Edward J. Maloy, 30, salesman, rescued Donald K. Venema, 18 months, from a well cave-in, Wallingford, Iowa, August 4, 1927. Donald slipped through a hole in the ground at the top of a well and dropped to a narrow ledge 30 feet below the surface. From the top the well was filled with earth for a depth of six feet except for the hole, which was 20 inches by 12 inches. Above the ledge the diameter of the well was six feet; below it, three feet. Water almost filled the narrow part, which was about 50 feet deep. Men feared that the earth at the top would drop, not knowing what was supporting the fill, and refused to enter the well. Maloy arrived upwards of an hour after the accident. He removed most of his clothing, tied a rope around himself, descended feet first squeezing through the hole, and was then lowered on the rope by men to Donald. Particles of earth dropped from time to time. Maloy tied another rope around Donald, who was drawn out of the well, loose earth continuing to drop upon Maloy. Maloy was then drawn out.
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