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Obituary- Cerny, Josef 2

CAVE IN KILLS TWO MEN - Transcription

Wall of an Abutment Pit at the Swetlick Bridge Covered Three Men
12 March 1914

A cave-in from the north wall of a pit being dug for the north abutment to the new Swetlick bridge over Cross Creek, 6 miles north of Rossville and 1 mile south of Delia, at 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon resulted in the death of two men and but for the quick aid secured from Delia by Frank Bravence, who was working on the outside of the pit, a third would have perished.

Joe Cerney, who had the contract to build the stone abutments and one of his helpers, Joe Bravence, were crushed to death by the dirt and but for the fact that Rudolf Besta was caught in one corner of the pit where a pipe being used to pump water from the hold, served as partial protection to his body beside supplying enough air that prevented him from smothering before the rescue party could dig him out he would have perished also.

The abutment on the south bank of the creek had been completed and the men were near the level on which the foundation was to rest, for the north abutment. At the time of the accident the pit had been sunk 17 ft below the creek side of the pit and the north side of the hole was many feet higher.

So far as could be learned from Besta who had recovered enough this morning from the shock to discuss the accident, the bottom of the pit caved in first and the men had not a moment's time to try t save themselves before the whole top of the north bank for a distance of ten feet from the edge of the pit slid in carrying many tons of earth over the trapped men and burying them to a depth of 10 feet.

Best who was using the pump to keep the water down so Cerny and Bravence could dig, was in one corner and was in a measure protected by the pipe.

The help from Delia worked with feverish haste but the bodies were not reached until 6:30. Besta was seen to be alive and was hurried to Delia where he soon responded to a physician's treatment and recovered consciousness. His left side was crushed some but no internal injuries were discovered and he was able to move about this morning.

Used No Casing
The bank where the pit was being sunk is seepy and it is a regrettable fact that precautions had not been taken to use casing to prevent just such an accident. The banks at this place on Cross Creek are very high.

Of the dead men Cerney was the only one to leave a family. Both the dead are well known over this end of Shawnee County. The bodies were take home this morning and the funeral announcements will be made later. Interment will be made in the Bohemian cemetery near the 101 school house.



LATER - The funeral of Joe Cerney and Joe Bravence will be held Saturday at 1:30 at the Bohemian hall. Friends are invited -- 12 March 1914


Funeral Largely Attended
The funeral of Joe Cerny and Joseph Bravence was held Saturday at 1:30 in the Bohemian hall northeast of Rossville, conducted by Rev. Parolek and Rev. Pontious. Interment was made in the Bohemian Cemetery. The hall was too small to hold more than half the number of sorrowing relatives and friends of the two young men. Many relatives from a distance came to the funeral. -- 19 March 1914
(First published in Rossville Reporter Mar. 19, 1914)

State of Kansas
Shawnee County SS
In the matter of estate of Joseph Cerny of Shawnee county, Kansas.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
Notice is hereby given that on the 17th day of Mar., A.D., 1914, the undersigned was, by the Probate Court of Shawnee county, Kansas, duly appointed administrator of the estate of Joseph Cerny, late of Shawnee county, deceased. All parties interest in said estate will take notice and govern themselves accordingly. --MATHEW REZAC, Administrator


--19 March 1914 - Route 13
The following arrived to attend the funeral of Joseph Cerny and Joseph Bravence, last Saturday; John Pishney and Daniel Smerchek of Cleburne, Kas., Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Bravence of Horton, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Vince Pobrislo, of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. Mat Rezac; Mr. and Mrs. John Zima, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Spacek and Ed Hladky , all of Emmett, Kans. and Mrs. Frank Koci and son James of Auburn and Rev. J. Parulek of Cuba, Ks.

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