The story of Samuel Richardson was an interesting one. He lived in Halmer End and was one of the miners that perished, Samuel was a choirmaster, organist and class leader at the Wesleyan Chapel, in the village. When his body was found by the rescue team, he had his bible with him. It is said that the bible was bought on Newcastle market for four pence in 1915, by him and his friend Robert Challinor, a Methodist leader, who also worked at the Minnie. They shared the book to help them prepare for their Sunday classes. After his friend’s death Robert gave the bible to Samuel’s wife. He wrote an inscription in the bible and put Samuel’s photograph in it. The inscription in copper plate handwriting read as follows:

Samuel’s wife told Robert that as 'he and her husband had shared it then he should keep it'.

There is a conclusion to this story, which must be told. In about 1921, when Robert Challinor and other miners were locked out by their employer, during a strike, he gave the bible to a Lady Slessor to be sold in London by the Women’s Committee for the relief of miners wives and children.

Mr Richardson’s son Arthur read that the bible had been donated to the fund and sent a guinea and bought the bible back. It is believe that it is still in the care of the family.