I’m glad the stories are helpful. We’ve found there is so much information most people do not know about Alabama and we love finding and sharing these historical gems.
My Grandparents were from West Blocton and some from Bibb ! My Dad was a Locke and my Mother was a McCulley !! Just wandering since u are a Locke that is not a common name !!
We have a Locke Family History group, my mom & grandma was Locke’s…
Jerrett Reed
I am kin to the locks my grandmother is a lock im a reed but my great grandmother maiden name was broadhead the locks were a very respected familey in those days and still are.
Steve Langston
Growing up in the area I’d heard stories about the explosion. My father worked in the mines at Dogwood, Maylene, Marvel, and Blocton from the 20’s until they all shut down in the 50s and he had many harrowing tales of igniting gas pockets which would blow out his light and knock him to the floor of the shaft. Those were tough times to be a coal miner.
Sadly, there was little report other than names in newspaper accounts about the black miners.
Bates
Only in Alabama! Do you not see the last 2 names on the white list. I don’t guess they mattered either! SMDH! Get a life
Randy Gentry
My Great-Great Grandfather was killed at Marvel due to a rock fall. His name was Emmit Broadhead and he left behind a wife and two children, one being Fred Broadhead ( my grandfather) and Audie Broadhead Martin my Great Aunt.
Peggy ean
Thanks for posting this Randy. I have a picture of his wife (Charlsie Thames Broadhead Campbell) with Fred and Audie as young children. Charlsie was my grandmother
Peggy Bean
Name is Peggy Bean
Jason Genry
I still live in Marvel.So much history out here.Wish I could learn more.
I know just where this bridge was in Marvel. It has since been torn down but we used to wonder about the history of that old bridge. It was great to see it in use and know that I once was dumb and climbed up that structure.
Carmela Owens
How accurate is the spelling of some of the names? My family name is Cochran, no “e” from Marvel. My great grandfather worked in the mines but did not perish in the explosion. Wondering if maybe another relative.
David Greek III
As citizen of West Blocton, Alabama, I have heard many stories about how this small town got its name. One was about how this explosion destroyed the whole town except for the west side, hence the name West Blocton. I am glad to finally know the truth… But I am sorry for the families who lost husbands, brothers, sons, and uncles back then. West Blocton, Alabama is filled to the brim with beautiful countryside if you know where to look. This is just beautiful place to live and I’m glad to call it home.
eugenia marie goggins-russo
I saw this posting 11-16-2015. I lived in Marvel from 1941 to 1949, when the mines stopped. My father was a carpenter for the Rodens. Those were the happiest days ever. Thank you.
Vivian
did you know Bibb County was name after two governors,with the name Bibb
THOMAS MICHAEL BRETSCHNEIDER
it is just great to see historical notes show up and fill in the history of where we grew. How can you decide that a particular note is valid or gossip? I think I will enjoy future storied of Alabama.
THOMAS MICHAEL BRETSCHNEIDER
Were the Lowerys, that died. not related al all, that seems strange.
My grandmother & other family moved to Marvel from W.VA. I pretty much grew up in Marvel. My dad & his dad had lots of stories of Marvel. Thanks for sharing!!
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Randy Seals
Am learning so much through these articles. Thank you.
Great! We’re glad you enjoy them.
As homeschoolers, we love learning more about our great state and home, Alabama. Thanks
I’m glad the stories are helpful. We’ve found there is so much information most people do not know about Alabama and we love finding and sharing these historical gems.
Thank you for all the hard work you do Donna and for the research aids you give freely to everyone. You are a true Southern Gem. SMB
Thank you! Your comment made my day. Donna
Joel Dickey… Did you know there was a Bibb county in Ala?
Yes I did!
Thank you.
Really enjoy learning more of Alabama’s history. Thanks so much.
My Grandparents were from West Blocton and some from Bibb ! My Dad was a Locke and my Mother was a McCulley !! Just wandering since u are a Locke that is not a common name !!
We have a Locke Family History group, my mom & grandma was Locke’s…
I am kin to the locks my grandmother is a lock im a reed but my great grandmother maiden name was broadhead the locks were a very respected familey in those days and still are.
Growing up in the area I’d heard stories about the explosion. My father worked in the mines at Dogwood, Maylene, Marvel, and Blocton from the 20’s until they all shut down in the 50s and he had many harrowing tales of igniting gas pockets which would blow out his light and knock him to the floor of the shaft. Those were tough times to be a coal miner.
A great-uncle I never new perished in this disaster.
I imagine some of the black miners had wives, children or maybe some kind of description for their lives. But that didn’t MATTER then I see.
Sadly, there was little report other than names in newspaper accounts about the black miners.
Only in Alabama! Do you not see the last 2 names on the white list. I don’t guess they mattered either! SMDH! Get a life
My Great-Great Grandfather was killed at Marvel due to a rock fall. His name was Emmit Broadhead and he left behind a wife and two children, one being Fred Broadhead ( my grandfather) and Audie Broadhead Martin my Great Aunt.
Thanks for posting this Randy. I have a picture of his wife (Charlsie Thames Broadhead Campbell) with Fred and Audie as young children. Charlsie was my grandmother
Name is Peggy Bean
I still live in Marvel.So much history out here.Wish I could learn more.
I know just where this bridge was in Marvel. It has since been torn down but we used to wonder about the history of that old bridge. It was great to see it in use and know that I once was dumb and climbed up that structure.
How accurate is the spelling of some of the names? My family name is Cochran, no “e” from Marvel. My great grandfather worked in the mines but did not perish in the explosion. Wondering if maybe another relative.
As citizen of West Blocton, Alabama, I have heard many stories about how this small town got its name. One was about how this explosion destroyed the whole town except for the west side, hence the name West Blocton. I am glad to finally know the truth… But I am sorry for the families who lost husbands, brothers, sons, and uncles back then. West Blocton, Alabama is filled to the brim with beautiful countryside if you know where to look. This is just beautiful place to live and I’m glad to call it home.
I saw this posting 11-16-2015. I lived in Marvel from 1941 to 1949, when the mines stopped. My father was a carpenter for the Rodens. Those were the happiest days ever. Thank you.
did you know Bibb County was name after two governors,with the name Bibb
it is just great to see historical notes show up and fill in the history of where we grew. How can you decide that a particular note is valid or gossip? I think I will enjoy future storied of Alabama.
Were the Lowerys, that died. not related al all, that seems strange.
Randy Phillips
My grandmother & other family moved to Marvel from W.VA. I pretty much grew up in Marvel. My dad & his dad had lots of stories of Marvel. Thanks for sharing!!