Muhlenberg County Kentucky
Mining
Mine Accident
Brings Death to Two at Luzerne Monday.
Ray Hamilton and Peter Baker Instantly Killed When Roof Falls.
Both Are Popular Young Men.
A fall of slate from the roof of the mine of the W.G. Duncan Coal Co. at Luzerne about 10.30 o'clock Monday morning caused the death of two of the most efficient employes of the company, and both of them widely popular young men. Ray G. Hamilton, of this city, and Peter Baker, of Luzerne, were on an electric motor which passed just as the slip came, and borth of them were instantly killed. The controller on the motor was found to stand at a point which would indicate a speed of about twenty miles an hour, and the impact of the sudden stoppage, together with the slate that fell, indicates that neither ever realized anything about what happened. On account of the blocking of the opening it was some time before the bodies were brought out, as another opening had to be employed. The mines were shut down at once, and hundreds of people gathered at the power house to view the bodies before they were removed to their homes.
Ray Gresham Hamilton was 21 years old, the eldest son of Mrs. Jennie Hamilton, and is survived by one brother, Mr. Duncan Hamilton. He was a bright, industrious, quiet boy, had a host of friends, and his death and the manner of it created the deepest sorrow in all circles. His funeral was held at the Presbyterian church at 3.30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, and even after the standing room had been occupied the building would not contain the friends who gathered. Dr. J.S. Lyons, of Louisville, delivered the sermon, one of the most inspiring, consoling and effective that has been heard here, and several selections by the choir added to the impressiveness of the service. Interment was in Evergreen cemetery, the attendance being large. His mother and brother have the interest and sympathy of all our [unreadable].
Peter Baker was 24 years old, and leaves a wife to whom he had been married about a year. He was driving the motor, and was once of the most careful men of the hundreds employed, and among the most popular with his fellow-employes. His funeral service was conducted by Rev. W.J. Mahoney at Friendship at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the Red Men and United Mine Workers conducting the burial. Both bodies were largely represented, crowding the church and grounds, and the service was one of the most affecting ever witnessed at the church. His young wife has the especial interest of all.
This is the second fatal accident that the company has had in the nine years of operation, and the third death that has occurred, showing the splendid physical condition of the property, and the care of the men and inspectors.
Source: Mine accident brings death to two at Luzerne Monday. The Record [Greenville, KY], 19 May 1910, p. 3.
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Updated April 23, 2020