Man Liked by His Men Dies Throughout Strike Miners Were Friendly to Him as Model Owner Martins Ferry Times on the Death of Thomas SAUTERS Placed within a black box A Tribute From East Ohio Miners Charles J. ALBASIN, president of the local sub-district of the United Mine Workers of America, was notified by the Times Thursday at noon, of the death of Mr. SAUTERS. When the sad news was broken, a noticeable change appeared on the countenance of the miners' leader. He paid a lasting tribute when he said: "I am certainly grieved to hear of Mr. SAUTERS' death. He was without a doubt, one of the most agreeable operators in this sub-district. In his dealings with the miners he always was very just. On behalf of the miners as well as their officials, I will say he will be sorely missed as a prominent figure in the eastern Ohio coal industry." Thomas E. SAUTERS of Martins Ferry, model coal operator from the viewpoint of his miners, died suddenly in St. Joseph's hospital, Elmira, N. Y., Thursday morning at 9:45 o'clock, following five month's illness of a complication of diseases. The news of the death proved the greatest shock received in local mining circles since secretary ZELENKA of the operators' association was suddenly stricken just three months ago. Mr. SAUTERS went to Walkins, N. Y., Saturday, September 25, and located at the Glen Springs hotel, a sanitarium, in the belief that his health would be regained. At the time of his departure from Martins Ferry his condition was much improved, but Tuesday he suffered a relapse and Mrs. SAUTERS went to his bedside. At the time physicians stated that he was not in a critical condition, but that a complication had developed and the result might be serious. His death therefore was entirely unexpected. When telegrams telling of Mr. SAUTERS' death arrived in Martins Ferry, from both Cleveland and Elmira, the news spread very rapidly and the entire community was shocked beyond expression. He was known to practically every resident of Martins Ferry and by all was borne in the highest esteem. Being of a retiring disposition, he was not a seeker of public office at any time, but as a citizen, none better. He was one who believed in the uplifting of morals and whenever he could be of service, he was willing to assist. He was a liberal contributor to every charitable organization and to churches. To the miners, his death was nothing short of disaster. Not only those who worked for him in the Gaylord No. 1 and No. 2 mines, but throughout the sub-district the loss is keenly felt. His employees are the most grieved, however, for not in the sub-district is there an operator who commands more respect and love from his workmen. Serious grievances between Mr. SAUTERS and the miners were few and far between. Of course, the usual petty differences arose, but they were settled amicably, and in most cases the men emerged with more love than ever for their employer. During the fourteen months' strike Mr. SAUTERS aided many of his needy miners by giving them food and clothing and when Joseph ETTOR and his band of I. W. W.'s were in this section, his miners offered to protect Mr. SAUTERS' mines and home if necessity should arise. Mr. SAUTERS was born in the vicinity of Pittsburgh and at the time of his death he was fifty-one years of age. For a number of years he was engaged in the coal and general store business with his father, John D. SAUTERS, at McDonald, Pa. They operated the Briar Hill and Nickel Plate mines and Mr. SAUTERS managed a large general store. When the holdings were sold to the Pittsburgh Coal Company fifteen years ago, Mr. SAUTERS, his father, and brother, W. D. SAUTERS of Cleveland, purchased the Gaylore coal property. At that time there was but little development on the Gaylord field. The new owners operated under the name of the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Coal Company, and extended the operations until large mines resulted. Both openings have been working well since the settlement of the big strike. Mr. SAUTERS moved to Martins Ferry ten years ago, living first North Fourth street. A few years ago he erected a handsome bungalow in the new Elm addition. He leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. SAUTERS, of McDonald, Pa.; one brother W. D. SAUTERS, of Cleveland; one sister, Mrs. J. D. WHITTE of Pittsburgh; his wife and the following children, Miss Mildred, John, Thomas, Richard and Robert. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church and was also a Mason and a Knight Templar. When news of his death was received at the family home, only Miss SAUTERS was present. Thomas and Robert were attending the local schools ad John and Richard were at Cornell university, Ithica, N. Y. and Kiski Preparatory school, Salsburg, Pa. (sic) respectively. Both boys returned home with their mother, and the body of their father.