What is this device at Whitby WV?

All, in March of 2006 thanks to the guidance of Bob Duncan, we found the device below at Whitby WV. The location was in Whitby Hollow. My question is: WHAT IS THIS THING?
Bob had speculated that it was customed mine equipment for the local operation at Whitby, however, its precise mechanics and purpose are unknown to me.

Can anybody tell me what this device is and how it was used? There is another pic available in another page below.

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Main Device Page

Another shot of the Device at Whitby WV