Van Lear was a sparsely populated farm community at the dawn of the 20th century. Known originally as Miller�s Creek; its pastoral nature was soon lost as it transformed into a thriving municipality. John C. C. Mayo; a young schoolmaster; was the force behind this development. With his geologic knowledge and his forward-looking business savvy; he foresaw the economic power of the veins of bituminous coal that lay undisturbed in much of Eastern Kentucky. Mayo and a small nucleus of businessmen acquired vast tracts of land and mineral rights. In the case of Miller�s Creek; these holdings were sold to a corporate behemoth; the Consolidation Coal Company (Consol). Mayo became one of Kentucky�s wealthiest citizens; and Miller�s Creek became Van Lear.
#1113187 in eBooks 2008-11-24 2008-11-24File Name: B0099I8MYU
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Well written with lots of old photos!By michael curranI have an office in Swedesboro and some of the building shown in the book are still around today!If you have any interest in Swedesboro history this is a great book to have and read.Mike C.
