HARALSON COUNTY, GA - OBITS W. M. Reeves ,Mr. & Mrs.  B. F.
Summerville  

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The  Haralson  Tribune

14  Nov. 1913


Two  Are  Asphyxiated  by  Gas  near  Steadman

When  W. M. Reeves  Cries  for  help  from  bottom  of
gas  filled  well,  his  father-in-law  B. F.
Summerville  rushes  to his  rescue and  both  lost
their  lives, death  occuring  in  a  few  minutes

Messrs. B. F. Summerville  and  W. M. Reeves  were  both 
asphyxiated by  gas in  a  well  at  the  Summerville
home  in  Steadman  district  early on  Friday  morning
of  last  week.

From  reports  that  can  be  learned   it  seems that
Reeves who  was  the  son-in-law  of  Summerville was
working  in  a  well at  the  Summerville  home when  he 
detected  the  presence  of  gas  and shouted  for  help.
Mr.  Summerville  hearing  Reeves  cries  of  distress,
hurried  to  the scene and  lowered  himself in  the
well in  an  attempt to  rescue  the  man but  before  he
could  do anything toward  the  rescue he  himself  was
overcome and  both  died  in  a  few  moments.

The  news  soon  spread  of  the  terrible  tradegy and
neighbors came to  offer  their  aid in  getting  the
two  unfortunate  men out.  A  one  armed  negro
virtually  putting  his  own  life  in  danger agreed to 
go  into  the  well  and  attempt  to  get  the  bodies
out.  He  was  lowered into  the  well and  tied  ropes
to  the  bodies and  they  were  drawn out.  Fresh  air
was  continuously pumped  into  the  well.

Reeves  was  visiting  at  the  home  of  Mr.
Summerville  at  the  time  of  the  terrible  accident.

Mr.  Summerville was  one  of  the best  known men  in
the  entire  county and  the  sudden  termination  of
his  career  was  a  shock  to  everyone.  He  was  aman 
of  exceptionally  good  character  and  was  a strong
member  of  the  Baptist  church  and  a  great  worker
upon  educational  lines, having  done much  toward
improving the  school  of  his  district. He  surely
died  a  hero.

Mr.  Reeves  was  also  well  known and  has  many
friends  who  will  be  frieved to  learn  of  his
untimely  death.

Mr.  Summervile  was  buried  at  Cross Roads  church
near  his  home on  Sunday  and  Mr.  Reeves  was  buried
at  Liberty  Church  Saturday.


Haralson  Tribune

4 Feb. 1937

Mrs. L. L. Summerville 84, Passes  last  week

Mrs. L. L. Summerville  age  about  84  years, passed
away at  her  home  several  miles  west  of  Buchanan
on  Tuesday of  last  week.  Mrs.  Summerville sustained
a  broken  hip  received in a  fall several  weeks
previously  and  it  is  thought this  injury hastened
her  death. 

Mrs.  Summerville  numbered ger  friends  by  her
acquaintances. She was  known  for  her generosity  and
her  fine  Christian  spirit.  She  was  the  widow of
Mr.  Frank  Summerville  who preceded  her to  the  grave
several  years  ago.

She  is  survived  by  several  children  and  a  number 
of  relatives  and  friends.