|
Orphaned children of miners killed in a coal mine at the St. Paul Mine at Cherry, Illinois, in November 1909. The actions of the American Red Cross to set up a pension for the widows and orphans led to the eventual adoption of workers' compensation laws in many states.
Coal mine accidents skyrocketed in the early part of the last century as heavy industry demanded more and more fuel. The Red Cross Magazine of 1909 quoted American Red Cross leader Mabel Boardman as saying: "Statistics show that in our mines alone over seven men are killed a day and nearly 20 injured." Later that year, on November 13, over 250 miners were entombed in the St. Paul coal mine at Cherry, Illinois.
The final death toll mounted to nearly 260 as would-be rescuers were trapped in a fire on the second level. Acting quickly, the Red Cross established a pension fund for the widows and orphans, encouraging contributions from individuals, labor unions, and others, including the Illinois legislature. The fund was credited with influencing the eventual passage of workers' compensation laws in many states, which forced industries to take more responsibility for the welfare of their employees.
For additional information on this and other historical topics, contact us
 Top of Page
| 
