Norman Ross "Ross" Boardman (1878-1894)

BOARDMAN, ROSS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 4/26/2011 at 22:02:36

From Story County Watchman June 22, 1894

The second drowning of the season occurred yesterday, the victim being the 15-year-old son of Dr. Charles D. Boardman, who resided on North Sixth avenue. The drowning occured at 4 o'clock. The body was recovered shortly afterwards and at once taken to the parents residence. Mrs. Boardman is at Nevada, having gone to that city, which is their old home yesterday morning.

The drowning occurred in the river just north of the building in Crocker park. Ross Boardman and Bert Patchin, the son of the doctor, were bathing. The two happened to get into a deep hole and sank to the bottom, afterwards calling for help when they rose to the surface. Earnest Montgomery saw the imminent danger in which the boys were placed and plunged in to rescue them. The Boardman lad, being the larger, told him to take the smaller son of Dr. Patchin, which was done, the boy being safely rescued. The rescuer, however, was so exhausted that he was unable to return to the assistance of the other boy, and he went to the bottom for the last time. The alarm was at once sent in and search began for the body. The Montgomery lad is a son of Mr. Lee Montgomery, and is not more than 15 years old himself.

The search lasted only a few minutes when the body was recovered. It was taken into a delivery wagon and transferred to the parents home on Sixth avenue. It was from there transferred to the morgue down town and prepared for burial. Dr. Boardman requesting that no inquest be held over the remains.

The boy was a bright little fellow, the eldest son of the family that had in him the greatest pride possible, justified in eminent measure by his manliness and promise. He was a favorite amond his associates and his sudden and terrible death is a severe blow to many admiring friends as well as a crushing one to his loving parents and fond brothers. Dr. Boardman removed to this city about two years ago from Odebolt.--Iowa State Register.

Mrs. Boardman was formerly Miss Ross of this city and is well known in this locality. At the time of the accident Mrs. B. was visiting in this city and when word was received she was taken to Ames to take the first train for Des Moines. Mr. Boardman and wife of this city accompanied her on her journey to the capital city.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at Des Moines.