Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-08-04
THE DROWNING AT CoNEY ISLAND.

The New York Herald has more de-
tailed account Of the drowning of Rev. Mr..
Elliot and his daughter, at Coney Island:
The company were mainly Sunday school
teachers, male and female, attached to the
Methods. Church in South. Third street,
Williamsburg. There could not have been
less than hundred and fifty persons present
at the time Of the disaster. The first circum-
stance that alarmed the bathers was a cry
from the Rev. j. II. Elliot that Miss East
man was drowning, she having incautiously
ventured, together with Miss Elliot, beyond
her depth. Mr.. Elliot swan towards Miss
Eastman, not noticing the danger his own
daughter was in, and, seizing her by the dress,
sustained her for some time, calling loudly
for help. Great confusion ensued, the bath
ers all 1ocking to that part of the shore, but
no aid was profered. While the attention OF
the company was fixed on the struggling
couple, Miss Elliotts screams were heard,
and she was seen borne out by the stream.
Mr.. Elliott, though good swimmer, at
length became exhausted, and, as Miss East
man states, suddenly let go his hold Of her,
as though seized by cramp, and sunk. lie
rose once, threw up his arms convulsively,
and was seen no more. A Mr.. Delingham,
had by this time secured O rope about his
person, and, swimming towards Miss East
man, seized her, and both were pulled ashore
Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas Gibbons, seeing
the peril of his affianced bride, determined to
risk his own life to save hers. lie caught her
after she had sank once, and grasping her
arm, attempted to swim to point over which
the waves were beating not more than twenty
yards distant. But the current was too strong
and the attempt was vain one. Fortunate
ly, he secured piece Of wood, but it was not
of sufficient buoyancy to sustain them both
and it became evident that they must perish
if assistance was not rendered, and that
speedily
Here it was that Miss Elliot's woman's
devotion conquered her desire for life
Through all the terrible scene she maintained
possession of her senses, and seeing the chan.
ces of life fade away, determined to sacrifice
herself for her lover. She exclaimed, in O
voice audible TO several around, Save your.
| self, Thomas never mind me-" and tried to
get away from him. He, with passionate
vehemence, implored her to take hold Of the
suspenders of his bathing dress, while he
made one more struggle with his arms free
for land and life; but the noble girl, with
more than human forbearance, relaxed heI
hold, and the next breaker swept her away
| from her lover, and into eternity. A Mr.
| OSSAo, oSiohSihS W thio tuio tiuie
managed to swim out to where Mr. Gibbons
was, with piece Of board, and they were
beth, shortly after, dragged on shore.
1t is incredible, as it was, that any such
accident should have happened; for in the
| rear o. the bathing house there was plenty
of rope, and the doors would have answered
to float out to the drowning people. The
people on shore appeared to have lost oil
| presence of mind, and were ipcapable of doipr
any thing whatever-The body of Miss
Elliot was washed ashore by the returning
tide. At the time of her death, Miss Ellio'
was but seventeen years Of age, and was g
girl Of great personal beauty. She was en-
gagged to be married early in September.
Rev. Mr.. Elliot was well and widely knowr
among the Methodist denomination in VIII
liamsburg. He was English by birth, ant
came to this country some eighteen year'
ago Though comparatively wealthy, he
labored zealously as preacher. and was wei
known for his devoted efforts in the Sunda,
school cause.