Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 August 1909 — BOY LIFELESS AFTER FIGHT WITH NIAGARA [ARTICLE]

BOY LIFELESS AFTER FIGHT WITH NIAGARA

Puts Up Most Gallant Battle in River’s History. ' Niagara Falls, Aug. 17. August Sporer, eighteen years old, lost his life in the whirlpool rapidß after a gallant battle with the giant waves. With three companions, Sporer was In swimming at the former Maid of the Mist landing. l He struck out for the middle of the stream and was caught in the great sweep, the first break from the smoother waters to the rapids. Realizing that he was beyond humatr help and was to be carried through the rapids he deliberately turned down stream and began a grim fight for life. Not in all the history of the river has such a brave effort been witnessed. Although but a frail boy, he went into the rapids swimming strongly and held his own until struck by the giant wave which curls up opposite the old battery elevator. Then he went under. Again and again he disappeared, only to reappear each time fighting desperately. Within 300 yards of the whirlpool, his strength gave out and he sank.