ROBERT P. WILLIAMS. FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Two Young Men Of Town Go Over A Dam At Laury's.
Luther League excursions were run on Saturday from all parts of Lehigh Valley to Laury's Island, a beautiful picnic ground on the Lehigh river, a few miles this side of Allentown. Freeland sent a large delegation, among them being William Roberts and Robert P. Williams. During the day the young men went boating. Feeling secure of their power to row against the strong current of the river, which at present is more dangerous than usual on account of recent heavy rains, they drifted too close to the dam below the island and were swept over. Many people on the shore saw their danger and called to them before the accident, but when they attempted to turn the boat they were unable to overcome the strength of the water.The bodies did not rise after going over the dam. An immediate search was instituted and at noon yesterday the corpse of Mr. Roberts was found. It was brought here last evening. The search for the remains of Mr. Williams was continued until 8.30 o'clock last night. At daylight this morning the dragging began again, but up to the time of going to press the work had been without success.
Both men were well known residents of town and the news of the accident was received here with deep regret for their untimely death.
William Roberts was aged 34 years, 1 month and 28 days. He was born at Cefn Mawr, Wales, and was the son of Jonathan and Mary Roberts. His father resides at Newport, this county, and his mother is buried in Freeland Cemetery. He resided at the home of William Jenkins, Centre and Luzerne Streets, from which place the funeral will take place at 2 o'clock tomorrow. Services will be held at the residence by Rev. J. T. Griffiths. Internment at Freeland Cemetery.
Robert P. Williams resided with his parents, Rice and Jane Williams, on Washington Street. He was aged 28 years and 28 days, and was born at Llandwrog, Carnarvonshire, Wales.
Freeland Tribune ~ August 2nd, 1897.
ROBERT P. WILLIAMS. FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The body of Robert P. Williams of Washington Street, who with William Roberts was drowned at Laury's on Saturday, was found at 5 a.m. yesterday near Hokendauqua, about five miles below the dam where the accident occurred. The clothes of the young man were caught by some obstruction in the river and the body was in a hanging position when found. The remains were brought here on the Lehigh Valley 10.51 a.m. train and were immediately taken to the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rice Williams.Owing to the body having been in the fast flowing waters for nearly ninety hours, it is somewhat decomposed and is disfigured so badly that no one will be permitted to view the remains. It was found at a time when the search was about to be abandoned, the railroad officials, who undertook the work of recovery, having about given up all hope of finding it.
The body shows that after going over the dam it was caught by the swift current and tossed about considerably under the surface of the water. The clothes were torn, and a valuable watch which Mr. Williams had in his pocket at the time is missing. All of Mr. Roberts' effects were safe in his pockets when the body was found.
The funeral will take place from the parents' residence on Washington Street at 2 o'clock. Services will be conducted at the residence by Rev. J. T. Griffith, after which the remains will be conveyed to Freeland Cemetery, where they will be interred.
Freeland Tribune ~ August 5th, 1897.
ROBERT P. WILLIAMS. FREELAND, LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Verdict on Drowning Accident.
After William Roberts' body was found on Sunday, Coroner Yost immediately empanelled a jury. Frank Hepner, the locktender, Edgar, Anthony and B. C. Snyder all saw the accident from the canal side. Hepner saw the boat coming down and getting too near the dam. He called to the men and a moment later they got into the current and went over the dam. The boat passed over sideways. One of the men took an oar from the lock and tried to stop the boat, but failed.Mr. Kolb, who rented the boat, said it was in good condition. Messrs. Rutman, Hepner and Roth testified to the finding of the body, after which the jury rendered a verdict of accidental drowning and exonorated the Lehigh Valley Railroad and its emploees from all blame, as sufficient warning had been given the men before leaving the island.