Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Boardman, Herbert C. May 15, 1917 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com February 17, 2017, 3:10 pm Ionia Weekly Standard - Friday, May 18, 1917 WELL DIGGER DEAD. Herbert C. Boardman Suffocated Under Ton of Earth. After digging for almost five hours on Tuesday afternoon, in a new well on Hardendorf addition, westerly city limits, where he hade been working, neighbors and men of the city finally unearthed the body of Herbert C. Boardman at 7:00 o'clock in the evening. He had been buried by a cave-in at about 2:15. He had been working with John Peer on a lot belonging to Harvey Deline. No curbing had been put in at the top of the excavation, and shortly before the accident Mr. Peer thought it was time man, thought that it was about time to put in some extra support for the sides, although the earth looked perfectly firm and safe. He suggested to Mr. Boardman that more curbing should be inserted but the other wanted to dig a little farther first. Just then Mr. Peer thought he saw signs of movement in the earth at the side and shouted to the man inside the well, but a ton of earth caved in before assistance could be given. Mr. Peer's first thought was to give air if possible and with that in view he thrust down a long pipe but of course it was a small chance though the only one available. He then rushed to the nearest telephone and called Mr. Deline at the Ypsilanti-Reed. A force went up from the factory immediately, other men joined them, and work was constant from that time until the body was found. The body was discovered in a stooping position, and death undoubtedly resulted from smothering, as there was a very slight injury from the weight of dirt. Death probably occurred within three or four minutes of the time of the cave- in. The body was removed at once to the Bradley mortuary. Coroner Boynton impanelled a jury on the spot, but it is not at all likely that they will be called upon for duty, as the circumstances make the accidental character of the affair obvious. The jurors are: E.F. Cilley, Chester Willard, V.B. Wheaton, W.F. Marquette, Ray Curtiss and William Wright. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 12:00 o'clock, at the Methodist church in Saranac. Mr. Boardman was born in Vermontville, but lived in Ionia county most of his life, coming to this city from Berlin Center about four years ago. His home at the time of his death was on North Jefferson street. He was employed at the Hayes-Ionia until a few weeks ago, when the condition of his health made him decide to take up outdoor work instead. He was 57 years old. He leaves a widow and five children - Miss Ethel Boardman, Edwin, Lyle and Glenn Boardman of Detroit and Fred Boardman of this city. Mr. Boardman is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. A. Harding and Miss Ada Boardman of Jackson. Mrs. Boardman was formerly Miss Mary Pilgrim of Otisco. The children are expected to arrive tonight. Ionia Weekly Standard - Friday, May 25, 1917 Several cars went from this city Friday afternoon to Saranac, filled with people who wished to attend the funeral of H. C. Boardman, held in the Methodist church there are 2:00 o'clock, and there was also a very large attendance of Saranac friends. Rev. E.E. Branch conducted the service. The bearers were chosen from Saranac friends. Additional Comments: Services: Friday, 18 May, 1917 Saranac cemetery #575 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/b/boardman5773gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/mifiles/ File size: 3.9 Kb