Marathon Coal Bit

In 1932 my grandfather’s father, Thomas Martin Stephens, (after about 15 years of work and testing) was ready to market his Jack Bits. So my grandfather moved to West Virginia and set up a shop in Smithers to produce the bits and sell them to the coal mines.

Bits were used in coal mines on their cutting machines. These machines undercut the coal seams prior to the use of explosives which loosened the coal. The coal could then be removed from the mines. Before the introduction of Marathon bit, bits were made of carbon steel.

The new Marathon bit, eventually named Marathon Double-Edge Throwaway bit, offered several advantages over the carbon steel bits. These advantages all resulted in lower production costs. Marathon bits were made from alloy steel so they were stronger and remained sharper longer. This sharpness resulted in heavier coal cuttings and less bug dust (coal dust).

The Marathon bit was designed with two cutting edges so when the first edge became dull the bit could be turned around to the second sharp edge. And cost was 1/3 that of the carbon steel bits. The low cost made it possible to replace the bits once the ends dulled instead of resharpening them, an obvious savings in time and labor. Another savings resulted from the new bits being lighter and sharper so less machine power was required to achieve the same coal production.

Adaptations to the original Marathon bit were made as newer styles of cutting machines were put into use in the coal mines. My grandfather had a series of the adapted bits framed and I now have this shadow-frame with the bits hanging in my bicycle shop.

By the time Marathon bits were replaced with carbide ones late 1960’s, Marathon had diversified into repairing mining equipment and manufacturing many of the parts needed for these repairs. The company catalog had over 25,000 product listings, some which they manufactured themselves and others which they bought from vendors who the represented.

Soon after the company was up and running early 1940’s, his four brothers joined my grandfather and their dad at Marathon. These brothers were Roy, Lisle, Orlin, and Bob. Each family member made significant contributions to the success of Marathon.

The company was a major employer in the Upper Kanawha Valley from early 1940’s until mid-1980’s. The main office and shops were located at Smithers. Skilled employees, many of whom had been with the company long-term, added also to Marathon’s success.