Colliers assistant As I understand this could mean any thing from hewing the coal, filling the drams (trucks) to fixing up pit props. It is a generic term for mine workers and in my brief experience reading census returns seems to be interchangeable term. I asked a miner this same question when visiting the Big Pit at Blaenafon as I wanted to be clear what the difference was between a Hewer, Coal Miner, Collier…. He said it depends where you were mining. And who was writing it down. The Big Pit had 26 miles of road underground! My own Uncle Lewis was 14 when he become what must be I suppose a colliers assistant; he assisted his father by loading the trucks (drams) whilst his father hewed the coal. This is only 1920’s/30’s In those days I am told it was a father and son business. Many children as young as 5 years old were sent down pit to be used as door closers or trap closers to keep the air circulating. In the mine in the early 19th century... Many sat in the dark without light as the parents could not afford the candle. My Uncle tells me at age 14 he had to travel a long way to reach where my Grandfather was working carrying a heavy lamp working all day filling trucks and chalking up the name on the side. The same lamp my grandfather held in his teeth ( it weighs quite a few pounds) whilst he fixed the pit props in place to prevent falls. He mainly used the undercutting method to hew the coal. It is very dangerous and often fatal. He was crushed by a fall of coal and was freed when my Uncle went for help. My Grandfather died at age 44. from pneumonia and lung infection. If you want to know more about the life of a miner the book” My life as a Somerset Miner” by A. J Parfitt. is recommended. Lewis www.batesplace.co.uk -----Original Message----- From: monmouthshire-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:monmouthshire-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of DStoc10228@aol.com Sent: 13 June 2007 14:31 To: monmouthshire@rootsweb.com Subject: [MON] Collier's Assistant? Govilon Prior to joining the Welsh Guards in 1925, at the age of 18, my father's employment was described as a 'Collier's Assistant'. Would anyone know what duties this job may have entailed, apart from working at the coal face? Additionally, where in the vicinity of Govilon was he likely to have been employed? Many thanks. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to MONMOUTHSHIRE-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.13/843 - Release Date: 10/06/2007 13:39 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.13/843 - Release Date: 10/06/2007 13:39