I am still in the process of looking for the article I mentioned in another thread, a piece in a historical academic magazine, from the early 70's--my recollection is that there was great reason to believe that the story as presented in the song was pretty close to the facts--

It would be good if people posted articles or text when possible, instead of links--the reason being that links don't always work (especially over time)--

Leprechaun, be aware that at the time of the strike(as in most company towns, when there is a labor dispute), the town was pretty much divided in two, and the mine owners, who ran the town, also controlled the legal and judicial system--sheriff's deputies, police, and even the military were often used to break up the strikers--so one cannot assume that the guilty were always caught and punished, even when it was clear who they were--

At any rate, I have to find that article--the story is an interesting one, and the song is very moving--