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Full Details

Surname
RODGER
Forename
John
Day
08
Month
05
Year
1915
Age
36
Occupation
Mine/Quarry Name
Skellyton
Mineral Worked
Coal
Owner
Darngavil Coal Co. Ltd
Location
Hamilton
County
Lanarkshire
Details of Event
8 May 1915: Fatal Accident at Larkhall - Early on Saturday morning, John Rodger (36), Drygate Street Larkhall, was instantaneously killed in Skellyton Colliery, Larkhall. He was working at the machine walls in the Kiltongue seam when a large stone fell from the roof, crushing him. He was well known in junior football, having played left back for Burnbank Athletic when they won the Scottish Cup, and was capped against Wales in 1902 and Lanarkshire League - Irish League 1901. [Scotsman 10 May 1915] Fatal Accident – Junior Footballer Killed – About 1 o'clock on Saturday morning John Rodger (36), residing at 97 Drygate Street, Larkhall, was instantaneously killed in Skellyton Colliery, belonging to the Darngavil Coal Company Ltd. It appears the deceased was working at the machine walls in the garves section of the Kiltongue seam when a large stone, weighing about 30 cwt, came away from the roof, and crushed him to the pavement. Assistance was speedily at hand, and by the combined efforts of his fellow workmen the stone was removed. Artificial respiration was resorted to, but it proved of no avail, death having been instantaneous. Dr Caldwell, who examined the body, certified death to be due to fracture of the cervical vertebra. Deceased was the well-known junior left back, and for several years played for Burnbank Athletic, being a member of the team when they won the Scottish Junior Cup in 1901. He represented the Scottish Junior Association in the match against Wales in 1902, and was also capped by the Lanarkshire League against the Irish League in 1901. He was a rare defender and played wholeheartedly in every game. He assisted both Larkhall Thistle and Larkhall United in later years, and was in the Thistle team when they won the Scottish Cup in 1908. The funeral, which was of a public nature, took place to Larkhall Cemetery on Monday and was largely attended. Many prominent junior officials were present, as well as representatives from county and local clubs, and many floral tributes from members of the family and friends were received. Deceased was a member of a highly respected family in the town, and the death of one under such tragic circumstances has occasioned widespread sympathy and sorrow. A widow and five of a family are left to mourn the loss, and the sympathy of the community is extended to them in their bereavement. [Hamilton Advertiser 15 May 1915]