Joe Hatfield, Mine Explosion Victim (9/12)

Mine Accident Changed PCH Concepts by Dr. James S. Golden was written for sensationalism and not based on facts. First, his story was based on heresay and when the explosion occurred one could not have seen smoke that far away because of the mountains and it was not bitter, but drizzling rainey weather and there was no wail of grief as there were only a few men and boys keeping watch outside the mine; no children nor women were present (women were supersticious about being near the mine when miners were inside) nor was there room for "300" nor even 100 people on the hillside. Joe Hatfield and Huey Miller had dropped all the mantrip off and started picking up cars of coal to bring outside when it happened. They started to walk out but were overcome by gas and returned to their motor. They searched the area and found the others and talked it over. Since they could not go forward nor back, they decided to bradish themselves in where they had found some breathable air. No one took charge but they all discussed their situation and mutually agreed to stay with the good air and use only one lamp at a time. Joe's lamp was still burning when they were found.