Hilliard, John - 1873

Clarion County Mines – The Fairmount Mines
In 1873, on the completion of the Low Grade Railroad, R. W. Jones and J. M. Brinker, composing the Fairmount Coal Company, opened drift No. 1 on land purchased from John Hilliard.  This was worked until 1879, when the present No. 2 was opened on the farm of Philip Doverspike.  J. M. Brinker was the general manager of the mines.  In 1882 the property changed hands, and is now operated by the Fairmount Coal and Iron Company, of which B. K. Jamison, of Philadelphia, is president; John A Wilson, of the same city, vice-president; Ensign Bennet, of Buffalo, general manager; S. Taylor Sheaffer, of Fairmount City, superintendent.

In 1876 Brinker & Jones produced 55,044 tons, of value of $77,522.  One hundred and twelve persons were employed, and the mines operated every day.  At present the company have 250 miners and about fifteen mules and horses in their employ, and the average daily output is fifty cars.  The greater part of the coal is sent to Canada by way of Buffalo.  No. 2 is an extensive opening on the double-heading system.  The upper Freeport, and Kittanning lower, or Catfish vein, are worked.  The first is about six, the latter four feet in thickness.  The furnace system supplies air, and the drainage and ventilation are good.  In 1885 there were two fatal accidents.

The Fairmount Company contemplates making another opening soon, and increasing the capacity of the collieries to double the present.  In connection with the mines, there are fifty coke ovens in operation, employing a number of men.

~ History of Clarion County Pennsylvania, 1887, Pages 365 & 366