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ADAM McLEAN from the April 1899 edition of the "United Mine Workers of America Journal" "Reports the Death of Adam M'Lean, President of the Jackson Sub-District." Wellston, O., April 24.-Editor Journal; Please allow space to impart the sad intelligence to the many friends of our esteemed Brother and official, Adam McLean's untimely death. On last Tuesday he worked all day in the mine; spent the evening with his wife and five small children, which comprised his little family, of whom he was intensely fond; retired in his usual good health, but ere the sun had cast his eastern rays of light upon his home, his sun of life which should have been at high noon, was sinking below the western horizon. His wife was aroused from her sleep by a difficulty in his breathing. She raised him up. He breathed a few more times and his physical life ceased and his soul took it's flight to the God who gave it. Heart failure was the cause. He was born in England 33 years ago, but has been a citizen of this country for quite a number of years, working in different parts of this State, mostly in the Hocking field. He has been a resident of this county for three or four years. He was an ardent worker in the interest of organization. His voice was ever ready to proclaim the rights of his fellow men. His shoulders were ever ready to receive the load of responsibility. He never faltered when duty called, it mattered not what personal sacrifice was to be made. He never sought official position, but official position did seek him. He served as member of the Executive Board in '98; was nominated at the annual convention in December for President of this Sub-district, and was elected by acclamation. In the short time he was permitted to officiate he proved hi8mself equal to the responsibility. He was loved and honored by all who knew him. His death was a shock to the community. Many of the miners lay idle on the day of his funeral. It was one of the largest funerals ever witnessed in this county. Quite a large concourse of miners marched in double file from the house to the Poplar Grove Church, where an able and impressive sermon was delivered by Rev. Carey, of the Baptist Church. He impressed us with the fact that it was "not all of life to live not all of death to die." From thence to the cemetery on a high hill overlooking that quiet little village of Glen-Roy, the last remains of our beloved brother, friend and officer were laid to rest. He was an organized man, a union man, a gallant laborer in the cause of the oppressed. What more can I say of him? This is enough. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. It is our duty, brother miners, to see that their temporal wants are supplied. While we can not heal the wounded heart, we can feed and clothe and commend them for consolation to an All-wide Over-ruling God. -E.S.McCullough provided by Sue Fox United Mine Workers of America Journal, April 1899 "Of District Six reports a Strike Ordered at Two Mines in Guernsey County and Thanks President McLean for Favorable Mention" Coshocton, O., April 17. - Editor Journal: I have just got home from Guernsey county, where President Haskins and I were called last week. The Forsythe and Klondike Coal Companies, whose mines are situated on the B. and O. railroad, about five miles east of Cambridge, have placed large breakers on their screens, which is a violation of the Chicago and Pittsburg agreements. We called on the companies operating those mines last Friday and requested them to remove the obstructions. This they would not consent to do. Finding it impossible to avoid trouble and having been driven to the last ditch, where we either had to back down or show our strength as an organization, we ordered a strike and we request all miners hunting employment to stay away from there until the trouble is settled. I am real thankful for the compliments paid me by the President of the Jackson county miners' Sub-district organization in last week's issue of the Journal. But let me say to you, Bro. McLean, that if the miners of Jackson county received any benefit and if the organization has increased in membership during my visit yourself and the rest of your Sub-district officers are worthy of equal praise. I can never forget the kind treatment I received from the miners of Jackson county, and i do hope that President Haskins and i will soon be able to go down there and if possible remove some of the heavy burdens that now rest on their shoulders. -D.H. Sullivan provided by Sue Fox |
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