Adams, Reuben Drowns 1908

ADAMS

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 9/10/2011 at 23:15:06

The Pella Chronicle of May21says: The town was shocked yesterday afternoon when the report came that Reuben Adams was drowned while in swimming in Vander Zyl’s pond about half a mile northeast of town.

He had gone to the pond in company with Lyman Smith and Louis Thomassen about 4 o'clock, and the Adams, lad, after swimming around a little, attempted to cross the pond, and when about half way over he either gave out or took cramps and began to struggle and call for help. Smith and Thomassen, although the latter could not swim, tried to assist Adams the best they could, but were not able to get him out. About this time, more boys arrived at the pond; they ran immediately to the rest house and telephoned to town for help. Soon there were a number of men at the pond and a search was made for the body, which sank in about six feet of water. It was not until after five o'clock that body was recovered.

Dr. Vierson and Dr. Carpenter were soon on the ground, and they worked an hour trying to resuscitate the boy, but did not succeed. He was a brought to town and other means of artificial respiration were tried on him but they were of no avail.

Reuben was a very bright, promising lad of between fourteen and fifteen years of age, and was the son of Mrs. Eva W. Adams, who is matron the college boarding hall. The family have the deep sympathy of entire community in their sad bereavement.

The funeral will take place Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. J. A. Lapham.

Marion County Newspapers 1908