Water Wells

 

"The early wells were hand dug, usually round, though there were some large wells that were dug in a square shape. They varied from three to four feet in diameter up to as large as ten feet or more. They had to be at least big enough for a man to swing a pick. The depth of the wells varied from home to home. Sometimes the settler could go twelve feet and have a good water supply, and other times he might have to go down a hundred feet. He would dig until he hit a seep or a stream of underground water which would supply his need. Then the hole was rocked up to hold and protect the water." -- 'Well, Well, Well" by Joe Jeffrey