William Henry Ward Obituary
28 JUNE 1917
Found Dead in Fourteen

William Henry Ward, 42 years and four months old, was found dead about
6 o’clock Tuesday morning in mine No. 14.
Mr. Ward was working extra Monday night as a “fire runner.”
We learn he called up about 4 a.m. reporting that everything was alright for the “gas man”,
two hours later he had been overcome by black damp in a “room” in which he had gone to fan out the gas.
Mr. Ward lived with his mother in Cottonwood. He is also survived by three sisters.
He was born in O’Fallon, Ill. Feb 26 1875, but came to Lehigh many years ago where he made his home for a long time before moving to Cottonwood.

His father died in a mine at Savanna shortly after the terrible explosion there.
The elder Mr. Ward had gone with a rescue party and was overcome by the black damp.
Mr. Ward was a pracitical, all ‘round man of the mines. He was mine foreman and has filled important positions both here and at Lehigh since coming to the local coal fields.

He was a member of Anchor K. of ?? Lodge at Lehigh, and his remains will be laid
to rest in Lehigh Cemetery this afternnoon by ???? order after the funeral ceremony at the home in Cottonwood.

March 2003 CCGS