How does the author use foreshadowing in Storming Heaven: A Novel?

The novel begins before the arrival of the coal companies. Life in rural southwestern West Virginia is much like it has been for generations. The agrarian society farms the land and lives season to season. Rumors circulate that the railroad companies want the mineral rights to the land, and then agents of the railroad appear and begin asking for signatures on documents giving away mineral rights. This foreshadows conflict with landowners.