“A heroic soldier” – A moving obituary for Major Joseph Anthony | 1885

Major Joseph Anthony 96th Pennsylvania Civil War Williamstown PA Coal Region

Major Joseph Anthony, an Irish immigrant and revered Civil War veteran, survived grievous wounds at Chancellorsville only to succumb to their effects in 1885. After the war, he helped shape anthracite mining in Williamstown, Pennsylvania, earning lasting admiration for his bravery and leadership. Read the full story and a moving obituary for this Civil War veteran.

One of the “last widows” of the Avondale Mine Disaster | Rebecca Wylie

Identifying the dead of the Avondale Mine Disaster widow Jake Wynn Public Historian

In December 1935, Rebecca Wylie’s death closed a chapter of Coal Region memory. She was the last widow of the Avondale Mine Disaster, where 110 men and boys perished in 1869. Her first husband, Andrew Frothingham, died that day - his eyes “staring wide open.” She carried the loss for life. Read the full story.