Coal Miner.

During the Industrial Revolution, children were extensively employed in coal mines. "Trappers" waited alone in mine shafts to open and close air ducts; "greasers" lubricated the axles of the coal cars; and "breaker boys" picked out pieces of slate and stone as the coal was shuttled by on conveyor belts. Accidents were frequent and debilitating lung disorders and diseases were almost assured.

But this picture is not of the Industrial Revolution. It was taken only a little over 30 years ago at a small, family-owned mine in Ohio. While it is probably...