Ira Burrell, 31 farmer, rescued W. Harrison, 19, farmhand, and William D. Nix, 45, farmer, from suffocation, Marble, North Carolina, September 18, 1915. Harrison was overcome by fumes from discharged dynamite and fell from a bucket to the bottom of a shaft 37 feet deep. William, his father, descended a ladder to rescue him and was also overcome. After several men had refused to enter the shaft, Burrell, who was winded from running to the scene, volunteered to enter and was tied in the bucket and lowered. The rope fastened to the bucket was considerably worn, and its strength was uncertain. The fumes quickly affected Burrell, and he called to be raised and was drawn to the top. A slip noose was then made in the line with which he was tied, and he was lowered to the bottom again. He attached the noose to Harrison, rolled him on his lap, and held him, and they were drawn to the top. A minute later Burrell was lowered again, and William was brought to the top in the same manner. Burrell was weak, nervous, and dizzy. Harrison’s skull was fractured, and he died soon after he was brought from the shaft. William died the following day. 17659-1586
17659 – 1586
17659-1586