1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

No. 11. FIFTH BITUMINOUS DISTRICT. 479
UK) feet to sink. Everything about these mines is being constructed
on modem methods and in all
requirements of law as to healthfulness and safety.
Eureka Fuel Company's .Mines.—These mines, four in number, air
all
respects up to, and even exceeding the
in good condition and exceed the law's requirements as to healthfulness
and safety. The following description furnished me by Mr. J.
P. Brennen, general manager, shows the condition of the mines in
detail:
"In 1899 the Illinois Steel Company bought the coal field that is
now being operated under the name of the Eureka Fuel Company.
This field lies in Nicholson, German and Menallen townships, Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, on the eastern slope of the Fayette basin
of the Pittsburg coal vein, and extends to within 1,000 feet of the
Connellsville field at the Revere tract, now owned and operated
by W. J. Kainey. It comprises about 6,500 acres, extending about
nine miles in a north and south direction.
The dip of the vein through this field is approximately N. 65 degrees
east, varying from 3.5 to 6 feet per 100. Along the eastern
limits of the field the coal has comparatively light cover, the vein
being eroded in the valley of streams, giving in many places ideal
conditions for the development of drift mines; while on the west the
vein lies- at a depth requiring shafts to reach the coal.
"The preliminary surveys for the development were begun July
1, 1899. The first work being surveys for the contour maps at the
points selected for the three plants. Upon these maps the location
of the pit mouths, coke ovens, power plants, railroad tracks and
other accessories was determined.
Ground was broken for the pit mouth of No. 1 mine at Leckrone
in August, 1809. The contract for the coke ovens was let in September,
189!), and the first coke was drawn June 2, 1900. The work was
carried on continuously throughout the winter upon oven construction,
mine development, tenement houses, foundation work, etc.
"Work at the Footdale plant was commenced in January, 1900,
and at the Buffington plant February 1, 1900.
"The nearest railroad delivery, until the Smithfield and Masontown
branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company reached Leckrone
(April 7, 1900), was for Leckrone, Smithfield, seven miles distant,
and for Footdale and Buffington. Uniontown, five and six miles
respectively, from which points all
construction materials and machinery,
including six 11 ton boilers, were hauled by team.
-At Leckrone, at the forks of BrowD Run, and two miles northeasl
of Masontown, there are two drift mines. Tie' No. 1 mine has 525
acres of coal tributary to it. all of which is self-draining and grades
on the haulage roads are in favor of the load, the grade on the main