The ALLEN Coal Co. sank a mine in Section 34, Twp 6, R4, and on October 1, 1920 a village was plotted around the mine. This village was named Jamestown for James R. ALLEN. It consisted of 76 lots, 50x142 feet, and 7 lots "50 feet wide and running to Galum Creek. This little town acquired the name of Barwells and the nickname Grasshopper. It was located about 1½ miles east of Cutler.
Jamestown grew rapidly. John SEDOVNIK erected a large two story building in which he ran a general store on the lower floor and a dance hall on the upper floor. Then followed, two other stores, a blacksmith shop, moving picture theatre, cafe, school, Baptist Church and about fifty houses. These houses were built by the Diamond Realty Co. and were of varied architectural design, an uncommon thing in a mine town.
The school was started in the upper room of John SEDOVNIKS building. Later the school board bought a one story brick store building from George MONTIETH and remodeled it into a schoolhouse. It was later consolidated into the Lost Prairie 204 and Trico School Districts, about 1950.
The ALLEN Coal Co. sold their interest to Southern Gem Coal Co. who sank a second mine at Jamestown. In 1923 the Southern Gem Coal Co. became bankrupt and closed the mines. Jamestown declined rapidly and by 1950 the population was only 80.
In the 1970's seven houses remained, but no business. The SEDOVNIK store stands in ruins and the Consolidated Coal Co. has bought several lots in Jamestown, plus some surrounding farmland. In the 1980's strip mining activities has all but obliterated the town. A few lots owned by Mr SEDOVNIKS heirs were never sold and are still accessible.
A large coal processing plant and tipple dominate the scene a little west of Jamestown across the road from the old rock quarry, operated by the GILLIS family during the 1930's. An old shaft mine west of Jamestown along the tracks never became profitable and was known as the Diamond Mine. A little to the east of Jamestown, along the RR, was the RING mine [1930's].
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