Causby L. Shirley saved Arthur Yancy from suffocation, Ranger, Georgia, August 14, 1935. While being hoisted on a windlass rope in a well 28 feet deep, Yancy, 42, was overcome by gas and fell 14 feet to the bottom. A small hose connected with an air pump hung down to the bottom of the well. After many persons refused to enter the well, Shirley, 24, salesman, who knew there was gas in it, agreed to enter if men would stand ready to operate the windlass and keep the air pump in operation. The end of a line that also was on the windlass was tied around Shirley. Breathing as little as possible, he was lowered to the bottom, the windlass rope to which a box 18 inches square was attached being lowered with him. Shirley untied the box, stooped, and raised Yancy. Bracing Yancy against the side of the well with his knees, he tied the windlass rope around him under his arms and then tied the handle of the box close to the knot to keep it from slipping. Although air was entering through the hose, Shirley was affected. He called to be hoisted, and both were drawn to the top by means of the windlass. Shirley was semiconscious and was ill for a day. Yancy also recovered.
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