Introduction to Coal Creek War

Introduction to Coal Creek War

Vowell, G.D.

1937-09

1381A1

AFC 1937/001

Alan and Elizabeth Lomax Kentucky collection

Vowell, who announces his birthday as Dec. 13, 1872, at Coal Creek, Tenn., discusses the "convict war" that became known as the "Coal Creek Troubles" or "Coal Creek War." He recalls seeing the possible composer of the ballad, Day (presumed to be songster and fiddler J.W. Day, "Blind Bill" Day or, as Jean Thomas dubbed him, "Jilson Setters,") perform the ballad at labor picnics in Coal Creek. Archie Green, in his "Only A Miner," points out that Vowell strenuously suggests herein his view that the coal companies were "all in favor of doing all they could to get the convicts out of the coal mines." Identified on AFS card as "Cole Creek War."

Commentary

Kentucky

Harlan

Harlan