Granville M. Smith, 22, stationary engineer, saved Hans F. Gerlach, 31, sawmill operator, from suffocation, Eugene, Oregon, June 26, 1922. Although warned by Smith not to enter a well several hours after a blast had been set off in it, Gerlach descended and was overcome by gas. Only Smith and two women were at the top of the well, and Smith had one of them lower him 26 feet to the bottom on a bucket. He tied the other end of the rope, which was knotted at intervals, around Gerlach, but the knotted rope would not slip through the pulley at the top. Smith cut the rope from the bucket and tied it around Gerlach, and he then became unconscious. Gerlach was drawn out of the well by the women, aided by a man who arrived, and the man then descended, tied a rope around Smith, and climbed out of the well safely. Others drew Smith out, and he and Gerlach recovered. 23697-1812
23697 – 1812
23697-1812Obituary
Granville M. Smith, 91, of Coos Bay, Ore., died of cancer on Feb. 22, 1992. He was born April 14, 1900, in Grangeville, Idaho, and moved to Coos Bay in 1947.
For over 30 years, he owned and operated Smith’s Lawnmower Service in Coos Bay.
Arrangements were under the direction of Coos Bay Chapel, and burial was at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum.
(Edited from an obituary provided by a family member.)