The Well That Killed Twice

John Kidwell and Adolph Bacholtz were killed while digging a well a few miles east of Whatcom last Friday. Both were newcomers, having recently located from homesteads in that part of the country. Mr. Kidwell was digging a well on his land near the house, and had arrived at a depth of forty-two feet, when he heard a hissing, snapping sound that he believed emanated from a large vein of water. Ascending to the surface, he went to the house for the purpose of carrying the glad news to his wife and informed her that they would soon have an abundance of water. Mrs. Kidwell and Mrs. Noon, who was visiting at Mrs. Kidwell's, accompanied Mr. Kidwell to the well for the purpose of witnessing the abundant flow of water that was expected. He had been down one or two strokes of the pick when he was seen to fall backward, and without a struggle sank down upon the ground. Mrs. Kidwell, observing this fact, called out to him, but getting no response became alarmed and attempted to go into the well, but was only restrained from so doing by the persuasions and physical exertions of her friend, Mrs. Noon. A near neighbor, Adolph Bacholtz, was summoned, who immediately attempted a descent of the well. Arriving at the platform, eight feet below the surface, Mr. Bacholtz sank down upon the boards, and without a struggle expired almost instantly. By this time it was nearly dark, and no other settlers living near, further recovery of the victims and investigation of the cause was necessarily delayed until the next morning. At daybreak it was observed that the body of Bacholtz had fallen from its position on the narrow platform, and both were lying at the bottom of the well. Parties were dispatched to this city for the purpose of procuring assistance in recovering the bodies from the death pit in which they were lying. Mr. Hancock, Lefckie and others went out and by the aid of apparatus prepared for the purpose, brought the bodies to the surface. This was on Saturday evening, twenty-four hours after the fatal occurrence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, Rev. B. A. Hill officiating, which was attended by nearly every settler in that part of the county. Mr. Kidwell leaves a wife, but no children. Mr. Bacholtz leaves a wife and six children, and they are said to be in destitute circumstances. The latter family are German and, as we are informed, the widow can neither speak nor understand English. Mr. Kidwell and wife recently came to this county from Kansas, and were enjoying anticipations of a pleasant, comfortable home. Mr. Hancock, who is the Territorial Inspector of Mines, hence thoroughly conversant with the causes that produced this sad event, is of the opinion that the poisonous gas emanated from a small reservoir, and that the introduction of the pick allowed its immediate escape in sufficient quantity to produce instant death. The occurrence is indeed a sad one, and much to be deplored.