|
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
 |
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.
 |
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
 |
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
 |
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
 |
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)

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)
|