Community News
From the Librarian’s desk by Steve Joyce
While rummaging through some articles at the Coal Museum, I came across one that struck my fancy. It was from the Illinois State Journal and the Headline was, “Miners, anarchists, soldiers combine for tense faceoff.” The date was March 21, 1911. I decided to follow up on the story and see what other newspapers had to say. I was shocked by the headlines around the U.S., splashing the controversy. Some of the headlines were as follows:
“1,000 armed foreigners parade streets of town.”—Knoxville, TN Sentinel
“Immigrant coal miners terrorize Illinois town, driving Americans before them with guns.” —Chattanooga, TN News
“Armed foreigners drive miners from work in Gillespie.”—Birmingham, AL News
“Armed foreigners arm for battle.”—Spokane, WA Chronicle
“One Thousand on the march.”—Wilmington, DE News Journal
“Foreigners demonstrate.”—Salt Lake City, UT Deseret News
“Foreigners at Benld are ugly”—Bloomington, IL Pantagraph
There were major news stories across the country, north, south, east and west. Major cities carried the stories from Boston to San Francisco and Bismarck to Waco, Texas. The stories were inflammatory and struck an opinion that our area had radical, troublemakers working in the mines.
Throughout the country these headlines made people fear that the foreign miners were anarchists and armed mobs. Most of the stories were somewhat exaggerated although there were protests, marches, armed miners and troops. The Gillespie News, while other national newspapers highlighted the situation, played it down as an over-zealous protest, stirred up by “yellow journalism.”
Here are the facts that brought about this national uproar.
Coal production in Illinois is in the decline, salaries are slipping and the mines are cutting back on working days, sometimes only two to three days a week. Many foreigner miners see this as a threat to their livelihood. The Superior Mines employ around 1,850 men. When working, salaries are around $80 a month. The Illinois State Legislature was informed that 20,000 Illinois miners were idle in March and this produced hardship on the miners. A mild winter and mechanization were causes of this problem.
Superior Coal Company decided to add another machine in Mine #2 in Sawyerville and the United Mine Workers Union supported the move. Machines for the past two years were being placed in the Sawyerville mine. Most of the workers were foreign Italians from Benld and thought this was cutting into their work opportunities. The miners retaliated by cutting back on their mining quotas. Miners were fired. Because of this, the miners refused to work. All three of the Superior mines were shut down by Superior Coal Co. for a couple of days. The situation between the company and the foreign miners did not change. The miners stayed on strike.
The state officials of the UMW ordered the miners of all three UMW Locals to go back to work or be subject to fines because the striking miners violated the union agreement and constitution. A large miner meeting of all three locals met in Gillespie and informed the striking miners of the decision of the UMW. Gillespie also had the Superior Coal offices.
Most of the American miners were willing to go back to work, however Macoupin County Sheriff Etter anticipating trouble from the foreigners called out deputies to patrol Mine #1 in Eagarville. On Monday March 20, 1911, approximately 250 armed miners prevented other miners from going to work at the Eagerville mine. Etter’s deputies were out-numbered. Fearing that this could escalate Etter asked for state troops. Governor Deneen ordered 10 companies of militia to Gillespie on Tuesday, March 21.
Here is where the newspaper headlines took their information.
Prior to arrival of troops on Tuesday morning, approximately 700 armed foreigners, mostly miners marched from Benld to Eagarville to Gillespie and back to Benld through Mt. Clare Mine #3.
The Springfield State Journal called this march as follows, “Strikers from Benld marched into Gillespie this morning, making a show of arms, with a numerical strength that paralyzed the lovers of peace. The red flag of anarchy floated proudly at the head of the procession.”
The impression by Gillespie residents, who being alarmed, was that they were being attacked by an armed mob. However, there was no conflict or trouble and 350 National Guardsmen set up camp in Benld to stop any potential rioting, while only one company of troops were stationed in Gillespie. The troops stayed in camp for about one week.
The Gillespie News publisher S P Preston took a very dim view of the incident and condemned the miners always referring to them as foreigners preventing American union miners from doing their work. But there was no condemnation of the town of Benld. The outcry in the Gillespie paper was far toned-down to those throughout the U.S. There were no headlines. There were not a thousand marchers, there was no trouble but newspapers cried out that the foreign miners were an armed mob looking for trouble.
To compound the situation, several citizens received “black hand” letters. These letters threatened death. The “Black Hand” was an Italian community extortion organization threating violence, usually found in large eastern cities.
The three Superior mines remained closed temporarily. In early April the three locals of Eagerville, Sawyerville and Mt Clare all eventually returned to work and the strike ended after four weeks. The decision by local miners was not unanimous to return to work, but in the end all three union locals ended their strike.
This exaggerated reporting was not unusual throughout the U.S. Unionism and strikes were making big headlines. As an example, in March 1910 a major coal strike in Pennsylvania lasted for over a year involving 15,000 miners known as the Slovak Strike because 70% of the strikers were foreigners. Combine the fact that many unionists were both American-born and foreigners, it was the foreigners that were blamed for the trouble. But because of these unions, both American and foreign born, laws are being made by legislatures to protect the worker.
It is unfortunate that at the time of this mine strike on March 25, 1911, the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in NYC occurred causing the death of 150 factory workers bringing an uproar about conditions of the American worker.
Comments
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Henrietta and Staunton Road. Asa M. Proctor, 46 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license revoked.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a dog at large. Nathan S. Thornhill, 38 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
Edgar Olivero, 22 of Gillespie, was arrested on a warrant out of Granite City for failure to appear on illegal possession of ammunition.
Kyle J. Lancaster, 34 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine. He was also given citations for possession of a firearm with a revoked FOID and for possession of ammunition with a revoked FOID.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Westwood Street in East Gillespie in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Lincoln in Eagarville.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Tree Lane in Eagarville in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Wilson Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
The school resource officer was called to the Gillespie Middle School in reference to a theft.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department to speak with a female in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a battery.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Pine Street and Macoupin Street. Brian L. Musgrove, 48 of Gillespie, was issued a citation for expired registration.
An officer was dispatched to Western Avenue in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a battery and criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Chestnut Street in Benld in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie Police Department in reference to juvenile issues at Gillespie High School.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South 6th Street in Benld in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to Circle Drive at Gillespie Lake in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Harding Avenue in East Gillespie in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South 7th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in Benld in reference to disorderly contact.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a stolen vehicle.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Oak Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to child custody issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer spoke to a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble in the 100 block of Green Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to theft.
An officer was dispatched to Frey Lane at Gillespie Lake in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Osie Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Jersey in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to property in the 300 block of Dona Road in Eagarville.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Charles Street in reference to a missing child.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Henry Street in East Gillespie in reference to a golf cart on fire.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to a juvenile issue. A 12-year-old male from Gillespie was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of West Central Avenue in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to a noise complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the Gillespie High School in reference to illegal parking.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer responded with the school resource officer to a medical call at the Gillespie High School track.
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
An officer was out with a suspicious person on East Maple Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld in reference to a security check.
An officer was dispatched to West Walnut Street and Kentucky Street in Benld in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Cloud Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to 4th Street and Oak Street in Benld in reference to theft and possession of stolen property.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass and criminal damage to property on Fries Lane at Gillespie Lake.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Hickory Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to disorderly conduct.
An officer initiated a traffic stop in the 7500 block of Staunton Road in Mt. Clare. Kyrstyn J. Kordish, 33 of Gillespie, was arrested for driving while license was suspended.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Central Avenue and 2nd Street in Benld. Brennden D. Cobine, 21 of Gillespie, was issued citations for possession of paraphernalia and possession of alcoholic liquor.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Chestnut Street in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Charles Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Park Avenue in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Central in Benld in reference to an ordinance issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Henrietta Street in reference to a theft.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments
The American Red Cross is proud to partner with the Mt. Olive VFW to host an upcoming blood drive on Thursday, May 29th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This important community event aims to help save lives and provide critical blood supplies.
Presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern, available while supplies last. Additionally, all donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two — an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations.
Appointments are encouraged to ensure a smooth donation process, but walk-ins are also welcome. To save time on the day of the drive, donors are encouraged to complete RapidPass online on the day of the event.
The American Red Cross invites community members to participate, share, and help spread the word about this vital event. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
Help make a difference in our community — donate blood and help save lives!
Comments
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property, criminal trespass to residence, and theft.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an assault.
Anita S. Northcutt, 49 of Gillespie, was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for unlawful use of possession of weapons by a felon.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Green Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to Hard Road in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025
An officer initiated a traffic stop at East Elm and Springfield Road in East Gillespie. Nathaniel D. Ward, 33 of Sawyerville, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal transportation of alcohol.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cody A. Barksdale, 28 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of South Second Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
William T. Overturf, 38 of Benld, was arrested on a warrant out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for criminal trespass to a vehicle.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to harassment through electronic communication.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Henrietta Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.
An officer was asked to check out a suspicious vehicle that was parked in the 200 block of North Hard Road in Mt. Clare.
An officer was dispatched to Spruce Street and Second Street in reference to vehicles blocking the intersection.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Park Avenue in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Baker Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to an alarm call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Robert M. Keffer, 37 of Benld, was arrested on an Edwardsville warrant for driving while license was suspended.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Green Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Park Avenue in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Broadway Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue on South 5th Street in Benld.
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to a dog at large. Ryan K. Horn, 42 of Benld, was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer spoke with a male subject at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block to speak with a male in reference to a report of reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to criminal trespass.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Broadway Street and Kelly Street. Caleb D. Fraley, 19 of Jerseyville, was issued a citation for operating an uninsured vehicle.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Cedar Street in reference to a medical 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to East Locust and North 4th Street in reference to suspicious circumstances.
An officer was dispatched to Mt. Clare Drive in Mt. Clare in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Richard Street in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to Dorsey Road in Mt. Clare in reference to an alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Benld City Park in Benld in reference to suspicious activity.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 6th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer spoke with a male at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to neighborhood trouble.
An officer spoke with a female at the Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal trespass in the 200 block of West Walnut Street.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Central Avenue in Benld in reference to suspicious circumstances.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of First Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Oak Street in Benld in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Shelby Street in reference to a medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie City Cemetery in reference to a suicidal subject.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a domestic battery. Cynthia E. Randle, 64 of Benld, was arrested for domestic battery.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Montgomery Street in reference to juvenile issues.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Avenue in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Berry Street in Mt. Clare in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of Green Street in reference to a neighborhood trouble.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of North Main Street in Benld in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a well-being check.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Benld in reference to a fight. Kelly M. Lyons, 36 of Benld, was arrested for battery.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
