Carlton G. Sprayberry died attempting to save G. William Smith from suffocation in a well, Chulafinnee, Alabama, July 3, 1947. Smith, 54, farmhand, was lowered sitting on a keg attached to a windlass-rope in a well 39 feet deep to a point 20 feet from the top. After calling to be raised, Smith slumped over in an insecure position. In the presence of three of his sons, Sprayberry, 46, farmer, holding to the rope descended steps in the walls to Smith and called for a rope. He then ascended to near the top, gasped for help, and was aided from the well semiconscious. Recovering in five minutes, he got a short rope; and although warned not to re-enter the well, he again descended to Smith. He suddenly fell, dislodging Smith; and they dropped to the bottom. Fifty minutes later, after the well had been carefully aired, a man was lowered with a rope securely tied to him. He tied Sprayberry, who was doubled up over Smith, with another rope; and the man and then Sprayberry were drawn to the top. Smith was removed the same way. Smith’s skull was crushed, and an arm and leg of Sprayberry were fractured. Both were dead. 41273-3546
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