My Genealogy and History Page of
 S.E.
 SASKATCHEWAN
&  AREA

 List of Lignite Coal Mines


 

This is a Common Page to Five of my sites
Bienfait, Estevan Pinto and Roche Percee and Taylorton.


When you return to your
 Hamlet, Village, Town or City pages after viewing this list,
 please pick the appropriate Index page link below,
 to return to that site.

Return to Bienfait Index Page
Return to Estevan Index Page
Return to Pinto Index Page
Return to Roche Percee Index Page
Return to Taylorton Index Page


To search for a Name or Word on this page:
1.
use the "Edit" button, top left on your browsers Standard Toolbar,
then "Find", then input your search info or name.
or the easy way,
2. hold your "Ctrl" Key down, and then the "F" key at the same time,
then type in your search info or name.

I could add a Google search button or a MS Frontpage search bar,
but these just clutter up the screen in my opinion.
this Ctrl+F works the fastest and easiest
plus it works on any web page.
My other little web tip
To zoom in and enlarge the screen,
use Ctrl + at the same time, to zoom out Ctrl -

NOTE- Some Mines might be repeated under a different spelling or name,
duplicates are more than likely, some changed owners and names, more than once..
Some names appear as different spellings in various books,
Some listed are still in operation today
Some links to the Western Land Grants database,
These may or may not work, they are not my web pages.

One thing I have noticed doing this little list,
these mines changed names like I change socks!
Constantly changing names and owners. 
I'm not a professional "historian" so take my list with a grain of salt.
I've attempted my best to identify and add some info on these mines.

Saskatchewan Land Surveys, after Ranges are decided every 6 miles,
based on the which Meridian you are starting at.
Land was surveyed into 36 mile square Townships. Each square parcel within the
township is known as a "Section" each being one mile square and consisting of 640
acres each. Title to each section may be further subdivided either into half-mile
square 160-acre "Quarters" and 40-acre Sixteenths ("Legal Subdivisions" or LSD's).

3 different types of mining has been done in this area of SE Saskatchewan.
-Some of these mines were known as Deep Seam Shaft Type Mines, using the Bord-and-Pilllar or Room-and-Pillar method of mining.
-Some were called "Gopher Mines', as they were simply dug into a hillside or bank on the side of a ravine off the Souris River, or simply holes dug in the surface, to access a seam of coal that was close to the surface.  The pocket gopher is a rodent animal well known in this area, for digging many holes and tunnels.
-Some of the mines in the list, the newer ones, use the Strip Mining Method, removing the overburden with huge Electric Draglines, and exposing the coal seam for mining with large Electric Shovels.

All of these mines are Lignite Coal Mines

the Big Six Companies in 1931 Strike, that represented the Employers,  were-  Bienfait Mines Limited, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Coal Company, National Mines Limited, Eastern Collieries Limited, Crescent Collieries Limited, and Western Dominion Collieries Limited

 
Name of the Mine Location- LSD#
 Section, Township,
Range, West of 2nd
Owner(s), Mine Info
Hugh Hassard Mine
-Roche Percee
 

SE 1/4 Sec 4, Tsp 2, Rge 6, W2
Click to enlarge map showing land grant of Hugh hassard in 1892, where the first Coal mione would have been located.

The First Coal Mine in this area
was operated by H. Hazzard in 1890
per Bienfait History book.  
I have seen the name Hassard, and Hazzard. 
There is a Hazzard buried in Bienfait,
so you would think that is the spelling of the name. 
Hugh Hassard was the father of R. J. Hassard
part owner of the Bienfait Mine in 1915. 
This mine was well developed by 1891.
We know the mine is on the north side of the river for sure.
We know it was close to his home.
We know it was near a ravine,
and we know it was near a bank,
as the mine was driven into the side of the bank. 
Possibly located in a deep coulee,
due south of the old stone Taylorton store.
Hugh Hassard took out a Land Grant,
view it here, on Jan. 21, 1892, with mineral rights,
on SE Sec 4, Tsp 2, Rge 6 W2. 
Problem is he also took out a couple more,
NW Sec 16, tsp 9, Rge 6, W2nd and
 SW Sec 10, Tsp 2, Rge 5, W2,
but last 2 are not in this area.
Using this land grant info I am confident
 this is the location of this mine, shown to the left.

Looking up Hazzard land grants
 there is none in this area,
 so that leads me to believe Hassard
 is the correct spelling of this name.

After finding the history of this family in Medicine Hat,
 I am now positive the name is Hassard. 
Hugh is buried in Medicine Hat.
In 1895 this mine became the Souris Valley Coal Co. Mine.
Here is the Mineral Rights Land Grant form
 for the East half of Section 4, dated Mar 10, 1905.
Aug 28, 1905, they acquired the west half of this section,
view it here.
In 1905, after Mar 10th obviously, as shown above, 
 the Souris Valley Coal Co.
sold this mine to the Taylor family of Winnipeg.
 It was renamed Western Dominion Collieries Ltd,
and the Mining town of old Taylorton got it's start.
The Big Six Mines    ca 1931 Strike and Riot 
Manitoba & Saskatchewan
 Coal Co. Ltd
aka the "
M&S Mine"
or just M&S
10- 2- 6 W. 2nd Deep Seam, Shaft type Mine from 1906(7) to 1942.
Switched to strip mining in 1942.
Alexander Craig McMiken (Alec) (Happy) Wilson
manager-
Part of the Big Six time of Sept 29, 1931 riot
This was the largest of the mines in 1931
started in 1907, head office in Winnipeg MB
Tipple was near the Briquette Plant.
Purchased by Luscar.
Western Dominion
Collieries Ltd.
 
4-2-6 W. 2nd Deep Seam type Mine
Located just NE of Taylorton Cemetery
Part of the big Six, time of Sept 29,1931 riot
2nd largest Mine in 1931.
Managed by C.C. Morfit
Changed to
Western Dominion Coal Mines Ltd.
 owned or controlled by J.R. Brodie ca 1939.

Bought in 1964 by Mannix Corp
out of Calgary along with it's holding company,
Great West Coal of Brandon, that Mr Brodie
would have owned or controlled. 
Became Battle River Coal Mine Co Ltd.
My Western Dominion Mine Page
Bienfait Mines Ltd.
aka
 the "Hassard Mine"
also known as
the "Hawkinson Mine".
 
Just South of Bienfait
near the CNR tracks.

Bienfait Mine is shown as D on this map from 1927
The Bienfait Mine owned by the
Canadian Pacific Railway was
opened for business in January 1904
 per 1955 history book..
Deep Seam Shaft type,
was sold to Souris Coal Distributors, 
owned by J. Brodie, in 1939,
under
Western Dominion Coal Mines Ltd name.
A J. R. Brodie was vice president of Bienfait Mines,
per Estevan Mercury article on the Royal Commission
after the 1931 strike.
Joseph Bembridge was manager.
Robert J. (Bob) Hassard was President. 
He was the 3rd child of Hugh Hassard
 from Roche Percee, Taylorton fame.
See Hawkinson Mine
for the rest of the story on this mine.
3rd largest mine in 1931
Part of the Big Six in the area
 at the time of the 1931 riot and strike
They owned the mineral rights,
 in Section 18 and 19, Tsp 2, Rge 6, W2
Tipple would have been in section 19
Operated from 1904 to 1940
"New"
Crescent Collieries
Ltd.
SE 1/4
26-2-7 W. 2nd

Crescent Mine is shown as A on this map from 1927

Deep Seam Shaft type Mine, started around 1926.
Owned by J. R. Brodie,

William Lemond (Billy)(Will) Hamilton,

and A. C. Wilson. 

Alexander Craig McMiken
(aka Alec or Happy) Wilson
was Manager
I know a Frank Newsome
was mine manager at one point.
He was born Aug 1878, died July 5, 1945,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
He also managed a mine at Bienfait,
and Eastern Collieries.
1 mile east of Estevan in one book,
but this is wrong,
unless they meant 1 mile East of Bienfait,
 where the first Crescent Collieries
 would have been in that area in 1918-1926.
This is where the miners formed their parade,
 before the Sept 29, 1931 riot in Estevan. 
 It closed in 1937.
 Part of the Big Six in the area at that time.
 4th largest in 1931
Located on the CNR line
 between Estevan and Bienfait
approx 2 1/2 miles East of Bienfait,
north of Hwy 39 per 1927 map.
Sask Archives Web site & photo of the loading area


Photo sent to me by Mr. Ron Carpenter,
Grand Nephew of Will Hamilton. 
This is a group photo of the Hamilton families
 at a SE Saskatchewan mine.  Thanks Ron!
The life story of William Lemond Hamilton
 can be read here.
and his picture and full story here
Born in Russell, Russell, Ontario, May 11, 1868,
he died in a car accident, Oct 1933.
He married Ellen (Ella) McNeil,
who was a school teacher in Estevan. 
Her sister Jessie McNeil,
married Peter Cuthbert Duncan,
former Mayor, Land owner, and Business man
 in Estevan
in the early years.
After William L. Hamilton died,
his daughter Jessie Hamilton
 became the mine manager at Crescent Mine.
 At that time, this was the Only Mine in Canada
 Managed by a Woman.

Jessie was born in the family home
 called "Eagle's Nest", near their family owned mine,
at Coalfields, Assiniboia, NWT, Mar 21, 1901.
Jessie married Hiram Ennis Symons,
who was also a mine manager at another mine. 
Jessie was given a Coronation medal by Queen Elizabeth,
shortly after the Queen's Coronation.
Hiram passed away in Calgary AB. June 27, 1974.
Hiram Symons descendants
are well known today in Estevan.
Hiram was the father of George Alan Symons.
Eastern Collieries
 of Bienfait Ltd.
aka "Eastern Mine"
 or The "Eastern"
Sec 13 and 24
2-7-W2

Eastern Mine is shown as C on this map from 1927

Deep Seam, Shaft type Mine, opened in 1920
Owned by Herbert (Herb) Wallace
 and his brother, of Estevan.
5th largest mine in 1931
Part of the big Six, time of Sept 29,1931 riot.
Edward Pierce Jr. was manager at one point. 
I know a Frank Newsome
 was mine manager at one point.
He was born Aug 1878, died July 5, 1945,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
He also managed a mine at Bienfait,
and Crescent Collieries.
A Picture in the museum
 says R.D. Newsome was manager,
 but I think he might have been a lawyer
 in Estevan in the 30's.
My Dad Phil Gent worked underground
 at this mine in the 30's.
Just west of Bienfait, north of Hwy 39
They owned the mineral rights where our farm was.
Operated until the late 40`s
My Eastern Collieries Mine Page
National Mine Ltd NE 1/4
25-2-7 W. 2nd
National Mine  Mine is shown as B on this map from 1927
Harry N. Freeman was manager
Part of the big six at time of Sept 29, 1931 riot.
6th largest Deep Seam type mine in 1931
Located between Eastern Mine and Crescent Mine,
North of Highway 39, 1 1/4 miles west of Bienfait.
Other Mines, Known and Unknown    
Unknown Name Unknown Location
Picture from Ron Carpenter of an unknown Mine. 
Any Name Ideas?
W. A. Grawbarger Mine
-Estevan
LSD 14 & 15
9-2-8-W2
Operated by Wilbert Andrew Grawbarger,
 Located just to the west of Estevan   
Wilbert was the Nephew of George Pawson,
who was the owner of
Pawson Market Gardens in Estevan.  
Wilbert delivered vegetables to some of the mines. 
He was a veteran, reg #3030822 of WWI
out of North Bay Area,  ON.   
He was born Apr 12, 1894 in Ontario,
and died on Aug 19 1953.
He was married to Evelyn Brokenshire in Estevan.
Tisdale Coal Mine
-Estevan
LSD 11 & 12
33-1-8-W2
Operated by Adam E. Tisdale,
7 miles south of Estevan,   
Operated from 1935-1948.   
It is now flooded and part of Boundary Dam.  
  Adam Tisdale died in Nov, 1953
A. Muirhead &
 W. J. McCleary Mine
-Estevan
LSD 12  
22-2-8-W2
Andrew Muirhead
and William J. McCleary (his brother-in-law) 
- Located just west of ECI, over the hill,
operated for 15 years.   
Andrew Muirhead   
Born- June 6, 1879 in Bellamena, County Antrim, Ireland,
died in 1951,
buried in Ocean View Cemetery in Vancouver B.C.  
William John McCleary 
b- June 15, 1871 in Lisnamurican, Ireland, 
died- December 14, 1953 
- Buried in Estevan City Cemetery- 
This was a Hillside family in Estevan
F. L. Thompson Mine
-Estevan
LSD 2  
4-2-8-W2
Frank L. Thompson -died 28 Jan 1958, age 73
W. Hudynka &
 T. Mandzuk  Mine
-Estevan
E 1/2 LSD 14 &
W 1/2 LSD 15
 4-2-8-W2
 
No Info On W. Hudynka
Thomas Mandzuk
-Born 1880 Died-11 Sep 1951,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
Peterson, Lee &
 Flower Mine
-Estevan
LSD 14 
 28-1-8-W2
Possibly Would have been on land
 owned by James Flower.
He owned the NW 1/4.
b- Mar 1, 1861- d- July 27, 1967.
His sons Orville and Roy Flower
 farmed this area in 1964.
All 3 are deceased and buried
 in Estevan City Cemetery
J. S. Wilbur Mine E 1/2 OF W 1/2 &
W1/2 OF E1/2 LS 61
14-7-W2
a F. S. Wilbur owned the Elm Valley Coal Mine
 near Roche Percee, same family?
Kjersem Mine
-Estevan
NW1/4 LS12.
SW1/4 LS13,
SW1/4 LS13  
28-1-8-W2
a Stan Kjersem owned this land in 1964
Niels Anderson Mine
-Estevan
NW
28-1-8-W2
Started by Niels Anderson in 1912. 
His son Hans Anderson worked at this mine
until he started his own mine.
Other sons worked at the mine as well.
Located on the bank of Long Creek.
Mine operated until 1950
Seam was 12-14 ft thick.
 Niels Anderson b- Dec 18, 1871 in Denmark,
 d- Oct 4, 1957.
Buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
Roche Percee
Collieries Ltd
-Roche Percee
3 miles East of Roche Percee Bought out one of the early Roche Percee mine(s)
owned by Gow and Russell. 
 It shipped it's coal on the Soo (CPR) Line.
The Hugh Hassard mine was a little
 to the west of this mine.
Black Lump Coal Mine
- Estevan
 LSD 4.
 27-2-8-W2
Deep Seam type Mine.
Operated by Gilsoul & Murray,
a James Gillson lived in this area,
so very likely a spelling error here.
Big Lump Coal Co.
-Estevan
Located Just East
 of the Sunshine Mine
Truax Traer Coal Co.
purchased the Big Lump Coal Co. in 1930
E. W. Garner had a major interest in this mine prior to that.
First Mine to be completely
 Electrified underground
In 1930 this same Company
 bought a mine in Wiliton ND
using Strip Mining methods
 at both mines with big Shovels.
Truax Traer Strip Mine
Truax Traer Coal Co.
-Estevan
LSD 4.
 27-2-8-W2
In 1930 this American Company
 bought out the Big Lump Coal Co.
First Major Stripping for Coal
 was done by this company
with a Bucyris Erie 320B shovel.
 
This company opening was the start of the 1931 strike,
by under cutting coal prices,
for the underground mines to compete with.
I have always had trouble researching
 this company's origins
.
 I do know they bought out many mines in the area,
and where tough competition
 for the other remaining mines.
I think they gave Mr Brodie, and Mr Wilson
something to think about at night. 
They had their own way in the district until Truax arrived.
In 1955 this company was #491 on the Fortune 500 list
Company head at one time was Harold Truax,
Home Office was In Illinois, USA.
  Glenn Truax, Harold's son,
was also involved in the ownership in the 60's I think?
I now have reason to believe Howard Truax
 married his wife Florence Cora Vanoss
(Apr 14, 1909-1972)
on Aug 15,1930 in Estevan Saskatchewan. 
She was born in Waubun Minnesota.
Truax-Traer is a division of Consolidated Coal.
They also hold the 16 leases in North Dakota. 
They are still big time owners and operators
 in the Coal Industry. 
Truax-Traer Company donated a trophy
used at the Woodlawn Golf Club in Estevan.
My Truax Traer Strip Mine page
Oak Mine
aka "Hans Anderson Mine"
aka "Anderson Strip Mine"
 -Estevan
NW 1/4
  33-1-8-W2
Operated by Johannes (Hans) Christian Anderson
 born Nov 24, 1901- died Mar 26, 1966,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
Earny Snider Mine
-Estevan
SW 1/2 OF SE 1/4 LSD 9 &
 E 1/2 &SE 1/4 LSD 10
  29-2-8-W2
Operated by Earny Ozman Snider,
 b- June 6, 1895, d- Apr 8, 1973,
Buried in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens in Estevan
Land was homesteaded by his father Elmaron Snider.
Approx 2 miles west of Estevan,
coal mine was just south of the farmstead,
on the edge of the valley.
M & C Mine
aka Munshaw &
 Cundall Mine
-Estevan
N 1/2 LS 14
36-1-9-W2
Mine operated from 1932-1942
Operated by George Edward Munshaw,
b- Feb 28, 1879 d- Sept 1, 1949
,
Buried in Estevan City Cemetery
and George Cundall-
b-
in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England
Jan 19, 1894,
died- Jan 7, 1980
buried in Souris Valley Memorial Cemetery
The Cundall farm,
became the Pleasantdale subdivision in Estevan.
Black Diamond Coal Mine
-Estevan
LSD 5
33-1-8-W2
Operated by Joe Anderson.
Black Diamond Coal Mine
aka Uhrich Mine
-Roche Percee
Near Sugarloaf
?-?-6-W2
Operated by Albert Uhrich and Art Matheson,
who became Albert's son-in-law
They later owned the Banner mine also.
Albert Uhrich was born September 12, 1893.
He died age 52, Jan 18, 1946.
buried in Bienfait Civic Cemetery.
Art Matheson moved to Hamilton ON
White Hope Mine
-Estevan
NW 1/4 LSD 9.
NE 1/4 &
N 1/2 OF SE 1/4 &
NE 1/4 OF SW 1/4 LSD 10
12-2-8-W2
Started by Louis Emile Bourquin.
It was named by Henry Gillis.
Located only a 1/2 mile from the
 Eureka Brick plant at that time.
Started in 1913. sold to Truax-Traer in 1930.
Louis Bourquin was born Nov 22, 1894 
in Valentigney, Doubs’ County, France.
and died Mar 19, 1985
buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
Bridge Mine No 1
-Estevan
E 1/2 LSD 1
32-1-8-W2
 
Bridge Mine No 2
-Estevan
LSD 1 &
 LSD 2
32-1-8-W2
Operated by Edward Taje
Shand Coal and
Brick Company
-Shand
LSD 14, 15, 16
S OF CPR
4-2-7-W2
Opened by Joel Bardsley,
(born 1874 in England),
in 1908, on the Soo (CPR) Line,

Sold ca 1912, to
Jonas Gustav Peterson,
B- Aug
22, 1869, died Apr 14, 1948,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery. 
The founder of the Hamlet of Shand.
Deep Seam type Mine.
The mine was open until 1938
Mr Peterson owned the
Eureka Coal and Brick Company
 in Estevan prior to this.
High Grade Mine
-Estevan
LSD 6
33-2-8-W2
Operated by Joseph (Joe) Olshanoski
b- 1890, d- Oct 5, 1951,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
Peterson Mine
-Estevan
W 1/2 OF W 1/2 LSD 3 &
ALL LSD 4
4-2-8-W2
Operated by Peterson & Blackburn
William Andrew Blackburn owned land in this area,
this could be him.
This mine would be very near
 where the Boundary Dam plant is now
M. L. Ross Mine
aka Blue Ox Mine
-Estevan
LSD 6
17-2-8-W2
Operated by Matthew (Matt) Leon Ross-
 b- July 7, 1873 near Ottawa ON.,
 d- June 26, 1945
Buried in Estevan City Cemetery
In 1906 he was living near Estevan, 6-1-7, W2
Lomnicki Mine
-Estevan
LSD 3 & 14
SEC. 1
2-8-2-W2
Operator could have been a Leon Lomnicki,
buried in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens in 1962,
 but not verified
Olson & May Mine W 1/2
 13-1-7-W2
 
Mork Mine
-Estevan
 LSD 5
17-2-8-W2
Operated by J. S. Mork. 
I know he attended Reddemann School in 1904.
Joyce Mine
-Estevan
S1/2 LSD 2
4-2-8-W2
Operated by John Joyce
George Parkinson Mine
aka Johnson Mine
-Estevan
LSD 1, 2 & 3
11-2-8-W2
Operated by George Parkinson-
b- Dec 14, 1876 in
Wigan, England
d-Aug 26, 1959,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery,
He worked his mine until 1945
Jenish Brothers Mine
-Estevan
LSD 7, 8, 9 & 10
 1-2-8-W2
Originally owned by a Mr. Hillstrom,
sold to the Jenish Brothers,
Joseph John Jenish and Egne Jenish Jr.. 
 They started deep seam mining in 1924.
Joseph John Jenish born in Lithuania 1895,
 died Nov 2, 1962, buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
Egne Jenish Jr. was born in Lithuania, Mar 4, 1898,
died Jan 28. 1974,
buried in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.
Nicholson Mine
-Estevan
N1/2 LSD 9 &
 E 1/2 LSD 15
2-2-8-W2
Operated by Pete Gemby from Bienfait.
 
It was located in the ravine directly south
 of the south east corner
of the present Woodlawn Golf Course. 
Pete Gemby was blacklisted
 from the big Coal Companies
 after the 1931 strike. 
 May day is a paid holiday in the Union contracts,
and is locally referred to as Gemby Day, in his honour.
Owned by Malcolm Nicholson. 
view his Mineral rights patent
This mine was sold to his son Harry William Nicholson,
who was mayor of Estevan for a total of 28 years.
 (26 consecutive)
Malcolm had his homestead on the NE quarter
 of this land 2-2-8 W2.
Malcolm Nicholson was born in 1855,
died July 19, 1945, buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
Harry William Nicholson- b- Jan 16, 1888,
 died- 1982,
buried in Souris Valley Memorial Cemetery
Estevan Valley Mine
aka J. Parkinson Mine
-Estevan
LSD 11
1-2-8-W2
Operated by James Parkinson
Nordstrom Mine
- Estevan
LSD 15
21-2-8-W2
Operated by C. Nordstrom
Parry Mine
- Estevan
LSD 10
10-2-8-W2
Operated by Reidel Brothers,
and also E. H. Gillis at one time.
George Pawson owned the mineral rights near this mine.
William Gill Mine
-Estevan
 LSD 13
1-2-8-W2
Operated by William Gill Sr.
-b- 1885,
died-Dec 25, 1943
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
Parkinson Mine  N 1/2 LSD 5 &
S 1/2 OF SW 1/4 OF LS 12
6-2-7-W2
Operated by Thomas Edward Parkinson-
b- at Abram, England,
Feb 21, 1910,
died July 24, 1975
buried in Estevan City Cemetery
Coates Mine
- Bienfait
LSD 10 & 11
 19-2-6-W2
Coates was also involved
with the Kingdon & Coates mine south of Bienfait. 
 There is a Dick Coates (1901-1983)
 buried in Bienfait, could be this man.
William Ostepchuk Mine NE 1/4
 22-1-6-W2
Operated by William Ostepchuk,
born- Jan 14, 1881- died Feb 20, 1959
buried in Bienfait Cemetery
Banner Coal Co LSD 14
 35-1-6-W2
Operated by Albert Uhrich
and his son-in-law, Art Matheson
It was located near the Banks mine at Prospect
Albert Uhrich was born September 12, 1893.
He died age 52, Jan 18, 1946.
buried in Bienfait Civic Cemetery.
Art Matheson moved to Hamilton ON
North East Mine LSD 10
 19-2-6-W2
Operated by Wheeler and Enmark
North West Mine
- Bienfait
LSD15 &
LSD 16 &
PART OF 9 &10
 LYING N OF CPR, RR 
22-2-7-W2
Shown on 1955 History book map
West of the Eastern Collieries Mine,
North of the CPR line.
Very near the National Mine location from 1931
Banks Mine
-Pinto
LSD 15
26-1-6-W2
Operated by Hugh Banks.
There were three brothers,
James, Hugh, and Harry Banks,
who all came to the Pinto area in the early 1900's.
James left to New York, but Harry and Hugh
 both had coal mines in the area.
Roche Percee Mine
- Roche Percee
Unknown Location My mystery picture on the Roche Percee page,
 has Brailsford Estevan written on the picture.

see
Coal Mine Picture
Roche Percee
Coal Mining Company Ltd
-Roche Percee
  originally the Sutherland Mine-
became Old Mac Coal Mine by 1955-
1 mile south of Village of Roche Percee.
My Uncle Frank Charles Olson, worked at this mine.
That's what his Union card says.
Mine Name Unknown ? LSD 9
26-1-6-W2
Operated by Hugh Banks
Rock Springs
 Coal Company
-Roche Percee
LSD 13
 35-1-6-W2
Roman Tryuda, Peter Yramchuck,
 Fred Kozak, Mike and Joe Rohatyn,
 & Mike Petraharich, mined mineral rights
 and land owned by Frank Adams,
who was Manager and Pit Boss.
1 mile SE of Taylorton.
This site was on the upper end of a ravine
 leading to the Souris River.
Just over the hill to the north of Harry Banks Mine.
They loaded boxcars at Pinto siding.
 In 1940 Prokup Gembe was added as a partner.
North Mine LSD 14 &
PART LSD 11
LYING N OF CPR
 22-2-7-W2
 
Michel Mine NE 1/4
 33-1-6-W2
 
Pacific Coal Co. W 1/2
6-2-6 W 2nd
This Company shows up on a Map
of the coal mines in the area in 1940.
Can't say the name appears that often
in the history books.
Western Dominion
Coal Mines Ltd.
-Bienfait
various locations Amalgamation of Western Dominion Collieries Ltd.,
Truax Traer Coal Co. Ltd.,
and Bienfait Mines Ltd,
 by J. R. Brodie, prior to 1939
See Western Dominion Collieries above
My Western Dominion Mine Page
Thomas Siddall Mine
-Roche Percee
N 1/2 LSD 7
S 1/2 OF SW 1/4
THE N1/2 OF THE
 SW1/4 OF LSD 8
24-1-7-W2
one and three-quarter miles SW of Roche Percee.
Various spellings of this last name have been used,
but Siddall is the correct one.
I believe he married Barbara Annie Campbell,
who was born in 1914. 
They had 10 children.
Her brother Duncan Charles Campbell
also operated a mine in the area.
an H. Siddal died in the war.
Thomas was living with his parents
 Edward and Flora Siddall on 36-1-7 W2 in 1906.
 he was age 2 in 1906, born in England,
 immigrated in 1904.
Siddall Coal Mine
-Roche Percee
Unknown Location Per Guest Book entry,
from his granddaughter Gwynne Siddall, 
Matthew Siddall, born 1913 in Roche Percee,
owned a Family Coal Mine in the area.
Possibly Thomas Siddall Mine above is this mine,
or another?
Tessier Mine
aka "Bridge Mine"
33
1-8-2-W2
Opened in the 1930's, for 6 years, 
 by Joseph Tessier,
Born- Mar 28, 1893 in Casimir, Quebec,
he died Oct 19, 1973,
 He is buried in the Estevan City Cemetery
.
Working in the mine were his brother Emanual,
son Wilfred and Ernie Betland.
Harry Banks Mine
-Pinto
LS 16
31-1-6-W2
Operated by Harry Banks
Hannah Collieries Ltd.
-Bienfait
NW 1/4
8-2-7-W2
Deep Seam, Shaft Type Mine
located 6 miles East of Estevan,
opened in the mid 40`s,
operated for only a few years. 
Owned by Alexander Craig McMiken
 (Alec) (nickname Happy) Wilson. 
What didn't this guy own?
North West Coal Co. Ltd.
-Bienfait
NE 1/4
 27-2-7-W2
Deep Seam Shaft type Mine.
Opened in 1932, operated until 1947
 as underground mine, then until 1964 as a strip mine.
Owned and operated by Alex Konopaki and Dan Bozak.
One of the largest mines, ca 1961
This mine was located just north
of where the Battle River Coal Company Ltd.
tipple and offices were located.
Deep Seam
Taylorton Mine
Location Unknown Probably Western Dominion Mine
Wilson Mine Location Unknown Deep Seam Shaft Type Mine-
owned by
Alexander Craig McMiken
(Alec) (Alex) (nickname Happy) Wilson
.
Opened in 1936 until 1938.
J. R. Brodie took over all of this mine,
In return Alec Wilson got half share
 of the Bienfait mine.
Taylorton
Truax-Traer Mine
Location Unknown No Known Info
Great West Coal Mine   Operated by Mr John R. Brodie in Brandon. 
there is a John R. Brodie wing
on the Brandon MB University,
named after this man.
Hawkinson Mine
- Bienfait
Became the Bienfait Mine Co. Deep Seam Type Mine
Opened by the CPR in 1906,
and leased to Maurice Hawkinson.
 Managed by Maurice Hawkinson,
shown in 1911 census, as a boarder of
Albert Rogers family in Bienfait,
born Dec 1875, in the USA, age 35.
Nationality- Norwegian, religion Presbyterian.
Shown as a Mine proprietor.
 Rogers is shown as Hotel Keeper, block 3,
 which would be the King Edward Hotel.
Interesting to note, Gordon White
 was a boarder here at the same time,
and he bought the King Edward Hotel.
Also at the hotel,
Joseph A. Sequin shown as a mine manager,
Hawkinson sold power to the village of Bienfait,
sold later to the Dominion Electric Co.. 
 Operated until 1940.
Various owners,
William Lemond (Billy) (Will) Hamilton,
Robert J. Hassard, 1915-1926,
John R. Brodie bought Hassards share in 1926.
1939 Hamilton sold his share to
 Alexander Craig McMiken (Alec) (Happy) Wilson,
who sold outright to Brodie in 1939 
 sounds like a soap opera doesn't it.
Poage Mine
-Roche Percee
24-1-7-W. 2nd located approximately one and one- quarter miles
SW of Roche Percee Village.    
 Operated by Herbert Ellis Poage
,
This mine was the largest shipper in 1934. 
Only operated until mid 30's.
 Herbert Ellis Poage was born in Newton, Iowa, USA,
died
1952 in Sicamous, B.C. age 79.
His granddaughter went to ECI.
Karl Gustafson was his Pit Boss in 1933
Bienfait
Commercial
Light and Power
-Bienfait
At the Bienfait Mine Operated at the Bienfait Mine south of Bienfait
Not really a mine, but associated with one.
Bienfait
Commercial Coal Co.
-Bienfait
South Of Bienfait Opened in 1915 financed by Maurice Hawkinson,
closed approx 1925
Prospect Mine
-Roche Percee
Location Unknown operated by Mr. Peter Roberts and Mr. Tony Miller
This site was on the lower end of a ravine
 leading to the Souris River,
1 Mile SE of Taylorton.
Baniulas Mine
- Roche Percee
25-1-7-W. 2nd located about one and one- half miles
SW of Roche Percee village.

Operated by two brothers,
Anthony and Alphons Baniulas.
They started shipping in 1932.
 
Anthony b- Apr 20, 1909, d-Feb 3, 1983
Alphons b-1899, d- Mar 9, 1967
Both Buried in Souris Valley Cemetery
 in Estevan
alt spelling =Banulas
McDonald Mine Location Unknown  
Golden Glow Mine
- Roche Percee
Location Unknown  
Crescent Collieries Ltd.
-Bienfait
1 mile E of Bienfait Started in 1918 just to the east of Bienfait,
moved to the new location shown above
 in 1926 after running out of coal
Sunlight
Coal Company Mine
Location Unknown  
Uhrich Mine
aka Black Diamond Mine
-Roche Percee
Leonard Loppe map
Located near Sugarloaf
Two miles east of Roche Percee,
near Sugarloaf,
Operated by Albert Uhrich
and his son-in-law Art Matheson
.
See Banner mine,
and Black Diamond Mine-Roche Percee
Albert Uhrich was born September 12, 1893.
He died age 52, Jan 18, 1946.
buried in Bienfait Civic Cemetery.
Art Matheson moved to Hamilton ON.
Spring Mine Location Unknown  
High Test Coal Company Location Unknown  
Louis Parkinson Mine Location Unknown  
Rohatyn Mine Location Unknown  
Konopaki Mine Location Unknown could be the same as the
North West Coal Co. Ltd.-Bienfait
owned by Alex Konopaki, but not verified.
Old Mac Coal Co. Ltd.
-Roche Percee
West of Roche Percee
Tipple in the Village
in 1955
(Used to be the Sutherland Mine,
 then The Roche Percee Coal Mine)
West of Roche Percee, tipple in the village.

In business in 1955, operated by Sinclair Interests,
out of Kansas City, Missouri. 
in 1956 it was sold to Western Dominion Coal Mines Ltd.
1955 history book, says the mine was 1/2 mile south,
also west of the village,
and NE of the village?,
 exact location unknown to me. 
I do believe the Tipple was in the village in 1955. 
I think 1/2 mile south is correct.
Winnipeg
Supply And Fuel Co.
Location Unknown  
Eureka Coal
and Brick Company
-Estevan
Just south-west of the Hwy 47 and Torquay Highway corner. The Brick portion of this business,
was started in 1902 by an American,
Nels Mickelson,
just south-west of the Hwy 47,
 and Torquay highway corner. 
They found good quality clay digging for Coal.
Sold in 1906 to Jonas Gustav Peterson,
B- Aug
22, 1869, died Apr 14, 1948,
buried in Estevan City Cemetery.
He sold this business, and moved to Shand area.
The founder of the Hamlet of Shand.
In 1910 the wages were 20 cents per hour, 10 hour days.
Peterson sold to Fred Newcombe in 1912,
 who operated it until 1928.
Sold again, it became International Clay Products,
owners Dave Bannatyne and C.C. Smith. 
They built the new brick plant south-east of Estevan.
In 1945 the Sask. Government bought the business. 
 It became Estevan Brick Ltd, on Jan 1, 1966.
Today the plant is no longer operating.  
Sunshine Mine Ltd.
-Estevan
1 mile S of Estevan City Limits  Owned by David Bannatyne Sr.,
Dr. James Forbes Creighton
,
William D. Niblett, and John Gallaway,
with Gallaway as Mine Manager.
First Strip Mine in 1928- 3/4 yard dragline was used. 
The Pit was just east of the Estevan Brick plant,
south of the City.
William Niblett was 25 in 1906, born in England,
came to Canada in 1904.
In 1906 he was living near Estevan on 4-2-7 W2.
David Bannatyne Sr.
was born in Irvine, Scotland , Nov 1, 1880,
Died Dec 10, 1954
.  
He is buried in the Estevan City Cemetery.
David Bannatyne Sr was the mayor of Estevan
during the infamous Sept 29, 1931 Miner's riot in Estevan.
 Dr Creighton was co-owner of the Hospital at that time also.
Only John Gallaway died in 1921, before this date,
 so not sure who this John was?
Kingdon Mine
-Bienfait
  Operated by Leslie (Les) Kingdon
b- July 22, 1893- d- Oct 28, 1986
Father of Stan and Don Kingdon
Kingdon and Coates Mine
-Bienfait
  Just south of Bienfait, across from old CN Station
Blue Seam Mine 29-1-6-W. 2nd one and a half miles east of Roche Percee,
Operated by Edward J. Sinclair

who also owned a Farm Implement dealership
 in Bienfait ca 1911, and 1915
Zieglgansberger Mine Unknown Location Operated by Ludwig and Frank Zieglgansberger
Ludwig was born Oct 9, 1902, died Apr 23, 1987
Frank was born abt. 1934, died Nov 14, 1999
Both are buried in Bienfait Cemetery
I had an email from Kyle Zieglgansberger,
from Pilot Butte SK, and he ensures me
 this IS the only way to spell the family name. 
He should know, his great Uncle was Louis, a
nd his Great Great Grandfather was Frank.
Good Luck Mine
-Roche Percee
SW 1/4
 29-1-6 W2
 located on the hill SE of Roche Percee
operated by W. Brooks
Beamish Mine
- Roche Percee
19-1-6-W. 2nd located approximately one and one- quarter miles
 SW of Roche Percee, headed by R. W. Beamish
Elm Valley Mine Unknown Location operated by F. S. Wilbur.  
Lignite Coal Mines Ltd Unknown Location headed by Hugh Roberts
Winna Banks Mine Unknown Location  operated by H. Banks
Frank Adams Coal Mine Unknown Location operated by Francis (Frank) Adams,
He
had mineral rights on some land
 about a mile southeast of Taylorton, could be this mine
He was born at Omemee, Ontario,
 January 12, 1884, died- August 20, 1966 ,
buried in Souris Valley Memorial Gardens in Estevan
J. B. Adams Coal Mine Unknown Location operated by J. B. Adams
Auld's Mine Unknown Location operated by John Auld
Costello Mine
- Bienfait
  Opened in 1960
Duncan's Mine Sec 14, near Estevan
 Probably Owned by P. C. Duncan
 Mayor of Estevan
Sutherland Mine West of Roche Percee
Tipple was in the village
This became the Roche Percee Mining Co,
 then Old Mac Coal Mine
1 mile south of Roche Percee today (2008)
 where most of the people lived at the time
 at a mining camp there.
H. Banks and Lee Mine Unknown Location  
Harry Banks and Son Mine Leonard Loppe map  
Havanah Collieries Ltd.
(aka Havana, Havanna)
-Bienfait
South side of Highway 39,
and East of Bienfait
Shown on the map in 1955 History book map
 as south side of Highway 39,
and east of Bienfait,
between the North West Mine and Eastern Mine
North Deep Seam Unknown Location  
North Star Coal Mine Unknown Location  
Y Mine
- Roche Percee
Unknown Location All I know is a Mr Frank Klyne worked here
sometime in his career (1915-1949)
Note- Mr Klyne also owned his own mine,
name unknown.
Langen Mine
- Roche Percee
Sec 13- 1-7-W2 Owned by Jens Langen, on land he homesteaded on
when he moved from Minnesota in 1902. 
Julius, Leander and Jens Langen
 bought the Riverside Hotel In Roche Percee
Mr Jens Langen passed away in 1926
Prankie Mine Unknown Location All I know is a Mr Frank Klyne worked here
sometime in his career (1915-1949)
John Mitchel Mine Unknown Location All I know is a Mr Frank Klyne worked here
sometime in his career (1915-1949)
J. Olshanski Mine Estevan 2-2-8-W. 2nd (could be spelling error,
could be
OLSHANOSKI
, probably Joseph)
Better 'Ole Mine
-Roche Percee
21-1-6-W. 2nd  
South Cambrian Ltd Unknown Location  
Winstanley Brothers Mine Unknown Location Possibly William and Harold,
from Roche Percee area. 
Both of these fellows served in WWII.
Blackhawk Mine- Estevan  9-2-8-W. 2nd C. J. Wheelock
Yardley Mine
- Estevan
Exact Location Unknown
Located in a Coulee south of Estevan,
probably owned by Henry Yardley,
Estevan's first mayor.
He lived at 1010-3rd Street in Estevan
 at one point in time.
Mr Yardley was on
the board of the
Statute Labour District No. 140,
before the RM of Estevan was formed.
November 15, 1899 he was elected
Overseer of the Village of Estevan.
He sold Implements in Estevan for a living.
There was a Amery Yardley in the area as well
who repaired cars.
Valley Street Mine
- Estevan
22-2-8-W. 2nd  
Anderson Mine
- Estevan
22-2-8-W. 2nd Started by Niels Anderson. 
His son Hans Anderson worked at this mine
 until he started his own mine.
Badger Mine
- Pinto
26-1-6-W. 2nd Hugh Banks
Highway Mine
- Estevan
9-2-8-W. 2nd M. Murphy
Hard Times Mine
- Estevan
17-2-8-W. 2nd J. Hork
Cossette Mine
- Estevan
18-2-8-W. 2nd Cossette Brothers operated this mine.
The mine was on the level prairie,
operated from Dec 1, 1931 until mid-March, 1936.
Lee Brothers Mine
- Pinto
25-1-6-W. 2nd Edward, William (Bill) and John owned this mine
 in the Roche Percee area which they worked
 until a fatal mine accident in 1937
 took Bill's life and critically injured John. 
 these were brothers to Miss Helen Lee
 who taught at ECI. 
John Lee after he recovered,
bought and operated Lee Funeral Home
 in Estevan for many years.
Brokenshire Mine
- Estevan
4-2-8-W. 2nd  
McKersie Mine
- Roche Percee
25-1-7-W. 2nd  
Rook & McNeil Mine
- Estevan
14-2-8-W. 2nd  
Southernwood & Rice Mine
- Estevan
13-2-8-W. 2nd  
Big Chunk Mine
- Estevan
10-2-8-W. 2nd  
Thompson Mine
- Estevan
11-1-7-W. 2nd  
Hildahl Mine
- Roche Percee
14-1-7-W. 2nd  
Blondeau Mine
- Estevan
17-2-8-W. 2nd  
Willa Ma Lou Coal Mine Unknown Location on the bank of the Souris River
The Company Mine
-Estevan
Just west of Alice Road,
west of Estevan
Mine was just west of Alice Road, west of Estevan
Owned by Oliver (Oly) Golden Southernwood
and his brother George Edgar Southernwood.
Oly served in WWI.
Oly was born Jan 12, 1896 in Fordham, Essex, England,
and died in 1957.
Edgar the oldest brother also served in WWI,
Edgar was born Sept 22, 1893 in Fordham, Essex, England,
and died June 13, 1965.
Souris Coal Mining
Company Ltd.
-Roche Percee
Coalfields Location,
became Taylorton

Incorporated in 1899, located at Coalfields,
8 miles from the boundary line. 
President and General manager was
Richard Radcliffe Taylor, born in Lancashire England,
who Taylorton was named after.
His son, John Taylor, Secretary and Treasurer. 
George O. Taylor, Samuel Taylor, and John C. Graham,
and the 5 were the Board of Directors. 
 In 1901 they produced 40,000 tons,
shipped thru Bienfait on the Estevan Branch
of the CPR on a company built
4 1/2 mile spur to the mine. 
 In 1906 they produced over 100,000 tons annually. 
 Shipped as far west as Moose Jaw
 and as far east as Tyndall.
 In 1906 it had a paid up capital of $200,000.00
(story from this book written in 1906)
Photo of an old building with Souris Coal Mining company Ltd. logo painted on the side

This photo came from Mr. Ron Carpenter,
grandson of one of the Hamilton Brothers
 that owned the Crescent Mine. Thanks Ron!

Newer Mine Names below    
Bienfait Coal Co.
-Bienfait
  Mine Manager 1981 until he retired was Stan Kingdon
Manalta Coal Co. Klimax Mine   See Battle River Coal Mine Co. Ltd above.
Klimax Mine
Prairie Coal Corporation    
Luscar Coal Ltd.    
Estevan Coal Corporation    
Boundary Mine    
The Battle River
Coal Mine Co Ltd.
  see Western Dominion Coal Mine.
 Mannix out of Calgary owned this mine. 
They also owned Utility Coals where my Dad worked.
This mine changed it's name to Manalta Coal after this.
Utility Coals Ltd. Mine South of Estevan
South and West of SPC
West of Boundary Dam,
where my Dad worked until he retired.
See My Utility Coals Ltd Web Page

And probably many more

 

(If you know of more please e-mail me)

 

Return to Bienfait Index Page
Return to Estevan Index Page
Return to Pinto Index Page
Return to Roche Percee Index Page
Return to Taylorton Index page

or check out my Compilation on the
History of the Coal Mines in the District here.

History of Coal in the Area
 

 
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