West Virginia native known as the 'oldest miner in America' turns 104

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — This weekend, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) stopped in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to recognize the life of Francis Dalton, also known as the oldest known miner in America.

Dalton, who turned 104 on Sunday, started working in the coal mines with his father at 8 years old, and spent the rest of his life there, aside from the years he spent serving his country during World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart for his bravery and sacrifice.

“I liked the mines. And I’m glad they're starting back up for the younger boys, they’ll have a lot of fun in there, learn how to take care of themselves. It’s no place to play around,” Dalton told Nexstar's WBOY, which had the opportunity to sit down with the 84-year member of the UMWA.

Dalton has spent more than four decades underground in Monongalia County.

"Francis Dalton is nothing short of a legend," Cecil Roberts, the president of the UMWA, said in a statement to WBOY, noting that "he spent nearly his whole life underground."

"That kind of grit, sacrifice, and resilience is what defines our miners and the communities they come from."

Dalton was the only World War II veteran to take part in the 2024 Veterans' Honor Flight, his first time ever boarding a plane.

As for his secret behind making it to 104, Dalton isn't sure. However, after a visit from the UMWA, his family, and the media, he sure has had a busy start to his next year of life.

“It’s really been exciting for me. 104 years in a coal mine!”