While some have oversimplified the Illinois Mine War as a factional dispute between two unions, Peabody Coal Company was an integral player in the conflict. The evidence shows that John L. Lewis and the United Mine Workers worked closely with Peabody during the struggle.
Here's a little background on the early years of the Peabody Coal Company. It was founded by Francis S. Peabody in 1883 and was eventually incorporated in Illinois in 1890. By 1920 Peabody Coal Company was among the largest in the world.
Peabody acquired 848 acres near suburban Oak Brook, IL and had a 39-room Tudor Revival mansion constructed. However Peabody died in 1922, only a year after its completion. At that time the coal baron had amassed a personal fortune of over $35 million and business assets of over $75 million. In 1922, a coal miner might receive from $12 to $23 a week for his toil. Of course much of that was often returned to the coal operator for housing or to purchase goods in the company store.
Today one can visit the Mayslake estate and tour the Peabody mansion.
Peabody MansionWhile the Yale-educated Peabody certainly had a knack for business, apparently he never learned to share.
company houses, downstate Illinois
