Shriner, Pat (Narrowly Escapes Drowning)

SHRINER, GAINES, HEWITT, WELLS, DEMARCE, MOHR

Posted By: Jane Adams (email)
Date: 2/15/2005 at 18:31:46

The Fairfield Ledger
Jan. 20, 1886
Page 3, col. 4.

NARROWLY ESCAPES DROWNING. The water works reservoir has this winter been a favorite resort for boys who enjoy skating. Friday evening quite a large party had gathered there and they were having a jolly time. In their sport several lads raced down to the lower part of the pond where the ice cutters had lately been at work. PAT SHRINER, a 15 year old son of GEORGE SHRINER of this city, was one of their number, and before he had noted the danger line he had glided off the ice into open water having a depth of 25 feet or more. One of his companions, FRANK GAINES, saw him struggling in the water and, lying down upon the ice, managed to grasp the drowning boy by the collar as he arose for the second or third time. GUY HEWITT and TOM WELLS came to his aid and SHRINER was finally landed on the solid ice. He was immediately carried to the engine house, where Engineer DEMARCE made him as comfortable as possible while messengers were sent for a physician. DR. MOHR responded to the call and found the lad in a delirious state and very much exhausted. SHRINER remained in the engine house over night and was taken home in the morning. He is now little the worse for his adventure. Hereafter skating on the water works reservoir is prohibited by a city ordinance.....

This data has been transcribed for genealogical purposes; I am not related to the subject.