In Memory
Of the seven men who lost their lives at Timsbury Colliery
February 6th 1895
JAMES CARTER, married
JOHN GAGE, married
GEORGE HARDING, married
JAMES DURHAM, unmarried
JOSEPH BRIDGES, unmarried
JOHN KEELING, married
GEORGE SPERRING, married
Nine men were told to go down the mine
To labour for the night;
But seven were killed, and only two
Of them came up alive.
They had not left their homes so long
Before the news spread
That an explosion had taken place,
And Seven poor men were dead!
They left their homes all well and strong,
Bidding their friends good-night,
Perhaps not thinking before morn
They’d lose their precious lives.
How sad the news must be to those
To whom those men belong,
To hear their husbands had been killed
Who had not left home long.
It’s not so very long ago
That one of those poor men
Had lost a son, through accident,
Who was but a young man.
We’re told that one has left a wife
And twelve little ones:
Who little thought they’d never see
Their father return home.
How true it is that in the midst
Of life we are in death.
Today we’re well, but perhaps ere long
Our eyes may close in death.
We pray that God will bless the wives
And dear little ones;
God bless the widow who has lost
Her husband and son.
Now just a word I’ll say to all,-
Be watchful everyone:
For in an hour that ye think not
The Son of Man will come.
WILLIAM ASHMAN, Camerton