Coal Mining in Northeast Missouri
Coal mining in Missouri spans from the 1840s to current day. Missouri was the first commercial coal producing state west of the Mississippi. Early mining was done completely underground and those mines are long gone. In the 1930s, surface mining began to change the face of coal mining in the state. By the 1960s, nearly all of the coal mining in the state was surface mining.
Through the course of the era of coal mining in Northeast Missouri, a great amount of the mines were located in the Novinger area. According to the Adair County Historical Society, there were fifty-three mines in the Novinger area. The last coal mine to operate here was the Billy Creek Mine. It closed in 1966. Below is a link to the pay list for miners from the records of Charley Gasperi and the Blacksmith Coal Company Mines. Perhaps you have a family member listed on this list. I know that I do. My great-grandfather worked for this company at one time. Like many others that engaged in the job of coal mining, he suffered respiratory issues from breathing in the dust and debris found in the mines. He was a recipient of a "Black Lung Pension" like so many others around our area. Look through this list of employees. I'm sure you will find some names familiar to you.
Through the course of the era of coal mining in Northeast Missouri, a great amount of the mines were located in the Novinger area. According to the Adair County Historical Society, there were fifty-three mines in the Novinger area. The last coal mine to operate here was the Billy Creek Mine. It closed in 1966. Below is a link to the pay list for miners from the records of Charley Gasperi and the Blacksmith Coal Company Mines. Perhaps you have a family member listed on this list. I know that I do. My great-grandfather worked for this company at one time. Like many others that engaged in the job of coal mining, he suffered respiratory issues from breathing in the dust and debris found in the mines. He was a recipient of a "Black Lung Pension" like so many others around our area. Look through this list of employees. I'm sure you will find some names familiar to you.