Ira Manary Kouns

Notes:

The Mountain Democrat Placerville, California January 12, 1901 - Tuolumne

Ira Kouns, a shoveler in the Dutch mine at Jamestown, was instantly killed by falling from the tenth level into the sump below, a distance of 225 feet. His remains were shipped to Calistoga. He was a member of the Native Sons of that town. The deceased was 23 years old.
His home is at Lower Lake, where his parents reside.

The Lower Lake Bulletin, Jan. 5, 1901

On Saturday afternoon a telephone message was received here of the death of Ira M., eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Kouns near Spruce Grove. The message was at once taken to his parents. He was working in the Dutch mine in Tuolumne county under ground and in some way fell down a shaft 225 feet into some 30 feet of water.

Just how the accident occurred we did not learn, in fact little could be learned as he was alone. It was several hours before the miners learned of the accident, and then it was his failing to appear with other workmen lead (sic) to a search when he was found at the bottom of the shaft as stated. His death was a severe blow to his parents from which they are almost prostrate with grief.

He was a member of the Native Sons' of the Golden West and Miner's Union, which orders took charge of the body and sent it by express with a messenger in charge, to his parents. He was burried (sic) at this place on Monday afternoon under the auspices of the Lower Lake Parlor N. S. G. W., assisted by Rev. Conrad of Middletown and was attended by the largest concourse of sympathizing friends we have ever witnessed in this place.

Ira was an exemplary young man, just entering manhood, 22 years of age, the mainstay and help of his parents, a devoted member of the orders to which he belonged, and loved and esteemed by all. He was a native of this county, and his death has cast a gloom over our community.

Buried:
Grave location, tombstone photo, portrait, and obituary:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7488178