Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 August 1908 — DROWNED IN RIVER [ARTICLE]

DROWNED IN RIVER

David Wheeldon Meets Death Monday. GOES DOWN NEAR PADGETT BRIDGE While Swimming the River at That Point—Body Recovered Iq Short Time But Life Was Extinct. < Ixjavld Wheeldon of Rensselaer was drowned in the Iroquois river just above what used to be called the Walnut trees east of the Padgitt bridge, a half mile west of town, Monday afternoon about 1 o'clock. He was employed by Frank Osborne in a ditch that is being constructed “across lots” to take the water that heretofore has gone down across Melville street south of the Pleasant Ridge road. George Hurley and young Omar Osborne, son of the contractor, and Alfred Bird, were also employed on this work. After they had eaten their dinners Wheeldon remarked to Bird that he was going swimming, and that if he did not see him any more hq would know where he was, not thinking that at that time, he was on the way to the scene of his untimely death a few minutes afterward. There is a deep cut in tie ditch in the bank thrown up by the dredge at this point, and it had been caving some. Wheeldon had been across the channel on the south side to get a log to be used in bracing it to keep it from caving. Young Osborne had gone over first to get the log but hesitated, thinking it too much for him to handle. Both the boy and Wheeldon again went in the water, Whealdon remarking that as he was already wet he would have a swim. The young man was on the south side and was preparing to come over where Hurley and Wheeldon were standing, when Wheeldon jumped into the water and swam diagonally . across toward the boy. When near mid stream the two mfct and Wheeldon swam around the boy and started for the north shore in company with him. When near the shote he grabbed the boy by the heel and began to sink, the boy struggling to get loose and was drawn under three times before he got came very near drowning himself, and was very sick after getting out, vomiting freely. Wheeldon sank from sight. Whether he had an attack of cramps will never be known as he never uttered a sound as he disappeared under the water. Alfred Bird came to town as soon*as George Hurley had told him of the man being drowned, as neither he or Hurley can swim a stroke, and gave the alarm and several men and boys were soon on the scene, and as the place was easily located it was pointed out to Ed Duvall, Jr., and he went over to the south side and dived down in about six feet of water and found the body and brought it to the surface. It was soon conveyed to the other side and taken out of the water, only having lain therein about 30 minutes. In a few minutes 'after this Dr. Wash-

burn came and endeavored to resuscitate the drowned man, but it was of no use, he had been in the water too long. Coroner Wright then came and made arrangements to take charge of the body. It was brought to town and embalmed before it was token to the family residence on Elza street between Clark and Harrison. Monday evening. The wife had been notified, but' not until after her husband had been dead more than an hour. Mr. Wheelden was about 30 years of age, an industrious and respected citizen, and leaves a widow and two sons aged about six and eight years. He has lived in this vicinity for the past few years, but came here from about Noblesville. The remains will be shipped to Noblesville this morning for burial.