Accident in a Coal Mine

GOODE

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 5/22/2016 at 14:22:32

Accident in a Coal Mine
Last Thursday afternoon as Mr. James Goode and another miner employed in the mine of Johnson & Co., about five miles north of Colfax, were sitting upon the car, about twenty feet from the foot of the shaft, five or six tons of the slate overhead gave way, and falling upon Mr. Goode, knocked him from the car upon the track, and inflicted injuries which are of a dangerous, if not fatal character. When assistance arrived and he was rescued from the mass of slate under which he was completely buried, it was found that his right leg was broken and his left foot completely crushed. Dr. Holland, of this city was called, and with the assistance of Dr. Seems, of Mitchellville, administered every possible relief. The physicians found that in addition to a compound fracture of the right leg and left foot, there is a fracture of the pubic bone - his most serious injury - and numerous bruises and abrasions. Mr. Goode is an unmarried man, twenty-four years of age, and has only been at work in this mine a short time. His father, who lives in Des Moines, was telegraphed for and arrived on the Friday morning passenger train. Mr. Goode's splendid physique and robust health may be able to survive this shock if his internal injuries do not prove fatal. Up to the hour of going to press (yesterday) his condition was not unfavorable to the hopes of his friends.
Source: Weekly (Colfax) Clipper; December 4, 1880
Mitchellville News, December 24
Mr. Goode, the miner who was so seriously injured at the Johnson coal mine, north-east of town, three weeks ago, is doing well under the skillful and persevering care of Dr. Seems. His wounds were of a peculiar and unusual character, including a fracture of the left ramus pubi; there was also a compound fracture of the right leg and of the astragalas of the left foot. At the beginning recovery seemed impossible; it now seems probable, but with some deformity necessary.
Source: Weekly (Colfax) Clipper; January 1, 1881