October 25, 1999 Hello Chris and other ILWill listers, You asked where the Diamond mine was located? Before giving you my answer, I should warn you to contact someone from the area who knows where the mine is specifically. THE COAL AREA The Wilmington Coal Fields included parts of at least four adjacent townships -- Grundy County's, Felix and Braceville townships; plus Will County's, Wilmington and Reed townships. The field stretches south from there. Straddling the border of Felix and Braceville was the village of Diamond. The village also reached into Will County. In other words it was in the heart of the coal field. WHERE WERE THE MINES? If you use as an example Coal City, a couple miles west, the mines go under the town. There were actually several shafts right in town. TO FIND THE AREA TODAY IL state 113 runs along the border between Felix and Braceville and straight through Diamond. At the town's east end it crosses I-55 where there is an interchange. WHAT IS IT LIKE TODAY? Near us is Jackson, Michigan which once had coal mines in town. These days, each decade or so someone's garage or backyard falls into a hole in the ground as an abandoned mine collapses. Maybe it's like that. Please remember all this is guess work from maps and miscellaneous readings. Those who live there will provide you the facts. I wanted to give you a little color. Best of luck in your research. Cordially, Mike Burns [email protected] Researching SMITH and WELDON in Will County, IL ________________________________________________________________ Get FREE voicemail, fax and email at http://voicemail.excite.com Talk online at http://voicechat.excite.com