A Sad Accident

MINER, SARGEANT, BAILEY, BENNETT

Posted By: Valorie Richards (email)
Date: 10/9/2004 at 01:40:34

A Sad Accident
An Old Well Caves in and Luther Miner Meets an Untimely Death

At about 8:30 o’clock yesterday morning the citizens of Vernon and Bentonsport were shocked at the news conveyed to them by the excited people, the substance of which was that an old well, located on Dr. Bailey’s farm south east of Vernon, had caved in on Luther Miner who was working in the same.
The farm on which the well is located formerly belonged to Samuel Bennett and the well was dug by him 20 years ago. Some years ago it had caved in and had not been used since.
Mr. And Mrs. Olliver Sargeant live on the place and the well being just a few feet from the door of the house it was decided to dig it out again. Dr. Bailey employed Mr. Miner to do the work and Mr. Sargeant volunteered to draw up the dirt and rock taken out of the old well. The ground being quite sandy some fears were entertained that a cave in might occur, and just a few minutes before the calamity came Sargeant asked Miner if he thought there was any danger, the later replying that everything looked secure and went on with his work.
They had cleaned the well out to the depth of about 18 feet and almost simultaneously the south and north sides of the well caved in, covering Mr. Miner in the sand to the depth of five or six feet. This happened about 8:00 a.m., and came without the least warning. Mr. Sargeant ran to town for help and it was a short time until about fifty persons were there working with might and main to secure the release of the unfortunate man. It was about 11 o’clock when he was taken out dead.
Deceased was 35 years of age. He was an industrious man and is well spoken of by all who knew him. His wife died about five years ago, leaving him to care for three little children who are now orphans, aged 10, 8, and 5. Two girls and one boy. Bonaparte Journal
Located on microfilm at the Keosauqua, Iowa library. Roll # 935-5
Birmingham Enterprise October 4, 1883- July 18, 1888

*Luther Miner died December 19, 1888, three days before Louisa’s 6th birthday. The other two children were Orrin B. and Ettie Miner.
Olliver Sargeant was Luther’s first cousin.