Angelo and Tegla Clozza Garnet Coyle Samuel Drumheller Jesse Gouge Martini and Violini Families Seneca McMullen Frank Moodie

Seneca Lent McMullen, one of the builders of the coal mining industry in western Canada, came from Truro, Nova Scotia to the Drumheller valley in 1912 when this coal field was but one year old. He purchased a lease on which there was no development and commenced the operation of the Midland Mine.

Later he left mining and entered the machinery business. After a spell in the mine machinery field, he again took over the Midland along with Mr. Garnet Coyle. The McMullen — Coyle combination made rapid developments and shipments of Midland coal were soon heading to practically all corners of Canada. Later Mr. McMullen took over the Coyle shares in the business and conducted the mine on his own. The Midland Coal company became one of the largest producers in the district.

In community life Mr. McMullen was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a president of the Rotary Club, member of the Board of Trade and the Coal Operators Association. Another keen interest was the Militia. He became an Honorary Colonel of the Calgary Highlanders and the R. C. A. S. C. in Calgary.

Because of poor health, Mr. McMullen had moved to Victoria but at the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to Calgary where he assisted greatly in recruiting. He passed away in Victoria in 1941.

His sons Arthur and Sidney were both officers in the Canadian Forces which served overseas.

This article is based on the article titled "Seneca Lent McMullen" in the book The Hills of Home: Drumheller Valley (Drumheller Valley History Association, 1973). The Heritage Community Foundation and the Year of the Coal Miner Consortium would like to thank the Drumheller Valley History Association for this contribution.