Cathy, This site had this definition--http://www.webref.org/geology/r/rope_rider.htm An employee whose duty it is to see that cars are coupled properly, and to inspect ropes, chains, links, and all coupling equipment. A trip rider. See also: brakeman Source: Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms Marla Clarke -------------- Original message -------------- > Hi, > I have been transcribing obituaries for the Tri-counties (Pueblo, > Huerfano & Las Animas) and came across an obituary for a Lawrence Ward > Shaw who died in 1935 in the Cameron Mine. > The obituary describes him as a "rope rider." > > What is a rope rider? > > It seems that he was a "rope rider" during his rescue of other > miners. > But, was this an occupation used during normal mining hours or just > for emergencies such as this one? > > > Thanks, > Cathy > >