Coal Crisis of Early 1870s Leads to Sheriff's Sale

This bold broadside announces the sale of all property belonging to George W. Esser at three collieries (coal mines) in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, by Sheriff James I. Pitman.

This broadside vividly illustrates the effects of the coal mine disasters and financial crises of 1871 and 1872 on the coal industry and its leaders. At the time, coal was selling in New York for $1 less per ton than it cost to mine and deliver it.

[MINING.] James I. Pitman, Printed Document, "Sheriff's Sale," February 17, 1874, Pottsville, Pennsylvania. 1 p., 9.625" x 14". Expected folds; general toning; very good.

Excerpts:
"By virtue of several writs of FI. FA., issued out of the Court of Common Pleas of Schuylkill Co., and to me directed, will be sold by Public Vendue, on Tuesday the 3rd day of March, 1874, at 10 o'clock in the Forenoon, at the Pine Creek Colliery, in the Township of Mahanoy, in the County of Schuylkill: All the right, title and interest of George W. Esser, of, in and to all that certain Coal Lease...."

"Also—All the right, title and interest of George W. Esser, of, in and to 9 Mules 8 Sets of Harness, 28 Drift Cars, 1 Dirt Dumper, a lot of Blacksmith's Tools, Oil, Paper, Soap, Old and New Iron, Lumber, Timber, 1 Cart and Harness, and all other Personal Property at said Colliery in which the Defendant has an interest."

"Seized and taken in execution as the property of George W. Esser, and will be sold by James I. Putnam, Sheriff."

James I. Pitman (1847-1899) was born in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and joined the lumber business with his father. When his father died while serving as sheriff of Schuylkill County, he filled the remainder of his father's term and won re-election, serving from 1871 to 1874. In 1880, he moved to Philadelphia, where he worked for the Philadelphia Gas Works and later the United Gas Improvement Company.

George W. Esser (1844-1916) was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and he went to work for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company as a young man. He served as an agent for several coal companies but soon became active in the wholesale coal business. As an expert, he soon acquired considerable money. The coal disaster and financial crises of 1871 and 1872 forced him into debt. He continued to work as a coal salesman until the Democratic Party nominated him for the office of prothonotary (chief clerk) of the courts in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. He won the election and served in the position for twelve years.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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