Coal Mining in PA: Chapter 2/Part B

What did the mule driver do in the mines? Select the best response.

• Traveled throughout the mines, making sure all the mules were accounted for.

• Traveled from one work chamber to another while coupling full cars together and leaving empty cars to be filled.

• Harnessed the mules to cars.

When a mule driver was able to drive (a)   mules, he was given a man's wages and earned respect.

How did the mule driver manage the mule(s)? Select all that apply.

• Selected a leader to be the front of the mules with a miner's lamp.

• Used his voice only to guide the mules in the direction needed.

• Requested help in steering the mules.

• Cracked a warning whip in the air if the mule was too stubborn to move.

What would happen if a mule driver did not accomplish their tasks by quitting time?

• Their pay would be deducted 5 cents based on the extra time spent on the job.

• They would be replaced or fired from the position.

• They would have to stay to complete the job and receive no pay for the additional time spent.

• They would receive overtime pay for completing the job.

Mule drivers were considered the most notorious (a)   .

During an average day, each mule hauled about one (a)   tons of coal.

What is the main idea of the section titled: "The Courage of Martin Crahan?" Select the best response.

• Nineteen miners were working a mine without realizing that a mine shaft fire had started. Martin Crahan, a 12-year old mule driver, risked his life to inform the others of the fire. Unfortunately, it was too late and everyone, including the mules, perished.

• A young mule driver, named Martin Crahan, was killed in a mine shaft fire when the elevator cage was destroyed.

• Martin Crahan was a 12-year old mule driver who had not earned the respect of his peers. Therefore, no one took him seriously when he tried to warn miners of a mine shaft fire that had begun.

What was the outcome for William McKinney and his mule, Harry? Select the best response.

• William and the other seven men had eaten Harry to survive until they were eventually rescued nine days later from a cave-in.

• William and the other seven men were rescued from a cave-in about a week later. Unfortunately, Harry the mule did not survive without eating.

• William and most of the other seven men survived along with Harry the mule about nine days after being rescued from a cave-in.

What words and phrases does the author use to symbolize the cave-in? Select all that apply.

• "It was like a big thunderstorm, with timbers crackling and splitting until broken."

• ". . . a terrible crash, and a gust of wind and dust pushed the mule back . . ."

• " . . . rats heading up the slope."

According to the text, why was being a mule driver considered the "most glorious" job of all?

• Most mule drivers could ride mules and were leaders in the mines.

• It offered danger, excitement, and freedom to move around the mines.

• There was very little risk of injury or death.