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From
Debra McCauslin, 09 February 2007 in response to the
announcement of a conference on African
American miners
This is not coal mining but it’s related to
mining iron ore. I have information about two African American families
named Mars and Butler who lived in upper Adams County. They worked at
Laurel Forge in Cumberland County PA, the present site of Pine Grove
Furnace State Park. There is a newspaper account of Aaron Mars losing
his life while working in the limestone quarry there. The walls fell in
on him and he was loaded into a wagon and expired on the way to his
home. I also found census data showing occupations as “forgeman,”
“collier” and “woodchopper” (aiding in the charcoal process needed in
the iron industry). There are also charcoal pits on Yellow Hill where an
African American community once had a settlement, church and burial
ground. If any of you want copies of this information, I’ll happily
respond.
Thanks!
Debra McCauslin
www.gettysburghistories.com
See also
"Tours Begin at
Yellow Hill, Adams County"
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