Oville D. Nelson, 55, farmer, helped to save Joseph E. Meservey, 19, well driller, from suffocation, Vassalboro, Maine, September 25, 1912. Meservey entered a well 26 feet deep while smoke from a blast of dynamite was still issuing from it. He was overcome and fell into water that filled the well to a depth of about six feet. Nelson descended with his feet in crevices in the wall of the well and lifted Meservey’s head above the water, but because of his cramped position he could not tie a rope to Meservey. Another man descended and tied the rope to Meservey’s wrist and then started to ascend, followed by Nelson. The other man felt his strength leaving him but was helped out at the top without being overcome. Nelson became unconscious six feet from the top and lodged there. He was removed with difficulty and remained unconscious for three hours. Meservey was drawn out and was revived in six hours. 17395-1264
17395 – 1264
17395-1264