Ann Eggers

EGGERS

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 7/12/2006 at 23:42:06

The Clinton Herald Wednesday July 29, 1931 p. 1 Ann Eggers, 19, Jane Lamb hospital student nurse, was drowned in the Mississippi river opposite Beaver Island Tuesday evening at 8:30 o'clock when a launch in which she was crossing the river with five companions capsized in rough water caused by waves from a passing northbound boat. Only prompt aid from shore saved the lives of her companions, Marjorie Florence, 21, Erie, Ill., a Jane Lamb hospital nurse; Zona Morgan, 19, Grand Mound, also a nurse in Jane Lamb hospital. Charles "Buddy" Meyer, 20, and Max Kruse, 16, riding with them in the boat probably would have made it to shore for they are both good swimmers. The rescue party which came from the island in another launch as soon as the girls' screams attracted their attention consisted of Harold Cady, Marvin Carlson and Bruce Cram, all of Beaver Island. The four young women and two youths were returning from the east side of the river where all but Miss Eggers had been in bathing. As the boat struck the rough water caused by an unidentified passing launch it nosed under a wave and started to sink. Meyer and three of the girls were sitting near the bow while Kruse and Miss Eggers were sitting in the back of the launch. As she fell out of the boat Miss Eggers tried to grasp Kruse but failed to do so and sank beneath the water. Meyer said they didn't see her again. In the meantime the launch, partially filled with water, was sinking as the girls, hysterical with fright, tried to climb back into it. As the rescue party arrived Carlson saw one of the girls just about to disappear beneath the water. He dove for her and pulled her iinto the boat. The others were taken into the boat and all were taken to the island. Here resuscciation methods were applied and all were revived. Miss Florence was in the most serious condition and all three girls were practically unconscious when brought to shore. Dr. Harry A. Amesbury attended them there. Miss Florence received a deep cut on her leg and Miss Morgan had cuts on an arm and around one eye sustained during the effort to get back into the sinking boat. Both are in Jane Lamb hospital today. The drowning took place in 15 feet of water in the main channel of the river 100 yards from Beaver Island and about a half mile below the north end of the island. Ray Ward and Franklin Milligan, brother of Darline Milligan, were on the island, powerless to help their endangered sister. They were with the party and had been waiting for the other members to return from their bathing. Coroner L.O. Riggert said an inquest would be held following the recovery of the body. Ann Eggers was born in Whiting September 30, 1911. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claus Eggers of Andover. She attended the Lyons high school and entered nurses training here in January 1930. In addition to her parents she is survived by a sister Lydia and three brothers, Edward, Paul and Harold all living at home. Possessed of a cheerful and friendly nature she has a host of friends whe were shocked to hear of her tragic death.