Peter, You mentioned you'd searched the OPR but have you checked BDM's with Scots Origins? My understanding of it is that the OPR's are only of use (& even then very limited) before 1855 & the start of compulsory registration. I found my ancestor through Scots Origins & the death extract I obtained provided lots of useful information. See here: http://www.origins.net/GRO/ Considering the period when he died it's unlikely that records from the colliery still exist. Ian Winstanley has a database of those killed & injured in mining accidents (over 90,000 between 1850-1914) & his sources are from the official Inspectorate of Mines Records. His URL is: http://www.cmhrc.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ It might be in your best interest to email Ian & have him search his database for accidents in that area. I had a quick squizz to see if there were any Peter Johnston(e)s listed & it didn't appear so, but his database isn't the definitive source as I have two mining ancestors deaths who are documented as having died in Pit accidents yet Ian was puzzled as to why their names don't appear on his official lists. No doubt it was in the coalmasters' best interests not to reveal the true figures. Hope this helps Cheers Jim Rouse <==============================<>=============================> [email protected] Genealogy Hamepage: http://homepages.go.com/~seimi/genes.html <============================================================> <==============================<>================================>