The Old Town Well Disaster -- Goldthwaite TX
N 31° 27.013 W 098° 34.174
14R E 540897 N 3479579
One man died, one was overcome by poison fumes, and one became a hero in August 1887 while digging a well to serve the town of Goldthwaite at the site of the present Mills County Courthouse.
Waymark Code: WMTRKA
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/03/2017
Views: 7
A small gray granite plaque on the square of concrete which covers the old well preserves the community's memory of the terrible cost to lives and health suffered by 2 men who volunteered to dig a well so that thirsty Goldthwaite citizens could have a reliable source of drinking water.
The plaque at the location of the disaster on the west side of the Mills County Courthouse grounds reads as follows:
"THE OLD TOWN WELL
Mr. Peyton died from poison fumes in digging this well; Ben Cox was also overcome; Deed H. Mayer rescued Mr. Cox and brought up Mr. Peyton's body; August 1887. In memory of these three men; Mills Co. Hist. Society"
Disaster Date: 08/15/1887
Memorial Sponsors: Mills County historical Society
Disaster Type: Natural
Date of dedication: Not listed
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
Relevant Website: Not listed
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