Fraterville in Anderson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Fraterville Disaster
Photographed By Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017
1. Fraterville Disaster Marker
Inscription.
Fraterville Disaster. . The Fraterville Mine exploded on May 19, 1902, killing all 216 miners. Poignant farewell messages were found on the bodies of Jacob Vowell, Powell Harmon, John Hendren, Harry Beach, Scott Chapman, James Brooks, R.S. Brooks, George Hutson, Frank Sharp, and James Elliott.
The tragedy was exacerbated by the fact that male members of entire families perished including five Dezern brothers, Peter Childress and his three sons, John McKamey and his three sons, and Bannister Vowell and his three sons. Only three adult males were left alive in the town and it remains the South's worst mining disaster.
The Fraterville Mine exploded on May 19, 1902, killing all 216 miners. Poignant farewell messages were found on the bodies of Jacob Vowell, Powell Harmon, John Hendren, Harry Beach, Scott Chapman, James Brooks, R.S. Brooks, George Hutson, Frank Sharp, and James Elliott.
The tragedy was exacerbated by the fact that male members of entire families perished including five Dezern brothers, Peter Childress and his three sons, John McKamey and his three sons, and Bannister Vowell and his three sons. Only three adult males were left alive in the town and it remains the South's worst mining disaster.
Erected by Coal Creek Watershed Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 1902.
Location. 36° 12.317′ N, 84° 10.033′ W. Marker is in Fraterville, Tennessee, in Anderson County. Marker is at the intersection of Briceville Highway (Tennessee Route 116) and Andy's Ridge Road, on the left when traveling north on Briceville Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake City TN 37769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Erected to the memory of the 184 men and boys who lost their lives in the Fraterville Mine Explosion May 19,1902.
Photographed By Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017
8. Leach Cemetery
Photographed By Tom Bosse, March 4, 2017
9. Longfield Cemetery
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,004 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 1, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 7, 8, 9. submitted on April 4, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.