Boland, Raymond died 1907

BOLAND

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 21 Feb. 1907. Local News columns.

The remains of Raymond Boland, son of Thomas Boland, arrived here Monday evening, accompanied by his cousin, John Boland, who had been working with the deceased with a pile driving gang in the lumber regions of Washington, near Hoquiam, about forty miles from Aberdeen.

The particulars of the sad event as obtained are that on Saturday afternoon, the 9th, Ray was sent to a dam along the river with a message and undertook to make the trip on horseback. About eight miles from Hoquiam he had to ford a small stream, which is noted for its treacherous raises, and the theory is the ford had been washed out and his horse lost its footing and both met their fate. Search for him was not begun until Monday noon and on Wednesday his body was found several miles below the ford, floating in an eddy. The body of the horse was found about half a mile below the ford. From bruises on the back of his head it is thought that he was kicked by the horse in its struggles as he was a good swimmer and ordinarily could have escaped drowning. The fact that there was no water in his lungs seems to corroborate this theory.

John walked the forty miles to Aberdeen, Monday, to send the first message to Elkader.

Raymond was about twenty years old. Two years ago he went to Washington and has worked in the lumber camps of that region since. His cousin John, a son of James Boland, joined him there about a year and a half ago. His sad death is deeply felt by his father and his large circle of relatives.

The funeral Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's church was largely attended by sympathizing friends of the family.