When the Civil War ended and slaves were free, they were looking for work. While many became farmers in Ray County, many found work in the numerous county coal mines. Coal mining was king in Ray County from the post-Civil War era through the 1940s. It offered back-breaking, dangerous work, but it was … work. Robert Williams’ father was one who worked in the coal mine that was located where St. John C.M.E. church is presently located east of town. Coal mining was a huge industry for many decades. The first coal mining shaft was sunk in Ray County in 1869, With the war over, railroads were expanding and in need of coal. Ray County became the largest producer of coal in the state, followed by Lafayette County, across the river. Williams told the Richmond News in a 2014 interview: “It was a good productive living for whites and Blacks in this town; … if you wanted to work, you could.” Williams’ father Richard was a coal miner for about 40 years. “I can remember he was secretary of…