Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 September 1892 — HERO OF COAL CREEK. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HERO OF COAL CREEK.

CoL KeUar Anderson, the Han Who Defied Desperado Lindsay. All who are at all familiar with th« insurrection of the coal miners in Tennessee know the story of the heroism of Col. Kellar Anderson, of the Tennessee National Guard, and his calm determination to sacrifice his life rather than betray his trust. He was in command of the stockade at Coal Creek with 150 men. The telegraph lines had been cut and the little garrison was cut off from all communication with the outside world. The first assault of the miners was made after repeated warnings. So severe was the return fire that the miners retired, though they carried several dead and wounded with them. Soon another attack followed, and there were casualties on both sides, but the result was the same. Then there was a third attack, .with a like result. This time a squad of miners got separated from the main body, and in a sortie from the fort they were captured. Then there was a pause. A flag of truce was raised and

a parley ensued. The miners said that they were ready for a compromise and that if Colonel Anderson would bring the prisoners in person to the railway station and speak to the people everything might be amicably adjusted. They promised him safe escort. Then Colonel Anderson, who up to this time had been the only man in Tennessee in the field who had stood up with uncompromising faithfulness and loyalty in favor of the law, mounted the ramparts and told the men that though he had wept over their grievances he could make no compromise with them. “I will never surrender,” he concluded. “I will make no compromise, but if you think I can help you I will go with you.” Then, unarmed, he left the stockade alone with the prisoners and accompanied the mob to the railway station. There he began a speech to the people, and pleaded with them to respect the law. The miners listened in silence, and were very quiet. They were evidently waiting for something to happen. There was a burly ruffian approaching Col. Anderson from behind. When he reached within arm’s length of the soldier he shoved the muzzle of a revolver against Col, Anderson’s temple and handed him a paper to sign ordering the garrison to surrender.. The man who held the pistol was the notorious Bud Lindsay, who had already killed eight or ten men. Col. Anderson slowly turned, lifted his eyes to those of the outlaw, and dropped them in contempt. “Shoot, you d—d coward!” he said. “Shoot!” The ruffian with the pistol and the treacherous rioters who had with false promises enticed the gallant soldier from his command were awed. The pistol fell, and no shot was fired.

COL. KELLAR ANDERSON.