Durham Mining Museum - Newspaper Articles (original) (raw)

26th July 1900

Man Killed At Croft Pit, Whitehaven

A miner, named John Whitten living at Sandwith, near Whitehaven, 43 years of age, met with his death yesterday (Wednesday), when following his employment at Croft Pit, Whitehaven. Deceased was working with his two sons, named John Thomas and Joseph Whitten. They were working on the main road, taking off a bend. At about 3-15 a.m., deceased laid a charge of gelignite, and tried two caps, with the electric battery. The caps missed fire. Deceased and his two sons then went to have their "bait," and returned about four a.m. Deceased then send his two sons to fill up some mettle, and he went to where he had laid the shot. A few minutes later, his sons heard a report, and went to see what it was and found their father lying on the road. Deceased never spoke, and died about twenty-five minutes afterwards. Deceased was very much shattered about the body and left arm. He was well known in the district, and was highly respected. The inquest was opened yesterday afternoon, at Sandwith, by Mr. Gordon Falcon (the coroner for West Cumberland), and adjourned to allow of the attendance of the inspector of mines, until Friday afternoon. Our Sandwith correspondent writes :— A gloom has been thrown over the village of Sandwith by the sudden death of Mr. John Whitten, which occurred at four o'clock yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Croft Pit. Mr. Witten was a contractor at the pit, and has for some time been assisted in his duties there by his two sons, John Thomas and Joseph who were both present at the time of the accident. The explosion, which, while inflicting severe injuries on the father, caused almost immediate death, also slightly injured the elder son. The younger, however, being some little distance and protected by a bogey fortunately escaped unhurt. About six years ago Mr. Whitten came on to Sandwith from the Durham Colliery district. During his residence here he has gained the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Upright in all his dealings, of temperate habits, conscientious in the fulfilment of his duty at home and at work he has left an example, which might be profitably followed. He took a great interest in every good work, particularly those connected with the School children. He would willingly give up many hours to the erection of the stage, and decorating the room for the entertainments, after at great inconvenience to himself, and always arranged to be present on these occasions. His loss to the school will be keenly felt, and we understand that the children and their teachers are presenting a wreath in loving memory of his work among them. Deceased was only 44 years of age. He leaves a widow and nine children, the youngest hardly twelve months old. The deepest sympathy is shown for Mrs. Whitten and her family in their sad bereavement.

Newspaper transcript kindly provided by
West Cumbria Mines Research.