Taylor, Roy, son of W. J., 1888-1903

TAYLOR

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/26/2012 at 23:08:31

ROY TAYLOR DROWNED
The Body Was Not Recovered for Several Days.

Roy Taylor, the fourteen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Taylor of Center township, was drowned last Thursday afternoon [July 30] in the Rock river, about two hundred yards above where it empties into the Sioux. Mr. Taylor and two sons had gone to the river for a load of sand and while Mr. Taylor was putting on the load the boys concluded to take a swim. The water was very deep and swift at this point and the older boy got beyond his depth and went down. Roy rushed in to assist him and was carried under by the current and was never seen again alive. The older boy caught some willows and succeeded in saving himself.

Boats, nets and dredging tackle were taken from here the next morning and searching parties worked unceasingly day and night until Sunday morning trying to find the body. Sunday morning the fireman on the Milwaukee excursion train thought he saw a human form lodged in the river near the bridge and when he reached Hudson the news was telephoned back to Hawarden and then to the Foster home north of town. One of the searching parties that had been out all night in a boat had just stopped there for breakfast and they at once returned to the river and found the body on the Dakota side of the river lodged against some bushes. It had floated down the river nearly five miles from where the drowning took place.

The work and the diving of many who were out searching for the body was heroic and Mr. Taylor expressed the deepest gratitude to them for their efforts. The remains were brought to Sumner's undertaking rooms where they were prepared for interment. The funeral was held Monday at Center Chapel and the remains were interred in the Ireton cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have the sympathy of all in their deep sorrow.

Source: Hawarden Independent, August 6, 1903.

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From the Alton Democrat, August 8, 1903:

Roy, the fourteen year old son of W. J. Taylor residing seven miles north of here, was drowned last week in the Rock river while swimming. The body was found near Hawarden Sunday and buried Monday. He had gone to the aid of his brother who was in danger but who reached a place of safety.

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From the Hull Index, August 7, 1903:

The fourteen year old son of W. J. Taylor living north of Ireton was drowned in Rock River last Thursday afternoon. His father and his brothers had gone to the river for sand and to have a good time. The boys were in bathing and got beyond their depth.

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The Sioux county Cemetery Index has Taylor, Roy H., born 19 Mar 1888, died 30 Jul 1903, buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Ireton.