Jesse VanScoy(ca. 1879-1901) & John VanScoy(ca. 1890-1901)

VANSCOY, VAN SCOY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/26/2011 at 17:38:14

From Story County Watchman June 28, 1901

Ames, June 27. A double drowning occurred in Squaw Creek one-fourth mile south of Ames this morning at 7:30, Jesse Vanscoy, aged twenty-six and John, aged ten, together with several others went swimming. John was the first to enter the water and before Jesse had removed his shoes he saw that his little brother had gone beyond his depth and was calling for help. Jesse jumped in without removing his clothing or shoes and when he reached the boy was clasped by him about the neck in such a manner that he could neither afford assistance tothe drowning lad nor save himself. In sight of several on the banks of the creek both went down and were drowned. The hole in which they were swimming is only about seven feet deep. Jesse could swim but little and burdened with his clothing and the desperate grasp of the drowning brother had little chance for his life. Word was brought to town almost immediately and three doctors and a crowd of men and boys drove to the creek. The bodies were recovered after five minutes search and the physicians worked for a long time attempting to resuscitate them but to no effect. Jesse Vanscoy leaves a wife and child besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Vanscoy, two brothers and two sisters. No funeral arrangements have as yet been made.