Leadville, Colorado

Bonair Mine Cave-In

March 9, 1899

MINERS ENTOMBED BY A CAVE-IN AT LEADVILLE

Leadville, Colo., March 9 – A cave-in occurred today in the shaft of the Bonair mine of the down town group that is being unwatered by the Leadville Pumping association, entombing Charles Reuss and Bert Frye, miners, in a drift at a depth of 400 feet. A. F. Shepard, who was coming up the shaft at the time of the accident, was hit by a large rock and badly injured.

The entombed men have signaled that they were alive, by rapping on the steam pipes and it is thought they can be reached and rescued by tomorrow.

Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise City, ID 9 Mar 1899

STILL IMPRISONED.

Leadville Miners Who Have Been in Jeopardy Six Days.

Leadville, Col., March 15. – It was hoped to rescue today Charles Reuss and Albert Frey, the pumpmen who have been imprisoned in the Bonair mine six days in consequence of the caving in of the walls of the shaft, but the rescuing party was disappointed. A new shaft was sunk to a depth of 73 feet and a drift was then run to the other shaft, but it was found to be closed at that point with debris. It is therefore necessary to sink the new shaft further and the two men will remain prisoners underground some time longer. They are well supplied with provisions and are not suffering much hardship.

Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise City, ID 16 Mar 1899

IMPRISONED MINERS.

Cannot Be Released for Several Days – The Men in Good Spirits.

Leadville, March, 19. – The two men who have been imprisoned in the Bonair mine for the last 10 days were again disappointed today. It had been confidently expected that the rescuing party would reach them today but when the attempt was made to connect the rescue shaft with the level in which men are, it was found unsafe to do so. It will now be necessary to sink about 40 feet further which will take three or four days more. The men are well and in good spirits.

Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise City, ID 20 Mar 1899

MINERS RELEASED.

Reached by Rescuers After Being Imprisoned Thirteen Days.

Leadville, Colo., March 22. – At 11 o’clock tonight the two mine pumpmen, Charles Reuss and Burt Frey, who were imprisoned in the Bon Air mine 13 days ago, were reached by rescuers and restored to their friends. They show little effects of their experience.

Idaho Daily Statesman, Boise City, ID 23 May 1899

Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.  Thank you, Jenni!

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