John Bather 1879 - 1902

BATHER, BURDICK

Posted By: Michael J. Kearney (email)
Date: 2/16/2012 at 19:07:05

Life in The Mississippi River Was One of a Party of Campers at Sunnyside Cottage, Two Miles Below Camanche - Was Drowned Thursday Afternoon While Bathing on the Bar on the Illinois Shore. John Bather, a popular Clinton boy, lost his life Thursday afternoon in the river at a point a couple of miles below Camanche, near the Illinois shore. The news of his death reached Clinton late in the afternoon. In company with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bather, and a party of relatives and friends, the young man was enjoying a few days' outing at Camp Sunnyside, a new cottage on the Iowa side below Camanche. Thursday afternoon a party of nine campers rowed across the river to the big bar on the Illinois shore, and went in bathing. Among the party were Will Patterson and Carl Morgan of this city. The victim of the unfortunate accident, with Carl Morgan, was out on the bar some distance from the rest, about 300 feet from shore. He was standing on the edge of a "step-off" or hole in the sand, and he was precipitated into deep water. At that point the current is strong, and the young man, rising to the surface, attempted to swim back to shallow water. His companion who at first did not believe the boy was in danger, soon percieved that his struggles to regain the shore were becoming weaker, and swam towards him to render assistance. Before he had accomplished one-half the distance young Bather shouted for help and almost immediately sank below the river's surface. Once or twice his head rose above the water and he appeared to be feebly struggling to keep himself afloat. Finding himself powerless to aid the drowning boy, his companion, himslef almost exhausted turned about and swam for shore. In the meantime it had become evident to the other members of the party that something was amiss, and the boat was hastily sent out from shore, picking up young Morgan from the water. The sad news was quickly conveyed to the relatives and friends in camp, and a party went over to search for the remains. Fishermaen and clam diggers from LeClaire assisten in the search for the body, and the remains were taken from the river shortly after six o'clock, near the spot where the fatal accident took place. The party broke camp at night and the members returned to Clinton. The Remains Brought Home A permit was obtained from the Illinois authorities Thursday night, and the remains were brought to Clinton, and were taken to the Knowlton undertaking establishment, where they were prepared for burial. The coroner had been summoned, but upon making an investigation, and learning the facts in the case, he decided that an inquest was not necessary. Today the remains of the drowned boy were taken to his late home, 629 Sunnyside avenue. The funeral has been announced for Saturday afternoon, with services at 2 o'clock at the family home on Sunnyside, and interment following in Springdale cemetery, Rev. W.F. Pitner officiating. Brief Biographical Mention John Bather, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bather, was born in Clinton 23 years ago, and with the exception of a couple of years spent in Des Moines, always made his home with his parents here. After leaving the Clinton schools he entered the Allen book binging establishment, learning the binder's trade. Upon acquiring a thorough knowledge of his chosen business he went to Des Moines, where he held a lucrative position for some time, later coming back to Clinton to accept the formanship of the Allen bindery several months ago. He was well known throughout the city, and well liked by all, his genial nature and pleasant ways rendering him a favorite with a wide circle of friends. Surviving are his parents, his brothers Leo and Ralph Bather, and his sisters, Mrs. Arthur Burdick and Misses Agnes and Eidth Bather.