RESEARCH into one of the worst mining disasters in American history has unearthed a link to five Kirkintilloch brothers.
On November 13, 1909, 263 men and boys were killed after a fire broke-out at the St. Paul Coal Mine in Cherry, Illinois.
Five brothers, John, Morrison, James, David and William Love had emigrated from Kirkintilloch to the States between 1906 and 1
909 to work at the mine. Only William Love survived the tragedy.
An exhibition is planned later this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster.
Gwen Podeschi, a reference librarian with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, Illinois, has appealed to Kirkintilloch Herald readers for information about the Love brothers and mining in the Kirkintilloch area around that time to include in the exhibition.
She said: "The mine opened shortly after John Love came to Ladd, Illinois, in 1906.
"I have found ship's manifest lists for four of the brothers. Each one lists their occupation as miners and states specifically that they were coming to work in the mine.
"I am hoping someone might be able to help me in locating information on any advertising that may have been done locally to recruit men to come to the US.
"I understand the St Paul Coal Company and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St Paul Railroad Company encouraged miners to emigrate.
"It would also be good to know what may have been occurring in the mining industry in the Kirkintilloch area around that time that would have encouraged men to seek work in Illinois ."
The Cherry Mine Disaster happened after hay, intended for mules at the bottom of the mine, was ignited by burning oil dripping from a kerosene torch.
Anyone with any information on the Love brothers can contact the Herald on 0141 775 0040 and we will pass it on. Alternatively you can e-mail it to: kirkyherald@jnscotland.co.uk
