Tommyknockers of the Western Mines

Mining, an occupation as old as civilization itself, has always been intertwined with a unique blend of hard labor, inherent dangers, and deeply ingrained superstitions. Among the most enduring of these beliefs, particularly in the mines of the American West, is the legend of the Tommyknockers. These mythical beings, part mischievous sprite, part benevolent protector, have captured the imaginations of miners for generations, shaping their experiences and influencing their daily lives within the dark, subterranean world.

The Tommyknockers, often described as impish, gnome-like creatures, share a common ancestry with similar folklore figures from across Europe. They are the Cornish counterpart to the Irish leprechauns and English brownies, embodying the spirit of the mines in much the same way. In Germany, they are known as Berggeister or Bergmännlein, translating to "mountain ghosts" or "little miners," further illustrating the widespread belief in subterranean entities associated with mining.

The Cornish miners, who brought their traditions and beliefs to the American West, held a particularly intriguing origin story for the Tommyknockers. They believed these diminutive beings were the souls of the Jews who had participated in the crucifixion of Christ. As punishment, these souls were condemned to work as slaves in the tin mines by the Romans. This belief was so pervasive that it was said the Tommyknockers were never heard on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath, nor during Jewish festivals.

Visually, the Tommyknockers are often depicted as standing approximately two feet tall, with a greenish hue to their skin. Their appearance is distinctly human, typically clad in the traditional garb of a miner. Living their lives entirely beneath the earth’s surface, they are known for a duality of character, capable of both good and bad deeds. Over the centuries, they have been credited with both playing practical jokes and committing acts of random mischief, such as the disappearance of unattended tools or pilfering miners’ lunches.

The arrival of the Tommyknockers in the United States coincided with the influx of Cornish miners into the western Pennsylvania coal mines in the 1820s. However, their legend truly flourished with the advent of the California Gold Rush. The experienced Cornish miners were highly sought after by mine owners, and their expertise was invaluable in the burgeoning industry. Mine managers, eager to expand their workforce, often approached these immigrants, inquiring about potential recruits back in England. The Cornish miners would respond in their distinctive dialect, something akin to, "Well, me cousin Jack over in Cornwall wouldst come could ye pay’s boat ride." This phrase, or variations thereof, led to the widespread adoption of the nickname "Cousin Jacks" for these immigrant miners, who soon formed the backbone of America’s early western mining workforce. Along with them came their rich cultural heritage, including the enduring superstition of the Tommyknocker, which quickly spread throughout the mines of the West.

The very name "knockers," often pronounced "knackers," derives from the distinct knocking sounds frequently heard within the mines, particularly just before cave-ins. These sounds, often attributed to the creaking of the earth and the shifting of timbers, were interpreted in various ways. Some miners believed the "hammering" was a malevolent omen, signaling imminent death or serious injury. Others saw the knocking as a well-intentioned warning, alerting them to a life-threatening collapse. Still others believed the knocking sounds could lead them to a rich vein of ore or other signs of good fortune.

These ambivalent characters were thought to bestow both favors and misfortune upon the miners. When in a benevolent mood, they were believed to bring wealth and good luck. However, when angered or disrespected, they were said to bring misery, injury, and even death to those who doubted their power or dismissed their existence.

Beyond their perceived influence on fortune and safety, the Tommyknockers were also credited with performing many of the routine tasks associated with mining. They were often blamed for pranks and mischief, such as hiding tools or creating distractions. Conversely, they were also credited with saving the lives of countless miners by warning them of impending dangers. If a hammer went missing, it was the Tommyknockers who had taken it. But if a miner miraculously escaped a mine collapse, the Tommyknockers were given the credit.

Over time, the legend of the Tommyknockers evolved, with some miners believing that the knocking sounds were caused by the spirits of deceased miners who were acting out of kindness, warning the living of impending danger. In recognition of these acts of benevolence, miners would often leave offerings of food and other items in the mines, hoping to secure the good graces and protection of the Tommyknockers. Saffron cake, as mentioned in the reader story below, was a particularly popular offering.

In some mines, the presence of the Tommyknockers was perceived as overwhelmingly malevolent. The fear instilled by these perceived spirits was so profound that the mines were forced to close, deemed too dangerous to continue operation. Even when mines were exhausted and abandoned, the legend persisted, with many believing that the Tommyknockers simply relocated, finding "work" in the homes surrounding the old mineshafts. Superstitions continued to flourish, with family deaths or disasters often attributed to a knocking sound heard within the house, seen as a forewarning from the restless spirits.

Belief in these diminutive miners persisted well into the 20th century, a testament to the power of folklore and the enduring human need to explain the unexplained. However, with the advancement of modern mining techniques and the spread of scientific education, these earlier superstitions gradually faded. While the Tommyknockers may not be as widely believed in today, they retain a significant place in the history, legend, and lore of the American West, serving as a reminder of the hardships, dangers, and unique cultural traditions that shaped the lives of those who toiled beneath the earth in pursuit of fortune.

© Kathy Weiser-Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2021.

Reader’s Story:

Allan MacLaren of California writes:

"My father grew up in a mining camp, Confidence, California. His father worked at the Confidence mine. Father’s stories of those times included the tommyknockers. Your recital is right on. My father said his mother would bake a saffron cake for his father to take with him. When the miners (the cousin Jacks) finished their day, they always left some saffron cake for the tommyknockers. To not do so was very bad luck.

I grew up in Ohio, and when my grandmother came to visit, she baked a small saffron cake for us."

(Submitted October 2014)

Also See:

Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories From The Old West

Mining on the American Frontier

Mysteries in American History