Miami Union

January 29, 1870 

SHROYER, JACOB, JR. - Accident near New Carlisle, Bethel Tp. Jan. 22, 1870.  J. W. Defrees Esq.--Sir: I propose to give you a short narrative of one of the most shocking and fatal accidents that has ever occurred in this section of the county, which resulted in the death of Jacob Shroyer, Jr.  The circumstances are these: Mr. Shroyer was engaged in digging a well upon a lot recently purchased by him, near the Mill of John Brown, and had reached the depth of some thirty feet.  While he was adjusting the curbing (the lower section) the earth seemed to give way, when he gave the signal to be raised up.  In his ascent, the hook attached to the bucket caught, when the whole earth around seemed to give away completely burying him some twenty feet deep.  Mr. Anderson, who was assisting, immediately gave the alarm, the neighbors were called in and a large number of the citizens of New Carlisle came to lend their aid and sympathy.  This occurred about 4 o'clock in the evening.  Work was immediately begun to rescue the unfortunate man; and at 11 o'clock in the night he was reached and found to be living.  When the earth was removed from his head, he was able to communicate with those engaged in extricating him.  Hopes were then entertained that he would be saved; but while he yet was speaking the earth again gave way and he was in a few moments suffocated.  At a late hour at night it was found necessary that some precaution should be taken to avoid any further accident.  New curbing had to be made which required some time but all the neighbors and citizens took hold with a will and at day-light the excavation again commenced at a 1 o'clock p.m. the body was reached.  The body was found to be standing erect, a rope was adjusted about the body, and it was drawn from the pit.  He was found to be very much bruised.  The unfortunate man leaves a wife and five small children.  There are several gentlemen who should have special notice for their services on the occasion, Mr. William Drnett,, Lyman Solomon, Van Deaton, &c., Messrs. Brown, Armstong and Sayler, passed around the crowd and a large amount of money was raised for the bereaved family.          J. C. M.

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