Patent for a new and improved well-digging machine. This design "consists in connecting to the bottom of [a] shaft a gang of plows, which effectually break and cut up the earth, and combing therewith a fixed and inclined shear-blade and detachable earth-receiver, the said shear-blade being located in the rear of the plows, for raising the earth from the motion of the plow, and delivering it automatically into the detachable earth-receiver, which is raised to the surface with its load by means of ropes and pulleys" (lines 27-37).