Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1874-06-20
NIAGARA.
A Thrilling Scene.

, From the Buffalo Courier we obtair
the following facts in regard to the
rescue of the man Mccullough, who q
few days ago hung over the falls on a
rock, and was saved by the heroic eff.
forts of Thomas Conroy, guide:
Conroy, on learning how matters
were, went to place some distance
above the rock, where he found await
ing use coil of rope about an inch in
thickness, and passed it into the hands
of about dozen or fifteen men. He
consulted nobody-he asked no ones
advice; but with as much GOODNESS as
If he were proceeding to his dinner he
took one end of the rope in his left
hand, told them to pay it out to him,
descended the bank and proceededinto
the river, only taking the preeaution to
divest himself of his boots.
About forty feet from the shore he
discovered that the rocks over which
he picked his way were too slippery in
the strong current, and he returned.
he sent to the Gave of the Winds for
his felt shoes, and these were brought
to him with the utmost dispatch.
These donned he again started on his
perlious journey from a point about
two hundred feet above the rock on
which sat Mccullough. He had to
keep the long line of heavy rope taut
with his left hand while feeling his
way on the rocks, as slippery as glass,
and contending with a current which
would have speedily carried man of
ordinary strength off his feet. He
tied the rope about Mccullough waist,
took hold of it with his left hand simp-
Iy, and both started for the shore.
For hundred feet or so Conroy had
not only to look out for himself, but
for the enfeebled old man in his
charge. 1t was hard work, but they
made this distance without acci-
dent.
The end was not yet, however, for
as they entered the torrent. which ran
between the shore and the rock, both
were swept off their feet and buried in
the mad waters. Thr men on the shore
pulled the rope as rapidly as was safe,
and Mccullough and his rescuer were
dragged ashore. The paper mill
whistled the hour of noon Just as Con
roy and Mccullough reached the bank.
and simultaneously with this, huzzas
rent the air and ecstacy usurped the |
place of dread anxiety.
The crowd Immediately took up a
collection for the brave fellow. and the |
sum of $500 was realized, which was
very acceptable to poor man.
After the rescue Mr.. McCullough's |
condition was found to be quite seri- |
Gus, partial delirium having set in, but |
no fatal consequences are anticipated. |
Thomas Conroy, who has proved him
self every inch hero, was born in
Ottawa, Canada, twenty-five years ago,
of Irish parentage, but spent his early
boyhood in Montreal. For seven
years he was sailor along the New
foundlani coast. and only about seven
years have elasped since he first be-
came citizen of Niagara Falls. In
the fall of 1872 he made az excursion
with Professor Tyndall under the falls,
in a report of which the eminent
scientist showed his appreciation of
COnrOys heroic qualities. He has a
powerful frame, quiet pair of eyes,
brown hair, and sandy moustaehe.
His face is pleasant one, and would
be boyish if it were not for his physi-
cal proportions. He has enormous
strength and unfailing courage, and
seems unwilling of the possession of
any great qualities of body, mind, or
heart, all of which are pre-eminently
his. He has wife aud three children.
of which he is proud, and works hard
as guide at the Cave Of the Winds
for their maintenance.