Roberts Roots & Branches

“How could Daddy have worked in a place like this?” I muttered. Joe was quick to defend, “You know, strange as it seems, a miner gets used to working underground.   I loved it, and I bet your dad did too.   Farther down it’s like a city all its own where the temperature never changes.   I guess it’s all what you are used to.   Sure, mining’s dangerous.   Every damn move you make is dangerous.   But you just go to work each day hoping to hell today isn’t the day for you to get yours.” ---Wood, Marilyn Nesbit, The Day the Whistle Blew , High Plains Press, 403 Cassa Road, Glendo, Wy, 2014, page 14.

National Miner's Day In honor of our coal mining ancestors; we remember you today! The hours you spent in the dark damp coal mines. . . The dangers you encountered every day. . . The fear you felt as you lost your co-workers. . . The damage to your lungs. . . The minor and yet painful injuries you suffered. . . The physical strength it took you to do your job. . . We honor you and what you have done for us--thank you Roberts coal miners.

 National Miner's Day A resolution was passed in the United States Senate on December 3, 2009  declaring December 6 of every year as National Miner's Day.       In memory of our  coal mining ancestors.           “Coal is part of our heritage – our West Virginia soul – and it’s important that we do everything possible to protect and recognize our miners and coal industry workers.  Our hard-working miners show up to work ever...

 Coal miners shopped at the Company Store,  and their purchases were deducted from their paychecks. Source: Wyoming Newspaper Project Rock Springs Miner no. 33 August 28, 1902, page 1     Newspaper Name: Rock Springs Miner     City: Rock Springs     Year: 1902     Month: 08-August     Day: 28     Page: 01

Advertising on the front page of the local Rock Springs Rocket! Source: Wyoming Newspaper Project Rock Springs Rocket, 10 September 1908, page 1.

"Traitors When North Staffordshire's miners formed a trade union in the early 1830s, their masters responded by taking on non-union workers (or 'blacklegs') who would not try to seek improved pay and conditions. The miners of the new union regarded these men as traitors, and wrote of them in crushing terms, referring to the story of Jesus' betrayal by Judas in the Bible: ...as the Chief Priests and Scribes sought means to destroy Jesus, so our Masters and Agents are seeking traitors, and to our great astonishment and to their disgrace, they have found Judas's (sic.)... "Be Peaceable, be firm, and be united..." Blackleg workers have often been treated violently, even in modern times. However, this notice calls on miners to remain calm and disciplined: ...be Peaceable, be firm, and be united, though Judas betrayed his Master and his Brethren, yet the Eleven stood fast... and came of more than conquerors. The anonymous notice ...

The Iowa Museum has a wonderful coalmining exhibit.   Here are some pictures of the coal mining exhibit.       Here's their link .

 Coal miners shopped at the Company Store,  and their purchases were deducted from their paychecks. Source: Wyoming Newspaper Project Rock Springs Miner no. 33 August 28, 1902, page 1     Newspaper Name: Rock Springs Miner     City: Rock Springs     Year: 1902     Month: 08-August     Day: 28     Page: 01