Miss Fannie Sudlow

SUDLOW

Posted By: Rebecca Foster (email)
Date: 2/15/2015 at 12:00:10

AN AWFUL AFFAIR.

Two of Rock Island's Young People Drowned.

SHOCKING TERMINATION OF A CAMP.

Miss Fannie Sudlow and Clark H. Buford Lose Their Lives in Rock River, While Bathing with a Party of Companions-Particulars of the Terrible Event-Brave and Gallant to the Last-Two Promising Lives Cut Short and Two Homes Enveiled in Gloom-The News in the City-Recovery of the Bodies.

The most terribly sad accident that has shocked the community for many a year, sad not only in itself but in all the surrounding and attending circumstance, occurred near the head of Carr's island in Rock river shortly after 10:30 this morning, as a consequence of which two Rock Island homes are plunged into the deepest sorrow that strikes the human heart. At 10:30 this morning as light-hearted a party of six people as were ever seen together left Camp Vagabondia, on the lower end of Carr's Island, on Rock river, east of Black Hawk Watch Tower, for a bathe in the shoal water at the upper end of the island near the pier which the government has erected in connection with its Hennepin canal construction. There were three young ladies and the same number of gentlemen in the party, all clad in their bathing suits. Fifteen minutes later two of the party, Miss Fannie Sudlow and Clark Buford, were drowned, while three of the others had the most remarkably narrow escape imaginable from a similar fate.

The Sad Event.

The circumstances of the sad event as related by the survivors and others at Camp Vagabondia, where a heart-rending spectacle was presented to an ARGUS representative, who reached the scene shortly after the occurrence this morning, are that the party composed of Misses Fannie Sudlow, Mary Dart, and May Blanding and Messrs, Clark Buford, Will Keator and Cy Dart, Jr., had gone up to the head of the island to enjoy a bath near the shore where the water was shallow, as had been the custom since the establishment of the camp last Monday. The thought of the least danger was probably the last to enter the mind of any of the light-hearted group. On reaching the bar, which extends out into the river, Miss Sudlow was the first to enter the water. She was followed closely by Mr. Buford. Then followed Miss Dart and Will Keator, and then May Blanding, who was accompanied by Cy Dart, and just as the latter was about to step into the water, he heard a scream, and the entire party preceding him was plunged into the water. Unknown to them the water had worn away a picket through the sand, and a hole 10 or 12 feet deep formed, into which the young people stepped. Miss Dart and Miss Blanding and Mr. Keator scrambled for the sand bar on the opposite side and reached it safely, though with all it was equal to a death struggle, and the young people saved themselves only after the most desperate efforts.

How the Young People Perished.

It was apparent from the first that Miss Sudlow had gone into the deepest water. She could not swim, but the young Buford could, and the version of those who witnessed the tragedy is that he endeavored to save her, but not only did the young lady peril, but her gallant companion lost his life, too. As soon as young Dart saw the peril of his companions, and realizing that he could not swim himself, he rushed down the bank and seizing a boat was joined by a fisherman who happened to be near by, and they pulled out into the river, Miss Sudlow's body floating by just as they did so, and grasping it they hurried to shore. The lady gasped once as her body was taken from the water, and every possible effort was made to resuscitate her, but to no avail. The body was laid out in the camp, where but a short while before the beautiful girl was the merriest of the party.

The Bodies Brought Home.

Searching parties were immediately formed and the river dragged for the body of Mr. Buford, and these efforts were rewarded by success at 2:30 this afternoon. Undertaker Know at once took both in charge and brought them to this city, the arrangements for the funeral being yet to be determined upon.

The body of Mr. Buford was recovered by Rand Downing and Jacob Imhoff and was about 200 feet from where the accident occurred.

Coroner Hawes, on being apprised of the circumstance, determined that no inquest was necessary, and he will spare the grief-stricken families of that annoyance.

As soon as the news of the casualty reached the city, people began to hurry to the scene of the catastrophe. Physicians were telephoned for and Dr. Ludewig was soon at the camp administering to the survivors, all of whom had sustained a great nervous shock.. The doctor divided his time among the patients and soon all were on a fair way to recovery.

The Unfortunate Young People.

Miss Sudlow was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Sudlow, and attained her 21st birthday las January. She had just completed a course in an eastern seminary, graduating with high honors. She was a sweet, lovable young woman, the joy of her parent's hearts, and the light of their home.

Clark H. Buford was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Buford. He was 21 the past spring. Had recently graduated in a creditable manner from the state university at Champaign, having perfected himself in the science of architecture, and had formed a partnership with E.S. Hammett, of Davenport, the firm having embarked under the name of Hammett & Buford, with every promise of success, the junior member being particularly ambitious and enthusiastic over his prospects, the plans for the new No. 4 building adopted by the board of education being largely evidence of his skill and talent. He was the pride of his parents, whose entire hopes were centered upon him, and the blow that has fallen upon them in his sudden loss is nigh crushing.

The Camp.

The camp which was formed last Monday had intended to continue another week, it had proven such a success, and yesterday Mr. and Mrs. Sudlow were among the guests of the day. The party was chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. F.D. Taylor and was composed of, Misses May Blanding, Anna Frysinger, Jennie WIlcox, Bessi Lee, Margaret Stewart, Fannie Sudlow, May Dart, Anna Moore, Sarah Dart, and Messrs. Tom Lee, George Price, Clark H. Buford, Will Keator, Stewart Annon, Cy Dart, Ed Denkmann and Frantz Haverstick.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were both absent at the time of the tragedy, Mr. Taylor having gone up the river to secure some fishing bait, and Mrs. Taylor having gone to the Tower to meet some friends. Before departing she asked the bathers not to start until her return, but they thinking she was only anxious to see the fun, jokingly disregarded the injunction.
Mr. Sudlow was at Cable at the time, and was notified by telegraph, coming in on a special, an receipt of the distressing intelligence.
The News To the City.

The news of the occurrence fell like a pall over the city, and expressions of sorrow and sympathy for the afflicted families poured out on every hand.
The Rock Island Savings bank of which Mr. Buford is cashier, will not open tonight as has been custom on Saturday evenings.
President Jackson of the Improvement association has postponed the banquet for next Friday evening, indefinitely in respect to the sorrow stricken families.
The camp broke up this afternoon, and those who composed it, returned with sad hearts to their homes in the city.

Source: The Rock Island Argus, Rock Island, Il., 29 July 1893.

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A SAD DROWNING.
MISS FANNIE SUDLOW AND CLARK BUFORD LOSE THEIR LIVES.

While Bathing With a Party of Companions They Step Into Deep Water and are Drowned- A Sad Fatality That Casts a Gloom Over Rock Island Homes-The Details.

The most terribly sad accident that has shocked the tri-cities for many a year, sad not only in itself but in all surrounding and attending circumstances, occurred near the head of Carr's island in Rock river shortly after 10:30 yesterday morning, as a consequence of which two Rock Island homes are plunged into deepest sorrow. At 10:30 yesterday morning as a light-hearted a party of six young people as were ever seen together left Camp Vagbondia, on the lower end of Carr's island, on Rock river, east of Black Hawk Watch Tower, for a bathe in the shoal water at the upper end of the island near the pier which the government has erected in connection with its Hennepin canal construction. There were three young ladies and the same part of gentleman in the part, all clad in their bathing suits.

The circumstances of the sad event as related by the survivors and others at Camp Vagabondia, where a heart-rending spectacle was presented shortly after the occurrence, are that the party composed of Misses Fannie Sudlow, Mary Dart and May Blanding and the Messrs., Clark Buford, Will Keator and Cy Dar, Jr., had gone up to the head of the island to enjoy a bath near the shore where the water was shallow, as has been the custom since the establishment of the camp last Monday. The thought of the least danger was probably the last to enter the mind of any of the light-hearted group. According to the Argus on reaching the bar, which extends out into the river, Miss Sudlow was the first to enter the water. She was followed closely by Mr. Buford. Then followed Miss Dart and Will Keator, and then May Blanding, who was accompanied by Cy Dar, and just as the latter was about to step into the water, he heard a scream, and then the entire party preceding him was plunged into the water. Unknown to them the water had worn away a pocket through the sand, and a hole 10 or 12 feet deep formed, into which the young people stepped. Miss Dart and Miss Blanding and Mr. Keator scrambled for the sand bar on the opposite side and reached it safely, though with all it was equal to a death struggle, the young people saved themselves only after the most desperate efforts.

It was apparent from the first that Miss Sudlow had gone into the deepest water. She could not swim, but young Buford could, and the version of those who witnessed the tragedy is that he endeavored to save her, but not only did the young lady perish, but her gallant companion lost his life, too. As soon as the young Dart saw the peril of his companions, and realizing that he could not swim himself, he rushed down the bank and seizing a boat was joined by a fisherman who happened to be near by, and they pulled out into the river. Miss Sudlow's body was floating by just as they did so, and grasping it they hurried to shore. The lady gasped once as her body was taken from the water, and every possible effort was made to resuscitate her, but to no avail. The body was laid out in the camp, where but a short time before the beautiful was the merriest of the party.

Searching parties were immediately formed and the river dragged for the body of Mr. Buford, and these efforts were rewarded by success at 2:30 in the afternoon the body being found about 200 feet from the scene of the sad drowning.

Miss Sudlow was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Sudlow, and attained her 21 birthday last January. She had just completed a course in an eastern seminary, graduating with high honors. She was a sweet, lovable young woman, the joy of her parents' hearts, and the light of their home.

Miss Sudlow was a niece of G.W. Cable, Mrs. Col. Egbert, Mrs. J.S. Wylie and Mrs. Phoebe Sudlow, of Davenport.

Clark H. Buford was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M> Buford. He was 21 the past spring. Had recently graduated in a creditable manner from the state university at Champaign, having perfected himself in the science of architecture, and had formed a partnership with E.S. Hammett, of Davenport, the firm having embarked under the name of Hammett & Buford, with every promise of success. He was the pride of his parents, whose entire hopes were centered upon him, and the blow that has fallen upon them in his sudden loss is well nigh crushing.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, IA, 30 Jul 1893.

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THE KINDLY EARTH

Contains the Bodies of Mr. Buford and Miss Sudlow.

THE FUNERAL SERVICES TODAY.

The First Solemn Occasion This Morning Followed by the Second This Afternoon-The Final Rites-The Floral Tributes and Pall Bearers-The Double Fatality-Public Sympathy.

Sadly in contrast with the occasion of a week ago today, when a part of about 20 of Rock Island's best known young people started for Camp Vagabondia on the banks of Rock river were the events of today, when two of the brightest and most prominent members of that party were taken from the darkened homes into which they were brought Saturday afternoon, away to the silent city of rest. Thus came the concluding chapter brought about by the sorrowful affair last Saturday morning. No past occurrence in Rock Island's history has awakened more genuine grief than has been manifest on all sides over the shocking death of Clark H. Buford and Miss Fannie Sudlow, and if sympathy pure and deep-felt could soothe the aching hearts of those from whom these young people have been so suddenly taken, an entire community seeks to offer it.

And in addition to the expressions of condolence that were offered from people in Rock Island and vicinity, telegrams offering consolation came in by the score from various parts of the country. Among the first of those messages were those from ex-Congressman Ben T. Cable at Rye Beah, N.H., who is related to both families. Saturday evening Mr. and Mrs. R.R. Cable and Ben Cable, of Chicago, arrived in response to the news of the sad affair. It is a doubly sorrowful bereavement to Mr. Cable, inasmuch as both young people were related to him. Mr. Buford being his brother-in-law , and Miss Sudlow his niece. Others from abroad who came to attend the funeral of Mr. Buford were: Mrs. Hal Morgan, of Louisville, and Miss Vene Herndon, of Lexington, Ky., Dr. Streeter, and Lewis Osborn, of Chicago, and C.O. Tfeil, of Arenzville, Ill.

Floral Tributes.

At both house of sorrow there was a great profusion of floral offerings, beautiful in design. All the florists in the three cities found their supplies nearly exhausted, while many tributes came in from Chicago and elsewhere. The young people composing Camp Vagabondia sent to each home a floral circle with a star in the center, while the young gentleman of the party sent a broken wheel for Mr. Buford and a broken floral lyre for Miss Sudlow. The architects of the three cities sent a handsome design emblematic of the profession for Mr. Buford. There were other beautiful designs and a great mass of flowers at both homes which made it impossible to enumerate.
Clark Buford's Funeral.

The funeral of Clark H. Buford was held from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James M. Buford, 1117 Second avenue, at 10 o'clock this morning, there being an immense attendance of friends. Rev. John H. Kerr, pastor of Central Presbyterian church, officiated. The service was brief, but impressive, the choir, of the Central church, composed of H.D. Folsom, Misses Belle Folsom and Amy Huey and John McKee, with Miss Agnes Bixby accompanist, singing by request, "Lead Kindly Light" and "Jesus My All," the latter hymn being a favorite with the deceased. The active pall bearers were: Thomas Lee, Ed Denkmann, George Price, Guy Bowman, Will Keator, Cyrus Dart, Jr., the honorary pall bears being Alex Stewart, Franz Haverstick, Stewart Annan, Warren Reck, R.M. Pearce and C.O. Tfeil, Maj. L.M. Buford being in general charge of the funeral arrangements.
There were many carriages in the procession to Chippiannock cemetery, where the remains of the promising young man were consigned to the earth.

Funeral Services for Miss Sudlow.

At the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Sudlow, 608 Twentieth street, at 2 o'clock this afternoon occurred the last tribute of affection to Miss Fannie Sudlow. The casket rested in the south parlor almost buried in flowers. There were a great many lovely designs besides. The surviving young ladies and gentlemen of the dreadful disaster alone occupied the room with the remains. The services were conducted by Rev. J.B. Little, pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Davenport, Rev. W.S. Marquis, who is in Washington being unable to reach home in time to officiate. A quartet composed of Dr. A.H. McCandless, Misses Maggie Dart and Blanche Cleland and George McCandless, rendered sweetly, "The Circle is Broken" and "He Leadeth Me." The pall bearers were: George Price, Cyrus Dart, Jr., Thomas Less, Will Keator, Ed Denkmann and Alex Stewart, with little exception the same young gentlemen who acts for Mr. Buford. Frantz Haverstick and Stewart Annan preceded the casket with the floral offerings. S.J. Keator directed the arrangements. There was a large attendance at the house, including relatives and friends from Davenport. An extensive funeral cortege proceeded to Oakdale cemetery, Davenport, where the remains were tenderly entrusted to the grave.
The Fatal Locality.
From what has been learned since the shocking double drowning of Saturday and the peril of the others composing the bathing party, it is evident that the bathers struck the most dangerous and treacherous place there is along the Rock river, from six to ten lives having been lost within 100 yards of where Saturday's fatality occurred in the past. The water cuts a deep pocket through the sand bar there, and this together with the swift running under current makes it impossible for any one unless an extraordinary good swimmer to get out once precipitated into its depth. There is a rocky bottom, and it was only by reaching some of those rocks that the survivors escaped Saturday. When Mr. Buford's body was recovered there was a bruise on the right side of the face near the temple, which may indicate that he went down in his efforts to save his companion, Miss Sudlow, he may have struck a rock, rendering him unconscious, and this may account for the fact that his body did not rise again.

The bathing parties from Camp Vagabondia previous to Saturday, it seems, pursued a different course, sticking closely to the sandbar. Not all of those who went in Saturday had been in before and they appeared to make the fatal mistake of entering the water at the wrong place.

Source: The Rock Island Argus, Rock Island, Il. 31 Jul 1893.

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EARTH TO EARTH.

The Remains of Miss Sudlow and Mr. Buford Laid to Rest.

Yesterday afternoon the cortege of bearing all that was mortal of Miss Fannie Sudlow came across the government bridge on its solemn way to Oakdale. The funeral services were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Sudlow at 2 o'clock. Rev. Dr. J.B. Little of the First Presbyterian church conducted the services. The casket which contained the form of her, who, but a brief time before was the joy and light of her home, and the life of a large circle of admiring friends was almost hidden by the floral offerings, the emblems of their love and esteem. A quartette composed of the Misses Blanche Cleland and Maggie Dart, Dr. A.H. McCandless, and George McCandless rendered "The Circle is Broken," and "He Leadeth Me," impressively. A party of young ladies clad in white at the end of the service preceded the casket with the floral offerings. The pallbearers were Messrs. Thomas Lee, Alexander Stewart, Georg Price, Will Keator, Ed. Denkman and Cyrus Dart Jr. The attendance of friends and relatives from this side of the river was large. Congressman Ben T. Cable at Rye Beach, N.H. sent messages of condolence, Mr. and Mrs. R.R. Cable and Ben Cable of Chicago were present.

The funeral of Clark H. Buford was held from the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Buford, 1117 Second avenue, at 10 o'clock. The services were conducted by the Rev. John H. Kerr, pastor of the Central Presbyterian church, who preached a brief but feeling discourse, and the hymns "Lead Kindly Light," and "Jesus My All" were by the request sung by the choir, Misses Amy Huey and Bell Folsom, and Messrs, H.D. Folsom and John McKee, accompanied by Miss Agnes Bixby. A long corteg of friends followed the remains to Chippiannock cemetery, where interment was made. The pallbearers were Messrs, C.O. Pfeil, Alex Stewart, Frantz Haverstick, Warren Reck, Stewart Annan and R.M. Pierece officiated as honorary pallbearers.
In addition to relatives and friends from Chicago, Davenport and Rock Island were present: Mrs. Hal Morgan of Louisville, Miss Vene Herndon, Of Lexington, Ky., Dr. Streeter and Lewis Osborn, of Chicago, and C.O. Pfeil, of Arenzville, Illinois.

The young people who were yesterday laid at rest had many friends in this city who feel deeply their loss. If anything can lighten the gloom for the bereaved relatives it will be the esteem in which their beloved dead were held by all who knew them.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, IA., 01 Aug 1893, p.4.

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A DANGEROUS PLACE.

The Locality Where Saturday's Double Drowning Occurred.

So many of our Davenport people camp annually on Rock River that it will be well for them to know the dangers of bathing in that stream. It is usually considered a shallow creek anywhere above the dam with no danger to anyone. It is said that from six to ten lives have been lost within one hundred yards of where Miss Sudlow and Mr. Buford went down. The water cuts a deep pocket through the sand bar there, and this together with the swift running under current make it impossible for any one unless an extraordinary good swimmer to get out when once precipitated into its depths. There is a rocky bottom, and it was only by reaching some of the most prominent of these rocks that the survivors escaped Saturday. When Mr. Buford's body was recovered there was a bruise on the right side of the face near the temple, which may indicated that he went down in his efforts to save his companion, Miss Sudlow, he may have struck a rock, rendering him unconscious, and this may account for the fact that his body did not rise again.

The bathing parties from Camp Vagabondia previous to Saturday it seems, pursued a different course, sticking closely to the sandbar. Not all of those who went in Saturday had been in before and they appeared to make the fatal mistake of entering the water in the wrong place.

Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, IA., 01 Aug 1893, p.4.

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Two Drowned.

Clark H. Buford and Miss Fannie Sudlow were drowned in Rock river near Rock Island. Both were members of a camping-out party and in company with four others, who narrowly escaped a similar fate, had gone into the river to bathe. Both were highly connected and among the best known society people of the city.

Source: The Rock Island Argus, Rock Island, Il. 12 Aug 1893.
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