Benedict, Elba Ferne 1893-1915

BENEDICT, BALL

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 7/6/2016 at 14:55:24

TORM LAKE BUENA VISTA VIDETTE - Fri, Dec 10, 1915 - The old saying, the lake must claim its toll, has again been fulfilled, but the real truth is not that the lake is not to blame but that familiarity with the danger tends to lessen a proper observance of the laws of safety. Edward Ball, who for the past season has been coach of the Buena Vista college football team, a fine athlete and a perfect physical man, and Elba Ferne Benedict, a beautiful young lady and home for a short vacation with her parents, these now lie cold and still in death as the result of an unequal encounter with the laws of nature.

Mr Ball finished his work at the college Thanksgiving and was enjoying a short rest before starting west to spend the winter with his sister at Boise City, Idaho. On Tuesday afternoon he went skating as usual and when he and Miss Fern Benedict, a former Buena Vista Student, now home on a visit, ventured too far from shore, the ice which had become rubbery, gave way.

They were skating in west bay and at a distance of 300 to 400 feet from shore. Their cries were heard from others who were skating near the point at the ice house. These four could not go in a straight line to the scene of the accident, on account of the open water, but had to follow the shore line. An auto arrived on the scene and gave the boys a rope. But the two victims were already below the surface. In the mean time others armed with ropes and hooks rushed to the scene. The ice, however, would not bear their weight and a boat had to be secured. After the boat was secured the body of the young lady was brought to the surface and that of the young man came up with her. As soon as she was placed in a boat his body was secured. Physicians were waiting on the shore and everything possible was done to revive them, but to no avail.

Mr Ball was recognized at once but as it was not known who had been in his company, the young lady was not positively identified until her mother came. It is thought that if Mr Ball had been alone, he probably might have saved himself but in trying to save his companion, as he should have done, he lost his own life also. The manner in which he was cut and bruised about the limbs by the skates of Miss Benedict would show that the struggle for life had been terrible. Mr Balls watch stopped at 4:50 and the bodies were taken from the lake between 5:30 and 6.

Elba Ferne Benedict was born at Cleghorn, Iowa, Feb 12, 1893. She was the third child of Mr and Mrs E.B. Benedict, having one brother and sister older and one sister younger. She attended Buena Vista college and then studied millinery and during the past season has been employed at Cherokee. She was an unusually beautiful young lady and of a charming personality.

Funeral services will be held at the Lakeside church Friday morning. The body will be laid to rest in the Storm Lake cemetery. This is the 16th death that has taken place by drowning in Storm Lake.