James Braidwood (1832-1879)

James Braidwood was born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1832. His father was recorded as James Broadwood upon his 1829 marriage to Helen Hercules in Abbey Parish, Paisley. Before Jimmie and his two sisters, Janet and Ann Hodgert Braidwood, reached school-age, their coal miner father died and the three children grew up in the home of a stepfather, Andrew Dunnsmore who married Helen Hercules in 1836. "Jimmie" apparently thought enough of Andrew Dunsmore to give that name to his third son.

James "Jimmie" Braidwwod is said to have entered the coal mines for hire at the age of nine years in Scotland. Apparently he worked in a number of mines in Ayrshire and Renfrewshire. He later learned the trade of boiler maker with a shipbuilding firm; and, at age 17 1/2, he went to sea as a fireman, an occupation he followed a few years, although he seemed to occasionally return to coalmining. Possibly he followed both occupations when employment was slow in one or the other.

James was best known for sinking the first deep coal mining shaft in Will County, Illinois, near the town of Wilmington. In addition to his knowledge and experience in mining, he was also widely recognized for his compassion and concern for coal miners and their families. In times of strife between miners and employers, "Jimmie" Braidwood was a recognized as a "voice of reason" who had the respect of both labor and management.