Martin, John died 1888

MARTIN, RAY, SWALES

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/18/2023 at 06:24:04

Elkader Register, Thur., 09 Aug. 1888.

Last Thursday evening Coroner Cain was summoned to Motor to hold an inquest over the remains of three persons drowned in Turkey river at that place during the afternoon, and from him we learn the following particulars in regard to the terrible accident.

On Thursday morning last Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who reside near Fayette, accompanied by their son, John, 14 years old; their niece, Miss Mary Swales, aged 16 years, and Charles Ray, a neighbor, 24 years of age, arrived at Motor for a day's fishing and picnicing. As our readers will remember it was a very hot sultry day, and in the afternoon the three young members of the party donned some old clothing and went into the river bathing. They waded around for a time, when Ray, who was the only one of the party who could swim, left young Martin and Miss Swales standing in the water, and swam across the river, then back to them, after which the three joined hands and started wading out into the river. At this point there is a deep hole, and all unconscious of the terrible fate that awaited them, these happy mortals went straight on, and soon sank down to death - drowning before the eyes of their friends on shore who were powerless to aid them.

As soon as they sank an alarm was given and George and August Meyer got out a boat and went to the rescue. They were too late and only succeeded in bringing the dead bodies to shore.

We understand that Mr. Ray and Miss Swales were engaged to be married which interesting event was to have taken place this week.

Their remains were taken to their homes in Fayette county, on Friday for burial.

The coroner's jury, consisting of H. W. White, Wm. C. Marxer and August Meyer returned a verdict of accidental drowning in accordance with the above facts.