Rensselaer Union, Volume 10, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1878 — A Grand Swim. [ARTICLE]

A Grand Swim.

One of the most remarkable escapades of modern times is that of Henry Johnston, of Clay County, who made a swim over the Missouri River, from Kansas City to Harlem. It was the reckless and daring event of the age. The Missouri River, opposite this city, is about a half mile in width, and is quite rapid, inasmuch as it whirls rapidly against the rocky bluffs at this point after having rolled restlessly on from the mountain 2,000 miles above. It is one of the worst curves in tho river, and one of the last places which could be selected to ferry the river on horseback. It was about midnight when the stranger rode down to the river bank near the bridge. He was full of whisky and quite loud *iti his exclamations of ferryboat was not running. He rode from the bridge to a point on the river just above the first pier, and plunged into the current of the Missouri River opposite Broadway. It was not dark, for the moon was visible, and the shouts of the reckless horseman as he urged on his horse attracted the police and the night watchmen. The current was so rapid that the horse and rider made little progress across the river until after the crib of the swinging span had been passed. There was nothing to be seen except the head of the horse and the head and shoulders of the reckless rider; those could be seen on the surface of the current as it floated by. The horse and rider disappeared from this sidp long before any notice was received that either had reached the Clay County shore. But “blood will tell,” and the mettle of Johnston’s horse saved its drunken master’s life. About one o’clock Harlem was aroused by cries for help- on the river bank, nearly opposite the school-house. A man and horse were found mired in the mud on tho river hank, and help was wanted. The river bank at that point is a slough of mud just now. and the tired horse and, sobered rider were helpless and waiting for assistance. Horses and ropes were brought, and, with a united effort of the citizens oi Harlem, the reckless horseman and his brave animal were taken from the river. It is the worst case of mental aberration on record. Johnston is at home, under care of his friends, but he will live in history as the man who swam the Missouri River in midwinter on horseback.— Kans as City (Mo.) Times.