quantity of fire damp, when going into his work on Monday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser October 20 1860]

22 November 1860

Fatal Accident at Coatbridge – On Thursday morning, the 22nd ult, about 4 o'clock, two colliers named William Darlin and William McLachlan were killed in No 2 Pit, New Camp, Baillieston. It appears they were in the act of cutting away a “stoop” when a portion of the roof fell down and killed them, and also injuring severely McLachlan's father, who was working near the place. [Hamilton Advertiser December 1 1860]

20 December 1860

Accident – Alexander Graham, bencher, age 14 years was severely hurt on Thursday at No 1 Coal Pit, Gartsherrie. When in the act of stepping off the cage, he fell backwards on the bottom iron bars, by which he got his head cut severely, part of the scalp being seen. It is fortunate for the boy that he fell on the cage, as, had he swerved a few feet to the right or left, he might have fallen down the pit and been killed. [Hamilton Advertiser December 22 1860]

24 December 1860

Pit Explosion – Two Lives Lost - About half past two o'clock on Monday morning, two young men, named James Bell and Alexander Wilson, colliers, were killed in No 1 or Store Pit, Gartsherrie Iron Works under the following circumstances:- They had both gone down early to commence work, and it seems the firemen, whose duty it is to inspect the workings, and report their safe or unsafe condition from fire or any other indication of danger, had not been forward, or if so, had not examined that part of the pit. It was, therefore, the duty of the men to have waited until the fireman returned and reported the state of the workings. This they did not do; and while on the way to commence their labours, their lamps ignited the foul air which had collected, and the result was an explosion by which they were both killed. Some of the workmen in another part of the it, on hearing the report of the explosion, ran to their assistance, but they only arrived to see one of them dead and the other expire. [Hamilton Advertiser December 29 1860]

21 January 1861

Melancholy Accident - About 3 o'clock on Monday morning a young lad named Jenkins, 15 years of age, belonging to Whifflat, was burned in such a shocking manner at an ironstone fire, which was in the course of calcining at No 14 Pit, Whifflat, that he died a few hours afterwards. It appears he had laid himself down to sleep at the side of it, and was awakened by his clothes being in flames. Medical assistance was immediately sent for, but it was of no avail as he lingered on in agony till the forenoon, when death terminated his sufferings. [Hamilton Advertiser January 26 1861]

(Deceased was Robert Jenkins, age 14)

29 January 1861

Fatal Accident – a collier named George Samuel, employed at No 2 Coal Pit, Gartgill, belonging to Messrs Baird, Gartsherrie, met with a severe accident upon Tuesday the 29th ultimo, in the above pit, by an explosion of firedamp, from the effects of which he died on Monday evening. [Hamilton Advertiser February 9 1861]

19 April 1861

We understand that the lad Cockerall, who met with a severe accident on Friday the 12th inst., and who, at his own request, was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, died upon Friday evening last, from the effects of the injuries then sustained. [Glasgow Herald April 23, 1861]

NB Death certificate gives name as Thomas Corkran

23 April 1861

17 February 1862

Coatbridge February 17 – Explosion of Fire Damp – This forenoon while James Gallacher, collier, residing at Whifflat was working in No 13 Rosehall Colliery, his lamp ignited a quantity of firedamp, and in the explosion he was severely burned about the face and other exposed parts of the body. It appears the place was clear in the morning, but the gas had collected while he was working, or been waffed from another part of the pit. No blame can be attended to anyone. Gallacher was removed to his own house and attended by Dr Duncan [Glasgow Herald 18 February 1862]

21 February 1862

On Friday evening, while Peter Pogers, aged 14 years, was working in No. 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, a fall of stones from the face of the workings fell upon him, severely fracturing his left thigh. He was removed home to Coatdyke and attended by Dr. Duncan, who ordered his removal to the Glasgow Infirmary. [Glasgow Herald 25 February 1862]

23 February 1862

A man named Cowie was killed on Saturday by the explosion of fire damp in the Croftfoot limestone pit, near Coatbridge. [Dundee, Perth, and Cupar Advertiser 25 February 1862]

NB May be William Cowie, died Garnqueen, Cadder

17 March 1862

Fatal Accident at the Big Bank Pit, Calder – About 9 o'clock on Monday morning, a very serious accident, resulting in the death of two oversmen, viz., Adam Hunter, residing at Coatdyke and John Meikleham, Tod's Pit, Calder, occurred at this pit which has been in disuse for a number of years. The unfortunate men were being lowered down the shaft for the purpose of inspecting the state of the pit, in which were 17 fathoms of water, the pit itself being, in all, 35 fathoms deep, when the chain rope snapped and they were precipitated to the bottom. The rope not having been used for a long period, and through exposure to the weather & c., was corroded with rust, and was apparently unfit for use, but before using it to lower the men it had been tested by a quantity of heavy pig iron. Both men leave wives and families to mourn this calamitous and sudden bereavement. At 5pm the bodies had not been recovered. [Herald 18 March 1862]

Fatal Pit Accident – Two Men Killed – An unfortunate accident occurred about nine o'clock on Monday morning in the Big Bank Pit, near Calder, the property of William Dickson, Esq., by which two men named John Meikleham and Adam Hunter, both oversmen, and residing, the one at Calder, and the other at Coatdyke, lost their lives. The pit has not been in use for some years,being partly filled with water, and the men had been down inspecting its condition, when, just as they were gaining the surface, the rope broke, and they, with the cage in which they were ascending, were precipitated to the bottom, a depth of 80 fathoms to the surface of the water, which occupies 33 or 34 fathoms. The rope was in a shocking state – corroded in many places deeply with rust, and full of faults in the strands. Previous to the men going down, it had been tested with 5 or 6 cwt., in five bars of pig iron, and was considered safe by the men themselves, who ought to have been competent judges. In the evening the bodies were recovered by means of grappling irons and brought to the surface, chiefly through the exertions of two brave fellows named James Condie and John Darglas. They volunteered their services to go down in a kettle with grappling irons, but without success, until after four or five spells, when they took shift about going down alternately, each accompanied by one of the bystanders. At length about half past seven in the evening Condie got Hunter's body, and little more than two hours after Darglas succeeded in gripping and bringing the other one to the surface. Both bodies were much mangled and crushed, especially about the legs, which were broken, and it has been thought that the impetus they acquired in falling such a distance had been sufficient to carry them through the bottom of the cage, which was more than half rotten, as soon as it reached the water. It is very generally supposed that the cage must have, to a certain extent jammed in the guides when near the surface, and so brought a great pressure on the “tow” than in its rotten condition it was able to sustain. Deceased have each left widows with large families to mourn their loss. [Hamilton Advertiser March 22 1862]

25 March 1862

Coatbridge March 26 – Yesterday a collier named Duncan Paterson, residing at Mud Row, Fullerton, near Broomhouse, while employed in No 2 Coal Pit Bogleshole, got his right thigh bone broken by a fall of stones from the roof. Dr Robert Stewart, Tollcross attended. [Herald 27 March 1862]

12 April 1862

Coatbridge April 14 - Pit Accident – On Saturday John Connor, drawer, 18 years of age, while employed in one of the pits at Nackerty Colliery, near Baillieston, got himself severely injured about the body, and also his right arm fractured, by being jammed between 2 hutches and the side of the road. It appears that on reaching the top of an incline, the wheels had not been “snibbled” and they went off the road, and he was jammed against the side. Dr Wallace, of Baillieston attended [Herald 15 April 1862]

15 April 1862

Accidents - On Tuesday morning a miner named David Wilson, residing in Rosehall, and employed in No. 10 iron- stone pit, while going into a part of the workings for graith belonging to him, a quantity of fire-damp which had collected exploded, and he was severely scorched about the face, hands, and exposed parts of the body.-Yesterday, another miner named Patrick Darrach. residing at Coatdyke, while working for the first day In No. 5 coal and ironstone pit, Rosehall Colliery, and while putting in prop wood at the face of the workings, a fall of stones came down from the face upon him and severely bruised him, at the same time breaking his thigh bone above the knee. Dr. Duncan attended both cases. [Glasgow Herald 18 April 1862]

27 May 1862

Death From A Pit Accident – James Hastings, collier, Langloan, who met with an accident on the 14th inst., in the Tunnel Pit, Drumpeller Colliery, by a fall of coal from the roof, died on Tuesday from the effects of the injuries then sustained. [Glasgow Herald May 30, 1862]

29 May 1862

Pit Accident - Yesterday forenoon, a miner, named Alexander Breadie, residing at Whiflat, was severely burned on the face, arms, and body, by an explosion of fire-damp in No. 11 Coal and Ironstone Pit, Rosehall Colliery, while at work as usual in the ironstone workings. The fire of his lamp ignited a quantity of fire-damp which had collected at the face, and hence the explosion. [Glasgow Herald May 30, 1862]

10 June 1862

Coatbridge June 11 – Fatal Pit Accident – Yesterday at midday, Gilbert McKay, aged 14 years, pony driver, residing at Whifflet, was killed in No 11 Coal Pit, Rosehall Colliery, belonging to Langloan Ironworks. It appears that no one saw how the accident occurred; but it is supposed that while McKay was driving his pony forward with some loaded hutches, he had put his foot on the tail chain by which the pony was drawing the hutches, and in doing so had tripped and fallen forward, when the wheels of the first hutch passed over his head and killed him on the spot. Dr Stewart was in attendance when the body was taken home to his parents, but the doctors services were not required. [Herald June 12 1862]

16 June 1862

Fatal Pit Accident - About one o'clock to-day a collier named James Smith, aged 45 years, residing at Baillieston, was killed while at work in No. 1 coal Pit, Bredisholm, the property of John Young, coalmaster, Easterhouse, by a fall of stones from the roof. It appears that the weight of the whole mass of stones came down on the lower part of his body, crushing it in such a manner that death was instantaneous. [Glasgow Herald 17 June 1862]

19 June 1862

Coatbridge June 19 – Fatal Pit Accident – Today an accident occurred in No 1 Pit, Kirkwood Colliery, belonging to John Hendrie Esq., whereby Alexander Nelson, bottomer, was instantly killed. It appears that Nelson was in the act of stooping over a loaded hutch which he was putting right on the cage to make it ready for ascent, when, from some cause not yet ascertained, the engine at the top of the pithead was set in motion, lifted up the cage, and jammed him at the doorheads, killing him on the spot . [Herald June 20 1862]

14 July 1862

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – John Dalrymple, miner, a young lad residing in Langloan, met with an accident on Monday in No 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery. It appears that while preparing to take out a piece of ironstone at the working face, a stone fell from the roof upon his legs and knees whereby they were severely crushed; he was taken home in a cart and promptly attended to. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser July 19 1862]

15 July 1862

Coatbridge - Fatal Pit Accident – About half past two o'clock on Tuesday, another accident occurred in No 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, whereby Robert M'Alpine, underground oversman, about 24 years of age, was killed on the spot. It appears that another oversman named John Brown, along with M'Alpine, went down the pit to inspect the shaft. After doing so they had both got onto the cage, and given the signal to be hoisted up, when some loose stones fell down the shaft, and M'Alpine, fearing danger, attempted to jump off the cage, which was then in motion. He was caught at the “door-head” and crushed to death. Deceased has left a widow and one child to mourn the loss of a husband and father. [Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser July 19 1862]

21 July 1862

The fatal explosion at Croftfoots Limestone Pit - Since the sad accident occurred yesterday morning, every exertion has been made by Mr. William White, underground Manager at Dundyvan, and Mr. Robert Boyd, contractor of the pit, who, with a large force of workmen, have been clearing away the debris caused by the explosion, so as to get the bodies of the man and boy who were employed in working the fanners when the catastrophe took place, The name of the former is John Ferrie, aged 57 years, and the latter Thomas Lockhart, aged 12 years. Some idea may be formed of the extent of the workings when we state that they are nearly 340 fathoms from the pit bottom, so that the utmost caution had to be adopted by those employed in getting near the place where the two bodies were supposed to be lying. On getting forward, it was found that the explosion had thrown down upwards of 40 yards of the air course, besides a tremendous fall of stones from the roof, the clearing away of which and the rebuilding of the air course had to be effected before the working face could be reached, which was partly accomplished about mid-day to-day, and about three o'clock the hand of the man Ferrie was seen protruding from beneath a mass of the fallen debris. Another fall of stones came down, which, together with the choke damp that came along with it, beat back the workmen for a time, and it was not till half-past five o'clock that, the body of Ferrie was got out ; that of the boy had not then been seen, but it is conjectured that he cannot be far from the same place. Meanwhile fresh relays of workmen are doing all in their power in getting the place cleared; the work has to be done wholly by the aid of the safety or Davy lamps, from the fiery state of the pit, Nothing has as yet been elicited as to how the explosion took place; those who were down the pit when it occurred had all safety lamps and were aware of the danger of uncovering the light, and the only two who could have explained the cause have perished so that the matter will remain a mystery. [Glasgow Herald 23 July 1862]

3 August 1862

Pit Accidents - Late last night, a brusher, named Peter Markie, residing in Rosehall, while at work in No. 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, in building up some loose stones, to prepare the roads for the workmen in the morning, a fall of stones descended from the roof of the mine, and broke his left leg above the ankle joint; and again to-day, a collier named Andrew Clements, residing also in Rosehall, and employed in No. 11 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, was severely burned on the face, arms, and body, by an explosion of fire damp. It appears he was cautioned, while going in to his work, to take care, as several places were very unsafe from the presence of fire damp, and he had not proceeded far, with the naked light in his hand, when the explosion took place. Dr Duncan attended both cases, and both the men were sent away today to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. [Glasgow Herald August 4, 1862]

4 August 1862

Pit Accident - On Friday, a collier, named Thomas Cruth, residing in Langloan got himself severely bruised on the head and back in No. 4 Coal Pit Drumpeller, by being jammed against the wall with a loaded hutch that had broken away from the top of the incline, where the boy Eaglesham was hurt the other day. [Glasgow Herald August 4, 1862]

14 February 1863

Coatbridge – Pit Accidents – On Saturday morning two brushers named respectively James M'Keown and Michael Docherty, the former residing and New Carnbroe and the latter at Brewsterford, Calder, while engaged at their usual avocation in brushing the roads in No 8 coal pit, Old Carnbroe, and when in the act of putting in some prop wood, a portion of the binding fell down upon them, by which M'Keown got his right leg broken in two places above the ankle joint and his body otherwise severely bruised. He was sent off to the Glasgow Infirmary. Docherty escaped with some bruises about the body, as he managed to crawl out from the debris, and go for assistance to relieve his companion. - On the same day a drawer named John Hastings, residing in Bell Street, Airdrie, while employed in No 10 coal pits, Rosehall, and in the act of filling a hutch near to the face of the workings, a fall of stones came down from the roof, bruising him severely about the right side and thigh. He was conveyed home and attended to. [Hamilton Advertiser 21 February 1863]

March 1863

Coatbridge – Accident From Fire Damp – Allen M'Kendrick, collier, Auchterlony, was burned on the face and right arm by an explosion of firedamp in No 2 Coalpit Heatheryknowe, on Monday last. M'Kendrick was fireman at the pit, and the accident was caused by his own want of caution in taking an unprotected lamp with him while inspecting the workings in the execution of his duty. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 March 1863]

21 May 1863

Pit Accident - While Robert Agnew, drawer, residing in Airdrie was employed on Monday in No. 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery in filling a hutch of coal at the working face, a stone fell on him from the roof, whereby his right leg was severely injured. He was removed in a cart to his residence, and attended to. [Glasgow Herald May 21, 1863]

1 August 1863

Pit Accident – Felix Carr, brusher, residing in High Street, Airdrie, met with an accident in No 10 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, on Wednesday evening. It appears that while examining the workings after the colliers finished their days labour, a stone fell on him from the roof, whereby his head was severely cut. Being unable to walk to his residence from the loss of blood, he was conveyed in a cart. [Glasgow Herald August 1, 1863]

9 October 1863

Pit Accident – On Wednesday, a miner named Robert Maxwell, residing at Coatdyke, got his collar bone broken and was otherwise severely injured about the chest, by a fall of stones fro the roof of No 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery. [Glasgow Herald October 9, 1863]

30 December 1863

Pit Accident – Early on Monday as some men were on the cage descending No 7 Pit Rosehall Colliery, and were down a few yards from the pit-mouth, the engineman reversed the machinery, causing the cage to ascend again. On reaching the top, fearing that something had gone wrong, one of the men leaped off in safety; another, named Andrew Lees, collier, residing in Rosehall, followed the example, but fell backwards, and was caught by the cage, when his back was severely injured; and had it not been for the presence of mind displayed by another workman, who got hold of him instantly, Lees would have been precipitated to the bottom of the shaft. He was taken home and attended to by Dr. Allison. [Glasgow herald 30 December 1863]

23 February 1864

Pit Accident - On Friday, Peter Campbell, miner, sustained a severe compound fracture of the right leg, above the ankle joint, while working in No. 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery. It seems that a hutch broke away and ran down an incline, and in its descent passed over Campbell's leg. He was taken to the Glasgow Infirmary on, Saturday by the instructions of Dr. Allison who attended. [Glasgow Herald February 23, 1864]

23 May 1864

Accidents - On Saturday a miner, named Sam Nassen, residing in Rosehall, while working in No. 9 pit, Rosehall Colliery, received a severe scalp wound by being knocked down by some passing hutches. Another collier, named Orr, met with an accident by a fall of coal from the working face in No. 5 pit, whereby his head was severely injured, and the third finger of the left hand had to be amputated. In No. 13 pit, Francis Greenaway, collier, got his left leg broken above the ancle, by a fall of coal from the working face. The three accidents occurred within a couple of hours. Greenaway was removed to the Infirmary. The cases were attended to by Dr. Allwin. [Glasgow Herald May 23, 1864]

7 June 1864

Pit Accident – On Tuesday, David Robertson, miner, Chapel Street, Airdrie, was very seriously injured by a fall of ironstone from the roof of No 9 Ironstone Pit, Rosehall, where he was working. [Hamilton Advertiser 11 June 1864]

30 September 1864

6 October 1864

Coatbridge Pit Accident – Early on Monday morning, a brusher, named James M'Ewan, residing in Rosehall, was severely injured by a stone falling from the roof of a mine, No. 5 Pit, Rosehall Colliery, while employed at his work. He was severely crushed internally about the chest, and face badly cut, his condition being considered critical. [Glasgow Herald October 6, 1864]

22 October 1864

Fatal Pit Accident - Michael Gattens, roadsman, aged 40 years and residing in High Street, Airdrie, was killed on Saturday afternoon, in No. 10 Coal pit, Rosehall Colliery, the property of Messrs, Addie & Miller. Deceased was employed in building a wall along a part of the workings for the support of the roof, and before the task was accomplished upwards of a ton of stones and debris fell down, burying him underneath. Death was instantaneous. [Glasgow Herald October 25, 1864]

29 May 1865

Fatal Pit Accident at Coatbridge - On Monday morning John Johnston, collier, residing in Gartcloss, while employed in the open-cast coal-pit, Gartsherrie, in cutting away stoops of coal previously left for safety in the workings to support the roof, a large piece of stone, neatly a ton weight, came down upon him and crushed him to death. No person was near when the accident occurred, but one of his fellow-workmen (William Young) had heard a noise about a quarter of an hour previous to the time he went in, and found the deceased lying under the stone. [Dunfermline Saturday Press 3 June 1865]

4 January 1866

Coatbridge – Serious Accident At Provanhall Colliery – A very serious accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in a pit situated close on the banks of the Monkland Canal, belonging to the Provanhall Coal Company, whereby one man was dashed to the bottom of the shaft and other two narrowly escaped the same fate. [Hamilton Advertiser 6 January 1866]

14 February 1866

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident – On Wednesday morning a boy named Wotherspoon, residing at Heatheryknowe, fell down the pit at that place and was killed. It appears that the cage had been elevated above the pitmouth, which in the darkness the boy had not seen, and run the hutch forward, which dragged him along with it. [Hamilton Advertiser 17 February 1866]

21 March 1866

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – On Wednesday forenoon, John Gormley, collier, residing in Whifflat was severely injured by a fall of stones from the roof of a mine in No 5 Pit, Rosehill Colliery, belonging to Robert Addie, Esq., Langloan Iron Works. [Hamilton Advertiser 24 March 1866]

23 April 1866

Coatbridge – Accidents – On Monday last a collier named James Thomson met with an accident in No 2 Open Cast Pit Gartsherrie, the property of Messrs Baird & Co., which terminated fatally. While engaged taking down some wooden props a large stone fell from the roof of the workings and struck the unfortunate man, felling him to the ground, and injuring him so severely that he died about half an hour afterwards. - On the same day, about 9 o'clock in the morning, a lad named Edward Shearer was found dead in No 2 Coal Pit, Unthank in the parish of Bothwell under peculiar circumstances. He was lying on the tramway which leads to the shank of the pit, and the wheel of a hutch run close up to his neck. It is not known how the accident occurred, although he was seen about ten minutes previously by one of the colliers who was working a short distance from the spot. His duty was to draw the hutches to the shaft, and it is supposed he had fallen in endeavouring to start one of them, and that the wheel coming upon his neck had choked him before he could extricate himself. There were no apparent marks of injury upon his person. [Hamilton Advertiser 28 April 1866]

Fatal Pit Accidents - On Monday, James Thomson, aged 29 years, collier, residing in North Square, Gartsherrie, was killed in No. 2 open cast pit belonging to the Messrs. Baird. It appears he was employed in taking down some props from the roof, and while doing so a large stone (about 16 cwt.) fell from the side of the road, crushing him so severely that he died in a very short time afterwards. -On Tuesday a collier, named George Hamill, aged about 47 years, residing at Clark Street, Airdrie, was killed in No 6 Pit, Palacecraig, belonging to the Messrs. Baird, Gartsherrie. It appears that the poor fellow had got done with his work for the day, and was preparing to leave, when a fall of stones came down from the roof and killed him on the spot Deceased has left a widow and two children to lament his loss. [Glasgow Herald 26 April 1866]

7 May 1866

Coatbridge – Explosion In A Pit – On Monday morning, Robert Gallacher, collier, residing in Baillieston, was severely burned about the face and arms by an explosion of firedamp in No 1 coal pit Drumpark, belonging to James M'Kenzie, Esq., of Glasgow. It appears that Gallacher, along with two others, are driving a mine to connect two pits, viz., No 1 and No. 2, and the places being fiery they were supplied with safety lamps. Gallacher, however, contrary to orders, lighted his pipe and the explosion followed immediately after. [Hamilton Advertiser 12 May 1866]

12 June 1866

Coatbridge – Fatal Accident – On Tuesday evening a carter named Donald Cameron was killed at Kirkwood Colliery. He had been sitting on the front of a waggon, and had jumped off, when something caught his foot, and he fell across the rails. The waggons coming up, the wheels dragged him along several yards, passing over his chest and mangling the body fearfully. Death was instantaneous. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 June 1866]

11 June 1866

Coatbridge – Pit Accident – On Monday, a collier, named Bernard Kane, residing in Maryston, while working in the tunnel pit Drumpeller, belonging to Messrs Henderson and Dimmack, got his right leg severely crushed in several places below the knee by a fall of coal which came down from one of the stoops. He was attended by Dr Robert Wilson, who ordered his removal to Glasgow Infirmary, where the leg was amputated. [Hamilton Advertiser 16 June 1866]

10 September 1866

Fatal Pit Accident - On Monday morning a boy named Aitken, and residing in North Square, Gartsherrie, was killed in No. 5 Espieside Coal-pit, belonging to the Messrs Baird, Gartsherrie Ironworks. The deceased was a pony driver, and, as no one saw how the accident occurred, it is supposed that while proceeding with a train of six hutches, he had tripped and fallen, and been jammed between the hutches and the side of the wall, as he was found by one of the colliers in that position quite dead. [Dunfermline Saturday Press 15 September 1866]

10 September 1866

Serious Explosion of Fire-Damp at Coatbridge - About half-past seven o'clock on Monday morning, a serious explosion of fire-damp occurred in Sunnell Coal-pit, Dundyvan, belonging to Messrs Henderson & Dymock, iron-masters, Drumpellier. The men in the pit were all burned more or less severely about the arras and face, and three of them, named respectively James and Miles Higgans and John Roly, were somewhat dangerously hurt. The others injured were John, Daniel and William Crolly, Edward Lundy, James Gray, and John Connor. It is not expected that in any instance death will result, but none of the men will be able to resume work for several weeks to come. No cause has been assigned for the accident. [Dunfermline Saturday Press 15 September 1866]

29 December 1866

Fatal Accident - The young man, John M'Kay, who was so severely burned by the explosion of firedamp, noticed in our columns, which occurred at No. 13 Coal Pit, Rosehall Colliery, on the 26th of last month, expired on Saturday night. The other sufferers are recovering. [Falkirk Herald 10 January 1867]

Coatbridge - Culpable Homicide - On Thursday, two young men, named Alexander Newton and David Hunter, miners, and residing in Whifflet, were apprehended, and conveyed to Airdrie, on a charge of culpable homicide. The accused persons, along with a fellow-workman named John M'Kay, a drawer, were employed in No. 12 coal pit, Rosehall Colliery, on the morning of the 24th December last, when an explosion of fire-damp occurred, that caused the death of the man named M'Kay. The explosion, it is alleged, was caused by the prisoners entering with open lamps. Newton and Hunter, after being examined before Sheriff Logic, were liberated on bail. [Falkirk Herald 28 February 1867]

30 January 1867

Two Men Buried Alive - A melancholy and fatal accident occurred on Tuesday evening in No. 1 pit , Souterhouse Colliery, near Baillieston About three o’clock in the afternoon; two young men, named David Martin, collier, and James Murphy , drawer, were engaged in working at the coal face , when two large masses of stone were detached from the roof, and came down upon them , and so hemmed them in that escape was impossible. It was not till seven o’clock, four hours after the accident , that they were discovered. The two men were then relieved and carried home. So severe , however, were the injuries sustained by Martin that he died the same evening. Murphy is still alive, and is in a fair way of recovering. [Scotsman 1 February 1867]

8 April 1867

COATBRIDGE - Melancholy Accident - One Man Killed and Two Injured -An occurrence of an exceedingly painful and singular character occurred on the forenoon of Monday at No. 3 coal pit, Nackerty, near Bellshill, the property of Messrs Stewart and Reid, coal masters. It appeals that four miners, named respectively Robert Gemmel, Robert Ferrie, Joseph M'Quiston, and Robert Stewart, having ceased work between one and two o'clock, entered the cage and signalled to be raised. The machinery was put in motion, and the cage had got about half-way up the shaft, which is 125 yards in depth, when it got out of the "slides," and Robert Gemmel was thrown out, and, falling to the bottom of the shaft, was killed instantaneously. M'Quiston likewise fell out, and in all likelihood would have shared thef of his companion, had Ferrie not seized hold of him by the legs and retained his grasp until the cage reached the pit mouth. As it was, M'Quiston's legs were broken, and he sustained several severe bruises on different parts of the body, Ferrie is also much bruised, and has sustained some rather serious internal injuries. Stewart, the other occupant of the cage, happily escaped without a scratch. The deceased was only 19 years of age. [Falkirk Herald 11 April 1867]

6 July 1867

Coatbridge – Fatal Pit Accident – An accident, attended with fatal results, occurred on Saturday in No 3 Bank Pit, belonging to the Summerlee Iron Company, near Coatbridge. A sudden fall of a large stone from the roof crushed underneath it Bernard Henan, who was working at the face at the time. On being extricated he was carried home, but he only survived till Sunday morning. [Hamilton Advertiser July 13 1867]

15 August 1867

Another Pit Accident - Between two and three o'clock on Thursday last, a lad named Richard Caldwell aged 16 years, a drawer, residing with Thomas Caldwell, a collier, at Swinton, was severely injured in No. 2 coal pit, commonly known as the "Mary Pit," at Dungeonhill, near Baillieston. It appears that he was at that part of the pit called the Main Heading Road, and that a hutch loaded with coal, which had broken away from a drawer named James Robertson, came in contact with him, jamming him against the wall, breaking one of his ribs on the right side, and severely crushing and bruising him about the haunches and legs. [Glasgow Herald 17 August 1867]

2 November 1867

Fatal Pit Accident - On the afternoon of Saturday, a miner was killed in No 4 pit, Bogleshole, the property of the Clyde Iron Company. He had gone through an old working for the purpose of visiting a neighbour miner, and was on his way back when a stone fell upon him from the roof, crushing him to the ground, and injuring him so severely that he expired about half an hour afterwards. [Hamilton Advertiser November 9 1867]

26 November 1867

On Thursday last, a fatal accident occurred at the Drumpark Coal Pit, Bargeddie, by which James White, aged 18 years, son of Robert White, Bargeddie, lost his life. Deceased was descending in the cage, along with two of his fellow workmen, when by some means he lost hold of the cage frame, and, falling out, was precipitated to the bottom of the pit, and killed on the spot. [Scotsman 30 November 1867]

13 February 1868

Accident – On Thursday Stewart Lewis, aged 14 years, residing with his father at No 1 Back Row, Rosehall, got his arm broken above the elbow, and sustained some injuries about the back. It appears that he was employed as a drawer in No 9 Pit, Rosehall, and was putting in the pin attaching some empty hutches to a wire rope when a piece of stone fell from the roof and rung the signal bell, whereupon the hutches were put in motion, jamming Lewis against a trap door till the rope gave way and he was liberated. [Herald 15 February 1868]

23 January 1869

Coatbridge - Fatal Accident - Hugh Burns, roadsman, residing at Nackerty, was instantaneously killed by falling down the shaft of No. 2 coal-pit, Aitkenhead, on Saturday the 23d inst. He was working at the main coal, and desired the pit bottomer to signal to the engineman to allow him to get up the shaft. Some mistake about the signal was the cause of the accident, and the deceased fell from the main to the splint coal, a distance of about 12 fathoms, whereby he was killed on the spot. [Glasgow Herald 26 January 1869]

12 August 1869