Walker O. Lindsey – Carnegie Hero Fund Commission

Walker O. Lindsey saved Andrew Dorsey and attempted to save Hilliard Mapp from a well cave-in, Madison, Georgia, March 20, 1916. Dorsey, 24, and Mapp, 47, laborers, and Lindsey, 29, superintendent, were working at the bottom of a well 30 feet deep when part of a wall of the well caved on them. Dorsey’s leg was caught by some timbers, and he was partially buried. Mapp was completely buried. Lindsey was buried so that only his head, arms, and part of his back were exposed, and he was seriously hurt but not maimed. He extricated himself and was raised to the top in a bucket. He re-entered the well in the bucket and tied a rope to Dorsey, and Dorsey was drawn up. Two small portions of the wall caved while Lindsey was in the well but did not strike him. Lindsey felt weak and left the well. He entered it again to find Mapp but could not locate him and left the well. Another cave-in occurred later. Mapp was dead when he was found.

16139-1578

Obituary

The death of Walker Obadiah Lindsey, World War I veteran, brought sorrow to his devoted family, to a large family connection, and to many friends. His death was sudden, following heart failure early Sunday night, September 27, 1964.

In his home at Social Circle Georgia. A native of Walton County, he was born May 4, 1887, making his age 77 years and almost five months. His parents were the late Owen Robert Lindsey and Emma Brown Lindsey, prominent citizens of this town. A World War I veteran, he served with the U.S. Army in the European theater of war, in Germany and France, and other areas overseas.

Before enlisting for army service, he was employed by the Madison Oil Mills and upon returning from Europe in 1919, he was again with the Madison Oil Mills until 1921, when he was employed as electrical engineer for the Georgia Railroad. Later he was associated with Randall Company in Atlanta, where he resided many years. Upon his retirement in 1957, he and his family moved to Social Circle, into the home of his late parents on Lindsey Street.

Mr. Lindsey was a member of the American Legion Post #46, Social Circle, and of the Lindsey-Garrett Post in Monroe, and was a member of Social Circle First Baptist Church. He was one of the few in his section having won a Carnegie Medal for risking his life to rescue two men from a deep well in Morgan County some years ago.

In Mr. Lindsey’s death our town loses a good citizen, his family is bereft of a devoted loved one, and his church of a loyal member.

Impressive funeral services were held at three o’clock Tuesday afternoon at Social Circle First Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. C.W. Howard, the Rev. Clyde Lee, a brother-in-law, officiating. Active pallbearers were Fred C. Hale, Foster C. Rogers, Zilmon Peters, James Wiley, S.W. Causey, and Roy J. Malcolm. Honorary escort included veterans of World War I, Hugh O’Kelley, Harris Rockmore, June Thompson, Ray Flanagan, Perry Mendel, Harry Horn, Willis Wells, Howell Breedlove, Roy Chancey, and Harry Young.

Many lovely floral offerings were silent tribute to the deceased and his family.

Interment was in Circle View Cemetery with E.L. Almand Company, funeral directors, in charge.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Cox Lindsey; children, Alice, Laura, Sherry, Robert, Larry and Harry Lindsey, James Wilson, Social Circle, Mrs. Helen Foreman, Biloxi Mississippi; one grandchild; sisters, Mrs. J. Vernon Haralson and Mrs. Bell Lowrance, Social Circle, Mrs. Clyde Lee, Marietta, Mrs. J.S. Williams, Midland Park, New Jersey.

Deep sympathy is extended to them in their bereavement.