Peter Haurer

 

Peter Hauer was a well-respected northeastern caver and cave history scholar who died in 1975.

Here are details about Peter Hauer's life and the events surrounding his death:

• Early Life and Career:

  • Peter was born on November 11, 1943, in Lebanon, PA.
  • He later moved to Hillsboro, West Virginia.
  • He began his professional career in education after receiving a master's degree in Biology and a degree in Geology.
  • He worked as a teacher and taught outdoor and environmental education courses.
  • He was a cave conservationist, researcher, and educator, and was considered the most significant contributor to European history.
  • He received the Fellow status by the NSS in 1975.
  • He was the treasurer of the American Spelean History Association from 1968 to 1975.

• Caving and Research:

  • Peter was a prominent researcher of cave history and science.
  • He published many articles in speleological publications, including the Journal of Spelean History.
  • He helped save a cave within a neighborhood and rescued a calf that had fallen into a sinkhole.
  • He was instrumental in saving the Falls of Hills Creek and Beartown (sandstone canyon rock).
  • He was a member of many caving organizations.
  • He enjoyed visiting and exploring caves. He had a passion for caves and the outdoors.
  • He was a member of the Boston Grotto.

• Personal Life:

  • He married Ellen Snyder. They married sometime between 1969 and 1974.
  • He lived with Ellen in the Hillsboro area.
  • He was described as a gentle vegetarian who would not harm animals.
  • Peter and Ellen were described as part of the "back to the earth" movement and were described as having a "counterculture lifestyle".

• Farm and Lifestyle:

  • Peter and Ellen lived on a farm called "Cave Run Farm" in Hillsboro.
  • They raised subsistence farm animals, including chickens, and grew vegetables, fruit and honey.

• Circumstances of Death:

  • Peter disappeared on June 9, 1975.
  • His body was found several months later, on December 13, 1975.
  • His body was found in Lobelia Saltpeter Cave, located on his property.
  • The cause of his death was determined to be suicide.
  • He was found hanging from a tree limb inside the cave.
  • Peter was described as having "mental illness" and was paranoid and volatile.
  • The police report on his death is not available to the public.
  • There were multiple theories about his death, including murder and a double-murder-suicide.

• Discovery of Walter Smith's Body:

  • Walter Smith's body was found in Lobelia Saltpeter Cave, about 50 to 100 feet inside the cave entrance.
  • Walter was discovered on June 11, 1975, several days after Peter's disappearance.
  • Walter's body was wrapped in a wool blanket.
  • Walter had been shot.
  • Walter's death was ruled a homicide.
  • Peter was the only "accused" person in Walter's murder.

• Aftermath:

  • Peter's memorial gravestone is located in the Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon, PA.
  • Walter Smith's grave is in Flatwoods Cemetery.
  • There is a lot of speculation around the events of Peter's and Walter's deaths, but many questions remain unanswered.

There are a number of additional details in the sources related to Peter Hauer's life, his relationships, the investigations into the deaths of him and Walter, and various theories about the circumstances. The sources include several photographs and maps related to this story as well.