The domination of the wealthy coal baron was pervasive and effective. The bondage experienced by the residents of a coal town was frequently similar to that of a plantation or prison resident. In this way it was possible for the mine operators to manipulate all aspects of a resident miner's life including his political, social, and economic freedoms. Although it may have been possible, it was nonetheless unconstitutional and unjust.

Perhaps the greatest threat to a miner's freedom and even his life was the abundant use of deputies and mine guards. Coal company owners hired men to serve as deputies, and, frequently, the new deputies had criminal pasts of their own. After providing these men with a few days of training, the guards were released to commit any number of violent offenses against the miners in the name of justice. It was not uncommon for a deputy or mine guard to viciously attack a miner's family, even children, without any provocation. Men who were arrested on trivial charges were often held for questioning with regard to any knowledge of union activities or union sentiments which existed in the area. If the men either refused to cooperate or denied knowledge of such events, then they were physically assaulted with fists and heavy objects.