The North #1 mine is a closed coal mine that was located in Royalton, Illinois. The Big Muddy and Carterville Coal Company opened the North #1 mine in 1907. Franklin Coal & Coke Company took over this mine in 1910, and along with its mine south of Royalton, operated two mines in Royalton.[2][3] At its peak, the #1 mine (sometimes also referred to as the #7 mine) employed over 600 miners. In 1949 Lyda B mine, was opened however it closed in 1952.
Explosion
On October 22, 1914, an explosion killed 52 miners. This was the worst mine disaster to date in the coal fields of southern Illinois.[4][5] Many of the miners killed in the explosion were European immigrants.[3] 13 of the dead miners were parishioners of the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church Royalton IL, a Russian Orthodox church in Royalton.[6][7] There is a memorial at the church, and many of the miners were buried in a cemetery dedicated to the disaster.[8] The mining company donated land north of Royalton to bury the miners, and became St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Cemetery.[9][10] Each year, on October 27 a panachida is celebrated in remembrance of the thirteen parishioners who were killed.[11]
The North #1 mine operated until September, 1951.[12]
Miners Killed in the 1914 Explosion
B. Orlenti
Will Bater
Berti Barto
B. Merigildo
John Varga
Virgil Bondi
Dom. Ogolini
W. D. Williams
Louis Julius
Dom.Lutanski
Tony Borzoni
Neal Mullen
Pete Holupko
John Barclay
Guy Mozzellia
Steve Bolinski
Philip Parrott
Pete Cornella
Russell Harris
James Johnson
Alex Holodinak
Pete Bovnezono
I George Horuary
Charles Bellonyv
-Geopce Hayonech
A. Sholler
Pete Krelo
Alex Marce
John Smith
Felix Cetric
Sam Smiddie
Peter Young
John Babich
Harry Litkas
George Balis
Jack Kovich
Louie Sakaly
Adam Maleski
Joe Tradonas
Mike Fricosky
Joe Harnalich
Dom. Lorentro
Joe Antonacci
Tony Plusnich
Philip Micildeth
Steve Shanders
Louis Benciniza
Charles Petrone
Martin Grachino
Anton Alabanskas
George Dronovich
1918 Explosion
Another explosion occurred at the mine on September 28, 1918 killing 21 men.[13][14]
Miners Killed in the 1918 Explosion
John Lee
John Hynd
Tony Farlih
A.E.Kapstick
James E. Beck
Grover Capps
W. M -Holland
Anton Heberer
Wy . A. Ditterline
John Elejavanezk
W Al Vis
E.Mccleary
Theo. F.Helm
W. J. Boatman
Robert Watts
Jettie Harris
Archie Storrie
John Dickerson
John Karloveck
Harry Mclaughlin
Warren Leo Stroud