THREE MEN DIE IN COAL MINE Explosion of Gas in Idle Shaft Death. Oliver Springs, Tenn., January 7 An explosion occurred in the big mountain mine of the Poplar Creek Coal Company near here this morning, in which three men and one mule were killed. The dead are: CHARLES CAMPBELL, aged 29 who leaves a wife and. five children. John DAVIS, who leaves a wife and three children WILLIAM BROWN, aged 15 The mine had been idle for several days and a force of men entered it this morning to resume work. It is presumed gas had collected in the mine and when a blast was discharged the gas ignited with fatal results. State Mine Inspector A. R. Shifflett is on the scene and will make a thorough investigation as to the cause of the explosion. Big mountain mine was formerly operated by the state of Tennessee, convicts being worked therein. Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, GA January 8, 1904