"Miner Killed in Kopiah Coal Mines; Joseph Stockman Meets Instant Death from Falling Timbers and Rocks"
Joseph Stockman, working as a miner in the Wilson coal mines at Kopiah, was killed on Friday morning by rocks and timbers falling on him. He was working at the time of the accident in what is known as room eight, seventh corner north. The previous night some timbers had been placed in position to prevent the rock from falling. A car on Friday morning knocked down a support on which the top timber rested. It was while replacing the support that the accident occurred, the overhead timbers and a mass of rock falling on Stockman, crushing his head and chest. He died in two and one half hours after the accident. The body was brought to C. L. Sticklin's undertaking parlors, and an investigation was made by Deputy Coroner Dr. Livingstone. It was decided that an inquest was not necessary. Stockman leaves a widow and six children. This is the first accidental death that has occurred in the Wilson mines.
The funeral was held on Sunday from the undertaking parlors. Rev. Robt. J. Reid officiating. At the grave the services were conducted by the United Mine Workers of America, the deceased being a member of that organization. This was the first funeral in Centralia under the auspices of organized labor, and was very impressive. A special train brought the workmen from Kopiah, over a hundred availing themselves of the opportunity to honor their dead comrade. The interment was made in the Washington Lawn cemetery.
Source: The Centralia News-Examiner, 9 Apr 1909, p. 15.
Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.