Sigler To Be Honored In Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will add the name of mine war martyr, Joseph Sigler on May 13. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund commemorates the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.

Sigler served a unique role within the tiny community of Bulpitt, IL. While he was a miner and member of the Progressive Miners of America, he also worked for the village as a special police officer. I'll write more on this later, but suffice to say that it wasn't unusual for miners to be enlisted as law enforcement officers in these small communities. And at times, the law enforcement officers of a village could be at odds with the county sheriff or even the state militia.

Harry Jones and Joe Sigler are among those memorialized on the Mother Jones Monument in Mt. Olive, IL

On September 15, 1934, the Taylorville Breeze Courier editorialized, "The death of Joe Sigler, Bulpitt Special Policeman, yesterday adds another death to the uncalled for shooting out there early Monday morning and removes from that community another of its splendid citizens.

Harry Jones and Joe Sigler paid the price of their lives while trying to insure the safety of one of their local citizens...Sigler was a Progressive but he respected the rights of others who might differ in opinion with him."

Of course the conflict was rooted in far more than a difference of opinion, but Sigler's actions demonstrated that he valued life above all. And for me at least, his actions demonstrated that he adhered to the PMA's initial code of non-violence.

However, it's not clear that Sigler's sacrifice will be acknowledged by the Illinois Law Enforcement Memorial. While an event is scheduled for May 7 in Springfield, IL, Sigler's name has as yet to be added. Hopefully Illinois will accord the same honor to Sigler that the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial saw fit to bestow.

Who Killed Joe Sigler?

"Who shot Sigler and Jones? Whoever may know is not telling. The 'mine war' takes care of its own; and it makes good business for the undertakers."

Murder Stalks The Coal Field
Decatur Herald & Review
Februrary 10, 1935

Joe Sigler and Harry Jones were shot and killed on September 10, 1934 in a small coal mining town in downstate Illinois. The incident occurred in Bulpitt, a tiny village which barely covers four square blocks. But in 1934, this remote immigrant community found itself in the heart of a violent mine war.

Joe Sigler
(courtesy of Sigler family)

Although the loyalty of Taylorville miners was divided, nearby Bulpitt was firmly in the camp of the Progressive Miners. Hugh “Happy” Donnelly was among those strikers who initially defied Peabody Coal Company and the UMWA. However, a miner’s income was always precarious and the financial stress brought on by months of striking compelled Donnelly to cross the picket line and return to work.

Donnelly’s decision was not well-received in this close-knit community. According to press reports, in the early morning hours of September 10, 1934, tempers flared at the Hyde Park Beer Parlor, a neighborhood saloon. Bulpitt Special Police Officer, Joe Sigler was also present and witnessed the escalating tension. To avoid physical harm, Donnelly requested Sigler escort him to his home. Sigler agreed and he and his brother Frank walked Donnelly the few blocks to his house.

Reaching their destination minutes later, Donnelly pointed to bullet holes made that night on the front of his house. Neighbor Harry Jones joined them as Frank Sigler departed. Shortly after, shots were fired, hitting Jones and Joe Sigler. Jones died the next evening while Sigler succumbed to his wounds four days later.

The shootings were reported to the local sheriff and Donnelly was taken into custody although released a few hours later. While a coroner’s inquest was held on Sigler’s murder no one was ever indicted for the crime.