# Ed MacKellar — King Coal character guide

> Ed MacKellar in King Coal by Upton Sinclair.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** MacKellar, Mr. MacKellar, Edward MacKellar

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

A miner hardened by the pits who becomes a union organizer, carrying the dangerous work of turning scattered grievances into collective resistance.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/i)

Crippled former miner; suggests contacting Keating and provides local knowledge.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/ii)

Scotchman who recounts political corruption and violence, including the murder of Tom Burton.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/iii)

A Scottish miner who details the corruption of local officials and warns Hal of the risks.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/vii)

Referenced for having told Hal about men being slugged on the streets in broad daylight.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/viii)

Perturbed by threatening phone calls but remains steadfast.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/ix)

Hosts Hal and Edstrom for dinner; his wife and daughter show fear of the coal company's power.

### [The Interview Scheme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/x)

Lends his crutches and overcoat for Hal's disguise; notes the house is watched.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xi)

Provides his hat and coat for Hal's disguise and answers the front door to delay the authorities.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xvii)

Provides Hal with news about union officials and the union's refusal to support the strike.

### [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxix)

Edstrom refrained from sending for him for help, believing MacKellar was working to reopen the mine.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/ed_mackellar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters