Copy and paste the following web address: http://news.webshots.com/album/110479692HcjGJK?start=-16 The historical marker in one of the pictures gives the history of Piper. It states the coal mines were opened between 1901 and 1903. It also states that coal was first mined in the area by Thompson and sons who moved there and mined during the civil war. There is a more detailed history of the Thompson mines in "The Story of Coal and Iron in Alabama" by Ethel Armes, 1910. [reprinted in 1987 by Beechwood Books, Rt. 1, Box 870, Leeds Ala. 35094.]. Nothing is mentioned about a particular accident but it does say that "many died and graveyards mark the Lower and Upper Thompson mines". Another web site mentions James Walker's book - "The use of local history and oral accounts compares favorably with James H. Walker's The Struggle and the joy: An American Coal Town, Piper, Alabama (Birmingham, 1993)." Perhaps you can get these books from your library or by inter-library loan. Caroline Horton, List Administrator ----- Original Message ----- From: <gc-gateway@rootsweb.com> To: <ALBIBB-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 11:29 PM Subject: [ALBIBB] Nash and Piper Mines > This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. > > Author: CyndiNash > Surnames: Nash > Classification: queries > > Message Board URL: > > http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.alabama.counties.bibb/3774/mb.ashx > > Message Board Post: > > Hi Bibb county folks, > > I am looking for my 2nd great grand uncle Samuel Nash (middle name may be > David), who, as the story goes was killed in Piper mines in 1894. I can > not find any info about an accident in Piper mines in that year. I also > do not find information that Piper mines was in exsistence at that time. > The mines may have been known as the Thompson mines. > Sam's wifes name was Mary Elizabeth and the last census I find them living > was 1880 in Montevallo, Shelby County Alabama. Sam's father was John > William Nash. His siblings were Emma, Nancy, Dixon, Richard, Charlie, > Ellen Kate, James and Mary Lucy. > If any one has the story of the Nash family above. I would love to chat! > Cyndi (Sam) Nash > > Important Note: > The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you > would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link > above and respond on the board. >