“John J. Curtis”

Description

John J. Curtis, a coal miner, is trapped in an avalanche of coal after setting a dynamite explosion. When he succeeds in lighting a match, he discovers he is blind. He asks his listeners for kindness

Historical references

• 1888 - John Curtis, age 28, is blinded in a mine in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. He made his living thereafter by singing and selling broadsides of this song, made for him by Joseph Gallagher

References

1. Laws G29, "John J. Curtis"
2. DT 711, JJCURTIS JOHNCURT
3. Roud #7724
4. BI, LG29