Fatal collapse at Pictured Rocks, 1877

CLARK, CLARKE, MILLER

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/13/2022 at 16:14:29

Accident at Pictured Rocks - Death of One - Serious Injuries to Another

A serious accident occurred at Pictured Rocks on Sunday last. Warren* Clarke [sic], proprietor of the Waukon and McGregor stage line, and Samuel Miller, carpenter, with their families, made a visit to the Rocks to spend Sunday in gathering different shades of the sand.

The forenoon was pleasantly passed. It seems that parties have heretofore put in blasts with a view to obtaining large pieces of the rock for lawn ornaments, and through a projection that hung over several feet there was a crack the entire depth of the hanging mass.

While the ladies were getting spring water a short distance from the cave, Clark and Miller entered into the cave and with tools commenced the work of cutting out a chunk which Clark wanted for a friend in Waukon. Clark was the farthest in the cave, while Miller worked more at the outer edge.

Suddenly, and without warning, a huge mass of sand rock gave way, burying Clark and Miller. Help was immediately obtained. Clark was taken from the debris dead; Miller was gotten out as quickly as possible, and is seriously, if not fatally injured. No sooner was it known in the city than hundreds of our citizens repaired to the scene of the frightful calamity. All possible aid was granted.

The body of Clark was brought to his residence in a wagon, and Miller was placed in a skiff, and on reaching the landing was carried in a blanket to his residence, where he lies in a precarious condition.

Mr. Clark, since his purchase of the stage line, has resided with his family in this city, and from those who are intimately acquainted with him, we learn that he was a man very highly respected; a straight-forward, honest, upright business man. His death is a sad blow to the family, and his loss will be keenly felt in Waukon, his old home, and in this city.

His remains were taken to Waukon yesterday morning, accompanied by the family. Mr. Clark was a member of the Masonic order. The funeral cortege was met at the outskirts of Waukon by a delegation from Monona and the remains escorted into town. The funeral takes place to-day.

Samuel Miller is a carpenter by trade and an old resident of McGregor; a respected citizen. He is attended by Drs. Andros and Clark, who are using every possible means for his recovery. He is badly injured, one wrist broken, besides serious injuries on left hip and other portions of the body. The doctors have the best of hopes for his recovery, though there are doubts which time alone must determine.

~North Iowa Times, June 14, 1877; pg 3

Note
*Both spellings - Clarke and Clark - were transcribed as in this news article. Cemetery and other news articles name Mr. Clark as Allen, not Warren. He is buried in Oakland cemetery, Waukon. Obituary:
http://iagenweb.org/boards/allamakee/obituaries/index.cgi?review=407071

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Frightful Calamity - Former Resident of Lansing Killed at Pictured Rocks
A correspondent of the Dubuque Times, writing from McGregor, on Monday, gives the following particulars of a distressing calamity which transpired on the previous day at the noted resort, known as Pictured Rocks, a short distance south of McGregor, on the line of the Railroad:

Samuel Miller and Allen Clarke and their families started in the morning for the Rocks, to spend Sunday at that beautiful resort and to have a day of recreation and rest. The morning and forenoon were beautiful, and the party enjoyed the trip. While the ladies were spreading dinner, the men went further up among the rocks, and while digging out the sand, a large mass of sand rock split off and came tumbling down, instantly killing Clarke and seriously, if not fatally, injuring Miller.

Mr. Miller this morning is still unconscious, and is in a critical condition. One of his arms is broken, and his back and one side are badly injured. The full extent of his injuries cannot be determined now. Miller is a carpenter and has been a resident of McGregor for many years, and one of our most respected citizens.

Clarke recently bought the daily stage line between McGregor and Waukon, and at the time of the purchase moved his family to McGregor.

Clarke's son stood close by him when the two tons of rock crushed his father to instant death.

During the short time that Mr. Clarke has been among us, we can say that he has been a straight, honest and attentive man to his business. His death will be deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of an acquaintance with him. The entire community sympathize deeply with these two stricken families.

Mr. Clarke was a resident of Lansing some twenty one years ago, following his occupation of wagon-making, and subsequently removing to Waukon. His life was insured for &5,000, in the Iowa Life Co.

~Lansing Mirror, Friday, June 16, 1877; pg 1

Note: Samuel Miller lived about 2 weeks after the accident.
Obituary: http://iagenweb.org/boards/clayton/obituaries/index.cgi?read=848009

Painted Rocks collapse, 1920
 

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